Meet Seljan Salimova | Photographer

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

Hi Seljan, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a creative career because I’ve always been drawn to capturing moments that others might overlook. My journey started with photographing children’s football matches—back then, I didn’t even own a professional camera. Despite that, the Azerbaijan Football Federation Association noticed my work, which motivated me to keep going. Later, I moved on to capturing concerts, where I realized that my passion wasn’t just about looking at things but truly seeing and feeling them. Photography became a way for me to connect with people and tell stories through visuals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography, for me, is more than just capturing moments—it’s about transforming ordinary moments into timeless stories.

What sets me apart is my deep emotional connection to my work. I don’t just take photos; I aim to tell a story, to make people feel something when they look at my images. Whether it’s the joy of a wedding, the warmth of a family connection, or the raw emotions of a special moment, my goal is to make every frame meaningful and timeless.

My journey into photography was quite unconventional. I studied Process Automation Engineering at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University ( SABAH Groups ), but I always had a passion for creativity. During my university years, I actively volunteered at major global events like Formula 1 and UEFA Euro 2020. It was at UEFA where people around me recognized my love for photography—despite not owning a professional camera. That moment sparked something in me.

My first experience as a photographer was with AFFA’s children’s league, where the federation provided me with a camera. Every weekend, I found myself filled with excitement and inspiration as I captured young athletes in action. This experience confirmed what I already felt—I was meant to pursue photography. Later I did a concert shoot

After graduation, I started working as a UX Researcher at Kapital Bank, the leading bank in Azerbaijan. While my analytical skills were valuable in that role, I realized that the corporate world wasn’t the right fit for my creative soul. I wanted to create, to express emotions, and to tell stories through my lens. So, I took a leap of faith, left my job, and fully committed to photography.

The transition was not easy. Building a career in a creative field requires persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. I invested in my own equipment, refined my skills, and slowly built my portfolio. Over time, I developed a signature style—one that captures emotions authentically and preserves special moments in a way that feels timeless.

One of the biggest moments in my journey was when I decided to upload my work to Pexels ( https://www.pexels.com/@seljansalim/ ) , one of the most exciting stock photography platforms. My very first photo on the site received millions of views, and within just 30 days, I made it into the top 4 photographers. That experience made me incredibly proud and proved to me that my work wasn’t just meant for a local audience—it had the power to reach and inspire people worldwide. 🙂

What do I want the world to know about my work?
Photography isn’t just a profession for me—it’s a way of seeing and feeling the world. My work is deeply personal because it reflects not just what I see but what I experience.

I come from a background where art was always present—my father ( best supporter <3 ) was involved in cinematography, which may explain why I naturally gravitated toward visual storytelling. I believe that inspiration comes not from simply looking at things but from truly seeing and experiencing them.

Through my photography, I strive to capture real emotions, human connections, and moments that deserve to be remembered forever. 🙂

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?
If my best friend was visiting Baku for a week, I’d make sure they experience the soul of the city—its deep history, vibrant modern life, and stunning landscapes. Baku is a mix of old-world charm and futuristic ambition, and I’d want them to feel that contrast at every turn.

We’d start in Icherisheher (Old City) because that’s where Baku’s roots are. Wandering through its narrow stone streets, touching the walls of the Maiden Tower, and stepping into the Shirvanshah’s Palace is like time-traveling. Every corner tells a story, from ancient caravanserais to hidden little cafés serving tea the traditional way. Speaking of tea, we’d sit at Çay Bagi 145, enjoying tandir bread with honey while watching the city move at its own pace.

Baku isn’t just about history, though—it’s about bold, modern statements. The Heydar Aliyev Center, with its surreal curves and futuristic energy, is a must. It’s not just a building; it’s an experience, making you feel like architecture can bend reality. Right after, we’d explore Little Venice, a peaceful corner of the city where gondolas glide over quiet waters, giving a different side of Baku’s energy.

Food is a huge part of any trip, and Baku delivers. I’d take them to Dolma Restaurant or Sumakh for a real taste of Azerbaijani cuisine—plov, dushbara, qutab, and tender meat straight from the grill. But to mix things up, we’d go for some of the city’s best international spots, like Chinar, a stylish Asian-fusion place with a lively atmosphere, or Scalini, where homemade pasta brings a piece of Italy to Baku.

For a break from the city, we’d head to Gobustan. Seeing ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks and standing near bubbling mud volcanoes makes you feel small in the best way—like you’re walking through the remnants of an ancient world. On the way back, we’d stop at Ateshgah Fire Temple, a place that has burned for centuries, and Yanar Dag, where flames rise naturally from the earth. Fire has always been a symbol of Azerbaijan, and these places remind you why it’s called the “Land of Fire.”

No trip is complete without a little escape by the sea. A day at Sea Breeze Resort would be perfect—soft sand, Caspian waves, and the slow rhythm of a beach day. Lunch at Darya Fish House, right by the water, would be all about fresh seafood, grilled to perfection. The next day, we’d switch from sea to mountains, driving out to Lahij, a picturesque village where cobbled streets lead to ancient copper workshops and cozy teahouses. As a meal we would eat Piti, slow-cooked to perfection in a clay pot.

Back in the city, we’d explore Baku’s creative and cultural side. A visit to the Carpet Museum might sound ordinary, but inside, it’s like stepping into a gallery of living art, where each carpet tells a story woven through centuries. A stroll down Nizami Street would take care of shopping—modern brands alongside local artisan stores. For a final night, we’d walk up to Highland Park, the best panoramic view of the city, where the glowing Flame Towers reflect over the Caspian.

Baku is about contrasts—the ancient and the futuristic, the fast and the slow, the city and nature. That’s exactly what I’d want my best friend to experience. Not just the places, but the feeling of Baku—the warmth of its people, the energy of its streets, and the quiet magic of its landscapes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My deepest gratitude goes to my father. When he was younger, he worked as a cinematographer, and though I didn’t fully realize it at the time, that passion for capturing life must have been passed down to me. He planted the first seeds of storytelling in my heart, even before I knew what photography meant to me.

Beyond him, I’m inspired every day by people—by their joy, their struggles, and those fleeting, beautiful moments we often overlook. Photography taught me to truly see rather than just look. Capturing these moments fills me with purpose and happiness. It’s why my heart beats for this work, and why I live by the words: Transforming ordinary moments into timeless stories through the lens. :))

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seljansalim?igsh=NmV4ajU2cDUxOGQ0&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seljansalimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seljansalim/

Other: https://unsplash.com/@seljansalim
https://www.pexels.com/@seljansalim/