mariam sitchinava photography interview

A pot of tea is simmering on the stove and a gentle spring breeze is drifting through our open windows – it’s as good a time as any to have a browse through Mariam Sitchinava’s lovely snaps.

The shutterbug hails from the country of Georgia and was kind enough to answer some of our probing questions. Have a peek below to see what tidbits she sent our way.



What is your name and how old are you? My name is Mariam Sitchinava and I’m 25 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in Senaki and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia – where I live now.



When did you first know you wanted to be a photographer? The moment was not long ago after I took a camera in my hands. For the first few months I shot a couple of rolls of film – the feedback for results were pretty much good, I enjoyed doing it and I had a very strong desire for improvement.

What areas, things or people in your neighbourhood do you most like to photograph? Lakes, mountains and generally nature. There are very nice lakes not too far from Tbilisi, I love shooting there. Georgia is a very mountainous country and I have very good opportunity to shoot them.

Is there a certain camera or type of film that you wish you could own? Currently, I have a wish to have the Contax 645. I really love the camera.



What kinds of ideas are you working on at the moment? I’m working on my personal photo book that will be available this autumn. I’m also working on my own clothing label, Lucky 11. Beside these, I do some small projects along the way.

If you were to teach a photography appreciation class, what kind of lessons would you try to teach your students? Composition! How to develop your own unique vision and how to set up the composition. In my opinion that’s one of the key parts of photography.



What are the hallmarks of a great photographer? Own, individual and outstanding vision, as I’ve stated above. Studying how to operate the camera is easy and it doesn’t make anyone a photographer.

What are some of the challenges that you are facing in modern times as a photographer? Scarcity of film and development labs.



What do you enjoy doing when not taking photos? Spending time with my daughter.

Where can we see more of your work? mariam.ge, on Facebook or on Instagram @mariamsitchinava