Meet Helen Rossy | Photographer

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

Hi Helen, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Ukraine, but after nine years in the United States, this vibrant country has become my second home. Growing up, I was surrounded by traditions and strong family bonds that shaped my outlook on life. In Ukraine, photographs were treasures—snapshots of love and life that held generations together. Those memories stayed with me, and they guide my work as a photographer today.

Moving to Los Angeles was an exciting adventure, but it also came with challenges. I couldn’t bring all my cherished photo albums and childhood pictures with me, so those memories remain safely stored in my parents’ home. Knowing they’re there fills my heart, but it also deepened my understanding of how precious these keepsakes are. That experience inspires me to create your photos with even more gentle care and thoughtfulness.

When I photograph families or special events, I strive to preserve not just staged, picture-perfect moments, but also the candid, fleeting ones that truly tell your story. Those are the images that will remind you of exactly how you felt during your most meaningful days—whether it’s a big celebration or the quiet joy of simply being together.

Being away from my own family has made me value those connections even more. It’s a privilege to capture the love, traditions, and emotions that make each story unique, and I approach every session with the goal of creating images that will be cherished for generations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in capturing genuine emotions and intimate connections, whether it’s a newborn’s first days, a couple’s wedding vows, or a family’s everyday moments. What sets me apart is my dedication to preserving not just the visual beauty of these moments but also their depth and meaning. I strive to create images that feel alive—that transport you back to how you felt in those fleeting, irreplaceable moments.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them come back year after year, allowing me to document their evolving stories. It’s such a privilege to see families grow and to know my work will become part of their legacy.

I’m also deeply inspired by traditions and family values. Growing up in Ukraine, I learned how important it is to cherish the connections that ground us. Now, as someone who’s made Los Angeles my home, I bring that appreciation into every session, celebrating the beauty in both the big milestones and the quiet, everyday love that binds us together

My journey as a photographer has been anything but linear. It started with a simple love for storytelling and blossomed into a career that I’m incredibly grateful for. Moving to the United States was both a challenge and an opportunity. I left behind not just my home but also my visual roots—those childhood photographs my family captured that now live in my parents’ house overseas. That experience taught me the true value of preserving memories, and it became a driving force behind my work.

Starting fresh in a new country meant building everything from the ground up. I had to learn not just the art of photography but also the business side—marketing, networking, and standing out in a competitive field. There were times of self-doubt and slow progress, but I’ve learned that resilience and a passion for what you do will carry you through.

I overcame challenges by staying connected to my “why.” For me, photography isn’t just a job; it’s a way of preserving the fleeting beauty of life. Whenever I faced obstacles, I reminded myself of the families I’ve worked with and the joy they’ve expressed when seeing their memories brought to life.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Connection is everything. Photography isn’t just about lighting or composition; it’s about understanding people and making them feel seen and valued.
Stay true to your vision. It’s tempting to follow trends, but the most meaningful work comes from authenticity.
Celebrate small wins. Every new client, every kind word, and every photo that sparks joy is worth celebrating.
Keep learning. The best art comes from curiosity and openness to growth.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want people to know that my work comes from a place of deep love and respect for the moments that make life beautiful. Whether I’m photographing a newborn’s delicate first days or capturing the emotion of a wedding, my goal is to create images that feel timeless and true.

As someone who knows what it feels like to be far from home, I treasure the connections and traditions that families hold dear. My brand is about more than just photography—it’s about honoring those bonds and creating something meaningful that will be cherished for generations.

Above all, I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for. Your memories matter to me, and I feel honored to be the one to preserve them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take them on a mix of classic LA adventures and hidden gems. We’d start at the beach—Santa Monica Pier and Venice for ocean vibes and amazing food at spots like Gjelina. Then, we’d explore Hollywood, hike up to Griffith Observatory, and check out the Broad Museum and comtemporary art museums in downtown.

A day trip to Malibu would be a must—breakfast on the pier, a visit to El Matador Beach, and wine-tasting at Malibu Wines. For some quiet beauty, I’d take them to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena one of the most beautiful place I know around

Of course, we’d hit up some incredible food spots like Republique, Jon & Vinny’s, and the Perch rooftop for sunset views. It’d be a week of great food, gorgeous views, and unforgettable memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think about the most valuable and inspiring person in my journey as a photographer, one name immediately comes to mind: Maxim Dondyuk. Maxim, a renowned Ukrainian photographer and visual artist, has had a profound influence on how I approach my craft. His work doesn’t just tell stories; it immerses you in them, often leaving you with more questions than answers—a hallmark of true artistry.

One of his projects, Chernobyl: The Zone, completely changed my perspective on life and photography. Through hauntingly beautiful visuals, Maxim captured not only the physical remnants of the disaster but also the profound emotional and cultural scars it left behind. Witnessing this work made me pause and reexamine what truly matters. It challenged me to look beyond fleeting, surface-level “Instagram values” and to focus instead on the enduring depth of real human connection.

Maxim’s ability to blend history, emotion, and art into a single frame inspires me daily. His work reminds me that photography isn’t just about creating visually stunning images—it’s about preserving the stories, emotions, and truths that shape who we are. This philosophy resonates deeply with me, especially in my own work as a photographer. Whether I’m capturing a family’s intimate moments or the quiet beauty of a newborn’s first days, I aim to create images that hold meaning far beyond the present.

Maxim Dondyuk’s impact on my journey has been immeasurable, and his work serves as a constant reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place: to document, to connect, and to leave something meaningful behind.

Website: https://yourelegantstory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helen.rossy.weddings/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenRossy.photography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/helen-rossy-photography-marina-del-rey-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelenRossyPhotographer