Maria Panina is a New York City-based photographer and creative director specializing in artistic portraiture, movement, beauty, editorial, branding campaigns, and directing motion.

Three portraits of Black women with voluminous, sculptural hairstyles set against dark blue backgrounds. The woman in the center has a large afro, while the women on the left and right have asymmetrical, pointed hair styles. All women have strong exp
Three close-up images of a woman with dark skin, showcasing skincare application and emotional expression. The first image shows her with under-eye patches, the second with tear streaks on her face, and the third with a serene profile view.
Three portraits of women with short dark hair, each featuring a plant or vine. The first woman is shown in profile with a pink background, her face partially covered by green vines. The second woman has her back to the camera with a close-up of her n
A woman with long, curly, reddish-brown hair on the left side of the image, and a close-up of a yellow flower with green leaves against a black background on the right side of the image.
A woman with natural curly hair looking at the camera, touching her neck. The other two images show close-up of her hands and arms covered in a golden scrub or oil, with smooth skin and manicured nails.
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A close-up of a green plant with curly leaves on the left and a woman with black hair in a black dress posing with her eyes closed on the right.
Three portrait photos of a woman with curly hair, two in color with shadows on her face and one in black and white. The woman wears a dark top with thin straps and has earrings. Shadows from a patterned light cast on her face and neck.
Woman in a shimmering gown illuminated with yellow light trails against a dark background, creating a dynamic light painting effect.
Close-up of a person's eyelid with shimmery blue eyeshadow and natural eyelashes, and an image of purple flowers growing from an iridescent shell against a black background.
Three portraits of women with dark hair, each posed differently. The first woman has red hair and is outdoors with shadowed sunlight on her face, wearing a floral dress. The second woman has short black hair, is seated with her leg pulled up, and is
Collage of a woman with wavy hair wearing a red satin slip dress, striking various dance poses against a plain white background.
Two side-by-side photos of couples embracing intimately against a neutral background, exuding tenderness and connection.
A split image showing a close-up of a woman's face on the left in profile with closed eyes and red lighting, and a woman on the right wearing a red hat and dress, posed artistically against a dark background with dramatic lighting.
Three artistic photographs featuring fashion and dance. The left image shows a shirtless man in black and white checkered pants, striking a dynamic pose on a white background. The middle image displays a sculptural side profile of a person or figure
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Photography and motion with an editorial point of view.

Maria Panina creates still and motion work for clients who need imagery that feels refined, expressive, and intentional. Her photography moves between editorial portraiture, beauty photography, movement and dance photography, fashion, lifestyle, and branding campaigns.

The images on this page introduce Maria’s visual language: clean composition, natural movement, thoughtful lighting, and a quiet sense of atmosphere. Whether working with artists, performers, publications, beauty clients, or creative brands, her process is collaborative and shaped around the subject, story, and final use of the work.

Based in New York City and available for travel assignments, Maria works across both stills and motion/video direction for editorial, commercial, and creative projects.

Learn more about Maria  |  View motion work  |  Start a project