hi, i’m karina-
— a yoga teacher, photographer and HR professional rooted in connection, creativity and passion based in portland, or.
i believe in creating spaces—on the mat, behind the camera, and in the workplace—where people feel empowered to show up fully as themselves.
my journey weaves together many threads:
a love of mindful movement and connection that led me to pursue teaching yoga.
an eye for natural beauty that inspires my photography.
a passion for equity and advocacy that fuels my professional work.
each path is united by a common thread: the belief that growth happens when people feel seen, supported and celebrated.
eeeeeeeeeeeeee
yoga
i have been practicing yoga for over six years with the goal to one day obtain my teacher certification but never finding the the right time in my busy life to commit. after being laid off in february 2025 with no lead to my next career move, i found my time had finally come. the program came to me exactly when i needed it and served as my guiding light in a time of extreme uncertainty.
i completed corepower’s 200 hour teacher training program in may 2025 and teach group classes in studios as well as offer private and semi-private instruction in portland.
with yoga, my goal is to guide students through grounding practices that build strength, presence and self-trust. this practice has been the foundation to my own self-healing journey it is a true gift that i am grateful to be able to share with others.
photography
i’ve always been captivated by the way a single image can tell a story, preserve a fleeting moment, and reflect the quiet beauty that surrounds us. some of my earliest memories are of flipping through old family photo albums and playing with my dad’s camera—marveling at how a lens could freeze time and hold memories in such a tangible way.
for years, i tucked this passion quietly to the side. self-doubt and the pressure to follow more “practical” paths kept me from exploring or even simply engaging in photography fully. as i’ve grown older, i’ve come to realize just how deeply i cherish creative expression—and how much joy it brings me, especially in a world that often asks us to trade curiosity and wonder for routine and productivity.
my photography style is rooted in natural light, candid moments, and authentic connection. whether I’m capturing a warm glance between loved ones, the soft glow of golden hour, or the simple textures of everyday life, my goal is always the same: to help people feel seen, celebrated, and at ease in front of the camera.
my favorite sessions range from portrait, lifestyle photography, and event coverage in portland and the surrounding areas. i also collaborate with small businesses and creatives to tell the stories behind their work through thoughtful imagery.
above all, photography for me is about connection—between people, places, and the present moment. every photograph is my way of saying: i see you, i honor you, and i’m grateful to witness your story.
contact me
want to learn more? collaborate? send me a message-