Meet Irina Ovchinnikov

We were lucky to catch up with Irina Ovchinnikov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem didn’t come overnight for me—they developed slowly, through experience and persistence. As an immigrant starting over in a new country, I faced a lot of uncertainty. There were language barriers, cultural differences, and many moments where I felt like I had to constantly prove myself. But each challenge became an opportunity to grow stronger.

My confidence really started to build once I leaned into what I love—photography. Capturing authentic, emotional moments for others reminded me of my own voice and vision. The more I connected with clients and saw the impact my work had on their lives, the more I began to trust my instincts.

Education played a big part too. I took business and creative courses to fill in the gaps and better understand the industry. Learning gave me tools, but it also gave me empowerment—I stopped feeling like I didn’t belong and started to feel like I had something valuable to offer.

Of course, I also credit the people who supported me along the way. Mentors, teachers, and fellow creatives believed in me even before I fully believed in myself. Their encouragement helped me silence self-doubt and embrace who I am—accent and all.

Ultimately, confidence came from showing up every day, doing the work, learning from setbacks, and staying true to what matters most to me: telling meaningful stories through my lens.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share more about my journey. I’m a lifestyle and wedding photographer based in San Diego, and my work is all about capturing real, emotional, and meaningful moments.

Photography is more than a profession for me—it’s a way of preserving emotion, connection, and memory. I specialize in family, maternity, and wedding photography, and my goal is always to create images that feel honest, beautiful, and timeless. What excites me most about this work is the human connection—getting to know each client, understanding their story, and capturing the moments that matter most to them.

I believe that photography should never feel forced. That’s why I focus on creating a relaxed, natural experience that allows people to truly be themselves. Whether it’s a quiet moment between parents and their newborn, or the joyful chaos of a wedding day, I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in front of the camera.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the loyalty and trust I’ve built with the families I photograph—many of them return year after year, and it’s been an honor to watch their stories unfold through my lens. My brand is deeply personal. It’s about heart, authenticity, and storytelling. I don’t just deliver photos—I create keepsakes that will be passed down and cherished for generations.

Lately, I’ve been expanding into offering heirloom photo albums and custom wall art—pieces that help people bring their memories to life in a tangible, lasting way. I’m also currently working on a new lifestyle session series designed specifically for mothers, inspired by my own experience of motherhood and how meaningful it is to be in the frame, not just behind it.

Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, getting married, or simply wanting to freeze a fleeting moment in time, I want people to know: this isn’t just about photos. It’s about preserving love in all its forms—and doing it with care, creativity, and purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, curiosity, and empathy.

Resilience was essential—especially as an immigrant starting over in a new country. There were moments of doubt, cultural barriers, and plenty of setbacks, but I learned to keep going even when things felt uncertain. For anyone early in their journey: don’t be discouraged by slow progress or comparison. Just keep showing up. Growth often happens quietly, behind the scenes, before it becomes visible.

Curiosity kept me learning. I never stopped asking questions or looking for ways to improve—not just creatively, but also on the business side. I took classes, watched tutorials, and wasn’t afraid to experiment. If you’re just starting out, stay open and hungry to learn. Your curiosity will be one of your greatest assets.

Empathy is the heart of my work. Photography, for me, is about truly seeing people—not just through the lens, but as individuals with stories, emotions, and vulnerability. That emotional connection is what sets my work apart. No matter your field, cultivating empathy will help you connect more deeply—with your clients, your audience, and yourself.

My advice? Be patient with yourself. Build a strong foundation by investing time into your craft, your mindset, and your relationships. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, persistent, and genuine.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was support my creativity when it mattered most. When I was in art school, art supplies weren’t always easy to find or afford—but they made sure I had what I needed. Those tools were more than just materials—they were a vote of confidence in my talent and my future.

But the gesture that left the biggest mark on me was when they bought me a ticket to St. Petersburg, Russia. It was a dream come true. I had spent years studying the art, architecture, and history of that city, and suddenly I was walking through the very museums and palaces I had only seen in books. Seeing the works of great masters in person changed the way I understood art. It deepened my passion, shaped my aesthetic, and reminded me that beauty, history, and creativity are worth chasing.

That experience—and their belief in me—helped lay the foundation for the artist I am today. It showed me the power of encouragement and the lifelong impact of investing in someone’s passion.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

My portrait photo taken by Marcy Browe

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