Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Podkin.
Hi Carolina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started photography back when I was in high school (sophomore year), picked it up as a hobby taking pictures of my sister and now brother-in-law since they were dating. I was their “photographer” everywhere we went. Got more serious with it my Senior year (2010-2011) and so my father gifted me my first professional camera (2011), a Canon Eos Rebel xsi. He was definitely my number one supporter with anything I set my mind with, and photography turned into one of them. I practiced taking family portraits during family events or just in the moment photos, then that led into me doing Weddings & Quinceaneras for friends. Along with taking pictures during road trips with friends. Stopped for a brief moment. I got married in 2015, then began a family in 2017 & 2018. So, I began doing newborn portraits of my own kids & simply practiced with them. Until 2019, I completely stopped. Was on a complete hiatus from photography up until last year in May of 2025. My sister-in-law had asked me to take her courthouse wedding photos. By September 2025, I relaunched my photography & started Flickering Emotions Photography. With all the patience & evolution of technology I was in my practice mode with editing & taking pictures again. Learning my camera again to its maxed until I upgraded this past May 2026. Upgrading to a Canon Eos Mirrorless R50. Game changer. I’m open to creative shoots. I consider myself a freelance photographer. I’ve done events for graduation, content events that are styled, even runway shoots. I specialize in Portraits, yes. But have a range of experience in different concepts or styles of photography. And believe it or not, landscape photography is my favorite. Nature is beautiful here. I may be biased. But it’s true. Jokes aside though, everything has clearly led up to me specializing in Portrait photography. Whether it’s in studio or outdoors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. It hasn’t been a smooth road… Because financially its expensive. And a lot of what I’ve struggled with is getting the right equipment. Basically, knowing that I lack some things to improve my lighting or my background, even going from an old camera to an updated one was a total game changer. Also, most of what I know is self-taught. It’s also hard to get pointers from some photographers who have been doing it for so long on the editing aspect. Thankfully I’ve met amazing photographers, videographers & other creatives who have helped me and guided me with my photography and improving it. I take feedback well. Which I know that used to be my biggest flaw when I first started. I used to shoot pictures in Jpeg versus RAW as well. That changed when I got back into it. It’s the little things from photography that can hold a person back… or simply help them grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in portraits. Could be styled in a boudoir setting, cosplay, fashionable, outdoors. Whatever my client wants.
I am mostly proud of the styled shoots. Where they’ve been planned in advance. And we’ve come up with the best way we want the outcome to come out as. I’m not sure if I’m clarifying this 100% but planned styled sessions are the best and my best work has come from them.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m socially awkward. But when I’m in my zone to create art, I will put a lot of investment into it. If i see a vision, I will try to get it. Plus, I’m very easy to talk to, my clients have said they feel safe with me and respected. I think that’s important. I also over communicate. Communication is key. Even day of, within the hour, a week prior. etc.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Ooo going down memory lane. My favorite childhood memory would be going camping to Lake Elsinore, exploring and enjoying Irvine Park or going to the beach at least once every month on the weekend in California. I built a lot of core memories with family and a lot of my cousins there. That I wish I can bring it all back to me. And with that it included all the family members that have passed away as well. My dad included. I was always outdoors growing up. And I’ve always enjoyed nature for that reason. Which is what led to my love for photography.
Pricing:
- $100 for individual sessions, $25 non-refundable deposit required.
- $150 for family sessions, $50 non-refundable deposit required
- $150/hour for events, $75 non-refundable deposit required
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flickeringemotionsphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flickeringemotionsphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flickeringemotionsphotography
