Today we’d like to introduce you to Marine Barian
Hi Marine , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for photography began at 14 in France, inspired by my dad. He owned a Nikon DSLR, and during a day trip to Paris, I asked to carry it. I started capturing anything beautiful, and that moment sparked something in me. Later that year, my dad gifted me a compact camera for Christmas and took me on a photo walk around our hometown in Burgundy, teaching me the basics of composition and exposure—moments I’ll always treasure.
Over time, I started borrowing his DSLR, documenting friendships during high school. By my final year, I realized portraits were my passion and began asking friends to model for creative shoots in the most random locations.
In my early 20s, I moved to Texas, where I noticed the photography industry was different from France and offered more opportunities to turn it into a business. With encouragement from family and friends, I advertised on Facebook and booked my first paid sessions—seasonal minis. But those didn’t align with me creatively.
Later, back in France, I started a fashion blog, blending my love for photography and fashion. Collaborating with fellow bloggers made me realize how much I enjoyed creating imagery that told a story, while focusing on a product. When I returned to Texas for work, I got my first photography gig for a local boutique’s social media. Knowing how to make outfits shine in photos was second nature, and it reignited my passion.
As my side business grew, I received (through my fashion blog/Instagram!) opportunities to work with brands, including a jewelry collection shoot—my first experience with still-life product photography. I discovered a new creative outlet, blending products with storytelling through imagery.
When the pandemic hit and I lost my job at a wellness startup, it was a turning point. I took the leap into full-time photography, and despite the challenges, I quickly built my business.
Today, I’m grateful to have found my niche, crafting imagery that blends authenticity, fashion, and storytelling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was relatively smooth – until I had to move overseas.
I had to go back to France after covid hit. So I was there when I went full time, I built my clientele in France and everything was going well.
I moved back to Texas (third time is a charm!) in late 2021 after borders reopened, to marry my Texan husband after nearly 10 years of long distance relationship.
With that comes the challenge of moving a business and rebuilding a clientele in a different country, while going through the immigration process (where you can’t work for a period of time).
I still have some EU based clients who regularly send me products to shoot in Texas, and I now have local clients.
Now, my next challenge is to figure out what’s next for me & where I want to take my photography business!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a brand photographer, who specialises in storytelling photography for brands in the fashion industry, and creatives.
While I struggle to describe my style, people often say that my photography style is soft, feminine & authentic.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just show up and take pictures. With more than half of my clients are based outside of TX, I offer to plan their whole photoshoot (location scouting, talent scouting, styling, photography etc), to ensure a seamless and stress free experience for my clients.
Creating is a journey. I am proud of who I am today, and proud to see my hard coming to fruition.
How do you think about luck?
I was raised believing that you have to work hard for the things your wants, which is what I have always done in my personal life and business. I don’t think that luck has had a big role in my business.
I always call it the “right timing” – starting my business during Covid was a good thing. Brands were going online and there was a need for what I was offering, so it made growing my business easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marinebarianphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinebarianphoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marine-barian-397740134/
Image Credits
Photo of the camera on a table with jewelry in little plastic bags + cover photo of me (in green striped outfit, holding camera in my hand) : Jenna McElroy Photo
Other images : Marine Barian Photo
