We recently connected with Helen Rossy and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Helen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As a family and newborn photographer, my mission is deeply rooted in cherishing the intrinsic value of each moment. Every day, I feel like I’m witness the magic. Being a family and newborn photographer isn’t just about snapping pictures for me; it’s about freezing the heartwarming moments that make a family uniquely beautiful. Every baby’s firsts, every shared laughter during family reunions—those are the threads that weave the tapestry of life.
Think about the photos you flip through years later—the grandparents’ eyes twinkling with pride, the chaotic charm of parenting, the kids growing up before your eyes. These snapshots aren’t just images; they’re time machines that transport you back to the warmth of those moments.
For me, capturing these treasures is like bottling up a family’s love and joy. It’s about creating something that, years from now, will be more than just a photo. It’ll be a cherished relic, a reminder of the love that surrounded you, the laughter that echoed in your home, and the beautiful mess that is family life.
So, when I say my mission is to capture these moments, it’s because I understand the sheer priceless nature of a family’s story. It’s about creating something that resonates with the heart, something that brings tears of nostalgia and smiles of gratitude when looked upon. Because every family deserves to have their own visual love story
Helen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When my first child came into the world, I was hit with the realization of how swiftly he changed. Each day, I held a completely different person, and the fleeting nature of time became glaringly apparent. I developed an unstoppable desire to capture every smile, every giggle, and every sound he made.
Obsessed with preserving memories, I documented as much as I could. However, the whirlwind of parenting often leads to forgetting the moments left uncaptured. Fast forward to the birth of my younger son, and the requests for stories about their early years started pouring in. I discovered the true value of these memories, not just for me but for them as well.
Their delight in hearing about how they first met or the funny stories about each of them underscored the importance of our memories as treasures. Photos became the key to preserving and visualizing our cherished stories.
Now, as a mom of two, I intimately understand the significance of these moments. I know the challenges of preparing a family for a photoshoot and the hurdles moms can face. Drawing from my parenting experience, I navigate these challenges to make the session natural and fun for the kids.
Clients often playfully call me the ‘baby whisperer,’ and sometimes, I can’t help but agree. I have an innate sense of what a baby needs or doesn’t, allowing us to tailor the entire session to the baby’s comfort. That’s why I chose lifestyle photography—it lets us capture a slice of life exactly as it is.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
My journey into photography has been quite a ride! I’ve started started photography for over a decade now, juggling it with my full-time mom duties while also trying to build up my business on the side. Some of my earliest family sessions I did by carrying my baby in a sling carrier, and let me tell you, it was a blast! My son shares my passion into photography now and always want to assist with gear and lights.
But life had other plans, and when divorce came knocking, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to make a choice: stick with the safe route and go back to IT engineering or take a leap of faith and pursue photography full-time. I decided to take the risk and dive headfirst into making photography my main job.
I started by ramping up my advertising efforts, focusing on mom groups on Facebook and teaming up with prenatal yoga instructors and doulas to spread the word about my services. Slowly but surely, my dreams started to inch closer to reality.
After a few years in newborn and family photography. I discovered a new passion for wedding photography. At first, it seemed like a completely different world from family photography, and I wasn’t sure if I could juggle both. But the more I delved into it, the more I realized the beauty and connection that both fields shared. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and celebrations, I discovered a profound connection between family and love—each frame telling a story of joy, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together.
So, here I am now, embracing both family and wedding photography with open arms. Continue to capture life’s fleeting moments, I’m reminded of the simple truth: amidst the chaos, there is always beauty waiting to be discovered.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
English isn’t my first language, but I’m grateful to also be fluent in Ukrainian and Russian. This language diversity has opened up a world of resources for me, from books and mentors to videos and essays, spanning various countries and cultures.
As an avid reader, I find inspiration in a wide range of literary works. Whether it’s the timeless classic “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the thought-provoking “1984” by George Orwell, or the powerful speeches of Steve Jobs, each piece offers unique insights into humanity and entrepreneurship.
When you start seeing the beauty of humanity in everything around you—words, images, sounds—almost anything can help shape your philosophy. They say “love is the answer,” and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s the cornerstone of my photography philosophy.
I’m also deeply interested in psychology, and motivational podcasts and YouTube channels fuel my curiosity and drive to learn more about people.
Ultimately, I believe that by understanding the inner beauty of each individual, we can create truly remarkable photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helenrossy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helen_rossy_photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenRossy.photography?mibextid=2JQ9oc
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/helenrossy
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/helen-rossy-los-angeles
- Other: https://instagram.com/helen.rossy.weddings
Image Credits
Nona Osipova