I’m Kristina – a family photographer based in Hoboken, NJ.
My love for photography began in childhood in a small Siberian town, where my dad often captured our family on film. I remember sitting with him in the dark, watching those images come to life – grandparents, cousins, and everyday scenes that now feel priceless. That early experience shaped how I see the world: through connection, memory, and emotion.
When I was 17, I started working full-time and bought my first camera, which quickly became my constant companion. In the years that followed, I traveled through Asia and Europe for the first time. Those trips were eye-opening, showing me how different life could be. I began exploring street photography, which deepened my passion for visual storytelling. Around that time, international movies flooded theaters in my hometown. This exposed me to an entirely new perspective and made me certain I wanted to study visual media.
Not long after, I met the love of my life and together we moved to Philadelphia. After two years, we qualified for in-state tuition, and I was thrilled to be accepted into Temple University’s Film and Media Arts program. The experience in school was life-changing. By graduation, I honed my filmmaking skills and was offered a job at a local video production company. The following year we decided to move to Hoboken.
Breaking into the New York City scene was tough with little experience or connections. I worked as a wedding videographer assistant and collaborated with nonprofits while building my network. My promo video for the Institute of Immigrant Concerns was my first independent project. I also volunteered as a photographer for the American Autism Association. Then I won a West Award in photography, which took me to Los Angeles to create a photo story with middle schoolers through SHIELDS for Families, another nonprofit. Photographing kids in both settings was incredibly fulfilling — it was the moment I realized how much I was drawn to capturing children and families.
I was in my 30s by then and we decided to have a baby, unaware we’d be first-time parents during a pandemic. Postpartum isolation was challenging, and I couldn’t work for a while. Eventually, I picked up my camera again, and my daughter became the main subject. I made several videos with her at home in Hoboken, and later, as we began traveling, making short films about us became even more fun so I’m doing it consistently now.
As my daughter turns 5, I find myself increasingly drawn to documenting our life through photography and film. It feels like my true calling. Traveling the world and experiencing diverse cultures has deepened my understanding of what matters most to me – family and connection. Moments with our loved ones are irreplaceable, and I’m dedicated to preserving them not only in memories but also in images. I would love to help you do the same.
My style is rooted in authenticity, capturing your family in a way that feels genuine and timeless. As a mother, I know how precious these fleeting moments are, and I would be honored to preserve your memories so they can be cherished for years to come.