– Could you please tell us the story of how you got to America? Where did you study and work before you started to live in Texas?
I lived in the center of St. Petersburg. In 2011, I moved to the USA to live where my husband lives. We lived in Hawaii for almost 5 years and then moved to Austin, Texas.
I studied in college as an accountant with a focus on English, and then graduated from the university with a financial degree. I went to study in the financial sector, because, like many teenagers, I didn’t know what I really wanted, this is why college wasn’t my choice. Languages have always been interesting to me, so I graduated from college because all subjects were in English. I never had to use English in my profession, but in my personal life, it was very useful.
So I worked in Russia as an accountant in a large construction company, but I never liked my profession.
– Was Austin chosen, or is it a coincidence?
I really disliked living on an island in Hawaii. I felt isolated, and in Austin I really liked more variety in an active life and very much liked the change of seasons. We tried to purchase a house twice and fell through, so my husband decided we should move. The choice was: either California, where all his relatives and he came from or Austin. I read a lot of good reviews about Austin. We decided to live where my husband could find a job quicker, and he is from the IT field. So we settled in Austin. We really like living here.
– What do you like about Austin the most?
I like almost everything. I love the climate, although for many people it’s too hot. There are always air conditioners, swimming pools, and natural springs. We are very lucky because we have wonderful neighbors, the people are very friendly. I really like the combination of nature and city, plenty of parks around, bike trails, and there are always interesting places to visit.
– Please tell us about your profession.
I am a family photographer and videographer. I started formal business at the end of 2020. Before that, I studied a lot and still study.
People probably can think that there are a lot of photographers, the same as doctors, and IT specialists, but we are all different. When there are many professionals, people have the opportunity to choose what they really like.
What makes me different from other photographers is that I like to shoot not only in parks or in other places, but I also like to shoot at home where people feel comfortable. My photos are stories about family. The same goes for videos. I make small family films of a family’s day.
I also have been printing photographs on canvas and photo books in a professional photo lab, which I myself typeset. Usually, people have no time to print, or they print in cheap non-professional labs. I love it when clients come to me for my style.
– Which of your projects stand out the most, and why?
So far, there haven’t had any projects, but I am planning some for 2022.
– Do you participate in professional groups? If so, which ones?
I am a member of the Association of Professional Photographers of America, in several chambers of commerce. Some of my photos were published in photo magazines, and I participated in photo contests.
– What do you miss about your homeland?
I don’t have time to miss my homeland, because I try to visit my parents in St. Petersburg every summer with my children.
– What traditions and habits did you keep from the pre-Texas life?
We still celebrate the New Year like in Russia. Father Frost comes to the children with gifts, and we still speak Russian. Despite the fact that the children were born in the USA and their father is American, they speak, write and read Russian well.
– Please tell us about your family.
My husband and I met in 2009 in St. Petersburg. He was on a business trip there. During these 13 years, we got married and give birth to two children. My children inspired me to change my profession.
– What do you do outside of work? What are your interests and hobbies?
I used to love to play sports and participate in different races. Now I just like to walk a lot, explore new places, and travel.
– What events do you remember the most in the Russian community?
From recent – Christmas tree celebration for the children. I really like to go to the theater, so every time there is a new performance at the Russian theater I am very happy.
– Do you think Austin needs a Russian Cultural Center? If yes, how would you like to participate?
Yes! I am grateful that there are people who can and want to create different events and atmospheres that we sometimes miss. It’s nice that there is a place for meetings with new people, this way, we do not lose our culture and can pass on our culture to our children.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
It seems to me that we have such a friendly community that I would like to wish only to meet more often and help each other in difficult times.
Contact information:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OxanaCarneyPhotographer
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oxanacarneyphotographyandfilms/
Website: https://oxanacarney.com/
Email: info@oxanacarney.com