We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Azella Gardens . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Azella below.

Azella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

As a creative professional, the experience of being misunderstood or mischaracterized is, unfortunately, a familiar one. It’s an inherent part of the journey, shaping and refining our artistic identity. My personal experience with this began early in life and has continued to evolve alongside my career.

The first instance of misunderstanding I encountered was with my mother. From a young age, I was deeply passionate about music and photojournalism. My mother introduced me to music, and I found immense joy in attending concerts. However, she perceived my concert-going as frivolous and a waste of money. She didn’t see that I was not only enjoying the music but also nurturing my passion for journalism, particularly photojournalism. I would often sneak out to concerts, using any means necessary to attend, driven by an inner desire to capture these moments.

As I grew older, this misunderstanding extended beyond my family to my broader social circle. In 2023, I made the bold decision to quit everything that didn’t bring me joy and pursue photography full-time. This decision was met with skepticism. Many believed that without a traditional 9-to-5 job, I would struggle to survive. Yet, I was determined to prove that one could indeed thrive by doing what they love. Photography wasn’t just a job for me; it was my life, my passion, and my purpose.

My artistic style has also faced its share of mischaracterization. Some have described my work as “demonic” because I often blank out the eyes of my subjects, a technique I use to make my photos stand out and convey a unique artistic vision. This stylistic choice is meant to immortalize my subjects, ensuring that my work is immediately recognizable. However, it has been misunderstood and criticized, particularly in the context of photo contests where I struggled to distinguish myself.

This critique led to a moment of self-reflection. I realized that the issue was not with the audience but with my approach. I decided to fully embrace my unique style and see where it would take me. This decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. It allowed me to break free from conventional expectations and truly express my creativity.

Despite these challenges, I don’t take these misunderstandings to heart. I understand that misconception is a common occurrence and can often be corrected through dialogue and explanation. I’m always open to discussing my work with those who are curious or critical. I believe that once people get to know me and my work, they’ll see beyond their initial misconceptions and appreciate the true essence of my artistry.

In the end, being misunderstood has taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. It has made me a more thoughtful and introspective artist. I embrace my identity as an alternative black girl with a wild imagination, wielding my camera to capture the world as I see it. Whatever happens, happens, and whoever likes it, likes it. This acceptance has brought me peace and has allowed me to continue creating fearlessly.

Azella, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey Hey, my name is Azella Gardens, and I’m a 25-year-old photographer based in Philadelphia. My journey into photography began at a very young age, around 15, but my passion for music and visual storytelling was ignited even earlier, between the ages of 4 and 5. On and off living with my dad, I was surrounded by Vibe magazines, each issue featuring different music artists who fascinated me. These early experiences planted the seeds of my love for photojournalism and music photography.

Throughout my childhood and into my teenage years, I was captivated by behind-the-scenes documentaries of my favorite artists. I admired the photographers who created iconic, unforgettable images that told compelling stories. I dreamt of being part of that world but didn’t know how to begin. No one bought me a camera, and my dreams seemed out of reach.

At 15, after experiencing heartbreak from my first boyfriend, I turned to photography as a coping mechanism for my depression and insecurities. I began taking selfies with my phone, using photography to explore my own image and build my confidence. One day, while sitting on my couch, I snapped a picture on Snapchat and whimsically titled it “Azella Gardens.” The name struck a chord with me, and I decided to keep it, marking the start of my creative journey.

In high school, I began taking photos of R&B music scenes under the pseudonym Azella. My passion for music and photography merged, and I started recording music with my best friend, Je Lamont. We spent countless hours in our school’s recording studio and his basement, capturing our musical journey through my iPhone lens. Tumblr, a platform I was heavily involved with from 2011 to 2015, further inspired my work.

The turning point came in my senior year of high school when a mentor recognized my passion and lent me her camera. She encouraged me to make as much money as possible with it and return it when I was ready. For the next three to four years, I hustled, offering $20 sessions that quickly built my clientele within Philly’s underground music scene. This grassroots approach allowed me to make valuable connections and gain practical experience.

Today, my work encompasses a wide range of photography services, including portrait, creative direction, concert, and wedding photography. I don’t limit myself to one niche, embracing versatility to avoid being boxed in. I believe in capturing the essence of my subjects in a way that makes viewers feel like they are part of the moment. My unique style often involves blanking out the eyes of my subjects to create an immortal, unforgettable image, a technique that sets me apart from others.

One of the primary problems I solve for my clients is helping them see their own beauty and potential. Many of my clients are women who struggle with confidence during professional photo shoots. Drawing from my own experiences and insecurities, I offer kind words, affirmations, and a supportive environment to make them feel comfortable and empowered. Encouragement can transform a person’s experience and help them see themselves in a new light.

What sets me apart is the emotional depth and intentionality I bring to my work. My photos are not just images; they are stories infused with emotion and perspective. I capture moments that resonate on a deeper level, showing the world as I see it—beautiful, raw, and full of life.

I am most proud of my evolution and growth as a photographer. Overcoming self-doubt and embracing my creativity has been a significant journey, and my current work reflects this transformation. I allow my inner child, who fell in love with photography and music, to guide my creative process, resulting in work that is both genuine and inspired.

To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I am open to any ideas and embrace spontaneity. I offer a safe space for your ideas to flourish and come to life through my lens. My work is a collaborative effort, and I am committed to creating something unique and meaningful with you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The memories and experience. A lot of times we tend to overlook this factor because we’re constantly moving and tunnel visioned but when we can sit back and look at what we’ve achieved and live in the moment, it’s the most rewarding thing we can ever come across.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To outdo myself each and every time. I want more from myself but in a gentle way. I spent so much time hiding away from who I’m flourishing into and I have the opportunity to push for it. I know that one day I’m going to make another series or photo so good that it’ll change my life again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://azella-gardens.pixpa.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/SunysVision

Image Credits

@SunysVision