Art
Maria Zioga – I really felt like a super model that day
“This project helped me find strength. I really felt like a super model that day!”
Vivamost talked to Maria Zioga, last week. She was one of the participants of the Zori Art Phography project “21 Days of Real Women”.
Vivamost: How did you hear about the project “21 Days of Real Women”? Did you say yes right away? Why did you agree to do it?
Maria:I heard about Zori’s project through the Women Rock Switzerland Facebook group. Zori had posted that she was looking for the last 4 or 5 women to take part in the project. I saw her post late one night and I immediately knew; I wanted to be part of that. I messaged her and the next day or so we spoke on the phone. I always struggled with my self image and self-esteem and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something about it. This was a project that was designed to help the women taking part and empower them as well as many more women though sharing their story. I was going through a difficult period in my personal life at that time and this project helped me find strength. I received a lot of support from Zori herself as well as the other 20 women who took part in the project.
Maria Zioga pausing for the 21 Days of Real Women – credit photo Zornitsa Ivanova
Vivamost: Could you please describe the photo shooting?
Maria:The photo shooting took place at Zori’s studio in Vevey. I was so excited to be in a proper artist’s studio! The props, the backdrops, the lights, It was like being in a movie! We chatted a bit about the concept and then she did my hair and makeup. She told me to be myself and started taking pictures. I was quite shy in front of the camera the first few minutes but she kept talking to me and encouraged me to let go of the stress and just enjoy.
Vivamost: Tell us about the people behind the scenes? The hairdresser, the makeup artist etc…?
Maria: Zori is a make up artist too so she did all my make up which was minimal and hair. Another photographer, Anna de Wit was there too, shooting behind the scenes pictures and video for the exhibition. We all chatted shared, life experiences and became friends over a glass of wine and some whiskey, which Josana another friend whose photo shooting was scheduled after mine, had brought over.
Vivamost: Why did you pick that dress? How did you feel? Did all the ladies had to pick different dresses?
Maria: Oh that dress! I loved that dress! It wasn’t at all expensive but it looked like a million dollars! I loved it. Every women had to wear a different dress, something that would help her express her character better. Zori had a big rack full of dresses to choose from. She suggested I wear that one and she was so right! It looked amazing!
Maria Zioga, 21 Days of Real Women project – credit photo Zornitsa Ivanova Zori Art Photography
Vivamost: What was the best of the entire experience? Did you learn something positive about it?
Maria: The whole session was an exceptional experience I will always remember it. Perhaps the most memorable part was being in front of the camera and listening to her instructions. I really felt like a super model that day. And I also see it in my photos! The woman in them is gorgeous and it is me! I learned that all of us are !gorgeous we just have to believe in and love ourselves!
About the photographer:
Zornitsa Ivanova, of Bulgarian descent, specializes in magazine and glamor portraits for everyday women, offering them an unforgettable experience for an afternoon, where every woman is the star.https://zoriart.com/ing them an unforgettable experience for an afternoon, where every woman is the star.https://zoriart.com/
