Hi, I'm Stani
An award-winning photographer, professional artist, dedicated mother and adventure seeker
For me, the magic of photography lies in harnessing the power of natural light, transforming even the most mundane location into a captivating stage for my subjects.
If you like unconventional, honest, authentic and organic photos – I'm your person! If you like adventures in the outdoors, chasing the sunset, light and shadow, and getting a little dirty with dust and mud – I'm your person! If you are looking for professional service with an exceptional customer experience from start to finish, with a creative and innovative mind behind the lens – I'm your personal photographer!
So if you're looking for a photographer who can help you tell your story in a way that's honest, heartfelt and unforgettable, I'd be delighted to chat with you and see what we can create together.
Let's chatMy personal creative story
Well hello there, and welcome to my little corner of the web!
My name is Stanislava Georgieva – but if that's a bit of a mouthful, don't worry, you're not alone. When I got married I changed my last name to Kabaivanov, which only added to the fun of explaining it to folks here in the USA. That's why I go by the simple and snappy moniker of Stani. And if you ever chat with me on the phone, you might detect a hint of something exotic in my voice: my Bulgarian accent. Born and raised in the Balkans, surrounded by the rich culture, history and natural beauty of my homeland, my heritage is a vital part of who I am – from the way I see the world to the way I approach my craft.
In the summer of 2022, during a yoga retreat in Bulgaria, I met a woman of Mayan descent from Guatemala. As she glanced at my Mayan calendar she discerned something I couldn't ignore: my destiny was one of artistic expression and creative beauty. So I invite you to join me on a voyage through my creative life journey.
or how my photography journey began
Bulgaria
Ever since I can remember, art has been an essential part of my life's journey. One of my fondest memories was aspiring to attend a specialized high school that fostered my love for photography. The stars didn't align, and I was heartbroken to realise that my lack of connections held me back. But life has a way of leading us to unexpected places: my journey took me to the vibrant heart of Sofia, where I enrolled in a prestigious high school with a thriving arts program.
After high school I applied to Sofia University for Fine Art Pedagogy – and faced a similar fate. Not one to give up, I found a job at the National Museum of Foreign Art in Sofia, which let me delve deep into the cultural heritage and creative expressions of humanity, and a year later I was accepted to the National Academy of Art. Then destiny stepped in: a green card for the USA presented a monumental crossroads. Stay and pursue a Master's in Art History, or leave everything behind – family, friends, a promising future – to pursue my dreams in New York City? As a 20-year-old with an adventurous spirit, I bought a one-way ticket.
Inspirations: colors, cultures, traditions.
finding my identity, roots and building self-esteem
New York
Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamed of capturing life's moments with a camera of my own. On one of my teenage birthdays my grandma gifted me a Smena 8, a low-cost Soviet 35mm film camera. None of the rolls produced the expected results – instead the images turned into abstract works of art with unique double exposures. In 2005, at LaGuardia Community College, I decided to major in Commercial Photography and finally learn how to use a professional camera. In my final year I received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Commercial Photography.
In 2010 I completed my BFA in Photography at the School of Visual Arts, where I received the Rhodes Family Award for Outstanding Achievement in Photography. I developed a strong interest in fine art photography that explores the existential and mundane social issues of our daily lives; my thesis project was published and exhibited in the United States and Bulgaria. While still a student I began photographing weddings, social events, and business and political events for the New York Observer – a wonderful opportunity to merge my passion for human interaction, social life and traditions with my academic pursuits.
I love to meet and learn about people from all kinds of backgrounds and places. I love cooking for friends and organising social events. I believe in community.
building a photography business and a family
California
During my visit to the Golden State in 2011, I was struck by the breathtaking expanse of blue sky and the diverse landscapes of California, and realised my ten-year chapter in New York had reached its conclusion. I relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and started my own business, specialising in weddings, portraits and event photography. Since then my work has focused on capturing the essence of human emotion and creating treasured keepsakes that can be cherished for generations.
To me, photography is more than a way to capture moments in time; it's a window into the rich and varied tapestry of human experience. Natural light is my weapon of choice, whether I'm shooting indoors or outdoors, and the picturesque palette of the four seasons is my portrait backdrop. Making California my home opened a new chapter in my creative career, one that explores the outdoors and the wilderness along with my adventurous spirit.
Balancing between my creative work and my family through meditation, yoga, hiking, reading paper books, cooking and camping road trips.
The Kabaivanov family
Motherhood is my first profession
Let's put it this way: motherhood is my first profession, and photography second since I have my children. When my first son was born I realised what real, unconditional love is. When Covid-19 knocked at my kids' school door I had to prioritise my kids over my work, and I decided to try homeschooling my boys. Being able to teach my own kids to read and write in English was a big learning curve for the whole family, and one of the most exciting moments in my life as a mother.
During that time I also went camping by myself with my kids, driving six hours from the Bay Area to Mammoth Lakes over the Sonora Pass. Only nature was able to heal my spirit and soul. That is when I really started focusing on nature and outdoor photography, where the human spirit is just a part of the whole frame. The statement my images make is to show how connected people and nature are.
I'd call it natural elegance, with a note of contemporary art.
Some fun stuff you need to know about me
Quick facts
- I actually have a degree in
- Photography
- My sun is in
- Cancer
- Nothing makes me happier than
- seeing my kids smile
- My rising star is in
- Sagittarius
- I'm addicted to
- cooking for friends
- Always interested in
- self-improving
- I enjoy
- anything spiritual and social
- I'm catching up with
- reading classical books – and books at all
Perks for hiring me
What you get
- 01
You'll be working with a legitimate professional and award-winning photographer
I am not just a mom with a camera or someone who swapped a corporate job for photography because it is fun. When you work with me, you will receive the best customer service from beginning to end.
- 02
You'll experience being in front of the camera and learn how to get out of your comfort zone
You might never have been in front of the camera, so I will make sure you have the best experience and teach you some tricks and poses for creating the images of yourself you want.
- 03
Your images will be organised and kept in my archives
Every session is archived and accessible in your online gallery with no expiration date.
- 04
You will work with a very flexible professional
Weekdays, weekends, early mornings or sunset – indoors, outdoors, in your home or on the road.
Some of my
Favorite projects
Clients
Kind words
“Stani is an artist. I recently hired her for a branding shoot – she came to my home and shot various looks for two hours. She took the time to carefully craft a visual story that spoke to my vision. Stani's dedication, compassion, and empathy for others shows through in the intimacy of her work. On top of it all, she's a great person. I would recommend Stani to anyone.”
“I fell in love with Stani's photography style instantly and was so excited to hire her as our wedding photographer in June 2019. She made a point to get to know us as a couple prior to the big day and was incredibly helpful answering any wedding questions we had whether they related to photography or not. She has such a calming presence and made us feel comfortable behind the camera – something both my husband and I normally struggle with – and her eye is superb! We absolutely love every single one of her photos and will cherish them forever!”
You're ready?
Let's have a chat
If you are looking for real, raw and authentic portrait and event photography captured in a fine art, minimal style — that is me.