Story & Lesson Highlights with Irene Abdou of Clarksburg, MD (Montgomery County)

Irene Abdou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Irene, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Every time a client writes a new 5-star review of my photography services, I feel proud, humbled, and honored to have had the opportunity to help them. This recent Google review from one of my dating photography clients made me feel exactly that way! She wrote:

“Thank you, Irene, for the incredible dating profile pictures. I have received so many compliments on the photos you took, both from family and friends and on Match. I received over 100 likes on Match within the first three days after launching over Memorial Day weekend! And best of all… I have a second date on Friday! One step at a time, of course, but I have not felt excited about a man like this in a VERY long time. And wow, just wow, Irene! The box and art prints are so beautiful! You truly captured a unique time in my life and brought out the absolute best in me… From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Irene Abdou. I own a boutique portrait photography studio serving Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and destinations worldwide. I transform “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 to help them celebrate this in a portrait legacy to be cherished for generations. We help to encapsulate a moment in time when a person’s spirit and vitality transcends from inspiration to digital image to tangible artwork!

Right now, in addition to our family photography, headshot & branding, boudoir, and other portrait photography services, I’ve introduced limited edition sessions called “Breaking the Mold: Portraits of Empowerment.” My goal is to illuminate the narratives of individuals thriving in spaces where they are underrepresented, whether it’s a shattered barrier, a defied tradition, or a mold broken.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents really pushed me to study and work hard. Growing up, I may not have completely enjoyed being pushed… yet, from them, I learned that perseverance, initiative, and a strong work ethic make a difference—and that mindset has stuck with me in everything I do, which has been a good thing!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One day you’ll see that every challenge… every moment you thought of quitting… was quietly shaping you into the artist and woman you were meant to be. Keep going—the light is always there, even if you can’t see it through the lens yet.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say that I’m someone who is always focused on learning and growing. When things get tough, I don’t give up; I persevere. That mindset isn’t just how I approach life… it’s how I approach photography too. Every photography session is a chance to solve new challenges, connect deeply with my clients, and help them see their own strength and beauty, especially when they have a hard time seeing it themselves.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
They’d miss the confidence boost that comes from the way I help them feel stronger, more beautiful, and empowered.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Only for the bio photo of me: “Photo by Christina Marotto”

The other photos were taken by me.

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