Meet Maria Levitov

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Levitov.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have had a camera or guitar in my hand for as long as I can remember. If music is my air, then photography is my water. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of freezing a moment through photography and/or music and the ability they have to capture a feeling that can be revisited over time. I have carried these passions with me my entire life.

I went to a small, private, liberal arts college in Roanoke, Virginia (after taking off a few years to work at a school for autism and to travel). I never considered that photography could be a career until my first student gallery showing at Roanoke. It was then that a board member of the Whitney purchased my images. I didn’t realize at the time what that meant, but the art director of my college assured me it was a big deal. I later received a grant from the same woman and when I met her a week before graduating, she told me that I should greatly consider pursuing photography. That was the moment when I believed for the first time that I actually could. Following my graduation, I moved to New York to intern at a nonprofit public art organization called Creative Time. I later moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I would start my photography business and eventually record my first full-length album, Hold. After 4.5 years there, I would travel for a year and find myself in Denver, Colorado.

I have done many passion projects with my photography over the years. In 2015, I started the Stranger Project, where I photographed a stranger every day for 150 days in multiple cities. It was an amazing experience for me as a person and photographer. I also recently started a project called, People of Cannabis, where I photographed and interviewed cannabis users about their experiences and relationships with the plant. I have always loved photographing people and the vulnerability that is required by both partiers to create something authentic and meaningful.

I am currently running my photography business full-time here in Denver and have just finished recording my sophomore EP, Sugar Paradise.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think most full-time photographers will agree that the biggest challenge is charging what you’re worth in the market you are working in. My love for making people happy and making a living didn’t always see eye to eye when I was starting my business. I think that most business owners struggle with putting a value/price to their work. I have been blessed with great clients over the years that have allowed my business to grow and thrive.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an extrovert that loves people. While I have photographed countless subjects from concerts to jewelry to weddings, I would say that connecting with people is my specialty. I’ve lost track of how many times wedding guests have assumed I’m a member of the family because the wedding party was so comfortable and themselves around me. That kind of feedback means a lot to me since my goal is to create an authentic relationship and to build trust with my clients. I want other people to see themselves the way that I see them. There is beauty in everyone.

I think my clients are also drawn to my compositions, editing style, and use of light. My work is often referred to as moody, raw, or romantic with a bit of edge.

I am extremely proud of the passion projects that I have taken on over the years, which have all focused on photographing and connecting with people from every walk of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marialevitov.com
• Email: contact@marialevitov.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/marialevitov

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