Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Koba.
Hi Karina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Karina Koba, and I’m a professional newborn photographer originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, now based in Southern California. I’m also a mother and a wife.
I can’t say that being a photographer was my childhood dream or that I have always been an artistic person — not at all. The world of photography entered my life only after I became a mother.
When my son was born, I suddenly felt a deep desire to capture the beauty of newborn life. I had never owned a camera before, nor even thought about taking photos, but I told my husband about my new dream — and he became my biggest supporter. He bought me my first camera and lenses, and paid for my very first photography lessons. That’s how my artistic journey began — with the love and faith of my family.
After completing my first courses, I experimented with different photography genres — business portraits, boudoir, family, wedding — but none of them felt truly mine. Then, at the end of 2019, I attended my first newborn photography workshop, and everything clicked. It was magical. I instantly knew I had found my true passion.
Since 2020, I have devoted myself fully to newborn photography — studying, practicing, and creating hundreds of sessions while developing my own signature style.
In 2022, I participated in two major Russian contests for the first time:
Best Newborn Photographers (@best_newborn_ru) – the largest Russian competition dedicated solely to newborn photography.
Russian Photo Awards (@russianphotoawards) – the most prestigious photography awards in Russia.
I was proud to take 3rd place at Best Newborn Photographers and to win the Audience Choice Award at Russian Photo Awards.
In 2023, I received an Honorable Mention at the International Photography Awards (IPA) in the Newborn/Baby category, and my winning image was featured in the IPA Annual Book of Photography. That same year, I also earned 3rd place again at Best Newborn Photographers in the category Family Portrait with a Newborn.
I’ve been featured in L’Officiel Baltic, The Entertainment Post, Entertainment Monthly News, and I have served as a jury member for Travel to Art – international artistic project.
My works have been published and featured on the covers of international magazines such as Swanky Kids Magazine, Marika Magazine, Top Posters, Vida, Kozi Magazine, Mishka, Raamat, Fashiox, Artego, Moevir, Hunter, Dolce, Figgi.
I truly believe that talent alone isn’t enough for success. What really matters is strong will, continuous learning, dedication, and self-belief. That’s what drives me every day — to create art that captures life’s most tender moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all — the road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Like many creatives, I started from zero: no camera, no experience, no idea how to run a photography business. I had to learn everything from scratch — from mastering camera settings and lighting to understanding newborn safety, posing, editing, and eventually, marketing and client communication.
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt. In the beginning, I often compared myself to other photographers and felt that I wasn’t good enough. But over time, I learned that progress is built on patience, constant learning, and consistency.
Another struggle was balancing work and family life. As a mother and a wife, it wasn’t easy to dedicate time to both my family and my growing photography business. But my family’s support gave me strength — they believed in me even when I doubted myself.
Every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. Looking back, I’m grateful for each obstacle because it taught me resilience and helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. My mission is to capture the very first, most delicate moments of life — the beauty of new beginnings, the love between parents and their baby, and the emotions that make every family story unique.
What truly sets my work apart is the luxury experience I provide. I offer in-home sessions, bringing everything necessary for a full professional photoshoot — lighting, props, unique handmade outfits, and accessories. My clients can simply relax and enjoy this special time while I create timeless, elegant portraits right in the comfort of their own home.
I often receive feedback that my photos stand apart from the general market — that there’s something distinctive, refined, and emotional about them. My clients also emphasize that the level of service I provide feels exceptional and luxurious, exceeding their expectations in every detail.
My style is defined by soft tones, natural light, and emotional authenticity. I strive to make every image calm, poetic, and deeply meaningful.
I’m honored that my work has been recognized internationally — from an Honorable Mention at the International Photography Awards (IPA) to multiple Top 3 placements at the Best Newborn Photographers of Russia competition. My photographs have been featured in L’Officiel Baltic, Swanky Kids, Marika, Top Posters, Vida, and other international magazines.
Still, the greatest reward for me is the emotion of my clients. When parents tell me they cried happy tears seeing their photos, I know I’ve succeeded — I’ve captured not just a moment, but a feeling they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
But beyond awards, what makes me proudest is when parents tell me they cried tears of joy seeing their gallery for the first time. That’s when I know I’ve done my job — I’ve captured not just a moment, but a feeling that will stay with them forever.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a good mentor is one of the most valuable things you can do at the beginning of your creative journey. My advice is to look for someone whose work truly inspires you — not just because of their style, but because of their mindset and professionalism. A mentor should be someone who not only teaches you techniques but also helps you believe in yourself and see your potential.
When I was starting, I took several workshops with photographers whose work I admired. It wasn’t just about learning poses or lighting — it was about understanding their approach, how they communicate with clients, and how they build trust. That experience shaped me a lot.
In terms of networking, I believe in authentic connections. Don’t network just to get something — connect with people you genuinely respect. Share your knowledge, support others, and be kind. The photography community is full of talented people, and when you approach it with sincerity, opportunities will naturally come your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karinakobaphotography.com
- Instagram: @karinakoba_photography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYl2Rpf8zP4APUdAbYTRJw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/karina-koba-photography-irvine?utm_source=chatgpt.com
