Braving temperatures of -45f to visit a place that is literally located at the end of the earth, Sasha Leahovcenco photographed people who have never had their picture taken before.
Trudging through snow drifts and blizzards, across the deep tundra of the northern Russian region of Chukotka, Leahovcenco traveled to meet a small nomadic tribe of reindeer herders - disconnected from the modern world where the way of life has barely changed for thousands of years.
Bringing along a digital printer to the region where it the record high is barely above 90f, Leahovcenco photographed the men, women and children of the hardy native people there - and then to their delight showed them pictures of themselves for the first time in their lives.
The intrepid photographer undertook two expeditions to Chukotka, once in 2011 and another repeat journey earlier this year.
In addition to photographing those who have never been photographed before, Leahovcenco was also bringing the nomadic tribes 'warm clothes, shoes, gifts, and simply show them grace and love.'When asked to describe his incredible experiences in the frozen wilderness and what the photographs meant to the people who snapped, Leahovcenco said that he was sure it changed them - because it definitely changed him.
'If I would choose one word to say, it would be 'memory.' said Leahovcenco according to Help-Portrait.com
'More than that – 'good memories.' And let me explain why. Eight months during the year – it’s winter there. More than that half of this time, people don’t see sun, because its just don’t raise up. People are just depressed.
'And when I was photographing them, that was the moment when they actually could smile and forget all their troubles and problems in life and feel happy for a minute, and I would capture that on a photo, which they will cherish, I believe for the rest their life.'
Indeed, for those rare people who live on the roadless terrain, having their first picture taken is one thing.
In fact, for most of these people, this was the first time that they had ever entertained or seen a guest.
Sustaining themselves through their reindeer herding, whale hunting and fishing, the people Leahovcenco visited can only be reached by airplane.
Leahovenco, who was born in the former Soviet republic of Moldova, but who currently lives in Sacremento, found that his life was changed by his experiences with the tribes of Chukotka.
'We hope to engage humanity’s deep rooted fascination with nature and desire to understand humanity. Perhaps by getting a glimpse of this nomadic way of life we will reflect on this modern world and what in our lives is truly important,' said Leahvcenco.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2526767/Next-selfies-Inuits-remote-Russia-smile-camera-used-photographed-time-ever.html#ixzz2o06zmmp1
Trudging through snow drifts and blizzards, across the deep tundra of the northern Russian region of Chukotka, Leahovcenco traveled to meet a small nomadic tribe of reindeer herders - disconnected from the modern world where the way of life has barely changed for thousands of years.
Bringing along a digital printer to the region where it the record high is barely above 90f, Leahovcenco photographed the men, women and children of the hardy native people there - and then to their delight showed them pictures of themselves for the first time in their lives.
The intrepid photographer undertook two expeditions to Chukotka, once in 2011 and another repeat journey earlier this year.
In addition to photographing those who have never been photographed before, Leahovcenco was also bringing the nomadic tribes 'warm clothes, shoes, gifts, and simply show them grace and love.'When asked to describe his incredible experiences in the frozen wilderness and what the photographs meant to the people who snapped, Leahovcenco said that he was sure it changed them - because it definitely changed him.
'If I would choose one word to say, it would be 'memory.' said Leahovcenco according to Help-Portrait.com
'More than that – 'good memories.' And let me explain why. Eight months during the year – it’s winter there. More than that half of this time, people don’t see sun, because its just don’t raise up. People are just depressed.
'And when I was photographing them, that was the moment when they actually could smile and forget all their troubles and problems in life and feel happy for a minute, and I would capture that on a photo, which they will cherish, I believe for the rest their life.'
Indeed, for those rare people who live on the roadless terrain, having their first picture taken is one thing.
In fact, for most of these people, this was the first time that they had ever entertained or seen a guest.
Sustaining themselves through their reindeer herding, whale hunting and fishing, the people Leahovcenco visited can only be reached by airplane.
Leahovenco, who was born in the former Soviet republic of Moldova, but who currently lives in Sacremento, found that his life was changed by his experiences with the tribes of Chukotka.
'We hope to engage humanity’s deep rooted fascination with nature and desire to understand humanity. Perhaps by getting a glimpse of this nomadic way of life we will reflect on this modern world and what in our lives is truly important,' said Leahvcenco.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2526767/Next-selfies-Inuits-remote-Russia-smile-camera-used-photographed-time-ever.html#ixzz2o06zmmp1