Today we’d like to introduce you to Noha Youssef
Hi Noha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I migrated from Egypt when I was 13 years old, and one of the biggest challenges I faced was feeling like I didn’t belong. I had a heavy accent, and even simple things—like ordering food at a fast-food restaurant—felt overwhelming. But over time, I pushed through that fear and uncertainty, determined to carve out a place for myself.
Fast forward to today, I have a Marketing degree in Business and spent 11 years in the corporate world, mastering my skills in marketing, branding, and communication. That experience gave me invaluable knowledge, but after having my second daughter in the spring of 2019, I decided to step away from the corporate world and stay home with her for a year.
Then, just as I was thinking about my next step, COVID hit. Everything changed—people weren’t working unless it was remote, and I found myself with time to explore something new. That’s when I picked up a camera. I started with walks alone, capturing birds, trees, and flowers, teaching myself the camera settings and learning how to edit using Lightroom and Photoshop. It became my creative outlet, and before I knew it, that passion evolved into something bigger.
Now, I’m a business owner with a strong marketing background, which allows me to wear multiple hats. I handle everything—marketing myself, brainstorming with clients, conducting photoshoots while ensuring people feel comfortable so I can capture authentic moments, editing, and following up. And, of course, there’s social media! I create content to showcase my work, maintain my website, and keep my brand growing.
It’s been a journey of growth, risk-taking, and following my passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! Like anything new, starting photography came with its own set of challenges—one of the biggest being my lack of experience. When you’re just starting, it’s hard to prove yourself without a portfolio, and it’s even harder to gain confidence when you don’t have that foundation yet.
So, I took matters into my own hands. I started by offering free photos to small businesses, capturing their work and products in a way that could help them market themselves better. I would also walk around, find people I admired, and offer to take their pictures—just to practice and build my skills.
That early stage was all about learning, experimenting, and figuring out my own style. Doing free work helped me create a portfolio, gain experience, and, most importantly, build confidence. It wasn’t always easy, but every session taught me something new, and each small step brought me closer to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer and the owner of Through My Lens 828. I specialize in capturing real, authentic moments—whether it’s engagement sessions, family portraits, branding and small business photography, or event coverage. My work isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story, making people feel seen, and creating lasting memories.
What I’m most proud of is how I built my business from the ground up, using both my passion for photography and my background in marketing to help individuals and businesses showcase their most authentic selves. When I started, I had no experience in photography, but I was determined to learn. I took my camera, walked around, and started capturing anything that inspired me—then I practiced, refined my skills, and built my portfolio by offering free shoots.
What sets me apart is my ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I know firsthand how intimidating it can be, so I focus on guiding my clients naturally rather than forcing poses. I love movement in my shots—it adds life and emotion, making the photos feel more genuine.
Another key element of my work is storytelling. My marketing background allows me to understand what businesses need in terms of branding photography—creating visuals that truly connect with their audience. Whether it’s a small business owner wanting lifestyle product shots or a family looking for candid moments, I tailor each session to bring out the essence of who they are.
At the heart of it all, my work is about connection. I love learning about people’s stories, capturing their emotions, and delivering images that reflect who they truly are.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! Two books have had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – This book is life-changing. It emphasizes the importance of being fully present in everything we do, whether in our personal lives or at work. It’s not always easy to practice, but when you truly embrace the present moment, it transforms the way you experience life. I apply this mindset to my photography, my business, and even the way I interact with my clients—staying in the moment helps me capture the most authentic and meaningful images.
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer – This book focuses on healing past traumas and truly letting go so that we don’t carry them with us forever. It teaches the power of awareness—understanding how our thoughts and emotions shape our reality. That lesson has been invaluable in my journey, especially as a business owner. There are so many ups and downs in entrepreneurship, but having the awareness to navigate challenges without being consumed by them has made all the difference.
In terms of work, I also love using apps like Lightroom and Photoshop for editing. But at the core of it all, these books have shaped the way I approach both my work and my life.
Pricing:
- $250 for a one hour session (50 edited images). Digital only.
- $175 for a mini session (20 edited images). Digital only.
- $200/hour for event coverage. Digital only.
- $115 for headshots (5 images). Digital only.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nohayoussef.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughmylens828/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Throughmylens828photography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohayoussef
