Who's in the Crew? - Spotlight on Irene Bello

NAME: Irene Bello
Website: www.irenebellaphotography.com
Crew Profile: https://headshotcrew.com/ibellophoto
Instagram: www.instagram.com/irenebellaphotography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/irenebellaphotography
LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/irene-bello-headshot-photogra…

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Prague, Czech Republic. My parents left the country because it was under Communist regime at that time. We lived in Switzerland for about 6 months before coming to the US. We settled in a nice little neighborhood in Queens, NY called College Point. I have lived in Queens for most of my life.
Currently, I live in Bellerose, NY.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING HEADSHOTS?
I started my photography business back in 2013. I shot just about anything and everything including headshots. I got more serious with headshots once I joined the Crew.

WHAT IS YOUR LIGHTING SETUP FOR HEADSHOTS?
Currently I am using the Westcott Solix Kit. I absolutely love it. I use three 1x3 softboxes and find myself using the triangle set-up frequently.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOOT?
In addition to headshots, I also shoot lots of weddings and portraits. I love shooting women the most, whether it be glamour, boudoir, maternity, or seniors. I especially love to photograph in unique locations creating images that have lots of impact that scream out "WOW".

TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO. DO YOU OWN IT? RENT IT? OR LIVE IN IT?
I shoot on location, but when needed I shoot out of my home.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER PH AND THE HSC?
I first discovered the HSC at my very first WPPI back in 2016. The HSC had a special offer that if you joined the Crew for a year you would get a free headshot taken by Peter himself and a signed copy of his book "The Headshot".

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO JOIN THE CREW ONCE YOU FOUND IT?
I was sold instantly. However, it was not until 2018 when I really became active within the Crew.

WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOU PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GUESS?
I used to be a competitive Figure Skater. Now I coach. I do still get out there to skate once in a while, but I won't lie, falling down really hurts and I am okay just doing it for the exercise. Figure Skating taught me a lot. Although it may sound cliche, you really do learn how to fall down and get up. And it is repetitive. Failure upon failure before you succeed. In addition, it teaches you discipline, focus, and dedication.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU?
That secretly I am like a little kid. Sometimes I forget that I am not. And then my body reminds me.....Hahaha