The Story Behind Soleir Stories

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be living in Melbourne with a camera permanently attached to my hand, emotionally attached to strong lattes, and voluntarily waking up before sunrise for “golden hour”, I probably would’ve laughed in jest.

But here we are.

I’m Edel, the founder of Soleir Stories. An Irish woman turned permanent resident of Australia, now spending my days documenting families, women, and businesses in a way that feels honest, connected, and deeply human.

Before photography became my creative path, I worked as a primary school teacher. Which, surprisingly, turns out to be excellent preparation for photography. Particularly family sessions, where negotiations with tiny emotional dictators and carrying emergency snacks become highly transferable skills.

Working with children taught me how to read a room, adapt quickly, and create spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves. No stiff posing, no pressure to “perform”, and absolutely no expectation for children to stand perfectly still like Victorian-era portraits.

And honestly? That philosophy extends to everyone I photograph.

As someone with ADHD, I know how overwhelming things can sometimes feel. Planning fatigue, sensory overload, worrying about what to wear, what your children will do, whether you’ll feel awkward in front of the camera… I get it. So a huge part of my approach is making the experience feel easy, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.

Because beautiful photographs rarely come from tension. They come from connection.

The name Soleir Stories holds a lot of meaning for me too. “Soleir” is an ode to my Irish identity, stemming from the Irish language meaning “clear”, which felt fitting for the way I approach photography. Honest moments. Real connection. The raw, the warm, the in-between.

It also quietly ties back to my own surname, which made it feel even more personal.

At its core, Soleir Stories is about people. Relationships. Community. The fleeting little moments that deserve to be remembered before they disappear into the blur of everyday life.

I care deeply about working with people who value honesty, reliability, creativity, and genuine connection as much as I do. The kinds of people who want photographs that feel like them, not just photographs that look nice on Instagram for six minutes before disappearing into the algorithm abyss.

So whether you’re building a business, documenting your family as it is right now, or simply wanting to step in front of the camera for once instead of avoiding it like a tax audit, I’m very glad you’re here.

And I can’t wait to tell your story too.