Mariam Sitchinava is a self-taught film photographer who embarked on her journey in 2009 when she received her first film camera as a gift. What started as a simple curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit of capturing moments. She is renowned for her artistic approach and distinctive style. With an intuitive eye for beauty and a passion for storytelling, Mariam creates emotive and visually stunning images that leave a lasting impression. Her subjects often feature women, nature, mountains, light, and flowers, evoking a range of emotions and forging a deep connection between the viewer and the captured moment. Her stories are forever preserved in timeless frames.

 “ I'm naturally optimistic and curious. I find inspiration in everyday things like people, conversations, the sky, lights, and colors. It's about being open-minded and willing to explore. Inspiration is everywhere; it just takes a bit of curiosity to uncover it.
I love shooting on film from start to finish. Choosing between Kodak Gold and Fujifilm Pro400H sets the tone for the mood I want. Framing shots through the viewfinder and hearing the shutter click is pure joy. Waiting for development builds anticipation, and seeing the unexpected results is thrilling. The colors and emotions in the photos evoke a nostalgic feeling, like they belong to another era despite being recent captures.
I've learned to accept unexpected outcomes in film photography. Film, being a physical medium, is susceptible to various factors throughout its journey—from manufacturing to transportation, storage, proper exposure during shooting, and the subsequent development and scanning processes. Each step carries the potential for variables that may influence the final result. Making sure the camera works perfectly is important to avoid problems. At first, it was hard for me to accept this, but as time passed, I learned to understand and accept it better. Even though I've learnt a lot, now there's a very small chance of the film getting ruined, I've learned that unexpected things can sometimes create interesting photos.”