Hi, I’m Maria!

A photographer based in Jersey City, originally from Moscow, with over two decades of experience in the photo and film industries.

My journey began in 1999 at ELLE magazine, where I grew from an assistant photo editor to a creative producer, traveling and collaborating with inspiring personalities. While working at ELLE, I also pursued my master’s degree in history and literature at a university in Moscow, balancing my studies with my passion for visual storytelling.

In 2011, after graduating from the New York Film Academy, I transitioned from fashion to filmmaking, focusing on stories that matter—particularly human rights and social issues in Russia. For a decade, I directed and wrote films driven by my commitment to social justice and the power of narrative. In 2020, due to my family’s anti-government stance, we sought refuge in the U.S.

Today, I’m dedicated to capturing the human experience through photography. I find meaning in documenting the ties that unite us.

My approach centers on personal stories—each unique, each worthy of being told. I create a space where people feel at ease, allowing their authentic selves to shine, whether it’s a moment of quiet intimacy or the connection within a larger community.

I believe every life has a story, and I’m here to tell it through my lens.