ART PHOTOGRAPHER
Irina Zoteeva
+447730598060
Solihull, West Midlands, UK
EDUCATION
2025-present Zhukova School “Composition”
2024-2025 Zhukova School “Flush light”
2024 Zhukova School “Art-Photography”
2023 Alena and Sergey Pluzhnikov Video School “Shoot beautifully”
2022 Photography course “Spectrum” with Sonya Chernykh (Black)
2021 Photography course “Photosreda” with Maksim Kozlov
2021 Video course “VCS 2.0” with Maksim Kozlov
2020 Mobile photography course with Regina Bakirova
2013–2019
Center of England Arts. Oil painting study with Nick Logan http://www.nicklogan.co.uk and Pam Howkes http://www.pamhawkes.co.uk
2015–2016
California Institute of the Arts via Coursera. Fundamentals of Graphic Design, Introduction to Typography, Introduction to Imagemaking, Graphic Design Specialization and History of Graphic Design.
2001–2006
Technical University of Irkutsk: BSc (Hons), Mechanical engineer. Winner of the Delcam University Competition; subsequently invited to work for Delcam plc.
2001 (January — June)
Technical University of Irkutsk. Architect courses for beginners. Drawing with ink and pencil, creating compositions, appliqué work, and studying colour and spatial relationships.
1996–1999
Irkutsk School of Art (Hons.) Applied arts, gouache and watercolour painting, pencil and ink drawing, composition, sculpture, bobbin lace-making, and art history.
EMPLOYMENT
Commercial Photographer
Irina Zoteeva Photography | Solihull, UK | September 2023 — Present
Specialising in newborn photography, family portraits, brand storytelling, boudoir, wedding photography, and creative shoots.
Artist
Freelancer | Solihull, UK | August 2016 — Present. Oil painting, lettering design, and illustration creation.
Graphic Designer
Delcam Ltd | Birmingham, UK | June 2010 — August 2016
Designed user interfaces and icons, and created graphic assets for software applications in dentistry, orthopaedics, and additive manufacturing, using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Inkscape.
Graphic Designer
Design Studio “Tsekhkom” | Irkutsk, Russia | June 2006 — October 2006 and June 2005 — September 2005. Created billboard designs and print materials. Developed logos using Photoshop and CorelDraw. Designed models in ArtCAM for advertising purposes and handled their post-processing.
ArtCAM teacher and Deputy Director
Irkutsk State Technical University | Irkutsk, Russia | December 2003 — September 2007. Managed the ArtCAM School. Designed projects and taught children aged 8–15 how to use ArtCAM for design and milling.
Teacher of Art
Secondary school | Irkutsk, Russia| September 2001 — November 2001 Teaching pupils to draw and paint using watercolour and gouache.
EXHIBITIONS
MILAN
2024 Participant of the International exhibition ICONIC + DEHAZED photo show at Galleria Fondazione Luciana Matalon in Milan, Italy.
The photo is published by Iconic Print Issue Autumn/ Winter 24-25 N.8, dedicated to the show.
Upcoming LONDON
23-24-25 May 2025 International exhibition at Amar Gallery in Fitzrovia, London, UK
Upcoming PARIS
14-15-16 November 2025 Participant of the International exhibition ICONIC + DEHAZED photo show at Gallerie Goseph in Paris, France.
All the photos from the exhibition will be then published on Iconic Artist Print Issue N.10 Autumn/ Winter2025-26, dedicated to the show.
BIO
Born in Irkutsk, Russia, near the breathtaking Lake Baikal, in 1984, Irina Zoteeva developed a passion for photography at an early age. Growing up surrounded by the vast Siberian landscapes, she spent countless hours hiking the mountains and capturing the natural beauty through their lens.
In 2006, Irina Zoteeva won an engineering competition, an achievement that led to a life-changing move to the UK in 2010 to pursue professional opportunities. Despite the geographical shift, her love for photography remained steadfast. The diverse landscapes of England, Wales, and Scotland provided fresh inspiration, fueling her artistic journey and expanding her creative vision.
The birth of Irina’s twin boys in 2020 sparked a profound renewal of their passion for photography. This transformative moment deepened their focus on capturing the connection between people and nature. Her work became a celebration of raw emotions, intimate human moments, and the unity between individuals and their surroundings.
Now based in Solihull, England, Irina works as a commercial photographer and Iyengar yoga teacher. Her photography is more than a profession—it is a source of joy and fulfillment. Through her lens, she explores the beauty of the human body, the energy of life, and the essence of the Universe, weaving stories of love, nature, and emotion that resonate deeply with viewers.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The birth of my twin boys marked the beginning of a new chapter in my photographic journey, inspiring me to deeply reflect on the beauty of life and the harmony that connects humanity with nature.
I am drawn to genuine emotions, the grace of the human form, poignant portraits, the grandeur of nature, and the boundless energy of love and the universe. My family is my foundation, my inspiration, and the embodiment of the greatest unity.
Through my art, I strive to unveil the invisible threads that bind us—to one another, to the world, and to the profound beauty of belonging to a greater whole, while finding harmony within ourselves.
ART PROJECTS
MEMORIES OF ELLEN LEE
“Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” — Oscar Wilde
“INTERCONNECTION”
Everything in this world is interconnected—every action we take, every encounter we have, and every person destiny brings into our lives. We are all fragments of a greater whole, bound together by invisible threads that weave our fates and thoughts into the living fabric of the universe.
This photo was selected as an Editor’s Pick by Lensculture.
“My memories mean a lot to me, and I hold them close to my heart.” — Radhika Apte
Memories help a person realize that their life is filled with meaningful moments and connections. They create a sense of life’s completeness and strengthen our bond with the world and the people around us.
Memories are a priceless treasure that enriches us and gives life a special meaning. They help us understand who we are, reflect on the path we’ve traveled, recognize our achievements and mistakes, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values.
By analyzing past experiences, we can avoid repeating mistakes and make more conscious decisions in the future. Memories become an important tool for personal growth and development.
Memories preserve the history of family, culture, and society. They help maintain the connection between generations, allowing future generations to learn from the experiences of their ancestors and appreciate their history.
The beauty of memories lies in their ability to bring lost moments back to life, allowing us to relive cherished times, hear the laughter of loved ones, and feel the touches and scents that were once a part of our lives. They remind us that life was full and beautiful, and even when everything changes, we always have these fragile yet precious fragments of happiness.
ENJOY THE MOMENT WITH LOVE
This project features photographs captured in the moment, where the process itself becomes a source of inspiration. It tells the story of the importance of following one’s passions, finding harmony and balance, and seizing every beautiful moment in life. Each image serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to appreciate the simple joys that surround us, filling ourselves with a sense of happiness while being present in the here and now.
I just turned 5, and I received a camera as a gift. It wasn’t just a gift — it was a sign that my journey had already begun. As children, we instinctively gravitate toward what we love, and as we grow, all of this leads us to what we truly value and what brings us joy. It was all meant to be: what we loved as children became a part of our lives. And now, as an adult, I enjoy every moment, as if this camera is my opportunity to capture the happiness I find in each day.
Let it be. Beginning, 1984
Fill everything you do with love. Let every step you take, every gesture you make, be infused with warmth and sincerity. Love has the power to transform simple actions into magic, making them bright and meaningful. When you put your heart into everything you do, the world around you changes, reflecting your love and returning it back to you.
Windows to new worlds
The windows to a new life are open before you, and every moment is an opportunity to choose and create your own path. Everything that is destined for you already lives in your heart, and you can confidently follow it. You are the creator of your reality, and within your mind lies an infinite power to shape the worlds you wish to see. Everything you dream of is possible if you believe in your ability to bring it to life. You can do more than just dream—you can live what you are capable of, and sometimes even more than you can imagine.
Love flows through generations like a timeless river, carrying with it the wisdom, warmth, and kindness of those who came before. Each act of love given is not lost but multiplied, spreading from one heart to another, growing stronger with every touch. It transcends time, weaving families and communities together, shaping the world with its quiet power. As love is shared, it creates ripples of connection and hope, ensuring that its light continues to shine, brighter and more abundant, for generations to come.
Harmony between humanity and nature
