By: Cora Taylor
Today, there is no point in arguing whether photography is art. Behind every beautiful shot lies a creative process, a unique story that deeply resonates with the audience. The genre of the photograph is irrelevant; a true master is not just a specialist skillfully wielding professional techniques but also an artist, designer, and psychologist. A newborn photographer is, by extension, also a nanny, pediatrician, and, indeed, a magician. It’s no wonder that this branch of photography is considered one of the most challenging. Even successful and experienced photographers who venture into this genre don’t always stay in it. Often, people enter this profession after the birth of their own children. While not the only path, for the successful newborn photographer Karina Koba from St. Petersburg, the birth of her son was the turning point that dramatically changed her destiny.
The new life had such a profound impact on the young mother that she wanted to capture these amazing moments not only in her memory but also in photographs. Karina received her first camera and lenses as a gift from her beloved husband. He also paid for her first photography lessons. With tremendous support and unwavering belief from her family, the aspiring photographer took steps toward her new dream. Working hard and learning from professionals, she experimented with various styles and directions. One of her early mentors, Anna Makarova, a top professional in the field of wedding photography and a guru of wedding impressionism, fine art artist, taught her the intricacies and technical aspects of shooting in the studio and in constantly changing conditions, as well as techniques and some tricks of working in photo editing software, instilling a taste for the fine art style.
Having received an excellent education in wedding photography, the young woman worked as a wedding and family photographer for several years. However, she always mentally returned to her cherished desire to photograph new lives. A turning point for Karina was participating in her first individual masterclass on newborn photography with the renowned photographer Marina Bartsaeva from St. Petersburg. The process of photographing tiny models captivated the young woman so much that she had no doubt about her future as a photographer in this genre. In search of her own unique style, she conducted hundreds of photoshoots and continued to learn from professionals. The “pro NEWBORN” course at the online photography school of Tatiana Gulyaeva helped her refine the technical skills of shooting newborns, learn the psychological nuances of working with clients, and grasp the basics of running a photography business.
Today, Karina Koba is a successful newborn photographer. She creates photos that bring genuine pleasure. Her works exude visual harmony – a perfect blend of shooting technique, composition, and narrative. Her photos can be viewed without taking your eyes off them. Each shot is unique, with its own distinctive touch that makes it truly one-of-a-kind. The props used in the photoshoots look luxurious and fully convey the emotion of the moment. However, the focus always remains on the little one.
Karina has mastered the art of capturing the elusive, seeing the extraordinary in ordinary things, and most importantly, conveying what she sees in a way that evokes admiration and delight. Ph has found her style, using a specific color palette and natural shades – beiges and creams with hints of pink and green. Color and proper lighting help emphasize the mood of the shot, filling the photos with the magic of tenderness and enchantment.
Karina creates her photo masterpieces with a Canon 5D Mark III digital SLR camera, using Canon f1.4, 50mm, and Canon f2.8, 24-70mm lenses. Quality equipment is essential for obtaining high-quality shots. However, as noted by Henri Cartier-Bresson, the great French master of photography, “It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.”
Last year, Karina Koba participated for the first time in two major Russian photo contests. She ranked third in the Best Newborn Photographers, and in the Russian Photo Awards, she won the audience vote in the “Newborn” category. This year, her contest photo in Best Newborn Photographers took third place in the “Family Portrait with a Newborn” category. Another piece received an “Honorable Mention” in the “People Newborn/Baby” category at the International Photography Awards (IPA). Karina takes pride in having her award-winning photograph featured in the “Honorable Mention” gallery, and her name will be included in the IPA Annual Book of Photography. Ph’s original works can be seen on the covers and pages of international magazines such as Swanky Kids Magazine, Marika, Tor Posters, Vida, and Kozi Magazine. One of her early photographs adorns the foyer of the D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology in St. Petersburg.
It is noteworthy that the girl has never received formal education in photography, but this did not prevent her from becoming a professional photographer and building a successful business in her niche. Today, she is ready to share her knowledge and experience with others. To achieve this, she is diligently working on creating an original online course on newborn photography. This course aims to enable people, even from small provinces and without any hint of creative abilities, to develop their skills, learn the art of photography, and, as a result, achieve financial independence. This will empower them to manage their time independently and plan their incomes. Additionally, in the foreseeable future, she plans to offer individual mentoring, organize workshops, write a series of guides and a book, and establish an online school.
Everyone has their own goals, priorities, and summits to conquer. Some are overcome by fear and stop halfway, while others forge ahead without looking back, which is not always ideal. Karina Koba, like a true professional, has chosen a different strategy for herself. Relying on her knowledge, skills, and experience, she calmly, confidently, and systematically ascends every summit, reaching her desired goals.
