Today we’d like to introduce you to Helene Roussiere Nortiez.
Hi Helene, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in France with photography in my blood, my father was a photographer for the French Air Force, and he passed his passion on to me. In 2010, I began photographing as a hobby, capturing family, friends, and everyday life, while also starting my career at the Paris Police Prefecture.
For ten years, I balanced my professional life with my love for photography, until 2020, when I left my job to become a full-time mom of three. Motherhood deepened my appreciation for the fleeting moments and genuine connections that photographs can preserve forever.
In 2023, my family and I moved to the United States. This year, with all three children now in school and becoming more independent, I decided it was the perfect time to turn my lifelong passion into French Lens Photography. Starting from scratch in a new country was a challenge, but it gave me the courage to fully embrace my art. Today, I specialize in authentic, timeless portraits that capture real emotions and stories.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Moving to the United States meant starting over, no network, no clients, and a completely new environment. At first, I struggled with the language barrier, cultural differences, and the challenge of building trust in a community where no one knew me yet.
On a professional level, I had to navigate starting a business from scratch: learning the U.S. legal and tax systems, creating a brand, and finding clients in a competitive market. Balancing this with family life, especially as a mom of three, required a lot of organization and resilience.
But every obstacle taught me something valuable. The challenges pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, to connect with people in new ways, and to grow both as a photographer and as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait and family photographer, specializing in capturing authentic, timeless images that reflect real emotions and connections. My style is natural and warm, often using natural light to create soft, genuine portraits. I work mainly with families, couples, and individuals who want photographs that feel real, not overly posed.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me, being invited into their lives to capture important moments is an honor I never take for granted.
What sets me apart is a combination of my French artistic sensibility, my storytelling approach, and my ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I don’t just take photos; I create an experience where clients can relax, be themselves, and leave with images that will still have meaning decades from now.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that real growth begins when you step out of your comfort zone. Starting over in a new country taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in yourself, even when the road feels uncertain.
Pricing:
- Portrait Session (30min -1 hour) Individual. Includes retouching of 5 photos. $200
- Portrait Session (1 hour) Couple. Includes retouching of 10 photos. $250
- Family Session (1 – 2 hours) Family photos (up to 10 people). Includes retouching of 15 photos. $300
- Engagement Session (1 to 2 hours) Session for couples before the wedding. Includes retouching of 10 photos. $250
- Wedding Photography (Basic Package, 4-6 hours) Basic wedding coverage (ceremony and portraits). Includes delivery of 100 to 150 retouched photos. $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frenchlensphotography.com/
- Other: frenchlensphotography@gmail.com
