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Karina Koba: She loves all her photos but believes that the best shots are still ahead
Karina Koba: She loves all her photos but believes that the best shots are still ahead
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By: Ksenia Vorontsova

In our time, everyone with a smartphone takes pictures of absolutely everything. Some prefer to capture beautiful nature, landmarks, interesting moments from the lives of loved ones and friends. Others, more focused on themselves, take selfies. However, these photos often turn out to be not very successful or even unsuccessful. Many amateur photographers blame the phone camera, believing that a good shot depends on it. Photo quality – yes. But not the overall picture. A true photographer is not defined by a fancy phone or even the coolest camera. It is, above all, the ability to take the right shot, choose the right composition, capture the moment that makes the photo successful. Only a person with innate talent can take captivating shots, picking up a camera for the first time. Others need to learn this art extensively and work even harder to achieve exceptional results.

Not everyone dreams of being a photographer from childhood. Many enter the profession with a vast knowledge and experience in other fields, often far from the creative realm. In any case, if a person has such a desire and doesn’t know where to start, they should at least begin with buying a professional camera and taking photography lessons. This is exactly what the now successful newborn photographer from St. Petersburg, Karina Koba, did.

Karina Koba: She loves all her photos but believes that the best shots are still ahead

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Karina, tell us how you got into photography?

The amazing world of photography entered my life at the very moment when I first held my newborn son. I realized that such moments need to be preserved not only in memory. That’s when the dream of becoming a newborn photographer was born. Abandoning my two diplomas in higher education, unrelated to the arts, I diligently began to master the basics of photography. I learned from the best top masters, tried different styles and directions. I worked as a wedding and family photographer for several years, but the work in these genres did not inspire me. My thoughts constantly returned to the root cause that influenced the change of profession.

What prompted you to finally pursue the direction you had dreamed of?

An individual masterclass in newborn photography with one of the most famous experts in this genre in St. Petersburg. She helped me put a bold period on my doubts. The process captivated me so much that I could no longer think about anything else.

The competition in this niche is currently quite high and growing every day. Those who manage to find their unique style are the ones who stay afloat. How have you managed to sustain yourself in the profession, and what sets you apart from other newborn photographers?

Having an original style is a crucial component of the profession in the face of high competition. It took a lot of learning and experimentation for me to find my unique style that stands out from others. I conducted hundreds of photo sessions, playing with lighting, color palettes, and props until I found that distinctive touch that sets my work apart and makes it recognizable. I settled on natural tones—beige and creamy with hints of pink and green. This combination gives the photos a magical and incredibly tender quality.

I pay special attention to the decor. I create some of the props by hand—crocheting toys, rattles, and booties. The knitted items in the photos evoke genuine admiration. When arranging the compositional space, I strive to create visual harmony in the photos. That’s why the photos look refined and luxurious, but the focus is always on the little one—the main star of the show.

To achieve success and become recognizable, self-promotion is crucial. What do you do in that regard?

To achieve success and become recognizable not only in your city but also far beyond its borders, you need to first and foremost continue learning and developing your professional skills and abilities. One of the promotion tools for any photographer is participating in various photo contests and showcasing your work in magazines and online platforms. Since 2022, I have participated in four Russian and international photo contests and awards, where my photos have been awarded prizes and have not gone unnoticed by the audience. My original works adorn the covers and pages of premium international children’s magazines, and one of my early photographs is displayed in the vestibule of the D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology in St. Petersburg.

What award has been the most significant for you?

The most significant award for me is the “Honorable Mention” in the “People Newborn/Baby” category at the International Photography Awards (IPA). I am proud that the winning photograph made it to the “Honorable Mention” gallery, and my name will be included in the IPA Annual Book of Photography. However, the most valuable reward for me is the happy faces and gratitude of my clients.

What is your favorite photograph?

I love all of my works, but I believe that my best shots are still ahead.

Is it challenging to build a business in photography?

It’s a rhetorical question. I would say that not everyone succeeds in it. Apart from talent and a love for the profession, one needs to effectively promote their services. We’ve touched on this topic before. Speaking for myself, the knowledge I gained during my studies at the Institute of Economics, Management, and Law’s economics department has been valuable. I also acquired a lot of useful information while taking courses at the “pro NEWBORN” online school under a well-known master. There, I learned business management skills and marketing tools specifically tailored to the field of photography.

Today, you have achieved significant success in your professional career. What’s next?

There is always something to strive for and work on to improve. Today, I feel constrained within the professional boundaries I currently occupy. I am seriously considering expanding my business and am currently working on creating an original online course to teach newborn photography. The course is designed for startups and those who want to explore new directions and techniques in photography. Next year, I plan to focus on individual mentoring, organizing workshops, writing guides, and eventually opening my own online school for newborn photography training in a few years.

From the editor:

As Karina Koba concluded, she diligently works towards each set goal. She is inspired by what she does and, with immense support from her family, continues to create a world around her that she once didn’t even dream of.

(Ambassador)

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