We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Ovchinnikov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has always been a part of my life. I took art classes as a child, graduated from art college, and later earned a degree in journalism and marketing. My passion for photography began back in middle school, but it truly came to life after I moved to Japan and had my children. Capturing their everyday moments reignited my creative drive and gave me a new perspective through the lens. When I moved to the U.S., photography naturally evolved into a business. After second-shooting my first wedding, I was immediately hooked—I realized I had found a way to combine storytelling, emotion, and creativity in a way that deeply resonated with me. That moment confirmed that this was more than a passion—it was my path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an immigrant, nothing about this journey has been easy. Starting over in a new country comes with many challenges—language barriers, cultural differences, and the constant need to prove yourself. Some people saw my accent as a flaw, others found it intriguing—but either way, it was something I had to navigate. I’ve never considered myself a “business person,” but thanks to my husband, who is a CPA, I began learning the business side of things. I took accounting and business classes alongside creative courses like Photoshop, Illustrator, and photography, and that combination gave me the tools I needed to grow both artistically and professionally.

What sets my work apart is the emotional connection I build with my clients. Photography, for me, is not just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about preserving real, meaningful moments. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many families come back to me year after year to document their lives, and that trust means everything to me.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that customer satisfaction is the heart of a successful creative business. When my clients are happy, I’m happy—and that joy fuels my passion. I want the world to know that behind every image is a story, and behind every story is a person who cares deeply about telling it right.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they had the ultimate Southern California experience! First stop: the beach, of course. La Jolla Cove is my absolute favorite—it’s such a gorgeous spot, and even on a cloudy day, it’s breathtaking. I actually love taking families there for photos; the backdrop is always magical.

Next up would be Balboa Park. It’s such a special place—beautiful gardens, museums, and just the perfect place to stroll and soak in some culture. We’d definitely head to the Oceanside Pier one evening—it’s so peaceful and scenic, especially at sunset.

For some iconic San Diego fun, we’d make stops at SeaWorld, the Zoo, Safari Park, and of course Legoland—especially if kids are part of the crew. And being a Carlsbad resident for over 15 years, I’d have to include a visit to the Flower Fields. I see them almost daily, but they still bring me joy every single time.

When it comes to food, Old Town is a must—authentic Mexican food, great atmosphere, and the kind of place where you can’t help but have fun. My current favorite café is Communal Coffee—their matcha lattes are next level! And since I lived in Japan for 12 years, seafood is a priority. Blue Ocean Sushi Bar in Carlsbad Village is absolutely incredible and always my top recommendation.

Honestly, there are so many great places around here. The mix of nature, good food, and laid-back coastal vibes makes it easy to create unforgettable memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to cross paths with so many inspiring people throughout my journey. First, I want to thank my photography teachers at MiraCosta College—especially Amanda Quintenz-Fiedler. She is an amazing educator and an inspiring person who helped shape my creative vision. I also owe a lot to Stephanie Sundell, the former owner of Creative Photography studio in Carlsbad. Working for her for many years gave me a firsthand look at the business side of photography, and her mentorship was invaluable. I’m also deeply grateful to the talented photographers I had the chance to second shoot for—Tim Otto, Pete Nagy, and Greg Nelson. Each one of them taught me something unique, and their guidance helped me grow tremendously as a photographer. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and generosity.

Website: https://carlsbadphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsbadphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlsbadphoto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlsbadphoto-sandiegowedd2139

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.