Today I’d like to share something exciting and deeply personal: my story, my journey — the one chronicled so beautifully in the HiP Paris feature, “Expat Entrepreneur Katie Donnelly Photography: On Turning Fear Into Fuel.”
Hip Paris – Turning Fear Into Fuel: My Story, From Our Studio’s Heart
When Zoe Adams (of HiP Paris) sat down with me for a cozy café interview in the 6ᵉ arrondissement, she peeled back layers of this journey — the passion, the sacrifices, the pivots, the quiet moments of decision. It’s kind of crazy looking at the chapters of my life and business from a bird’s eye perspective.
Reading it again now, I feel proud (and vulnerable) to see how far we’ve come as Katie Donnelly Photography. If you’re interested, please do check out the blog here at HiP Paris Blog
I’m so honored to be featured in this external profile, and I hope to bring the story into conversation with you, our community, our clients, and anyone trying to build something meaningful in a new place.
I truly hope my story can inspire you to face your own fears and uncertainties and to feel supported in the pursuit of your dreams!
A Camera, A Love Story, and A City That Became Home
Photography first called to me in high school, but I started it as a hobby, never thinking it could even be a career. My parents were working musicians and they knew how hard the life of an artist could be, how hard you needed to work. I saw it all, they didn’t have to tell me, musicians are the hardest workers, so filled with passion and often undervalued. No one sees the work that happens behind the scenes, but they don’t mind. Maybe that rubbed off, because photography soon became my full focus. Not only was I working behind the camera but also behind the scenes on the iceberg of building a business.
As the HiP Paris article explained, a magnet drew me to Paris—first for love, then for life. What began as a temporary stay turned into a decade (and counting). Paris became not just a backdrop but a passion.
Of course, the path wasn’t straight moving to a different country. The complexity of French bureaucracy (if you know you know…), the subtle anxieties of “am I enough,” and the weight of starting something from scratch in a foreign culture — all of that demanded grit, humility, and a willingness to learn and make mistakes.
Relationship Portraits: It’s About Connection, First
At Katie Donnelly Photography, we are storytellers of relationships, relationship with self, relationship with others.. the most important and valuable things in life. Throughout every obstacle (big and small), our focus on celebrating people has been our north star. The reward of clients’ joy feels endless!
Couples. Families. Individuals.
In case you’re new to our Paris portrait session process, each photo shoot begins with a conversation: who you are, what you hope to feel when you look at these photos months or decades later. I think building this foundation is essential to a successful photo session. See our couples, family, and solo photo shoots here!
Locations that matter.
We choose locations that hold resonance — your favorite rue (street), the place where your story began, a cozy café, inspirational architecture, the light on a certain Parisian corner. We have some go-to spots and we’re also always flexible if a client comes to us with a specific vision for their photoshoot. Finding the perfect Paris location for your photo shoot is half the fun!
Heirloom-quality Artwork.
Printed artwork made to last 80+ years, tangible moments to love, display, pass on.
I firmly believe that in a sea of digital files, physical presence matters. Your family memories deserve more than getting buried deep in your camera roll. Let them see the light of day, literally! You’ll be amazed at the impact a physical piece of art can have on your family and friends when they see it on your wall.
The Challenges That Shaped me
More than the language classes or administrative hurdles, the biggest barrier was always me. Reading in Zoe’s article that “I’m my own biggest barrier” still hits home. I think a lot of people can relate to this feeling (or deny it). My best advice is to accept and walk through the discomfort and fear as best you can but STILL DO THE THING. Then you can really spread your wings!
I talk about assimilating, and when I say this I really mean that to assimilate doesn’t mean erasing your accent, your history — it means making room for both. I will always be American, I’ll always have an accent. That’s ok. Accepting that mistakes will be made, that growth is messy but no one grows perfectly and without mistakes. Some of my proudest moments came when I accepted my fear of failure, but didn’t let it run the show. I was scared, but I did it anyways.. My advice? Lean into the process, and learn to laugh at yourself.
When everything Changed
Then came 2020 — a cancer diagnosis, a global pandemic, the realization that I could no longer do it all alone. The decision to expand the team was born not from ambition, but from necessity: sustainability, possibility, trust in others’ talent. And as I said in the interview, I’m so beyond happy with my team! They’re amazing.
What i’ve Learned From Moving To France
Thinking of moving to France or starting a business? Here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Start with the small steps
Visa requirements, legalities, language — you don’t have to master it all before you begin. One step at a time is still forward motion. It’s ok if things aren’t easy, you can do hard things. The important thing is to just do them.
2. Embrace imperfection
As I talk about in the HiP Paris article, mispronounced words, misunderstandings, awkward interactions — they’re part of the living, learning process. Don’t let them steal your confidence. Have a good laugh and move on.
3. Build with intention
Hire slowly but thoughtfully. Trust your team. Give them clear goals and metrics to measure their growth. Encourage them. Then, give yourself the grace to step back, knowing others can carry the flame. Mistakes will come — but they’re not the end if you stay focused and keep actively working towards a goal.
4. Stay rooted in joy
Above all, I believe every moment of creation — every click, every interaction — can carry delight. We aim to make our sessions fun, meaningful, and celebratory. If your intention is joy and fun, you’ll always find a way to add some in.
photographed by Rebecca Plotnick
To You — Whether You’re Local, Expat, or Dreaming of a Photo Session
If haven’t, please read the HiP Paris Blog article (thank you so much to Zoe Adams for writing and HIP Paris for featuring me).
- If you are living abroad, navigating uncertainty — you’re not alone. Every day is both a challenge and an opportunity to claim space for your vision.
- If you’re drawn to a portrait session in Paris, know that we don’t just photograph faces — we honor the stories, connections, and light that define you.
- If you’re a creative or entrepreneur building something from scratch — take courage. It’s messy, vulnerable, wonderful work. Let your imperfections fuel your authenticity. Keep consistent.
Thank you for being part of this journey — whether by reading, trusting us with your Paris photo shoot and artwork, or simply witnessing.
Oh and come book your Paris portrait session with us if you haven’t done so yet! Now is the time to mark a chapter in your journey! You can find us HERE at Katie Donnelly Photography.
Bisous,
Katie & the KDP team
