Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alison Walsh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alison, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

As a Southern California brand photographer, creative trust is something you treasure most. Creative trust is a brand giving you the reins in creating the vision for their brand.

Kaitlyn, owner and creator of Agave Swim Co, trusted me with her hand-made swimsuit brand, and the end result was AMAZING!

I first had to understand her brand and come up with a vision that resembled the brand. For Agave Swim, it was their bohemian style, sustainable practices, and inclusivity of every shape and size. We met virtually and chatted about her brand, how she got started, and what it meant to her.

Then, we collaborated on a photoshoot vision to showcase her new pieces. Kaitlyn and I grabbed coffee to review these looks, and it reassured me that I was on the right path & even inspired more creativity with her ideas.

We worked together on photoshoot planning and all of the details from models, to props, to location and a moodboard.

Working together onsite the day of the shoot was an absolute dream. Not only was it incredible to see our vision come to life, but we got to get really creative in real-time with our team. It’s safe to say the shoot was a success & we loved how the vision turned out.

From Kaitlyn at Agave Swim Co
“Working with Alison and AllSun Photo was a 20/10 experience. I did my first branded shoot with her for my swimwear line and will continue to use her for future photoshoots. First- she studied my website and Instagram and knew exactly what I wanted without having to tell her. I sent her some new fabrics I was launching and based on that, she came up with mood boards and all the concepts for the shoot. They aligned with my brand perfectly! She went above and beyond in planning and staging the props, getting a schedule for the day together and coordinating the models. I can’t praise her work enough! Being a small business, I already have so much on my plate, so having Alison really understand what I wanted and run with it made it such a smooth, easy and fun process!”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Southern California-based surf and brand photographer, passionate about capturing the intersection of ocean culture, sustainability, and storytelling. My journey into photography started as a personal creative escape in high school that I honed in on in my early 20s. After years of treating photography like a hobby, I took a leap of faith, left my desk job, and fully committed to my dream—building a photography business that aligns with my love for the ocean and my desire to work with brands that truly care about our planet.

I specialize in working with sustainable brands, non-profits, and outdoor lifestyle companies that are deeply connected to the ocean and the environment. Whether it’s shooting in-water surf action, capturing the essence of a brand through lifestyle imagery, or telling a company’s story through documentary-style visuals, my goal is to create compelling content that not only looks beautiful but also carries an authentic message.

One of the biggest challenges brands face today is standing out in a crowded digital space while maintaining authenticity. That’s where I come in—I help my clients create visually powerful imagery that resonates with their audience, evokes emotion, and tells a story beyond just selling a product. My work helps brands build a strong, cohesive visual identity that reflects their values, connects with their community, and ultimately inspires action.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to the ocean and the community I photograph. I’m not just an outsider snapping pictures; I live this lifestyle. I surf, dive, and spend as much time as possible in the water, which allows me to capture moments from a truly immersive perspective. I also prioritize working with brands that align with my own values—ocean conservation, sustainability, and ethical business practices—so every project I take on feels meaningful and impactful.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s a new eco-friendly wetsuit brand launching its first campaign or a non-profit working to protect marine life, I get to collaborate with people who are passionate about what they do, and that energy fuels my own creativity.

For anyone looking to work with me, I want them to know that I approach every project with passion, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the environment we’re capturing. My goal isn’t just to take pretty pictures—it’s to tell stories that matter, to create images that inspire, and to work with brands that want to make a positive impact. If that sounds like you, let’s connect and create something incredible together.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I stay in touch with clients through a mix of text/email and social media.. I make it a point to check in even when we’re not actively working on a project—whether it’s sharing an article that might inspire their brand, giving a shoutout to their latest product launch on social media, or simply sending a message to see how things are going.

To foster brand loyalty, I go beyond just being a photographer—I strive to be a creative partner. I take time to understand each brand’s vision, long-term goals, and audience so I can create imagery that grows with them. Many of my clients return for multiple projects because they trust me to capture their evolving brand story in a way that feels consistent and authentic. I find that asking about content performance and providing insights for the brand is really helpful to stay engaged and to show them that their content is working. I don’t just want to drop some photos and then go, not knowing if they helped the brand be successful or not. It’s all about guiding the brand to use their photos to the best of their ability so that they can be just as successful as when they first posted the photos.

I also love collaborating with my clients in different ways—whether it’s brainstorming creative concepts together, offering behind-the-scenes content for their audience, joining them for a community event, or featuring their brand in my own storytelling. When a client feels like I truly understand their mission and values, it builds a level of trust that keeps them coming back, and I love to be a part of that story. It means the world to me!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I’m gifted with the incredible opportunity to tell meaningful stories through my lens—stories that inspire, connect, and create impact. Photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about evoking emotion, preserving moments, and giving a voice to the people, brands, and causes that matter.

As a surf and brand photographer, I get to work with businesses and non-profits that are passionate about sustainability and ocean conservation. Knowing that my work helps these brands share their message, connect with their audience, and ultimately make a positive difference in the world is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s shooting an in-water surf session at sunrise, documenting a company’s community engagement, or creating a visual campaign for an eco-conscious brand, every project feels like an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself.

Beyond that, photography allows me to live a life that aligns with my values. I get to spend time in the ocean, connect with like-minded people, and constantly push my creativity in new ways. Seeing my work out in the world—whether it’s on a brand’s website, in a magazine, or on a campaign that sparks real change—is a reminder of why I chose this path. The freedom to create, the ability to work with purpose-driven brands, and the relationships I build along the way make this journey incredibly rewarding. I hope to keep living this socal lifestyle & work to protect the environment around me for generations to come, alongside many incredible brands and community members.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allsunphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsunphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/allsun-photography-100093102743823/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-walsh/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allsun-photography-costa-mesa