I’d planned to do something like this for years, always telling myself I’d wait until I looked better, slimmer, or “more ready.” Eventually I realised: I’m only getting older, and this moment wasn’t going to magically arrive. So I booked a flight to Barcelona — and the second I did, it felt right. (…)

My intention was simple: photos of me, not me pretending to be someone else. And because of that, the images became more than “sexy.” They were sensual, powerful, and honest. The see‑through gown I brought made me feel like a million bucks, and her direction brought out sides of me I didn’t even know were there.
By the time I ended up basically nude, I realised something shocking: it was the first time in my life I didn’t feel judged at all.

When she showed me the last photo on the camera, I cried. It hit me how pointless all those years of body‑hatred had been. My body isn’t a model body — but for the first time, I saw it clearly, and I wasn’t angry with it.

Seeing the final photos a few days later was life‑changing. I kept asking myself, Is that really me? After decades of self‑criticism, there it was: undeniable proof that I am beautiful. Still me, but captured in a way that showed my fricking SOUL. My inner critic had nothing left to say.

Mariya helped me — a 41‑year‑old, heavily overweight woman — feel beautiful in my whole body for the first time in my life. And months later, the effect hasn’t faded.

Now I don’t just have stunning photos. I have a quieter inner voice, a softer relationship with myself, and a daily reminder (yes, it’s my Home Screen) that’s more powerful than any affirmation.

Mariya didn’t just photograph me — she gave me back to myself.

Mariya is the best! Shes an incredible women who makes you feel super comfortable and relaxed. The best photoshoot I’ve ever had and the pictures were stunning. I recommend Mariya to everyone. Thank you so much for the portraits!

Hice una session de foto 'Summer edition' con Mariya y fue simplemente perfecto.
Me sentí muy confortable con mi cuerpo, Mariya fue capaz de captar la posa y el momento a través de su mirada profesional y artística, entregándome unas imágenes en las cuales me siento realmente representada.
El todo rodeada de la mágia del paisaje de la Costa Brava ¡Es un plus!
Gracias Mariya por permitirme verme a través de tu lente.

Mil gracias a la fotógrafa María, que me ha hecho la mejor sesión. Yo quería verme discreta, seria y atractiva, y lo hemos conseguido. ¡Trabajo excelente! Durante la sesión me sentí cómoda, relajada y sobre todo segura de mí misma. Fue una experiencia que reforzó mi amor propio y me permitió verme con otros ojos, apreciando mi esencia y mi belleza natural.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Mariya, and I can’t recommend her enough! She is incredibly professional, creative, and truly caring through the process, from the consultation to the shooting sessions. The portraits she captured were breathtaking, every detail was perfect.

I also had the opportunity to do a nude art session, and the experience was extraordinary. It was handled with such aesthetic precision and taste, and the results were stunningly beautiful, elegant and classy. On top of all this, Mariya made the entire process so much fun, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere throughout. If you’re looking for a photographer who’s as talented as dedicated, look no further!

5 stars is not high enough rating or praise for what Mariya deserves!

Did a photoshoot with Mariya for my business that I spent months prepping for and I truly couldn’t have picked a better photographer, or a more wonderful experience.

Truly believe that we were destined to meet, her amazing vibe made made me feel so at ease and supported from the day we met for coffee to discuss the shoot right up until the end of the shoot itself. She truly is amazing at what she does and is THE biggest hype queen.

Only the beginning of our time working together, already excited for future shoots.

Truly cannot recommend enough 💜💜💜

Казвало се терапевтична фотография… Дори не подозирах, че има такова понятие, но начина по който се видях през обектива на Мария ми помогна да се погледна с други очи, да се заобичам и приема каквато съм…
Благодаря ти от сърце! ❤️