Hi, I'm Irene

I'm a mother of three. I own a portrait studio. My favorite thing is meeting new people. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love trying new things like; experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and gardening. When I'm not running kids to school, or photographing, I do my best to keep up with current events and stay informed with the new of the world.

More than anything, I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. That's probably what drew me to photography in the first place. I think we all have a story worth sharing.

I never imagined that I would be a stay at home mom. Up until December of 2011 I worked full time and owned a portrait studio. Due to some serious health problems I had to give up my business. Now only a few months later I am starting down a new path as a stay at home mom. It has been the most rewarding choice I have ever made. Honestly, I didn't know what I was missing and I am happier and more fulfilled then I ever was as a working professional.

Of course I haven't abandoned my passion, in fact I'm simply added new ones! I am learning to sew and practicing being a better mother, teacher, and friend.

Why I am a Mormon

The 13th Article of Faith says ..."If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report,or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." I have found the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teaching of the LDS church to be the culmination of all good things. In the pages of the Book of Mormon I find comfort when I am sad, courage when I am scared, and a deeper understanding of who I am.
As a teenager I read the Book of Mormon for the first time and discovered that my family was a lot like Nephi's Family. We had a lot of challenges and contentions. Reading about Nephi's courage to do whatever God asked of him (no matter how hard) helped me have the courage to attend church without my family for many years.
When I felt as if no one loved me I would remember reading about Christ's visit to the Americas and how he took the little children in his arms and blessed them. He took the time to let everyone touch the nail prints in his hands and feet. He wanted each of them to know Him. When I thought about this I knew He felt the same way about me.
And when reading about the sons of Mosiah and their missionary work among their enemies the Lamanites I learned that God loves all of his children. He wants us to reach out and share what we know. As long as I can remember I have prayed that I would be an instrument in the hands of God to help bring others to the knowledge of the truth. This is the same prayer the sons of Mosiah said. I know the Lord heard my prayers because I have seen friends and family read the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it is true and feel the affirming witness of the Holy Ghost.
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I have read it many times since I was a teen and each time it has changed my heart. I believe that the promise Christ gave in the New Testament is still in force. He said, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. I invite you to ask and to "seek after these things."

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I work as a professional photographer. I shoot weddings, family portraits, and any other kind of portrait you can think of. In an average week I will photograph 4-7 family sessions and during the summer I often have a wedding to photograph on Saturday. Originally I wanted to become a photographer because I was looking for a form of self expression but as I met more and more people my attitude changed. I realized the true value of a portrait and what it means to our posterity. Now I look at my work as a means in which I can help create personal family histories. I am creating the visual genealogical records that will bond families together backwards through time. I want future generations to look at the portraits I've created and know they come from a heritage of love. I like to think that the day I shoot my last portrait I will leave behind literally millions of images that celebrate the family, our love for one another, and the joy that comes from every stage of life.

Additionally, my studio will hold a charity portrait event on an annual basis and donated our proceeds. In the past we have donated to The Red Cross, Lake Stevens Family Center (local charity) and others.

How I live my faith

The gospel of Jesus Christ has at it's core the belief that the family is central to our Creator's plan of happiness. For me, being a member of the church means doing all things in the name of building strong families. This includes my own family, and the families of others.
In our home we try to teach our children good values. Each week we come together for family home evening on Monday nights. During our "FHE" we sing songs, play games, and read the scriptures. Most of all we try to spend time with our children now while they are young. I hope that as our children mature they will continue to look to us for guidance and support. We also pray together and try to read from the scriptures nightly. Right now our children are small, but we know that they are capable of understanding so much!
Outside of our home I work as a portrait photographer. I own a small studio and my clients are mainly engaged couples and families. When I meet with each new client I explain that my motivation for doing this work is to help create a family history. I want to create a beautiful piece of art that will commemorate their love for one another. These portraits are living artifacts; and when displayed in a home, a constant reminder of what we value most.
I am also privileged to work with the young women in our ward. I work with several other women to oversee the youth program for girls ages 12-18. We organize weekly activities designed to help the girls build self confidence, learn about Christ, and complete their goals. Along the way we teach the young women leadership skills and do service projects in the community. We strive to support the girls as they learn valuable skills that will help them strengthen their current and future families.
Most importantly, I pray everyday. I pray for my family, the girls I teach, the newlyweds I work for, and anyone else in need. When I pray I know I am speaking to my Heavenly Father and that I am a Child of God.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Irene answered...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse political parties, individual candidates, or platforms. Our doctrine instead teaches use to act and choose for ourselves after careful study and prayer. We are a people who believe heavily in the importance of freedom of choice and the power of prayer working in combination to help us understand what is right and act accordingly.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
Josh answered...

No. The church advocates principles and doctrine but does not endorse a certain political party or candidate. If you look in the United States Congress, you'll see members of the Mormon church sitting on both sides of the aisle from the current Senate Majority Leader to a 2008 presidential candidate.

However, the church is involved in the public arena when political initiatives intersect with principles of Christ's gospel. When this happens, the church will release a statement advocating certain principles and encouraging members to uphold these principles. This type of action often leads to confusion. Church support for an initiative for religious reasons should not be taken to imply support for a particular political party. These are two distinctly separate activities.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Joshua answered...

In the New Testament Paul preaches against homosexual behavior, as does Moses in the Old Testament. In this day, God still speaks against homosexual actions through His holy prophets. Regardless of the good and bad choices we make in this life, we are each beloved sons and daughters of God. We were spiritually begotten of Him before the world was, and He offered the Plan of Salvation to us so that we could return and live with him again after this life. Not one of us here on the earth is perfect. We each struggle with different things on this journey and because of those things we could never return to Gods presence unless a greater power came to our aid. Christ has provided the means whereby we can overcome these things and return to God again. Anything can be overcome, for Christ has already overcome the world Alma 711-14 We strive to love everyone, for everyone deserves that. The Family is being bombarded on every side with the evil influences of Satan, and to stem that tide we must stand for the Sacredness of our Families. We celebrate and honor the Sanctity of the Family, and invite all men and women everywhere to do the same.
In the words of Beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, "We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.