After 3.5 years of service, Irene returned to Maryland, continuing in international development. In 2005, she accepted a two-year assignment in South Sudan, living in a tent and immersing herself once again in a world defined by culture and resilience. 

When she returned home in 2007, Irene realized she no longer saw the world the same way. Light revealed itself differently. She found herself instinctively studying highlights and shadows, angles and lines—learning how to shape light, how to sculpt moments, how to preserve time with intention. Within a month, she launched her photography business.

By 2010, Irene was balancing two worlds: growing her photography business by night while working in international development by day. One afternoon, seated at her desk and quietly depleted, she felt a moment of unmistakable clarity. She stood up, handed in her resignation, and chose photography.

The path to entrepreneurship was not without challenges.  In fact, it was scary.  Yet, she moved forward with determination. And today, Irene Abdou Photography is a thriving boutique studio serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Irene wakes each day doing what she loves most: creating meaningful portraits and empowering those she photographs.

A former Board Member of the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County, Irene is active in the Bethesda chapters of "Sheroes Connect" and "Women in Networking."  She also leads Irene's Photo Workshops, offering private photography classes and custom photography workshops for organizations.  Her signature beginner's photography class, "The 7 Keys to Extraordinary Photography," is now completely online.

And beyond the camera, Irene is an avid racquetball player, skiier, road and adventure motorcycle rider, and cat lover.