Photography is more than just pictures—it’s the art of preserving emotions, connections, and fleeting moments that may never repeat again. For photographer Natalya Karpenko, the journey began with a gift—a simple starter camera that sparked a passion strong enough to grow into a thriving business. Today, she is known for her documentary-style approach to weddings and events, capturing the genuine essence of every celebration.
In this exclusive interview, Publisher Sergey Ivannikov speaks with Natalya about her creative process, favorite locations, and her work in building community through the Wedding Professionals Network.
Natalya, how did you first get into photography?
I’ve always loved traveling. Whenever I went somewhere new, I had this natural desire to capture the world around me—not just the scenery but the feeling of being in that moment. At first, I took pictures just to remember the places I had visited. Then, one Christmas, my partner surprised me with my very first camera. It wasn’t professional by any means—just a starter DSLR—but it was the spark that set everything in motion. I started experimenting, shooting for fun, and doing a few sessions for friends. Over time, I realized that people really valued my work. It wasn’t just me enjoying the photos; they saw something meaningful in them too. That realization was powerful. A couple of years later, for my birthday, I decided to fully invest in myself and bought the Nikon Z6 II, one of the best cameras on the market at the time. With that, I had all the tools to start taking this seriously—and I haven’t looked back since .
Why Nikon, not Canon or Sony?
I’ve experimented with all the major brands—Canon, Sony, Nikon—but every time I picked up a Nikon, it just felt right. Photography is very personal, and the way your camera feels in your hands matters more than people realize. Nikon gives me a sense of confidence because I know how to navigate the settings and gear without hesitation. Canon, for example, feels completely different—the buttons, the interface, even the way the colors come out of the camera. It’s not that one is better than the other; it’s just about comfort and instinct. When I shoot with Nikon, I don’t have to think twice—I can focus entirely on my subject, the emotion, and the story I want to capture. That level of comfort translates directly into better images and a smoother experience for my clients .
What type of photography do you enjoy most?
My heart is in documentary-style photography. Of course, during weddings or family events, I’ll capture the traditional posed photos—the bride and groom smiling for the mantle, the family portraits for grandparents. Those are important, but once they’re done, I step back and let people enjoy themselves. That’s when the magic happens. I want to capture the unscripted laughter between friends, the emotional hug with a parent, or the tearful moment when grandma sits quietly watching her grandchild say vows. To me, those raw emotions tell the real story of the day. I don’t want people to look back at their photos and think, “That’s the pose the photographer told us to do.” I want them to relive the energy, the feelings, and the joy of that exact moment .
Many people don’t realize how much work goes into photography beyond the wedding day. Can you share more about that?
You are absolutely right Sergey, most people only see me working for six to twelve hours on the wedding day itself. What they don’t see is the forty to eighty hours of work that comes afterward. Every image needs to be carefully reviewed, selected, and edited. It’s not just about making people look good; it’s about preserving the atmosphere of the day in a way that feels timeless. Editing takes precision—I adjust lighting, colors, and tones so the photos reflect the emotions of that moment. The goal is not to create something artificial but to enhance what was already there. This behind-the-scenes work is where the true artistry lies. The final product is what allows clients to relive their wedding or event years later, and that’s what makes the long hours worth it .
Natalya, do you see vow renewals becoming more popular?
Definitely. I think people are realizing that love deserves to be celebrated more than once. A vow renewal gives couples the chance to reconnect with the feelings they had when they first walked down the aisle. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the journey they’ve taken together—whether it’s ten, twenty, or even fifty years of marriage. For many couples, it’s about refreshing their bond and creating new memories with family and friends who may not have been there the first time. And as a photographer, I absolutely love these events. They’re filled with deep emotion, often even more powerful than a first wedding, because the couple has already lived through life together. Capturing those renewed vows is a privilege .
What are some of your favorite locations for photo sessions in California?
California is a dream for photographers. I’m naturally drawn to the ocean, so Bodega Bay, Carmel, and Monterey are always high on my list. There’s something unique about the light in those places—it’s soft, golden, and almost magical, making every photo look extraordinary. Carmel especially has this charm that transforms a simple beach photo into something cinematic. I also love Lake Tahoe, but it’s tricky because you need permits, which can take months to secure. Yosemite is another place I adore—it’s iconic, breathtaking, and honestly, a photographer’s paradise. Each location tells a different story, and part of my job is to match the location to the couple’s personality and vision .
Would you consider destination photography abroad?
Yes—that’s actually my ultimate dream. I’ve always wanted to combine my love of travel with photography, and destination weddings are the perfect way to do that. I’ve already had the chance to shoot in Lake Como, Italy, and it was magical. The light there reminded me of Carmel—it’s hard to describe, but it makes every photo look extraordinary. With enough notice, I’m willing to travel anywhere in the world. Paris, Santorini, Bali—each place offers a unique backdrop that adds to the couple’s love story. My goal is to not just take photos in these places but to create experiences that couples will remember for a lifetime .
What advice do you give to new photographers?
Start small, but don’t be afraid to dream big. My biggest advice is to second-shoot for photographers you admire. It’s the best way to learn without the pressure of leading a session. Offer your time, even for free, because the experience you gain is priceless. You’ll learn how to manage timelines, handle unexpected challenges, and connect with clients in real situations. Also, don’t be afraid of rejection. I’ve invited myself to events before, just to network and practice, and sometimes people said no. But every “no” just brought me closer to the next “yes.” Success in photography is not only about skill with a camera but also about building relationships and being visible in the community .
What’s the busiest season for you?
October is hands down the busiest. The weather is perfect—not too hot, not too cold—and couples love the fall colors. After November, things slow down a little, but then Christmas picks up with family portraits and holiday sessions. It’s interesting—before Thanksgiving, families are usually in a great mood, excited to be together. After Thanksgiving, sometimes tensions rise, so it’s not always the best time for photos! That’s why I recommend families schedule sessions early. For me, these cycles create a natural rhythm to the year—intense during wedding season, then a bit more relaxed during winter .
You’re also involved in the Wedding Professionals Network. Tell us about that.
Yes, I’m proud to be an ambassador. The network was founded by my friend Alexandria as a passion project to bring the wedding industry together in a collaborative way. Every month we meet at a different venue, and vendors showcase their services—florists, caterers, DJs, photographers, you name it. We also bring in speakers who share insights on practical topics like taxes, SEO, or how to grow consistently on social media. What I love most is that it’s about community over competition. The wedding industry is huge, and there’s space for everyone. Through the network, I’ve connected with other photographers I deeply admire—we learn from each other, refer clients to one another, and build lasting professional friendships. It’s also a safe space for vendors who might otherwise feel isolated in their work. That sense of collaboration is invaluable .
How can people connect with you?
The easiest way is through Instagram. It’s where I post my latest work, and it’s always up to date. My profile has my phone number, email, and website, but honestly, texting me is best because my phone is always nearby—unless I’m holding my camera. Instagram also gives potential clients an immediate look at my style, so they know what to expect before reaching out. I like that it’s visual, transparent, and personal—just like photography itself .
Contact:
Text/Call: (916) 212-8606
Instagram: @capturedmemphotos
Website: www.capturedmemories35.mypixieset.com
Publisher’s Note:
Natalya is the official photographer of community events organized by the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs and produced by Russian American Media (RAM), capturing the spirit of cultural celebrations and milestones with creativity and heart.
