or How my photography journey began

Ever since I can remember, art has been an essential part of my life's journey. One of my fondest memories was aspiring to attend a specialized high school that fostered my love for photography. However, the stars didn't align in my favor, and I was left heartbroken by the realization that my lack of connections held me back. But life has a way of leading us to unexpected places, and my journey eventually took me to the vibrant heart of Sofia, where I enrolled in a prestigious high school with a thriving arts program. After completing my high school studies, I applied to Sofia University for Fine Art Pedagogy with high hopes. However, just like my previous attempt to join a specialized photography high school, I faced a similar fate due to the prevailing network culture in Bulgaria at the time. Not one to give up, I found a job at The National Museum of Foreign Arts in Sofia, which allowed me to delve deep into the rich cultural heritage and diverse creative expressions of humanity. The experience kindled a fire within me to explore the world of art further, leading me to apply and be accepted to the esteemed National Academy of Art just a year later. Alas, destiny had its own plans in store for me. In a twist of fate, a green card for the USA was bestowed upon me, presenting me with a monumental crossroads in my life. To stay and pursue my Master's in Art History or to take a leap of faith into the unknown and leave everything behind - my beloved family, cherished friends, and promising future - in pursuit of my dreams in New York City. After much contemplation, as a 20-year-old woman with an adventurous spirit, I decided to take the leap and move to New York, leaving everything behind. It was a tough decision, but I felt that it was an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and explore the art world in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. I bought a one-way ticket and embark on a new chapter in my life by moving to New York. It was a daunting and exciting decision, but one that ultimately led me down a path of incredible growth, discovery, and creative expression.

Inspirations: Colors, cultures, traditions

NEW YORK

finding my identity, roots and BUILDING self esteem

Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamed of capturing life's moments with a camera of my own. However, in the place I called home, photography has been deemed a luxury beyond my reach. Yet, on one of my teenage birthdays, my grandma gifted me a Smena 8 camera, a low-cost 35mm film camera made in the Soviet Union at that time by LOMO. Despite exposing several rolls of film with that camera, I found that none of them produced the expected results. Instead, the images turned into abstract works of art with unique double exposures. Regrettably, I never quite grasped the technical aspects of operating it. In 2005, when I enrolled at LaGuardia Community College I decided to major in Commercial Photography and finally learn how to use a professional camera. At that time of my life, I was determined to chart my own course, regardless of whether it led to success or failure. In my final year at the community college, I was honored to receive the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Commercial Photography.

In 2010, I completed my BFA degree in Photography from the School of Visual Arts, where I was honored to receive the Rhodes Family Award for Outstanding Achievement in Photography. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in the realm of fine art photography, specifically works that explore the existential and mundane social issues of our daily lives. For my thesis project, I created a collection of photographs that were subsequently published and exhibited in both the United States and Bulgaria. This was a significant milestone in my journey as a photographer at the time. While I was still an undergraduate student, I began working as a photographer, capturing weddings and social events, and business and political events for the New York Observer. This presented a wonderful opportunity to merge my passion for human interaction, social life, and traditions with my academic pursuits.

I LOVE to meet and learn about people from all KINDS of BACKGROUNDS and places. I love cooking for FRIENDS and ORGANIZING social EVENTS. I BELIEVE in Community