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This Is What Russia Really Looks Like: 40 Honest Photos By Aleksandr Petrosyan (New Pics)
Interview With Artist
Russia is often an interesting and bizarre place, especially for those who are not really familiar with the culture. Photographer Alexander Petrosyan's goal is to show the real, unfiltered Russia. With all the weird situations, unique people, and beauty of its cities.
The photographer travels Russia, capturing all the interesting moments. His style is very expressive and every photo has a story to tell. Many of Alexander's photos show certain traditions Russians have. Like swimming in the freezing lake in winter, burning an idol for the winter to go away, and many more.
Alexander has been featured on Bored Panda before. Click here and here to see the previous articles.
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Alexander gave us an interview and told Bored Panda about his photography. His main goal is to "share my personal view of the world I live in." He photographs Russia and its people to show others what it's like living there and experiencing all that is going on. It's interesting to see the country from the perspective of the person living there. They know all the nooks and crannies of their country, their traditions, and their people.
Alexander has been photographing since he was a child. On one of his birthdays, he received a photo camera and since then he's done nothing else but capture the world around him. It is easy to see that photography runs in his veins. After many years of practice and experience, he has become a great photographer, able to capture the most unique and interesting moments.
Alexander opened up that the most challenging part of photography is coming up with new and fresh ideas, seeing the same things from a new perspective. Any creative individual would agree that creativity doesn't always flow easily. Sometimes you just have to force yourself to do the things you love to find the passion and flame again.
Alexander told us that he doesn't have a particular process when it comes to capturing these photos. He just goes with the flow. Alexander goes outside and just sees what happens. He said: "I always rely solely on chance." This pays off really well for him because he has lots of interesting and unique moments captured in his portfolio.
That coach is beautiful!!!! Do they use these still today? I dont know a lot about Russia but love learning about it.
Alexander describes his photography style as: "Petrosyanschina." There is no denying that the photographer has a unique and original style and concept. Not many photographers manage to capture such moments and movement in their photos. He mentioned that this is just the way life goes in Russia. He didn't even need to come up with a concept, Alexander just needed to go outside and capture what was happening.
Built on millions of pilings driven into the swamp by Swedish POWs from Poltova.
Alexander has been doing this for 21 years. He started in the 2000s and is not planning to stop anytime soon. He said he is inspired by life itself and the people of Russia. Alexander said: "They love not for something, but despite it." If you live in Russia or anywhere near, you probably know that they are one of the most hospitable people. If you come over to their home, they will have a whole table of food and drinks prepared. Make sure you're comfortable and have anything you need. Also, they are great company and are fun people!
The photographer said this when asked what advice he would give to a photographer who is just starting out: "Saturate your soul with the best that has been created in the history of mankind." If you surround yourself with things you love, with things that inspire you, you are bound to become better at your craft. "The secret of my enthusiasm, which is actually very simple: every fall and failure is a springboard for future success! I am interested in looking for myself in new senses, in new situations. The development is more interesting for me than the end result."
So confused. Is this a subway or bus, and how did the man in the restroom get into the photo? Were they passing a restroom? As I said, confused.
I think this brings out the fact that we are all pretty much the same. Take away the Russian writing and it could be New Orleans, Las Vegas, Amsterdam etc.
maybe I'm seeing too much into this photo, but it's interesting how the colors and exterior of the building is chipped, cold and has weathered the change of seasons and history. Meanwhile indoors is a modern lighting illuminating a 21st century woman cleaning her kitchen. Idk if I connected the words exactly what the photo conveys to me, but it's fascinating how times change but preserve!
Female columns are called caryatids. Males are called atlanteans. What animal columns are called I would be grateful to know.
Epiphany Day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. Usually January 19th. It is cold cold cokd ...
At least looks clean. I have been in way worst hotels in Central America. And they have giant cockroaches.
Worriedly checking her phone for messages explaining why everyone else is leaving town.
Displaying the two immortal qualities of Russia: the beauty of the soul, and the practice of the knout.
Aww...I kinda want to give that little old lady some tea and cookies.
Russian are more racist than Americans, and not only against blacks.
Russia imposed a law several years ago banning swearing. Perhaps she's about to clean out someone's mouth. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-censorship/russia-launches-swearing-ban-books-films-plays-risk-fines-idUSKBN0F64L920140701
I think they're burning the effigy of Morana - it's a tradition across Eastern Europe.
Almost didn't notice that the photographer blurred out his reflection in the window.
woah this gives me a headache almost.. I feel the rat-race, or just crowded places in general... Me on the left having a quarterlife crisis xD
I visited Russia (Moscow mostly) for 4 months a decade ago and I still can't get that place out of my head. I loved these pictures ❤️
I've been lucky enough to visit St Petersburg and Moscow and have such great memories.
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Agree. The composition and color are really fantastic in some of these.
Load More Replies... I was transported into difference places.. could hear the sounds and smells, the stories. I haven't seen photography like this before, it's very thought-provoking
Wonderful photos! Russia is so often portrayed as joyless and dismal; it's very nice to see a more balanced and human picture of the culture.
Hollywood spreads so much hate for Russia, but whenever I look at photos of Russia, it seems like a really interesting, colorful and vivacious country. Even a little crazy in good way. I love these! We should never spread hate towards any country or nation, that is just wrong.
I am mesmerized by the architecture and the skylines in these photos. I really need to visit Russia. It's a beautiful place
1/2 I met a couple of Russians, they moved into our county, 2 sisters, both married. The younger sister married an Iranian and the started a deli, the other sister had been married for quite some time to another Russian, she had grown kids. These two sisters were the nicest most sincere and caring people I have ever met. Both had hearts of gold. One day in the 1980’s, the younger sister told me her Iranian husband was going to business school in Texas. I warned him to take his passport, he looked at me quizzically snd asked why. I said because you have a Latino look and the law there is going to give you trouble. They pop-pooed my cautions and off he went, driving to Texas. I was in their deli when the Iranians wife came out of the back room, she looked exhausted. She saw me snd asked to speak with me. Sure enough the night before, her husband was pulled over in his car and although he had a valid out of State drivers license, the police officers did not believe him and tossed him in
2/2 a cell at immigration for deporting later, he made his one phone call to his wife in the early morning hours, she spent hours on the phone with the law, and asked they keep him until she could fax his passport information. It all got straightened out, but it was a disturbing incident, she thanked me for warning them because although everything could have been avoided if he had his only had his passport with him, my cautions made the experience less stressful. I was glad to help. They were all good people
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Heavily photoshoped, look like paintings, posters. Too much of Lenin. A candy for a western eye, but little of real Russia
Exactly my thoughts a pics are great, but no- most of them don't represent daily Russia
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Great photos, bringing back memories. Something I noted about Russians - they were incredibly generous to beggars - it was rare to see someone pass without leaving a little cash. It's missing a photo of the beer carts - the really fast brewed beer you could get in a little cup everywhere.
uhm, what? There's no such thing as beer carts in Russia, maybe you are confusing them with kvass?
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I visited Russia (Moscow mostly) for 4 months a decade ago and I still can't get that place out of my head. I loved these pictures ❤️
I've been lucky enough to visit St Petersburg and Moscow and have such great memories.
Load More Replies... Agree. The composition and color are really fantastic in some of these.
Load More Replies... I was transported into difference places.. could hear the sounds and smells, the stories. I haven't seen photography like this before, it's very thought-provoking
Wonderful photos! Russia is so often portrayed as joyless and dismal; it's very nice to see a more balanced and human picture of the culture.
Hollywood spreads so much hate for Russia, but whenever I look at photos of Russia, it seems like a really interesting, colorful and vivacious country. Even a little crazy in good way. I love these! We should never spread hate towards any country or nation, that is just wrong.
I am mesmerized by the architecture and the skylines in these photos. I really need to visit Russia. It's a beautiful place
1/2 I met a couple of Russians, they moved into our county, 2 sisters, both married. The younger sister married an Iranian and the started a deli, the other sister had been married for quite some time to another Russian, she had grown kids. These two sisters were the nicest most sincere and caring people I have ever met. Both had hearts of gold. One day in the 1980’s, the younger sister told me her Iranian husband was going to business school in Texas. I warned him to take his passport, he looked at me quizzically snd asked why. I said because you have a Latino look and the law there is going to give you trouble. They pop-pooed my cautions and off he went, driving to Texas. I was in their deli when the Iranians wife came out of the back room, she looked exhausted. She saw me snd asked to speak with me. Sure enough the night before, her husband was pulled over in his car and although he had a valid out of State drivers license, the police officers did not believe him and tossed him in
2/2 a cell at immigration for deporting later, he made his one phone call to his wife in the early morning hours, she spent hours on the phone with the law, and asked they keep him until she could fax his passport information. It all got straightened out, but it was a disturbing incident, she thanked me for warning them because although everything could have been avoided if he had his only had his passport with him, my cautions made the experience less stressful. I was glad to help. They were all good people
Load More Replies... Heavily photoshoped, look like paintings, posters. Too much of Lenin. A candy for a western eye, but little of real Russia
Exactly my thoughts a pics are great, but no- most of them don't represent daily Russia
Load More Replies... Great photos, bringing back memories. Something I noted about Russians - they were incredibly generous to beggars - it was rare to see someone pass without leaving a little cash. It's missing a photo of the beer carts - the really fast brewed beer you could get in a little cup everywhere.
uhm, what? There's no such thing as beer carts in Russia, maybe you are confusing them with kvass?
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