Interview with Mariia Sokor: Using Photography to Build Emotional Connections in Commercial Projects

Mariia Sokor is a talented photographer, book author, and contributor to Depositphotos. In this interview, we showcase her creative journey and work, proving the immense potential of visual art in commercial storytelling.

Mariia’s story, marked by creativity and an eye for the simple beauty in life, serves as inspiration for brands and entrepreneurs looking to incorporate high-quality stock photography into their own projects, such as books, magazines, merch, and branding.

Explore her portfolio full of versatile lifestyle shots, and get The Maria’s Cookbook: Bakes, Cakes and Treats for all Seasons.

Explore Mariia’s portfolio

Personal story

—Tell us a bit about your journey into photography. What first drew you to this art form?

My journey into photography began during my school years in a village near Kyiv, where I grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of rural life. My grandfather, who was a doctor, owned the first camera in the village and even had a device to develop photos.

This early exposure sparked my fascination with photography. The first camera I used was a Zenit film camera, with which I captured flowers, my pets, and everyday scenes from the countryside.

When digital cameras became available, my brother and I saved up to buy a Sony camera. I was captivated by its capabilities and experimented extensively, taking shots that still adorn the walls of my home in Ukraine.

Later, my family gifted me a Canon 600D, which allowed me to dive deeper into stock photography, eventually leading to collaborations with various businesses and publications. This passion has stayed with me throughout my life.

—What influences your style? Are there any themes you’re excited to explore in your work?

My photography style is influenced by a combination of my fine arts background, gained through my education at the National Academy of Arts, my upbringing in the Ukrainian countryside, and my deep connection to food and nature.

Growing up, I was surrounded by the beauty of simple rural life, which taught me to appreciate natural light, raw textures, and authentic moments. This has translated into my photography, where I emphasize the play of light and shadow and strive for compositions that evoke emotion and nostalgia.

I’m always excited to explore food photography, especially dishes that tell a story about culture or a shared experience. I’m currently working on a book about breakfasts from different countries, allowing me to explore the stories and traditions behind each meal.

—Do you have a life motto? What inspires you?

Oh, absolutely—I live by the motto: “Find beauty in simple moments.”

It’s not just a saying for me. It’s how I see the world. Whether it’s the way light dances on a cup of tea or the quiet charm of an old wooden table, I believe the smallest details can tell the biggest stories. That mindset fuels my photography and how I live my life.

What really inspires me, though, is the mix of past and present. Growing up in a little village in Ukraine taught me to notice the beauty in everyday life—the resilience of nature, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the laughter around a dinner table.

Those memories are like little treasures I carry with me, and they sneak their way into my work. My photos are all about capturing that feeling—nostalgic, warm, and real.

Storytelling through photos

—Tell us about your book. How was “Maria’s Cookbook” born?

Maria’s Cookbook was born from my passion for both cooking and photography, a combination that has been part of my life since childhood. Cooking has always been a way for me to relax and express creativity, and photography allowed me to capture those culinary moments.

When I moved to the U.S. in 2022, creating this cookbook became a way to preserve my favorite recipes, many of which are inspired by my upbringing in Ukraine and the meals I shared with my family.

The book is filled with seasonal recipes, each thoughtfully photographed to convey the flavors, textures, and warmth of home-cooked meals. I took all the photographs myself, ensuring that the visuals would be as personal and authentic as the recipes.

The process of creating Maria’s Cookbook was not only about sharing recipes but about telling a story—my story—through images and words.

—How do you choose visuals for books correctly? What is the “recipe” for a successful book cover?

Visuals should complement and enhance the narrative. They should make the reader feel as if they can almost taste or experience what’s being presented. I often focus on natural light, authentic settings, and small details to make each shot feel relatable.

It’s important to use a consistent style throughout the book to maintain cohesion. For example, using props and backgrounds that are related to the themes of the book, such as rustic wooden boards or seasonal items, can tie everything together visually.

The “recipe” for a successful book cover goes beyond just including essential elements like the title, subtitle, and the author’s name. The key difference between an average cover and an outstanding one lies in the creative arrangement of these components, combined with compelling imagery and the strategic use of color.

A successful book cover features an engaging composition, a focal point that captures the attention, and colors that stand out and entice potential readers.

Find visuals from Maria’s Cookbook and more professional lifestyle shots in Maria’s portfolio—an exceptional resource for your creative projects.

—Any tips for brands on how to choose photos that feel unique and personal, even though they’re licensed for broad use?

To choose photos that feel unique and personal, it’s important to focus on storytelling and authenticity. As a photographer with years of experience in stock photography, I’ve learned that selecting images with genuine moments and relatable scenarios makes a significant difference.

Look for photos that reflect everyday life but are still visually striking. Pay attention to details that resonate with your brand’s identity, such as color schemes, subject matter, and composition.

Avoid overly posed or cliché stock images. Instead, opt for shots that convey a spontaneous feel. Personalize the selection process by imagining how the photo can integrate seamlessly with your brand’s message and voice.

—What role does natural lighting, seasonality, and setting play in creating your narratives?

Oh, where do I even begin? Natural lighting, seasonality, and setting are basically my holy trinity when it comes to photography.

I mean, sure, you can fake some of it in a studio, but nothing—and I mean nothing—compares to the vibe of shooting with real light. It’s raw, unpredictable, and sometimes downright stubborn, but when it works? Magic.

I’m obsessed with shooting by season. Each one has its own personality, you know? Winter’s light feels so crisp and cold, like it’s daring you to create something bold. Summer’s light is golden and indulgent, perfect for lazy, dreamy scenes. But spring? Oh, spring is where my heart lives. There’s something so fresh and alive about spring lighting—it’s soft but not shy, warm but not heavy, and it makes everything feel new again. Honestly, if spring had a mood, it’d be “hopeful.”

Of course, natural light has its quirks. It’s not just about whether the sun’s out or not. It’s about its temperature. Winter’s light is cool and almost icy, while summer can lean so warm it feels like everything’s melting (and sometimes it literally is—hello, overheating cameras!). But spring strikes that perfect balance. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Here’s the light you’ve been waiting for. Don’t mess it up.”

And then there’s the setting. Pairing the light with the right backdrop is half the battle. A winter afternoon might call for minimalist, monochromatic tones, while spring begs for vibrant pops of green and delicate blossoms.

I love finding those little seasonal details that add depth to a story—like the way morning sunlight hits a freshly bloomed flower or how a rainy day can bring out the most unexpected colors in nature.

Contributing to Depositphotos

—What motivated you to share your work on our platform?

Honestly, I was drawn to the idea of sharing my work with a global audience and seeing how it could be used in so many creative ways. Depositphotos felt like the perfect platform to showcase my style and connect with businesses, creators, and brands who value high-quality visuals.

Plus, I love the challenge of creating versatile content that can fit a variety of needs—it keeps me inspired and constantly evolving as a photographer.

Explore Mariia’s portfolio

—How are your photos usually applied in commercial projects?

My style is super versatile, so it works for all kinds of projects, but it’s still unique enough to stand out. At the end of the day, it’s all about helping brands show who they are in a way that really clicks with people. That said, my work is downloaded daily and often appears on major platforms and publications.

For example, my photos have been featured on Forbes, Walmart, Amazon, Etsy, Yahoo, LinkedIn, eBay, Pinterest, Amazon Book, and in renowned publications like Marie Claire, Green Way, and VIAGGI-USA. They’ve also been used by companies like Microsoft and showcased by retailers like Metro and Novus.

Seeing my work utilized in such diverse and impactful ways is the best kind of feedback—it shows that my images truly resonate with brands and their audiences.

—What is your favorite photo you have ever contributed?

I can’t say I have just one favorite photo—honestly, it’s like picking a favorite kid (impossible, right?). As famous photographer Imogen Cunningham once said, “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

But, okay, I’ll admit there are a couple that hold a special place in my heart. Each one has its own story, its own vibe, and captures a moment that feels just right.

Who knows? Maybe tomorrow’s shot will steal the spotlight! 🙂

Final thoughts

Mariia Sokor’s journey into photography is a testament to the power of simplicity, authenticity, and passion in storytelling. Her work inspires brands, entrepreneurs, and creators to rethink how licensed stock photography can elevate their projects, from books to branding materials.

Ready to bring your stories to life? Explore Depositphotos’ library of over 300 million licensed files, including images, videos, vectors, music tracks, and more.

Search through our editorial photography for the latest and greatest shots, or play with our AI Image Generator to get unique images free from copyright and safe for commercial use.