11307 Cheryl Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
Hi, I’m Irina! I’m a Russian, a Navy spouse, a traveler and a Disney fan.
I’m a person who wants to capture precious memories and show the beautiful story of your special and unique moments in life. I want you to have fun in the process and enjoy it as much as the result.
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17 customer reviews
Deidra R.
I've never worked with Irina on a photography project, but I sincerely hope to someday! It all started when I contacted her recently to ask if she could restore my in-laws' wedding album. She attempted to reach me on the same day to let me know that the specific services that I needed were not in her bailiwick and to offer advice re: how to locate those services. When she wasn't able to reach me on the first day, she kept calling until we finally connected on day two. This may not have struck me as particularly unusual, but for the fact that she was out of the country on vacation at the time, with many more exciting things to do than to call a prospective customer who was "barking up the wrong tree". When we did connect by phone, all of the intangibles...her patience in asking and answering questions, her tone of voice...told me that she sincerely wished she could work with me, but, short of that, she was able to do the next best thing; i.e., to set me on the right track to find the services I needed. I thought, "Wow! Now here is a professional's professional...thinking about a would-be-but-won't-be customer while on her vacation and calling repeatedly until she reached and was able to help me." Our conversation also told me that she cared about my project on a heart level, just by hearing about it...which is memorable, indeed. So, while I don't have a tangible product to offer feedback on, I can say with utmost confidence that the creator of the products of Irina Whitmer's Photography Studio is a rare and refreshing model of exceptional customer service. On this basis alone, I'm confident that the quality of her work reflects this, and that, if ever necessary, she will not stop until her customer is satisfied. I can't wait to have a project we can actually work on together! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Banite Sawyer
Irina was very professional and patient with me deciding which picture I wanted to use for my professional headshot. Very friendly and a clean space. Will definitely be using her for future photo shoots!!! Picture was edited and sent within a timely matter! More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Banite! It was a pleasure working with you, and I wish you all the best on your professional journey!
Steve Black
She does a terrific job whether she is looking to help you build your brand, get your name out there or just do photography for events, brochures, etc. Talk to Irina, she understands marketing and she understands how to do a great job. I highly recommend her. 5 stars! Thank you. More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Steve! It was my pleasure to photograph both of your business summits - you provided an incredible training for the best local business professionals that gathered there!
Anthony Thomas
Irina, is a wonderful photographer. Not only is she super responsive, which I found other photographers not to be; she is also patient and goes above and beyond for her clients. After receiving my photos, she actually mailed me a book about modeling and how to get into the business! Very cool and far above and beyond what I would have expected! Then several months later contacted me to ask how it was going. This is unheard of in this day and age and you can tell she enjoys her work. She holds true to the "You get what you pay for" mantra which sometimes in this day and age you don't get anymore (pay more and quality of service isn't better). Irina is Highly recommended by me for any professional photography needs. More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Anthony! I love staying in touch with my clients and always happy to hear from them about how things in their life/business are progressing. All of my clients are amazing people and definitely more than just another photo project.
Jenna Moore
Irina was very professional, courteous, fun to work with, flexible, and attentive to our needs. Her photos are beautiful and her creative ideas made for fun and memorable shots. I recommend her very highly.
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Jenna! I enjoyed photographing your beautiful wedding! You guys are amazing, I wish you a lot of happiness in your marriage!
Keirsten Hansen
I loved this photographer! She was so kind and insightful (I had no idea what to do in my pictures) and my graduation pictures turned out perfectly! I have gotten so many compliments, I would HIGHLY suggest her 🙂 More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Keirsten! It was fun taking your graduation pictures, and I'm not surprised you've got many compliments - you are very photogenic! :)
Chasity Nunziato
There are a lot of us in the family, and getting everyone to cooperate is a challenge. Irina was awesome at going with the flow, and getting the shots when we could, and dealing with the moods and unwillingness of the kids. Things were very easily explained and made it easy to pose. The final pictures were AMAZING! More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Chasity! I enjoyed working with your wonderful family, and I'm happy to hear it was easy for you and that you loved the final pictures!
Cara Schantz
I used Irina for photos for my office and website. She was great to work with — it was a very long day but she stuck with me the entire time until I had photos that I was really happy with . We switched locations a few times and she was completely flexible with it! She stayed with me as long as needed and even took some additional photos of me and my baby :) More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Cara! My priority is to make sure you get the best images for your business. I was happy to stay as long as needed!
Nikki Wells
Irina was very Professional, and patient and amazing.... if you need a photographer to capture your special moments she's the one to call!!!!!
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Nikki! I enjoyed taking pictures of you and all other anniversary guests! It was fun seeing how you change your pose with every click of the camera - you are a natural!
Mike Leishear
Irina goes out of her way to make the photo shoot a comfortable and memorable experience.
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Mike! It was a pleasure taking Christmas pictures of your wonderful family!
Emily Johnson
I recently attended the wedding and reception of friends where Irina was the photographer. She arrived early and showed no impatience when the event was off schedule from the beginning. Her photos, both formal and informal, are super. She would be my choice should we plan a large party, family wedding or some other event and want pictures for posterity. More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Emily! It was a pleasure meeting and photographing you and all other anniversary guests! Monica and Floyd are truly blessed with having such amazing friends like you!
Marcus Ferguson
Irina was amazing. She was friendly and very well prepared. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Marcus! I enjoyed photographing your amazing wedding, and your first dance was so unique and so much fun!
Florencia Jewell
I definitely recommend Irina because of her talent and warm personality. With her guidance we felt very comfortable in front of the camera. We loved the final photos!
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Flora! It was so nice to work with you and Austin again and photograph your first year anniversary!
Shelley Ferguson
We recently had a maternity session with Irina and from scheduling, adjusting times because of the heat, adjusting locations because of an event, the session itself, to the final pictures, it was a great experience! ! She was able to capture exactly what we envisioned! I highly recommend! More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Shelley! It was a pleasure working with you guys and capturing this magical time of your lives!
Hilari Seagears
My husband and I enjoyed working with Irina. She was extremely sweet, calm, flexible, and her prices were very reasonable! She was great at communicating with me to make sure she would be able to capture every single special moment of my wedding day. She also got the pictures back to us in less than a month!! Go Irina!! More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Hilari! Your wedding day was truly special, and I was happy to be a part of it!
Keri Ramey
I usually don’t like pictures taken of myself, and I wasn’t sure how my son would cooperate. Irina made us feel very comfortable the moment we met her and knew how to work with my 11-month-old son to capture amazing pictures. She responded quickly to calls, texts, etc. She was reliable, and the end product was just what we were looking for. More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Keri! I enjoyed working with your wonderful family, and I am glad you got just what you were looking for!
Leigh Gill
Irina is very good at what she does. We ended up with pictures better than I ever thought we'd be able to get with a 6 month old. She really listens to what is important to you and does everything she can to make your wishes come true. She truly cares about client satisfaction. On top of her ability to capture great shots, one of her strongest qualities is communication which is so very important in the services business. From the very beginning, she was responsive and expectations were managed the entire way through. A very good way to do business and it makes her a dream to work with. The icing on the cake was her flexibility and willingness to accommodate special requests. More...
Reply from Irina Whitmer Photography
Thank you, Leigh! I loved working with little Cora and capturing her adorable smile! :)
What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
Choose the photographer: 1) you feel aligned with personality and style-wise 2) that has great reviews across the internet (just google them) 3) takes time to thoroughly prepare for each session, and you won't have to worry about anything else! Your photographer will take it from there, including sending a planning questionnaire, tips on what to wear, and giving gentle guidance at the session - all to help you feel and look your best, so you could just relax, have fun and enjoy the process as well as the result!
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
Every photo session or photo event with me includes my signature photography questionnaire designed specifically for that type of photography. It helps me understand your vision and each individual situation so that I could set and exceed expectations.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with people for sure! I've been blessed to work with the most amazing individuals, families, couples, newborns, pets, and various professionals, whether company representatives, entrepreneurs, or business owners.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Seven years ago, my husband and I received our wedding pictures, and we weren't happy. We both agreed that even I, with no experience at that point, would be able to take better shots. The photographs weren't horrible quality-wise, but they were boring.
That's how and why I started doing photography. I love creative shots, and I love capturing movement and emotions. Even if it's a traditional portrait, my goal is to make it look authentic, not awkwardly posed.
I decided to transition into photography, so more people were happy with their images, and it's been a blast ever since.
Why should our clients choose you?
For the experience of my past clients. I'm new to Bark, but if you google Irina Whitmer Photography, you will see a ton of reviews and will be able to read in details what my past clients have said after working with me. I firmly believe that it speaks louder than anything I could have mentioned here myself about my photography experience, quality process, and ethics.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I am fully vaccinated and follow all the applicable local safety guidelines.
Brand photography
"It takes less than 2/10 of a second for an online visitor to form a first opinion of your brand." - Missouri University of Science and Technology. Let me convert your brand into images that resonate with your target audience.
Every package includes my signature brand photography questionnaire that will highly increase your ROI from these images. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/branding/ for details, or contact me today.
Business events, summits and retreats
Are you planning a business event, summit or retreat and want to work with an experienced professional, who have not just photographed all kinds of these events, but also understands business, marketing and branding? You are in the right place! Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/business-events/ for details, or contact me today.
Christmas sessions
Take family and friends photos at this magical time and you'll cherish them for years to come! You can come to my Christmas decorated studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, have a session at your place (MD, VA, DC) or choose one of the outdoor locations. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/christmas/ for details, or contact me today.
Cosplay sessions
“Halloween is one day; cosplay is all-year round.” - Roger Senpai. Cosplay is so much fun and so are cosplay photo sessions. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/cosplay/ for details, or contact me today.
Couples sessions
Capture your journey as a couple through a photo story that will express your personalities and love for each other. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/couples/ for details, or contact me today.
Engagement sessions
"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Capture the beauty of your love as you are preparing for your wedding day. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/engagements/ for details, or contact me today.
Family sessions
"In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, bridge to our future." - Alex Haley. Create beautiful memories that will be your link and your bridge by booking a family session. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/families/ for details, or contact me today.
Headshots
Are you applying for a job? Is your LinkedIn photo way outdated? Is it time to update "About" page on your business website? Have you recently hired new employees and in need of corporate headshots? You can come to my studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, have a session at your place (MD, VA, DC) or choose one of the outdoor locations. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/headshots/ for details, or contact me today.
LGBT sessions
"Never ever apologize for who you love." — Crystal Ball. Celebrate all that you've achieved on the journey of being able to stay true to yourselves through a photo story that will express your personalities and love for each other. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/lgbt/ for details, or contact me today.
Maternity sessions
"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." - Author Unknown. Capture this magical time of your life! You can come to my studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, have a session at your place (MD, VA, DC) or choose one of the outdoor locations. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/maternity/ for details, or contact me today.
Milestone sessions
3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 1-year sessions are available, including cake smash sessions. You can come to my studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, have a session at your place (MD, VA, DC) or choose one of the outdoor locations. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/milestones/ for details, or contact me today.
Newborn sessions
Kids grow so fast, and each moment with them is so precious. Schedule a newborn session for your little miracle at my studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, to "freeze" this moment and remember this special time for years to come. I offer a ton of the cutest ever newborn photography outfits and props at no additional cost. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/newborn/ for details, or contact me today.
Senior and graduation sessions
"If you follow your dreams, you are capable of anything." Capture your unique personality, talents and hobbies in your senior photos to remember this special time for years to come. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/senior/ for details, or contact me today.
Studio photography
My comfortable and welcoming home studio in Upper Marlboro, MD, is fully equipped for newborn, milestones, maternity, headshots and Christmas photography. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/studio/ for details, or contact me today.
Wedding photography
What will be most important to you about this day 10, 20 or 30 years from now? Your pictures are the only thing that will remain from this special day and they should reflect who you are and tell your beautiful story. YOUR story. Visit https://irinawhitmerphotography.com/weddings/ for details, or contact me today.