We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Irina Márquez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Irina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Many of my photography sessions carry deep meaning, as each is inspired by the personal journey of my clients. My project, ‘Photography for Personal Development,’ often leads me to work with extraordinary stories. One session that left a lasting impact on me was with a woman who had lost her husband to illness. She chose to wear her wedding dress for the session as a way of finding closure—not to forget him, but to transform the meaning of his passing. The session was incredibly emotional, and we even created images using glitter to symbolize her tears. I found myself feeling deeply moved throughout the process. When she saw the final images, she cried and expressed her gratitude for the experience and the photos. That session remains close to my heart, reminding me of the power of photography in healing and transformation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Irina Márquez, and I’m a photographer specializing in female portraiture and boudoir with a focus on personal development. My project, ‘Irina Márquez, Photography for Personal Development,’ centers on empowering women through the art of photography. I’m incredibly proud of every woman I’ve had the privilege to photograph, as each one has transformed through the experience and empowered herself. I see my role as simply giving them a gentle push toward recognizing their own strength and beauty. The real transformation comes from within them.

My work often focuses on women at pivotal moments in their lives, particularly mature women who are rediscovering or embracing new facets of themselves. This is best reflected in my exhibition, ‘Mujer, Tiempo, Paradigma Holográfico,’ which features the beauty, resilience, and wisdom of mature women. The exhibition explores the interplay between time, identity, and the evolving nature of womanhood, challenging conventional narratives and celebrating the richness of their journeys.

What sets my brand apart is the deep personal connection I build with each client. Every session is a personalized experience that reflects their unique stories, allowing them to express both vulnerability and strength in a safe, nurturing space. My goal is for clients to leave not only with stunning images but also with a renewed sense of confidence and empowerment.

I want potential clients and followers to know that my work isn’t about perfection. It’s about authenticity, growth, and celebrating the complexity and beauty of every woman’s journey particularly those who have lived through many seasons of life and have so much wisdom to share.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the act of creation itself—being able to express not only my emotions but also the emotions of my clients. I love combining colors, forms, and styles, exploring creative elements, and playing with endless possibilities. This creative freedom is what keeps me alive, and I’m deeply grateful to my clients for allowing me the space to express myself fully. Beyond that, I believe that speaking through photography is a political act. It’s a way to challenge narratives, celebrate diverse stories, and contribute to larger conversations about identity and representation.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

The key to maintaining strong relationships with my clients is showing genuine interest in their lives. I personally congratulate them on their birthdays and stay connected during significant moments, mostly through WhatsApp. I also have a Facebook group for my clients where we foster a sense of community. It’s important for clients to feel that you’re always available to offer advice and follow-up. I also recommend using platforms like Instagram channels, Telegram, or WhatsApp communities to maintain engagement. These tools can help you offer promotions and build deeper connections. For instance, on their birthdays, I gift my clients an extra photo from the package they purchased. I also share empowering videos and personal development tips. The clients who come back are often those I’ve photographed before, and nurturing those relationships through genuine interest is key to building brand loyalty

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.irinamarquez.com
• Instagram: @irinamarquezphoto
• Facebook: @irinamarquezphoto
• Other: Tik tok: @irinamarquezphoto
  Thread: @irinamarquezphoto

Image Credits

Photo 1: Model, Rosario Rivera
Hair and make up: Liliana Ramírez
Photo 2: Model, Bertha Salaices
Photo 3: Model, Rosy Antuna
Photo 4: Model, Sandra López
Hair and make up: Betsy Lizarraga
Photo 5: Model, Viridiana Vizcaíno
Photo 6: Model, Alma Miranda
Photo 7: Model, Bertha Salaices
Photo 8: América Angulo

Styling: Irina Márquez