Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Abdou.
Hi Irene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my Bachelor’s in physics! Who would ever have thought that 30 years later, I’d be the proud owner of a boutique portrait photography studio in suburban Maryland? It’s been quite the ride… from 3.5 years as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa to another >10 years working in international development and humanitarian aid (including 2 years living in a tent in South Sudan) to transforming into a portrait artist and small business owner. All I can say is that passion for the art of photography led me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is being an entrepreneur ever a smooth ride for anyone, haha? I’ve certainly encountered my fair share of challenges.
One biggie was finding the right time to jump from part-time to full-time photographer and gathering the courage to do it (sink or swim)! When I told my boss that I was leaving to pursue photography full-time, he told me that I would fail because I couldn’t network. And it was true at the time! I was a serious introvert and avoided networking like the plague… in fact, I simply refused to do it in my previous career. As a professional photographer and business owner, I had to overcome that fear, and over time, I have become a lot more extroverted!
Then came my cancer diagnosis… that was a multi-year journey that spurred some deep thinking and analysis about which areas of photography to focus my business on. I’ve left the memories of cancer many years behind now, confident in my health and strength.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re known for “transforming unphotogenic into unforgettable” by crafting personalized, fun-filled photography sessions for individuals and families. Our mission is to remind every person that they hold a rare and unique fierceness unlike any other, and that it should be celebrated in a portrait legacy they can cherish for generations. We help to encapsulate a moment in time when a person’s spirit and vitality transcend from inspiration to digital image to tangible artwork!
Regardless of the type of portrait photography session, we want to celebrate and empower the beauty, strength, and courage in each and every individual and family, one portrait at a time. It’s because of our special mission and vision, though, that over the years, we’ve launched a number of special photography sessions to celebrate:
– women age 50+ (the 50+ and Fabulous Project – https://www.ireneabdou.com/50over50)
– individuals thriving in spaces where they are underrepresented (“Breaking the Mold: Portraits of Empowerment” – https://www.ireneabdou.com/btm)
– teen and tween girls (“Confident Girls, Empowered Women” – https://www.ireneabdou.com/cgew)
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Learn from others in your industry. Seek them out! Don’t try to build your business in a vacuum. I wasted several years wandering around in circles on my own, when I could have done something as simple as join some industry-related Facebook groups to find like-minded people facing the same struggles and overcoming the same obstacles as me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ireneabdou.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ireneabdou
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireneabdouportraitsweddings
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneabdouphotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ireneabdouphotography5279
- Other: Google Reviews: https://bit.ly/4tjru5u
