"being unique: kiki & her freckles"
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Model: Kalina Raykovska
While freckles are fabulous, they haven’t always been considered the trademark of a gorgeous person.
For centuries, beauty was sought in “flawless” skin, perfectly porcelain complexions glorified by highbrow fashion magazines.
Women tirelessly slaved away, painting their faces with thick foundation and powder in order to achieve even skin tone so that they could fit into the mold of “beauty.”
These unreasonable standards of beauty caused women with unconventional features to hide in the shadows or behind veils of makeup, shaming them into covering their skin.
Freckled girls everywhere were constantly told they weren’t beautiful because of the dots that patterned their faces.
No more! Natural beauty is coming around in the media. As of late, freckles have become the must-have beauty essential. Girls with freckles are finally getting the street cred they deserve.
On top of it all, no two freckles are the same. They’re as unique as snowflakes. Your freckles are 100 percent yours.
"Be proud of your freckles because you have every reason to love them." - Kiki
"mermaid kisses"
Model: Nikol Kostova, Alessia de Nardo
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"two seats for the moon left"
Model: Tsveta Danailova
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"apres-ski chic"
Models: Tsvetozara Stefanova, Nikol Yordanova, Kalina Raykovska, Roberta Guevska, Tsveta Danailova, Angela Radoeva, Siyana Radoeva
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"feel"
Model: Vivian
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"female gaze"
Models: Tsvetozara Stefanova, Nikol Yordanova, Kalina Raykovska
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"christmas postcards"
Models: Roberta Guevska, Tsveta Danailova, Leonid Bazhanov, Tsvetozara Stefanova, Pavel Mirchev, Nikol Yordanova
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"cloud atlas"
Models: Laura Lazarova, Tsvetozara Stefanova
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"BEEKEEPERS"
Models: Roberta Guevska, Tsveta Danailova
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
Text: Roberta Guevska
Our project "Beekeepers" aims at raising awareness about these unique species and the key factors responsible for their near extinction to this day.
We created this project not only in hopes of of spreading the message of bee conservation and the real danger for their extinction, but also to encourage all of you to explore the amazing world of bees - this microcosm that goes far beyond the familiar end product we all consume with great pleasure - honey. The inspiration behind this photo shoot came from this angle - bees as an indispensable pillar of our food supply and life in general - the life, which, otherwise, would be threatened by the spread of countless parasites, pesticides, habitat loss and last but not least - unprecedented climate change. A closer look into the photos tells us all about the fragile balance between humans and bees, on which depend the food we consume daily and the well-being of our home - Planet Earth.
Moreover, for the implementation of this art project we visited a local beekeeper who cares about more than 50 beehives in the village of Lomets, near Troyan. For hours, he kept on explaining us in details about the magic of beekeeping and the key steps in caring for hives, breeding mother bees and the various products that these creatures produce (as many as seven - each of them being extremely useful and possessing different properties). Not only were we better informed after this afternoon, but we left deeply touched and inspired to pass this passion on to you.
As it comes to the photo shoot and the shooting process in general - it was again a brand new experience and a whole adventure for our team, in front and behind the lens. It took full silence and peace of mind and body to enter the world of bees. The lack of any perfume or fragrance was a strict condition - not only for the success of the shoot, but also for our own safety. That way, we had the opportunity to literally touch these little creatures and feel them on our skin. A feeling that could not be described with words, but should be felt.
Now, we present you one of favourite projects - “ Beekeepers”. One we are extremely proud of, a project, that thought us a lot - not only about bees, but about ourselves and our role in this world, as well. And remember - if they die, they are taking us with them.
orchestra of nymphs
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Roberta Guevska, Tsvetozara Stefanova, Siyana Radoeva, Angela Radoeva, Nikol Yordanova, Kalina Raykovska, Simona Pelovska, Maria Pelovska
cereal killers
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Vasilena & Aleksandra
"Whoseartisthat Winner in the “Beautiful Disruption” Contest by C/O Berlin , Nadine Ijewere and Felix Hofmann "
Models: Svetoslava Atanasova, Tsvetozara Stefanova, Kalina Raykovska
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
Text: Roberta Guevska
Beauty goes far beyond the physical aesthetic.
“Everyone is beautiful in their own way! All your life you let your insecurities control you. Overthinking late at night, people’s judgements echoing in your head and keeping you awake. Self-disruptive feelings, shame, confusion coming all at once... Then, one day you decide to embrace your imperfections, break free from your own prejudice and be yourself - truly and unapologetically. And this is the precise moment when everything becomes meaningful, every piece of your mind and body feels alive and aligned. You feel at peace knowing that life is a journey made to be explored and enjoyed. What is more, you are aware that the beautiful disruption you own does not define you. But it could be inspiring and aspiring, setting you wild and free.” - Kalina & Tsvetozara
“Growing up I always tried to fit in, my "flaw" controlled me. Something as small as a scar or the size of a shoe made me feel abnormal, disgusting, and repulsive to the society. I wondered what kind of insult, mockery, or look of disgust would be. I set limits, avoiding contact with people in an attempt to ignore the "problem". But it stays there and will be with me forever, so I decided to love it.” - Svetoslava
girl power
Models: Zara, Stella, Kikki, Sara & Monika
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
"Marie in the city"
Models: Marie
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
curated nostalgia
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Roberta Guevska, Tsvetozara Stefanova, Siyana Radoeva
firewomen
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Roberta Guevska, Tsveta Danailova
a story about a girl who turns into a swan
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Model: Monika Daskalova
"OPHELIA"
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
Model: Tsvetozara Stefanova
Text: Roberta Guevska
The story behind the painting
Sir John Everett Millais painted Ophelia between 1851 and 1852 in two separate locations. He painted the landscape part of the painting outside, by the Hogsmill River at Ewell in Surrey; and painted the figure of Ophelia inside in his Gower Street studio in London. Millais’s image of the tragic death of Ophelia, as she falls into the stream and drowns, is one of the best-known illustrations from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.
Our inspiration for the photoshoot
This time we decided to explore a brand new location that happened to be the largest farm for water lilies and water plants in Bulgaria. It is located just outside the city of Pleven and is frequently used by tourists. We had the opportunity to meet with owner of the farm and conduct the project with the help of his team.
“What is our desired goal? Initially there were 20 flowers from different parts of the world in our farm, but soon we will reach over 50 - something we have never dreamed of! The purpose of creating an innovative farm for cultivated water lilies was to provide the variety of water lilies and plants worldwide and make it available in our home country - Bulgaria. Everything started with a dream and our farm is the proof that dreams do come true. Of course, we cannot change our lives in one day, but we can surely change our mindset and enjoy the little things.”, said Doitchin Vladimirov - the owner of the farm.
The inspiration behind this art project was a mixture of our love for art and our desire to get to know our region and the local entrepreneurs of today. Our team is beyond thankful for the cooperation and kind welcome we received at the farm.
Now we present you a photoshoot that reconnected us to nature and inspired us to learn and create. Another special experience that we had the opportunity to capture. Enjoy!
sleeping beauty interpretation
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Lisa & Rima
"Reconnect with culture through folklore"
Model: Boryana Pastuhova
Photographer: Maria Stefanova
Text: Roberta Guevska
In today’s blog post we present you Boryana – a 13-year-old girl, so passionate about Bulgarian folk dance and folklore, that she has decided to choose it as a career path. When we met Bori for the photoshoot it took a while before she got comfortable, but once she started dancing it all came clear. She became fully focused on the rhythm, dancing to the traditional music as if the world around her had stopped and all there was left, was her and her dance. Our team loved the opportunity not only to be able to capture this inspiring experience, but also to share with you her passion and our great respect for her choice of professional development.
“I have been dancing for as long as I can remember. I started when I was only three years old, inspired by my older sister, who at the time was actively practicing folk dancing, as well. Sooner than later, it came clear that it not only brings me pleasure, but also, I became pretty good at it. Now, years later from my first dance step, I am still dancing with the same passion as that 3-year-old girl. Folk dancing is my dream, that I would love to turn into reality.”, said Boryana.
“To all the young artists and creatives of all kinds out there, I would love to pass on the message to never run from what gives them joy, pleasure and sense of purpose. I strongly believe that everyone should do what they are truly passionate about and what they desire most no matter how difficult the path could be. Folk dancing is my talent, my dream and what is more – my choice. I decided to follow a dream that I am working on to turn into reality. Because everybody deserves to feel a little sparkle in their life, the one that keeps us feeling alive and happy.”
Our team was impressed by the talent and passion of Boryana. The photoshoot was an extremely emotional and influential experience, and we are delighted to be able to share it with you. As for the location for the shoot, we choose spots that are deeply connected to our national history and folklore – The Troyan Monastery and the historic complex of Baba Stana, both located in the village of Oreshak, near Troyan.
Finally, it is with great pleasure thet we present you our dearest friend Borayana, her passion for folk dances and the shots we took while admiring her art.
old town road
Photographer: Maria Stefanova, Models: Tsveta Danailova, Roberta Guevska
