Meet Azalea Chan | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azalea Chan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azalea, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Aside from deciding to work for myself, the most important decision I made was to lean into community and build connections with other creatives. It wasn’t just about gaining clients — it was about finding people who genuinely believed in my vision and wanted to support it. That decision has opened doors I never expected, from collaborations to referrals and even friendships that make this journey feel less lonely.

Photography isn’t just about taking beautiful photos; it’s about creating experiences and making people feel seen. And I realized that the more I poured into my community, the more it poured back into me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography has always been about connection for me — connection to people, emotions, and moments that deserve to be remembered. What sets my work apart is the genuine effort I put into making my clients feel comfortable and seen. I approach every session with the goal of capturing their essence in a way that feels natural and timeless.

One thing I’m most proud of is how far Azalea Chan Photography has come in such a short time. It hasn’t been an easy road — I’ve faced self-doubt, comparison, and the occasional creative block. But I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where the magic happens. The challenges I’ve faced have made me more resilient, and they’ve reminded me to trust my instincts and focus on my “why.”

I want the world to know that my brand is built on heart. Every photo I take holds meaning — whether it’s capturing a quiet, tender moment between two people in love or celebrating life’s big milestones. My story is about finding joy in the everyday and turning those moments into memories that last forever.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, we’d start the trip with a beach day in Malibu — because it’s Malibu, of course! We’d grab breakfast at Malibu Farm Café right on the pier, take a stroll down Zuma Beach, and then explore some hidden gems like El Matador Beach, where the cliffs and caves make it feel like you’re in another world. Perfect spot to catch the sunset and, of course, take photos.

A Disneyland day is a must! It’s not a trip to SoCal without some Disney magic. We’d spend the day park-hopping between Disneyland and California Adventure, grabbing churros, riding classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, and ending the night with fireworks over the castle. Pure magic.

We’d also do a mini food tour through Downtown LA and visit spots like Grand Central Market. I’d make sure to stop by The Broad for some art and hit up Perch for rooftop drinks with a view. Another must-see would be a hike at Griffith Park, where we’d stop at the Griffith Observatory for an iconic view of the Hollywood sign.

For a more relaxed vibe, I’d take them to Laguna Beach for a day of exploring the coast. We’d end the trip with dinner at Nobu Malibu for something extra special and to soak in those oceanfront views.

It would be a week full of sun, sand, Disney magic, and unforgettable views!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my wife, who has been my rock through every step of this journey. Her unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to push forward, even when things felt uncertain.

A big, big shoutout to the incredible photography community as well. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and created the magic I’m making today. Their support, encouragement, and inspiration have been everything.

And, of course, I’m forever grateful for everyone I’ve met and crossed paths with on this journey. Every person who has trusted me to capture their moments holds a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://azaleachanphotography.mypixieset.com//

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azaleachan.photography/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azaleachan.photography?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@azalea.chan.photo

Image Credits
Photo credit: @azaleachan.photography