'I moved to France and became a photographer with a great work-life balance'

I moved to France with my partner Marek, 41. We had been living in Poland where I worked as a civil engineer. However, when Marek, who is also an engineer, was offered a job in Monaco it seemed like a great opportunity. 

We decided to move to Nice to see whether we would enjoy life in France.

I had assumed I would learn French and then find work in my original profession, but I found it more difficult than anticipated. I sent out a great many CVs on our arrival, but despite my efforts I did not secure any interviews for roles I was qualified for. 

I eventually found work as a childminder for a few hours each day.

In 2018, Marek’s job moved to Paris and I hoped I would have more luck there. On arrival, I sent out my CV and was invited to several interviews. 

However, my French was still not good enough, and the fact I had spent several years out of the profession made the whole process feel like a disaster.

I had always taken photos, and I decided to start a food blog, sharing recipes and shots of the food I created. 

However, after a while, I discovered that my real passion was photographing people.

In February 2019, I had a son and naturally started taking photos of him. Friends soon asked me to take pictures of their children too. 

I decided to develop my craft and began taking on model calls – free or reduced sessions to practise new techniques, styles, or for a specific project. 

Marek and I moved to Nice again the same year, and I started connecting with other mothers, offering free photoshoots to build my portfolio. 

Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. I did a lot of learning during lockdown, joining a 100-day photography challenge on Instagram and really honing my skills. 

Post-lockdown, I also attended several workshops with photographers I admire, some of whom have mentored me. Finally, I built a website and began to receive enquiries. 

I registered as self-employed four years ago and things have slowly built from there. 

I don’t have as much time to dedicate to the business as I might in the future: my second child was born in September 2025 and Marek is now working in Paris again, so is away three days a week. However, I am gradually finding more and more clients. 

At present, I stick to family photography both because that is where my heart is, and because it is more flexible. 

As a mother, you never know when your child might be sick! I would never photograph a wedding as I am often the sole parent at home, and would hate to let anyone down. 

While initially I was disappointed not to secure a job in my original field, I have come to appreciate all the ways in which working as a photographer gives me a better work–life balance. 

As a civil engineer, I was working five days a week, from 8:00–16:00. The firm was very rigid and hated staff being even five minutes late.

Now I manage my own time, which means I can go out for lunch and work into the night if I want. 

There are days when I work more slowly and days when I work at an incredible pace. The business is built around my life and my needs.

Of course, much of my time is also spent looking after the children. I am lucky to have Marek to support me; I don’t have the financial pressure I might otherwise be experiencing.

As the business builds, I would love to rent my own studio and offer high-end boudoir shots for clients.

My move to France and its impact on my career felt disappointing at first. However, it also prompted me to assess what I enjoy doing and gave me the courage to explore a whole new avenue.