As the founder and creative force behind Ira Lippke Studios, Ira has spent the past 20-plus years documenting weddings for prominent families in the world’s most exquisite destinations.
With a highly developed eye for beauty and a Zen disposition that imparts a sense of calm to everyone around him, Ira is that rare breed of master photographer who holds space for moments of connection in which his subjects feel like they can truly be themselves in front of the camera.
Deeply informed by a degree in philosophy and theology, Ira seeks to tell enduringly human stories that transcend time and trend.
When he’s not shooting events around the world, Ira is busy documenting humanitarian efforts in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East for a host of nonprofit organizations.
An art collector, yoga enthusiast, longboard surfer and avid sailor, Ira splits his time between New York and Lisbon, where he lives with his wife, the cultural critic Andrea Codrington Lippke, and their two children Rye and Soren.
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Ira grew up with his four brothers and sisters in a converted school bus in the forests, orchards and mountains of Colorado and Washington State. Equipped with a thrift-store camera and a borrowed set of the LIFE Library of Photography, he began developing his eye at age 14 with images influenced by the natural beauty of his childhood surroundings.
Although now living in New York and Lisbon far from his hippie roots, Ira continues to excavate his unusual upbringing through an ongoing fine art series that recreates key memories from his childhood in mixed-genre “Autobiographs,” which combine elaborately staged tableaux vivants, landscape photography, portraiture and social documentary in the spirit of such artists as Jeff Wall and Philip-Lorca diCorcia. Taking a cue from his love of nature and minimalism, Ira is currently working on a series called “Topographies” that explores the elemental forms found in light and landscape.
Fine Art by Ira Lippke
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Having grown up in a poor family in the Pacific Northwest, Ira has a heart for humanitarian efforts that address the problems of endemic poverty and disease through education and economic empowerment. Traveling extensively for global relief organizations like Agros International and Pilgrim Africa, he has documented everything from the devastation of the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia to the aftermath of genocide in Guatemala and the impact of Malaria in Uganda. He is currently in the process of developing a collaboration with the nonprofit 100 Cameras, which partners with at-risk kids around the world to process and transform their challenging experiences through the lens of photography. A portion of the profits from Ira Lippke Studios goes to these organizations every month.
Humanitarian Photography by Ira Lippke
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If you are an artist who desires to expand your abilities in all genres of photography applicable to shooting high-end weddings, consider applying now for a limited space in Ira’s mentorship program. Based on the findings of Ira’s 20-plus years in the business, this mentorship program gives motivated photographers a critical advantage over others that focus primarily on tricks and presets. Deepen your passion for the art of storytelling and expand your understanding of the heart and soul that lies behind all enduring photography.
Mentorship by Ira Lippke
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Ira was not just a photographer for our wedding, he became a friend. We really felt that his heartfelt investment in our day was palpable from the beginning. It was important for us to work with a photographer we liked personally, since we knew they would be there for some of the most intimate moments that day. Ira made the entire experience not only comfortable, but truly enjoyable. Ira was able to capture the most nuanced moments of our day.
Ira's talent is undeniable, but it's the heart that he puts into his work that separates him from the rest.
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ALI & MARC
You and your team did a magnificent job of capturing many of the most memorable moments. It's so moving to see it all again. The delicacy and sensitivity of so many of your shots and the manner in which you framed the photos has all of the artistry of a painting. We are incredibly indebted to you for being here to share this important occasion with us. …Your work is sheer perfection!
The delicacy and sensitivity of so many of your shots and the manner in which you framed the photos has all of the artistry of a painting.
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JOAN & PORTER
We truly have no words to express our appreciation to you for capturing our wedding day. The day felt so surreal and these images prove that it really did happen and was as beautiful as we remember!
We couldn’t imagine the day without you there. We really felt your happiness for us, that you were present and in the action on our wedding day, and that you poured your hearts into these photos. Thank you again with all our hearts.
The day felt so surreal and these images prove that it really did happen and was as beautiful as we remember!
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Sarah & David
Ira, you CRUSHED it. The best wedding photos of all time. See you on the waves!
The best wedding photos of all time.
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Scott & Jesse
LOVE NOTES
Capture the full story of your day with a master photographer.
