Meet Azalea Solan | Photographer

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

Hi Azalea, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There have definitely been moments when I questioned whether I should keep going. Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. I’ve gone through seasons where my mental health wasn’t at its best, where I felt burned out, creatively stuck, and unsure of what came next.

Through those experiences, I’ve learned that there’s a big difference between giving up and taking a break. For a long time, I felt like I always needed to be creating, posting, booking, and pushing forward. Over time, I realized that rest isn’t a sign of failure—it’s often necessary. Some of my best ideas, strongest work, and biggest moments of growth came after allowing myself the space to step back, breathe, and recharge.

For me, knowing whether to keep going comes down to whether the passion is still there. Even during the difficult seasons, I never stopped loving photography. I still get excited about documenting genuine moments, connecting with people, and creating images that tell a story. That passion has always remained, even when my motivation wasn’t at its strongest.

Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t quit during the moments when things felt heavy. Those seasons taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving myself grace. They also reminded me that success isn’t about constantly moving forward at full speed—sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause, regroup, and trust yourself enough to keep going when you’re ready.

I’ve learned that setbacks don’t always mean you’re on the wrong path. Sometimes they simply mean you need to rest, reset, and keep moving forward. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to step away for a while. Just because you need rest doesn’t mean you’re ready to give up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography started as a creative outlet, but over the years it has become so much more than that. Today, I specialize in capturing couples, weddings, and meaningful moments in a way that feels genuine and true to who my clients are. What I love most about photography is the ability to freeze moments in time and create images that people can look back on for years to come.

What sets me apart is the experience I create for my clients. I want people to feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated in front of my camera. Some of the most meaningful feedback I’ve received isn’t about the photos themselves, but about how people felt during the experience. Creating beautiful images is important, but creating a space where people can be themselves is just as important to me.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I’ve experienced self doubt, burnout, and moments where I questioned whether I was capable of building the business I dreamed of. I’ve also had to learn how to balance my personal well being with the demands of entrepreneurship. Those challenges taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving myself grace.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth isn’t always linear. There are seasons of momentum and seasons of rest, and both are equally valuable. For a long time, I thought success meant constantly doing more, but I’ve learned that taking care of yourself is just as important as working hard. Some of my greatest growth has come from allowing myself the time and space to reset and come back stronger.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on connection. At the heart of everything I do is a genuine love for people and their stories. Every couple I work with has a unique story, and I feel incredibly honored to document such meaningful chapters of their lives. Being trusted to capture those moments is something I never take for granted, and it’s what continues to inspire me every day.

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 Southern California for a week, I would definitely want to show them a mix of the iconic spots and some of the places that inspire me most. We would spend a day exploring Malibu and staying for sunset. There’s something about the coastline that never gets old, and it’s one of my favorite places to photograph.

I’d also take them to Solvang. I love the charm of the town, the local shops, and all the amazing pastries. It feels like a little getaway and is always a fun place to spend the day.

As a photographer, I’d have to take them to places like Griffith Observatory and Greystone Mansion. Both locations offer incredible views and are some of my favorite places to create and find inspiration. Whether you’re a photographer or not, they’re beautiful places to explore.

Of course, I’d also make time for places like Santa Monica and some of the beaches along the coast. Some of my favorite memories and photo sessions have taken place near the ocean, and I think that’s one of the things that makes Southern California so special.

More than anything, I think the best part of Southern California is the variety. You can spend the morning exploring a charming town, the afternoon discovering a new location, and the evening watching an incredible sunset. It’s a place that constantly inspires me both personally and creatively, and one of the reasons I love calling it home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my wife, Victoria. Building a business can be overwhelming, and having someone who believes in you even when you don’t fully believe in yourself is something I never take for granted. She has been by my side through every season, celebrating the wins, encouraging me through the challenges, and constantly reminding me why I started when things feel difficult.

I would also like to recognize my clients. Every person who has trusted me to document their love story, milestone, or special moment has played a role in my journey. Photography is so much more than taking photos. It’s about connection, trust, and preserving memories. The fact that people choose me to capture some of the most meaningful moments of their lives is something I am incredibly grateful for.

I also want to give a shoutout to the creative community around me. Being a business owner can sometimes feel lonely, but connecting with other photographers and creatives has reminded me that we are all learning, growing, and supporting one another. I would not be where I am today without the people who have encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me continue pursuing what I love.

Website: https://capturedbyazaleaa.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbyazaleaa

Image Credits
Photo credit: @capturedbyazaleaa