About Irina
Irina discovered her passion for photography in 2007, specializing in event and family portraits across Toronto and Ottawa, Canada. In addition she is well versed in helping businesses of all sizes with their commercial and editorial projects. In 2021, she delves into the realm of animal psychology, enriching her creativity and broadening her horizons in her expanding love for dog photography. Facing a childhood incident that left her with a fear of dogs, her journey to becoming a dog photographer is far from typical. The moment when an overexcited dog knocked her down as a child became a pivotal point in her life. Instead of letting fear paralyze her, she chose to educate herself about dogs extensively. This effort to understand and appreciate these animals led her to conquer her fear gradually. Today, she not only captures the beauty of dogs through her lens but also employs her beloved dog, Leksi, to work alongside her. Their partnership not only symbolizes her triumph over fear but also highlights the deep connection and trust that can exist between humans and animals.
Her home-based boutique studio, nestled in Ottawa's west end, is a haven for capturing the pure essence of beloved dogs and their devoted owners. Specializing in timeless portrait photography, she masterfully combines expert lighting, elegant backdrops, and refined techniques to preserve the cherished bond between you and your loyal companion. Irina also continues to capture family moments in studio and in an outdoor editorial setting. If you would like to learn more, please connect through her contact page.
Since 2007, Irina has cultivated a deep passion for the art of photography, dedicating her expertise to serving the vibrant communities of Toronto and Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. Widely recognized for her exceptional skills as a family photographer, Irina has further distinguished herself through an impressive portfolio encompassing commercial and editorial work for a diverse array of businesses. Over the past decade, Irina has had the privilege of capturing countless memorable moments for hundreds of families and contributing to a myriad of editorial projects for businesses. She has recently expanded to capturing dog portraits.
Learn About How I Became a Dog Photographer
I never set out to become a dog photographer. In fact, my story is anything but typical. I didn’t grow up with a loyal family dog by my side, nor did I have heartwarming memories of furry companions from my childhood to inspire me. Quite the opposite—for most of my life, I was afraid of dogs. As a young child, I had a dog jump on me, which created this fear. I didn’t have any adults around at the time to explain what had happened or help me understand the situation. Dogs became something I avoided, their unpredictability filling me with anxiety.
So, what changed? My daughter.
From the moment she could walk, she was naturally drawn to animals. Whether it was a squirrel in the park, a cat lounging in a window, or a flock of birds overhead, she was captivated. But nothing captured her heart more than dogs. Her eyes would light up at the sight of a wagging tail, and she would instinctively reach out, eager to connect with these four-legged friends. I became the mother of an animal-loving magnet, and as much as I tried to steer her interest elsewhere, her fascination with dogs only grew stronger.
If you’re thinking this led us to adopt a dog right away, you’d be mistaken. The truth is, I didn’t dive headfirst into dog ownership. Instead, I spent years researching and learning about these beautiful creatures. I read books, watched documentaries, and spoke with dog owners. Slowly, my fear began to transform into something else—understanding. The more I learned, the more I realized how misunderstood dogs had been in my eyes. They weren’t unpredictable; they were communicative, expressive, and full of unique personalities.
Life changed on the day we welcomed our family dog. A once fearful woman who crossed streets to avoid dogs now found herself surrounded by a wagging tail, and unconditional love. Today, our home has two loving dogs, and they have become an integral part of our lives. My daughter’s pure joy in the presence of our dogs was infectious, and soon, I began to see dogs through a different lens—both literally and figuratively.
As a professional photographer, I had spent years capturing families, milestones, and special moments. But something about photographing dogs felt different—it was raw, joyful, and deeply personal. Since 2021I have worked with hundreds of dogs and discovered that capturing them comes very so naturally to me. My friends now call me the dog whisperer, a title that warms my heart because it reflects just how far I’ve come. I’ve learned to understand dogs in a way I never thought possible, and each session feels like a special connection, a shared moment of trust.
Turning my camera toward dogs felt natural—like it was meant to be. Every wag, every playful leap, every soulful gaze became a story waiting to be told through my lens and I quickly knew that I wanted to document dogs and the people who loved them.
Becoming a dog photographer wasn’t something I planned. It was something life led me to and in doing so, it has filled my heart with joy, purpose, and a deep connection to these incredible animals and their human companions. This journey has taught me that sometimes, the most inspiring changes come from facing what once scared us and wholeheartedly now embracing it.
Looking to Capture beautiful memories of your family or dog’s life …
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