HI, I AM EKATERINA SVOBODINA (I GO BY KATIE).

Hi, I’m Katie — don’t worry about pronouncing my full name, just Katie is perfect.

I’m a photographer, content creator, problem solver, and proud computer geek. My journey into photography is anything but traditional — a blend of creative, technical, and personal experiences that all led me here. With a degree in computer science, five years in technical support, and a background in the arts, I bring a unique combination of people skills, creativity, and tech-savviness to every shoot. In short, I’m here to listen to your needs and turn your vision into meaningful imagery.

Growing up, we had just one camera in the family. My dad was our unofficial photographer, and I remember watching him develop prints in our bathroom. Those memories are among my most cherished — because when I lost him at just 10 years old, those photos became my only way to hold onto pieces of him. I left my hometown, and even my country, at 14, and spent the next 20 years without seeing two of my brothers. That absence — and the lack of photos during that time — deepened my appreciation for photography even more.

To me, photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about capturing fleeting, irreplaceable moments. Life is unpredictable, and memories fade — especially when touched by grief or trauma. But a photograph? That stays. It becomes a keepsake, a time capsule, a reminder.

My love for photography didn’t stem from my dad being a photographer, but from what photos have meant in my own life. I remember getting my first camera — then my first digital one — and how incredible it felt to freeze time. And now, with everyone having a camera on their phone, it’s easy to forget two very important things:

Print your photos — and be in them.

Too often, we’re behind the camera capturing everyone else, but forget to include ourselves. Unless it’s a big event or a selfie, many people don’t have photos where they are truly present. That’s why I believe personal photography — whether it’s family, couples, or individual portraits — matters more than ever.

Photography is a gift. It brings me so much joy to capture moments for families, couples, and individuals that they’ll look back on years from now with full hearts and fond memories.

Professionally, my work has been published in Poppn Mag and Dreamy Magazine. I’ve served as the house photographer for Shades and Shapes Events, worked with Photo Club PDX, and collaborated with amazing local models, makeup artists, and designers. I’ve even organized photography events and had the honor of photographing the Fall 2024 FashNXT Fashion Show.

In 2024 alone, I photographed over 100 events, including 20 weddings and countless family, engagement, and portrait sessions. By the numbers, that’s more than 60,000 photos captured in just one year — and every single one meant something to me.

I feel incredibly privileged to do this work and grateful beyond words for every person who has supported me along the way — and to every client who has trusted me with their memories.

Thank you.