Aleksey’s captivating journey through the frigid landscape of Yakutsk offers a unique insight into life in one of the world’s coldest inhabited regions. Through his lens, we are invited to witness the resilience and beauty of a place often overlooked by mainstream photography. Despite the harsh conditions and isolation, Aleksey’s passion for his homeland shines through in every shot, capturing both the harsh reality and the deep connection between people and their environment. As Aleksey deals with the challenges of extreme cold and long winters, Aleksey’s images serve as a testament to the human spirit and the enduring lure of natural wonders. With his work, he not only shows the breathtaking landscapes of Yakutia but also invites viewers to think about the complexity of existence, survival, and personal fulfillment in the face of adversity.
For those who are really prone to it, winter is excruciating. Now your winter might not be so wet if you were in the tropics. But as winter approaches, we can sympathize with your concerns if you are a citizen of Yakutia. All the inhabitants of such a place know is extremely cold and a massive pile of snow. The Republic of Sakha, as it is commonly known, has winters with temperatures as low as -50 degrees. It is 5,300 kilometers from Moscow and about a million people live here.
Life in Yakutsk: Cold period
, a photographer born in Yakutsk, decided to take pictures of the hardships and daily activities of the local people. Couldn’t it be different from those urban photographers, after all, who photograph cities like New York and London? False.
The photographer’s images bear witness to the struggles people endure in this place. During the interview, Bored Panda said:
“I used to be an alcoholic. When I stopped drinking, I had to fill the vacuum left by the booze. Then I discovered a photograph that changed the way I saw life.”
When asked, Alexey revealed her really straightforward motive for taking these photos:
“My dear Yakutia, my birthplace, my upbringing, my home. I always wanted to travel the world, but Yakutia seemed like a hole in a cold desert.”
It is important to listen carefully to what the man says. Although he is very fond of his birthplace, he is aware that it is nothing more than a snowy desert. Hence the pictures.
Photographing a new development off Oxford Street might seem Instagram-worthy, but there’s something eerie about capturing utter desolation. He continues:
“I like to drink a lot. I needed something to fill the void in me once I stopped drinking. I spent all my free time with my friends in bars and I didn’t know what to do after all that.”
After that, I started Instagram and started taking pictures. As time goes by, this work fascinates me more and more.”
Desolation Beauty: A Moment in Time in Yakutia
Regarding his skills, Alexey said the following:
“Until 2018, I didn’t study photography anywhere.” I was not interested in education. It was just fun. However, in 2018 I received a grant for the DocDocDoc photography school. I studied documentary photography and this is my project “Sakhawood”, which is about Yakut films.
Unlike most modern photographers, Aleksey does not do much photo editing. In fact, the Yakut resident admitted that he is not very proficient in Lightroom or Photoshop. “I don’t like spending time editing photos.”
The fact that he was able to photograph Yakutia with Fujifilm X100F and Canon 5D Mark IV speaks volumes about his abilities. It takes a lot of strength to take pictures in a real situation – not the one the public wants to see – when the terrain is knee-deep in snow.
Pictures try to depict reality. There are no plans to create circumstances in which the Republic of Sakha appears superior or fanciful.
Other than that, it’s everything from attractive to someone who’s lived in the area their whole life:
Yakutia has extremely long and bitterly cold winters. There are winter frosts of -50 or even -60 degrees. Due to extreme cold, we had to endure -60 degrees Celsius this winter.
If they didn’t have to go out every day, they would much rather stay at home, drink hot tea and wait until spring. Life essentially comes to a standstill in winter as severe frosts create thick fog that blocks the sun for weeks or months.”
Long sleep, hot tea, and blankets: how do people in Yakutia withstand the cold?
It also supplies:
“On weekends, there is almost no one on the street. But it is the long, icy winters that define Yakutia and attract visitors from other nations to visit. For most residents, it is an unavoidable reality.”
Still, some people are reluctant to leave Yakutia! Aleksey explains the reason:
“…because we have access to the Internet, a cinema, a museum, and even a children’s library.
We try to be content with the little things and the nature that is all around us, and we are not picky about finding the best advantages of big cities. In the lives of my people, nature is extremely important.”
Aleksey’s existence, survival, and personal philosophy
Summer is undoubtedly preferred in a place where sipping hot tea in winter is the norm:
Summer is the most popular season because it is hot and short, although winter is characteristic of Yakutia. It only takes about a month to reach 40 degrees Celsius, from mid-June to mid-July. We enjoy walking until dawn and relaxing in nature.”
After their long talk about Yakutia, a discussion about his personal life follows. “I’m not sure if you can call it a hobby, but I love watching TV shows, and movies and lying on the couch all day.” He explains that he never intended to pursue a career in photography. He still has a deep affection for his mother Yakutia and photography.
Aleksey also warmly welcomes his dear homeland:
“You have to come to Yakutsk to see how amazing this place is. This trip will be in your memory forever. I swear.”
Why not go there because it seems like a wonderful and adventurous place? If you have any placement experience or will be hosting in the near future, please let us know in the comments! Check out Alex’s social media accounts for more gorgeous photos:
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In conclusion, Aleksey’s photographic journey across Yakutsk offers a poignant glimpse into the stark beauty and harsh reality of life in this remote region. Despite the extreme cold and isolation, Aleksey’s passion for capturing the essence of his homeland shines through his impressive images. Through his lens, we see a place where durability, simplicity, and respect for nature are paramount. Aleksey’s story reminds us of the transformative power of art and the deep connection between people and their environment. As he invites others to experience the wonders of Yakutia for themselves, his work serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.