Meet Alison Walsh | Surf & Brand Photographer

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

Hi Alison, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has been at the heart of my journey. Leaving the stability of a 9-to-5 corporate job to start my own photography business was daunting, but I was exhilarated by it. I knew that living a life of comfortability and “what-ifs” would never allow me to grow and succeed; I needed to shed that old mindset that held me back.

I loved photography for a long time as a hobby, but when I threw myself into some new – surfing and in-water surf photography – I felt so alive. I constantly felt the risk of looking like a kook, just failing or being bad at it, or feeling like others were judging me.

That risk is something I lean into every day. I’m still scared, but I know I’m meant to do this and that great things are coming. (Just keep swimming)

The ultimate risk of leaving my job was a necessary leap to align my life with my passions. For me, risk is about believing in your vision and embracing uncertainty as part of growth. Every risk I’ve taken—from pursuing surf photography in unpredictable conditions to pitching bold ideas to eco-conscious brands—has taught me to be resilient and to embrace my creativity. These moments of uncertainty have shaped my career and reinforced that it is all an ebb and flow – you just have to learn to ride the wave.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is inspired by the ocean and the lifestyle it inspires. Through my lens, I aim to capture not just the fun vibes and beachy lifestyle, but also the deeper stories of connection and stewardship that tie us to the sea. What sets my work apart is my commitment to collaborating with sustainable brands and non-profits that share my passion for protecting our oceans. I’m proud to use my photography as a tool for advocacy, blending creativity with purpose.

The journey to where I am today wasn’t easy. Leaving a stable career to pursue my dream was a leap of faith, and building a business aligned with my values came with its challenges. From learning the ropes of entrepreneurship to finding the right clients, I had to be adaptable and persistent. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity and a clear vision can guide you through uncertainty.

I want the world to know that my work is more than just imagery—it’s a call to action to care for the ocean and a celebration of the communities that thrive around it. My story is one of chasing dreams, embracing risks, and using art to make an impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South Orange County has that incredible laid-back, coastal charm to spend the week in the sand, saltwater, and exploring the beach cities.

In Newport, we would explore the shops around the Newport Pier, stop for a classic Balboa Bar or frozen banana at Sugar ‘n Spice. hit Bear Flag Fish Co. for fresh poke and fish tacos, and then catch the sunset from the Wedge, one of the most iconic surf spots with up to 30’ waves during storms.

For a second day, we could go hike at Crystal Cove State Park and head down to the beach for brunch at The Beachcomber Cafe. At low tide, we could explore the tide pools and relax on the beach. At high tide, we could go for a dive or snorkel around the cliffs.

Afterwards, we could explore the Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa and grab sushi and drinks at The Cannery, listening to live music.

If there’s time, Dana Point has the best whale-watching in the world, and you can’t miss surfing at the beginner-friendly surf spot, Doheny State Beach.

This trip balances adventure, relaxation, and the best of what Newport Beach has to offer. It’s a mix of surf, stunning scenery, and coastal culture, making for an unforgettable trip!

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?
If there’s anyone that has believed in my art, it would have to be my fiancé, Michael Arens. Michael is a startup founder – I’ve watched him grow his business and also embrace that same risk. He leans towards the tech/business side of things and is a very logical guy, but in terms of creativity, he has done so much with so little.

In moments where I worked many weekends and late nights to pursue photography, he was there to cheer me on, remind me to rest, and to tell others about my work. He taught me to explore opportunities and pitch myself to others, believing in my worth as a creative.

I also want to say thank you to all of the small businesses that believed in me in the initial stages of brand photography, trusting me with their life’s work and vision – Kaitlyn from Agave Swim Co in Newport Beach, Davon from Surf Skull in Santa Cruz, and Ryan from Tidy Seas in Santa Barbara. Thank you for letting me be apart of your journey & documenting your brand.

Website: https://www.allsunphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-walsh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093102743823

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allsun-photography-costa-mesa