Motherhood is one of the most universal human experiences, yet countless personal stories disappear with time.
Photographs fade.
Memories change.
Voices are forgotten.
Portrait of Motherhood was created to preserve these experiences—not only as family memories, but as part of our shared cultural history.
Through photography, personal narratives and artistic collaboration, we document motherhood in all its complexity, tenderness and strength.
Why Motherhood
Every person has a mother.
Yet the everyday reality of motherhood is rarely recorded in history.
The world remembers wars, politics and great achievements, but often forgets the quiet strength that shapes every generation.
Portrait of Motherhood exists to change that.
We believe motherhood is not only a personal experience—it is a cultural legacy.
Every photograph, every story and every voice becomes part of a living archive that helps future generations better understand what it meant to be a mother in our time.
Because preserving motherhood means preserving humanity.
Our Mission
Caring for mothers today. Preserving their stories forever.
Portrait of Motherhood exists to support mothers in the present while preserving their experiences for the future.
We believe every mother deserves not only to be remembered, but also to be supported, celebrated and cared for.
Through photography, exhibitions, educational programs, creative workshops and community initiatives, we create spaces where women can find connection, emotional relief, inspiration and a sense of belonging.
Alongside this work, we are building an international archive that documents the diverse realities of motherhood through photographs, personal stories and research—creating a lasting cultural legacy for future generations.
Our Vision
Building the world’s largest cultural archive of motherhood.
We envision a future where motherhood is recognized as an essential part of cultural history.
An archive where photographs, stories, research and lived experiences are preserved with dignity and made accessible to future generations.
We believe every mother deserves to be seen.
Every experience deserves to be remembered.
What We Do
Our Values
Leadership
Mariia Timofeieva (Mary Timofeeva)
Founder & Executive Director
Mary Timofeeva is a Ukrainian photographer, visual storyteller and founder of Portrait of Motherhood.
For more than fifteen years, she has documented motherhood through intimate portraiture, creating one of Ukraine’s most recognized long-term photographic projects dedicated to mothers and families.
Since launching Portrait of Motherhood in 2023, she has photographed more than 200 families across Ukraine and Europe, bringing women together through large-scale community portrait sessions, exhibitions and documentary storytelling.
Her work has been internationally recognized and published by PhotoVogue, ImageNation Paris, Dehazed Magazine, Sguardo Magazine, Heartful Magazine and other international platforms. Her photographs have received editorial selections, international awards and have been exhibited in Ukraine and abroad.
Mary is currently building an international archive dedicated to preserving the visual and personal history of motherhood through photography, oral histories and cultural projects.
Alongside her artistic career, Mary holds a Master’s degree in Law, bringing valuable experience in governance, legal frameworks, nonprofit management and international partnerships.
As a mother herself, she combines professional expertise with lived experience, ensuring that every initiative of Portrait of Motherhood is built with empathy, dignity and a deep understanding of the realities mothers face.
Key achievements
15+ years as a professional photographer
Founder of Portrait of Motherhood
200+ families photographed
International exhibitions
27 publications in PhotoVogue
Best of PhotoVogue selection
Editors’ Pick recognitions
International publications and interviews
Founder of NGO "Portrait of Motherhood"
Dionisii Timofeiev
Board Member
Dionisii Timofeiev is an educator with more than ten years of experience working with adolescents aged 14–17.
He holds Master’s degrees in both Education and Law, combining pedagogical expertise with a strong understanding of child and adolescent development, communication and educational psychology.
Throughout his career, he has supported hundreds of young people, helping them navigate both educational and personal challenges through trust-based communication and mentoring.
Within Portrait of Motherhood, Dionisii contributes to organizational governance, legal compliance, educational programming and the development of family- and community-focused initiatives.
As a father, he also brings personal insight into the realities of modern parenting, strengthening the organization’s commitment to supporting families through both professional knowledge and lived experience.
Why Our Team
Although Portrait of Motherhood is a newly established nonprofit organization, it is built on years of professional practice, international recognition and community work.
Together, our team combines expertise in photography, education, law, nonprofit management and family support. This interdisciplinary foundation enables us to create projects that are both artistically meaningful and socially impactful.
Our Impact
15+
Years of photography
200+
Families
40+
Internationally published photographs
5+
Countries
4
Exhibitions
Timeline
Partners & Collaboration
We welcome collaborations with museums, galleries, universities, researchers, nonprofits and cultural institutions that share our mission of preserving motherhood through art, storytelling and education.
Join Us
Every story matters.
Whether you are a mother, photographer, researcher, artist or simply someone who believes these stories deserve to be preserved, there is a place for you here.
Together, we are creating a living archive for future generations.
