Meet Maria Tulchinskaya | Creative Conceptual Photographer 📸 Featured in Vogue, Paris and Milan Exhibitor Limited Edition Prints

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Tulchinskaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I moved to California three years ago, and it was a very challenging period of my life. Starting my own business was a way to bring my personal vision to life. As a conceptual photographer, I seek and create meanings in my work, aiming to express ideas that go beyond the surface. I wanted the freedom to explore and convey my values, experiences, and emotions. My main inspiration was my personal journey with emigration and the challenges of adapting to a new country. By turning my thoughts and feelings into art, I hoped to connect with people who might share similar experiences or simply appreciate the depth of those themes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Tell us more about your art. What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud of or excited about?
My art is an exploration of identity, displacement, and resilience, often reflecting my own experiences as an immigrant. As a conceptual photographer, I focus on creating images that don’t just capture a moment but tell a story and evoke a sense of deeper meaning. I strive to blend visual beauty with emotional complexity, so my work often combines elements of fine art with experimental techniques that challenge traditional boundaries. What sets me apart is my drive to find meaning in every piece and to provoke thought about identity and cultural heritage, especially in the context of emigration.

One of my proudest achievements is the recognition my work has received in the art world, with my pieces exhibited in prestigious galleries and featured in publications like Vogue and Minimalism magazine. My recent “Mermaid” project, which metaphorically portrays the immigrant experience as a creature forced to adapt to a foreign environment, is particularly close to my heart. The project has resonated deeply with audiences who share similar experiences, and it has opened doors to showcase my work internationally.

How did you get to where you are today? Was it easy?
Getting here was anything but easy. Moving to California three years ago marked a difficult period in my life, full of challenges in adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding a place within the local art scene. I had to build my network from scratch, and there were many moments of self-doubt. However, my family—my husband and our three children—have been my unwavering support, encouraging me to keep going. Their presence and belief in my vision helped me push through the toughest days.

Overcoming these challenges taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to myself. I leaned heavily on other immigrants who shared similar experiences; their advice and encouragement were invaluable. I also learned to use my own struggles as inspiration for my art, which transformed those challenges into something meaningful and relatable.

What do you want the world to know about your story and brand?
I want people to know that my work is more than just visual art—it’s a narrative, a search for identity, and a conversation between cultures. My brand is built around limited-edition, thought-provoking pieces that invite viewers to connect with their own experiences. As a conceptual photographer, my goal is to create work that resonates on a human level, blending universal themes with personal storytelling.

Through my art, I hope to highlight the beauty and complexity of the immigrant journey. Each piece I create is an invitation for the viewer to explore the intersection of past and present, tradition and modernity, and ultimately to see the strength in adapting to new surroundings. My story is one of resilience and creative exploration, and my hope is that it inspires others to find strength and meaning in their own journeys.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to show them the places that make my life in California truly special. Here’s what a week together might look like:

### **Day 1: Ocean and Relaxation**
We’d start with a day by the ocean. There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of the beach, and I’d love to share that calming energy with my friend. We could relax, take a walk along the shore, and let the sound of the waves wash away any stress.

### **Day 2: Family Time at Home**
Next, I’d invite them over to my home to experience a day with my family. Spending time with my husband and kids is one of my greatest joys, and I’d want them to feel the warmth and love of our little world here. Maybe we’d cook a meal together, enjoy some downtime, and just catch up in a cozy setting.

### **Day 3: Exploring San Diego with Kids**
Since my life revolves a lot around my child’s activities, I’d take them along to see the places that keep us busy! We’d visit my child’s school and stop by his hockey practice, so they can get a glimpse into our everyday routine. We’d also explore some of his clubs and activities, just to show my friend how family-oriented life here can be.

### **Day 4: Legoland Adventure**
A visit to California wouldn’t be complete without a trip to *Legoland*. It’s one of the places where we have the most fun as a family, and I’m sure my friend would enjoy it just as much. It’s a place where everyone can be a kid again!

### **Day 5: The San Diego Zoo**
One of the must-see spots here is the *San Diego Zoo*, the largest zoo in the world! It’s a fantastic place to wander, see exotic animals, and spend a beautiful day outside. We’d take our time strolling through the exhibits and maybe have lunch at one of the cafes inside.

### **Day 6: San Diego Museums**
We’d dedicate a day to exploring the museums around San Diego. There’s so much culture and history to discover, and I know my friend would appreciate the artistic and educational experience. Plus, the museums here offer something for everyone, from art and science to local history.

### **Day 7: Wrapping Up with Family Time**
We’d end the week with more time at home, just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Maybe a family game night or a movie marathon, just something simple and comforting to close out a memorable week together.

This itinerary may not be filled with glamorous dining or nightlife, but it reflects what’s most important to me—family, nature, and a touch of local fun! The real highlight is spending time with loved ones, both by the ocean and in our home, surrounded by the people and places that make California feel like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My journey wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible support system around me. First and foremost, I want to recognize my husband and our three children, who are my constant source of love, strength, and inspiration. Their support has been invaluable, allowing me to take risks and pursue my creative vision with confidence. I also want to acknowledge my photo club back in Russia, which nurtured my passion for photography and gave me the initial push to follow this path.
Moving to California three years ago was a challenging transition, and I’m especially grateful to the new friends and mentors here who helped me adapt and grow. Additionally, I draw a lot of strength and understanding from other immigrants who share similar life experiences. Their resilience and stories remind me that I’m not alone in this journey, and their encouragement has been instrumental in helping me find my voice as an artist. Their support and shared experiences have shaped my work deeply, especially in capturing themes of emigration and self-discovery.

Website: https://www.mariatulchinskaya.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariatulchinskaya/

Other: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/150133

https://www.iconicartist.eu/m-portfolio/maria-tulchinskaya

https://oneeyeland.com/member/member_portfolio.php?pgrid=156628

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/d.dobrynia/

https://www.instagram.com/aijamaln_/

https://www.instagram.com/katemrt/