PhotoChess

PhotoChess is the creative brand of Maria Emelianova, a Woman FIDE Master turned chess photographer, journalist, and streamer. Since 2010, Maria has been behind the lens at the biggest chess events on the planet, from the Sochi 2014 World Championship to the Baku 2016 Chess Olympiad, capturing moments that define the modern chess era.

Maria is the official photographer for Chess.com, where she also manages Russian-language social media marketing. Her work has appeared in every major chess publication, and she won the Chess Journalist of America Award for Best Chess Photojournalism in 2018. Beyond photography, she brings a titled player's perspective to her Twitch and Kick streams, where she covers major tournaments with commentary, blitz battles, and behind-the-scenes content.

PhotoChess is for anyone who loves chess as a visual experience, not just a competitive one. Whether you are looking for signed photographs of your favorite grandmasters, behind-the-scenes tournament coverage, or live commentary from someone who understands the game at a high level, PhotoChess delivers all of it with a personal touch that larger media outlets simply cannot replicate.