Hello, I am Mari Saxon.

I'm a fine art photographer with huge architectural background and profound art education. I live in Shrewsbury, MA.
My works have garnered awards including prestigious Critical Mass Photolucida award (USA), International Photography Award by Lucie Foundation (USA), Hamdan International Photography Award (UAE), URBAN Photo Awards (Italy), Fine Art Photography Awards (UK)
My works are displayed in museums and galleries in the USA, Europe and Asia,
and being published in magazines and photo books.

I was born in Moscow and lived there until 2022, when I moved to the USA.
By education and profession, I am an architect with over 25 years of experience. In my youth, I bought a semi-professional camera and spent about 20 years as an amateur photographer in my free time.
In 2022, I discovered fine art photography, and within the first year, I achieved some success. In the new country, I left architecture and fully dedicated myself to photography, which became my profession and passion.

I shoot creative portraits (in-studio and outdoors), art-related events, and family sessions.

Publications
Ghost story
Minimal
Imperfect Poetry
100 Photographers to Watch 2024
Telling Stories
Open Theme
Elf of Forest Tower
The Growing Beauty
The Untold Fairy Tale
Series of Avantgarde Auto Portraits
Architects At Home Part I
Architects At Home Part II

The modern life of old merchant houses in Kargopol Part I

The modern life of old merchant houses in Kargopol Part II
The modern life of old merchant houses in Kargopol Part III
The modern life of old merchant houses in Kargopol Part IV

REVIEWS

Svetlana S
From the very first moments of meeting Mari Saxon, I felt a remarkable connection, as if we’d known each other for years. Her approach to art resonated so deeply with me that each of her works touched something personal and familiar within. It’s as if she sees the world through my eyes, yet reveals it in a completely fresh way, through subtle details, composition, and the interplay of light that reflect her architectural experience and love for form.
Her photographs are more than just visual images; they are true stories, intertwining architecture, art, and something deeply personal. In each of Masha’s shots, there is a harmony, as if she designs emotions, leaving room for reflection. These are pieces you want to look at again and again, discovering new layers of meaning each time.
Adel B

It was unexpected for me how easily we started connecting with Mari when I first met her on the photo session location and how naturally the whole process flowed. Working with Mari was such a wonderful experience. I hadn’t expected to relax and trust so fully, but looking at the photos, it’s clear how much I opened up during the shoot. I received a result far deeper than I anticipated. I finally felt authentic—truly beautiful! This is something I should have sought out before it.

Eugenia N

If you want to see yourself in a new light, The photoshoot felt incredibly free; during it, I felt relaxed and at ease, and the results were simply stunning. I saw myself from a new perspective and began to accept myself more fully.discover unknown aspects of yourself, and see yourself differently, then you should get your photographs taken by Mari Saxon. With her creative, unconventional and professional approach with dedication to her work, Mari will make your photography experience unique, luxurious, and unforgettable! Mari is very accommodating.

Olga V

A stroll with Mari turned out to be a playful adventure. A game of imagination, light and shadow, a dress-up game where you put on your mom’s dress, which reaches her knees but falls to the floor on you, and you pretend to be a princess. Or when grandma’s old scarf becomes a cape, and a doll from the teapot turns into a hat. It’s climbing over fences, running from guards in abandoned parks, sliding through puddles on a summer skating rink. It’s racing downhill at full speed, legs flying up and heels almost touching your back. It’s spinning and dancing for no reason, like in childhood, without music or choreography. Lots of laughter and unexpected discoveries. It’s a game of "let's." Let’s, I’ll climb up on the pedestal and be a statue; let’s blow up balloons and toss them into the air. And through this game, there’s discovery, recognition, or recollection of parts of yourself. Is that really me? And that? And that too???

Lidia M

When Mari suggested photographing me in the water, I immediately agreed, of course. Well, how could I not? Water and I—that’s totally me! And especially through Mari’s eyes. The result was Nimueh, the lake goddess from Arthurian legends. Mari came up with the name for her works, and I’m absolutely thrilled! I’ve never seen myself this way, never even imagined it... I keep looking at the photos and trying them on… Me and Water. Me and Nature... Me and Infinity. In the last few days, I’ve felt an overwhelming desire to dive deep, as deep as possible, curl up at the bottom among the algae, hug a little stone, and just not show myself for a couple of weeks... I see so much beauty in the depths—there’s no noise, but there’s a very real living music, it’s beautiful down there, and there are only a few who truly appreciate it. But what connoisseurs they are! By the way, Mari really managed to dive deep with me. Though, more likely, I dove with her. Thank you so much, Mari! It’s just incredibly beautiful in every sense! I’m still admiring it and reliving the experience! Such a delicious aftertaste...

I realized that I need to do more of these photo projects. It’s not just about beauty, aesthetics, or a form of self-expression. It’s not even only a tool for self-discovery or symbolic work with the psyche on set goals. I see the feedback from others and understand that such projects are perceived as art, touching something deep within people, and it can change their lives.

Katherine P

I wanted to try with Mari something that was a bit out of my element with creativity and fun. I wasn't going into this experience expecting any particular thing so I would say it was a great growth experience - totally new and out of the ordinary.

Mari was at ease so I became more at ease...as much as one can be on a 100 degree day in a silk skirt. Mari offered suggested use of props and materials but didn't force anything. She let me know when she needed a moment to think - her communication was very important. Mari gave great directions in how she wanted me to move and where to turn my head, place hands etc. and that was very very helpful.

And the result - I got serious, playful, full body, creative posing on the grass, hiding behind trees....all playful and unique.

I think for anyone who wants to grow a bit and experience something new, a photo shoot with Mari would be perfect thing for them to do! She is AMAZING!!!!

Aliya K
I came to Mari for unusual, experimental photographs. And that's exactly what I've got, even deeper, because this photoshoot inspired me to do my video project.
I brought my outfits for the photoshoot and thought it would be as usual. But Mari used many unusual combinations (sparkling or transparent, which is unusual for me, as I am very conscious of my privacy and don't show myself in transparent outfits). Usually, I worry a lot during photoshoots. But here I didn't even think about it, I just went with the flow. It's about trust.

For the first time, I allowed myself to share photos where I am quite open, exposed. I saw grace, beauty, courage in them. I allowed myself not to be shy about admiring myself. I really admired myself, my body, through Mari's vision. I made a video with these photos for my song, which I loved and was proud of, but hadn't shown to anyone for 7 years because I thought it wasn't technically correct enough. And then I decided - wow, I'm so cool, I can share these photos and my song and not be afraid of other people's opinions!

Irina V

After our shooting with Mari, I began to believe in myself, felt more courage to be who I am instead of conforming to conventional standards. She gave me myself, the opportunity to be true. To be authentic. It made me want to create more, experiment more, not follow all the rules, not use stereotypes, and be free in self-expression. I felt that I have a voice, a right to self-expression.

I am impressed by Mari's dedication; she can go with the flow yet remains disciplined and prepared. She is the first photographer in my life who sketches every frame of the upcoming shoot.

Alisa R

I really appreciate Mari’s generous and loving approach and attitude. She was able to capture the complex love between the family members while focusing on each individual person and highlighting their personality. It definitely made me feel good to see the photos. Mari made us all look beautiful, the photos are edited to feature intimate details. . I felt very comfortable trusting Mari with documenting myself and my children as she takes photos from a place of love and admiration for her subjects. Mari looks for beauty and tenderness without any hint of kitsch or sentimentality; this is extraordinarily difficult to do, especially when photographing children and families, and she is one of the few people I’ve ever seen do it successfully.

Mari sees and understands everything, and is able to convey it. It's a unique talent.

Elena M

The process of creating a photo story was alive and self-generating. I voiced my goal for this project, and Mari started offering ideas.

I appreciated the photographer's straightforwardness in her artistic vision combined with sensitivity and care towards the model. It was a safe space for collaboration. The photo shoot was meant to be unpredictable due to the presence of snakes. I felt comfortable sharing my vulnerability and fears. Thanks to Mari's attentiveness the process was comfortable and enjoyable. Mari's pre-planned concepts intertwined with moments of improvisation.

A month has passed since the shoot, and now I can confidently say that the state of creative collaboration was one of the most significant outcomes of this project. It became a part of my identity. The realization of this project changed me, and there's even visual evidence of it: after the shoot with the white wig, I changed my hair color to blonde. Projects with Mari undeniably offer freedom in joint creative expression.

Polina M
After seeing Mari's work, I decided to have my mom's portrait done with her. I don't like when everyone lines up and smiles. A photoshoot with Mari is working with a professional. Mari first asked me to talk about my mom, she was interested in the details of my mom's life. Mari came to the shoot with sketches. Well, my mom and I were prepared too. Mom even knitted herself a boa.
The shoot went by very quickly, despite the fact that my mom was very tired (it's not easy being a model), we laughed, my mom changed clothes, changed necklaces and hats. Mari and my mom liked each other so much, they found common ground so easily that we didn't even notice it getting dark.

Friends, I highly recommend Maria, she is an artist who lives a little life with you.

Julia K

Mari is a very careful, aesthetic, and attentive photographer. I have seen in most cases when she is taking my pictures, but it never felt unpleasant - I liked how she captures moments with her camera without any forced posing. Everything felt very natural. It is even more surprising when seeing the results. These photos are exactly what was inside me, not just that evening but for the entire recent period

Ricky R

I really like how the result turned out. And love how Mari was playing with different lighting and her vision for the photographs.

It was a pleasure to work with her and I'm grateful Mari for making me comfortable throughout the shoot.

Elena C
Mari had a very warm photoshoot with my grandmother, as if it were done by my sister, who cares deeply about my grandmother, whose character is very evident in the photos. Mari found an approach to her, and what an approach it was! My grandmother hadn't sung or played the piano for anyone in a long time, but with Mari, she sang and played so much!
I am immensely grateful to the photographer for what she did and saw, and to my grandmother, whom we all had to persuade for a long time and who finally agreed. It was evident that everything was difficult for her. But these were such necessary photos and such a day. Mari is very warm, with an individual approach. She can bring out and persuade even a model who hesitates. I am very glad that it was Mari who did the photoshoot. I'm not sure anyone else could have done it.
I realized that you can beautifully and brightly capture a very elderly and supposedly not photogenic person. Beauty is not only on the inside, but also very much on the outside, and it's visible in the photos.

Inna S

Going to a photoshoot with Mari, I wanted to have some unusual and unexpected portraits. And as a result, that's exactly what I got. I saw myself through her eyes, and it was something I hadn't seen before. It was like magic. I realized that I can transform or reinterpret myself, and that's pretty cool at my age.

Sana A

Working with Mari was spectacular! She is not only very encouraging which is helpful and makes everyone more comfortable, but her work is amazing. She is very easygoing and open to suggestions. She reached out before the session in order to plan for the theme and decide on some shots that we were sure we wanted to get! In the session, her expertise was also helpful in creating some wonderful poses in beautiful backgrounds. These extra shots and poses ended up being some of my favorite from the session.

Mari's work on the pictures was also astonishing as she captured the natural beauty of the area in which we photographed as well as the portraits she took. I absolutely loved working with her and would recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer! I only hope I can go back to Boston to work with her again.

Andrey B

Mari knows how to start the process very easily, I was absolutely relaxed, I didn't tense up, I didn't think that I would now have to "be a model" and act, everything was very natural and easy. The conversation smoothly flowed into the beginning of the photo session, then into the experiment area, one experiment smoothly flowed into the next, and so on and so forth. I always felt like a participant in the process, which helped me a lot.

The photos that I've got are wonderful, I like the play with light. I like the fact that with simple things without pathos and staging Mari can make such unusual and magical photos.

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