About me

Hi, I'm Maria.

A portrait photographer in Austin, a retoucher for photographers across the US, and an artist who can't stop making things with her hands.

I've been photographing people since 2014 — in two countries, in studios and fields, in good light and in pouring rain.

What I bring to your session

An artist's eye
I grew up in a family of artists and went to art college. Light, color and composition are how I think.
A retoucher's hand
I edit photos for other photographers every week. Your skin looks clean and fresh, and you still look like you.
Your comfort first
Before we meet, a short questionnaire tells me your favorite side and anything you'd rather hide. No surprises in the gallery.

From the beginning

  1. 1992

    The beginning

    Born into a family of artists. I grew up surrounded by paint, sketches and endless art classes — ceramics, dolls, knitting, sewing.

  2. 2008

    Art college

    At 16 I drew my first real still life — and got in. For the first time I felt: I can do this.

  3. 2014

    "What do you want to do?" — "Photograph."

    A friend asked me one simple question. A few weeks later I was a studio assistant, listening to every class. A month later they handed me a camera.

  4. 2014–17

    Behind the camera

    Studio concepts, themed sessions, couples, families. When I left Russia, clients were still calling to book — I was already on the train.

  5. 2017

    A new country

    I moved to the US with no English. In Key West I met resin — and fell in love with a new material.

  6. 2020

    Resin artist

    I opened my Etsy shop. 900+ sales, a feature by Michaels and 100+ markets later, I learned how much color, texture and light matter.

  7. 2025

    Retoucher for American photographers

    Top Rated on Upwork. Editing other photographers' work taught me exactly what American families and couples love to see.

  8. 2026

    Back where I started

    Austin. Camera in my hands again — with everything I've learned on the way.

A few things about me

  • 100% cat person — my two cats are my kids.
  • My favorite word is transformation. That's why I grow plants and watch them take root.
  • When I'm not photographing, I'm making something — resin, yarn, rugs. I can't sit still.
  • As a kid I read everything about archaeology, space and myths. I still love history and travel.
  • I'll lie in the grass or the dust for the right shot.

Sound like a good fit?

Let's talk