Inuits from Remote Russia Get Used to being Photographed for the Very First Time

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.

“Two years ago I had the amazing opportunity to go literally to the end of the earth to photograph people who never had their photo taken.”

“At schools, churches, homes and hospitals I could give people a moment to forget their troubles and just smile for the camera. But while shooting with nomadic reindeer herding families it was me who was most deeply touched by the experience. For although my hosts had few material possessions they shared with me something rare in the world – a sense of peace and satisfaction with life.”

“This March we are going back on a new journey across Chukotka. We are going to travel over 1000 miles and reach out to the most unreached places in Chukotka. We will visit people who have never had visitors in their life, stopping by every village and tribe on the way, giving them warm clothes, shoes, gifts, and simply showing them grace and love.”

“The very exciting part of the trip will be taking pictures of the natives, printing them on the spot, and handing them to the villagers. This will be the very first time that these people had ever had their photo taken.As we travel, our video crew will be documenting the lives of the locals who live in the harmony with nature.”

“We want to hear about their lives, struggles, resilience and where they see themselves in this rapidly changing world.”

“Our documentary film about this journey, will bring the voices of this land to people all around the globe. 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.”

“A large part of the project is sponsored by us, but unfortunately we can’t pay for all of it ourselves. That is why we need your HELP. Your money will buy clothes & gifts for the natives and help with the travel.”