Meet Azalea Cox | Photographer & Creative Director

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

Hi Azalea, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Since the beginning of my photography career, my goal has always been to amplify voices and foster a sense of community through my work. Whether I’m photographing others or turning the lens on myself, I approach each shoot as an opportunity to give expression to perspectives that are often overlooked. I believe everyone has something meaningful to share, but not everyone has the means or platform to do so. My role as a photographer is to help bring those voices to light.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a strong drive to understand the deeper “why” behind my work. As a fashion photographer, I began to notice a disconnect when curating shoots that lacked personal meaning or connection, where my only motivation was simply a love for fashion. I also found it limiting to work without fully considering the perspectives and experiences of the people I was collaborating with. That absence of connection and shared vision left something missing in my creative process.

So back in March 2025, I made a conscious decision to fully commit to my creativity by focusing exclusively on one major project for the month: *Transcend*, a fashion show designed to celebrate art in all its forms. The event showcased fashion, music, dance, photography, and painting; every medium I could incorporate, I did. I brought together talented individuals from across the city, many of whom I had only just met, and we successfully sold out both days of the show.

I’m incredibly proud of this production, as it marked my first large-scale personal project. It brought together a diverse community of creatives under one vision, and it reaffirmed for me just how essential it is to make time for personal projects. The process was far from easy, but it taught me the importance of collaboration, leadership, and creative risk-taking.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to God, my incredible team, Urial Newman, Jeremiah Perkins, Jacqui Lindor, Indya Symone, Melleah Santana, and The Doux. Without their support and hard work while still being in school, this show would not have been possible.

As I continue to grow as an artist, I’ve come to understand the power of intentionality. Creating space to reflect, ideate, and center your voice is crucial, not just for your development but also for the impact your work can have on others. While *Transcend* wasn’t a photoshoot, it fundamentally shifted the way I approach my creative process. From narrative direction to model connection, I now see each project through a more thoughtful, expansive lens.

I encourage other creatives not to box themselves into one medium. This experience reminded me that growth often lies just outside our comfort zones. As I move forward, I hope to continue creating spaces where others feel just as empowered to explore, express, and evolve in themselves.

If you’re interested in seeing content from the show, you can find it at @transcend.atl on Instagram.
I hope to see you all next year 😉

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Lately, I’ve unintentionally become a bit of a homebody, but I have a friend visiting this week, and I’m excited to show him some of the places I’ve come to enjoy since moving to Georgia. First on the list is the Georgia Aquarium, hands down my favorite spot. Even before officially moving here, I made a point to visit every time I was in town. There’s something about the experience that feels incredibly life-giving and grounding each time. For lunch, I’m planning to take him to Ponce City Market. It’s the perfect place to explore local shops and grab a bite, especially fresh pasta from Bellina Alimentari. We might circle back later in the week to check out the rooftop, which has a fun, carnival-style setup that’s perfect for a chill night out.
Topgolf is another must, especially during the summer. They offer half-off play Monday through Thursday. To cool off, we’ll likely swing by Chattahoochee Works for boba from Unbelibubble. I recently discovered they also have axe-throwing there, which turned out to be a surprisingly fun time. I’ve also been meaning to try Your 3rd Spot, so that’s on our radar, too. To wrap up the visit, I want to take a scooter ride along the BeltLine at night. Just to wind down while showing off a few more hidden gems and local shops before he heads out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, always a thank you to God! I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout this journey, but I would like to give a special thank you to two people. First, my mom, of course, for believing in me and doing whatever she could to get me into a school that would help me prosper as I grow as a person and artist. I’d also like to express my deep appreciation for my incredible friend and indispensable collaborator, Jacqui Lindor. Whether we’re partnering on a project or supporting each other behind the scenes, Jacqui has been a constant source of encouragement and creativity, no matter where we are in the world. (@jacpottv on Instagram)

Website: https://seenbyazalea.com

Instagram: Zelly.jelly12/seenbyazalea

Image Credits
Jacqui Lindor (Red Studio Pictures)

Azalea Cox ( All other photos)