The Russia You’ll Never See On Postcards Through The Lens Of Photographer Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan

Award-winning photographer Alexander Petrosyan has spent decades discovering what makes his home town tick: the everyday comedy and drama of a city built on contradictions. Alexander Petrosyan doesn’t think pictures can change the world, but he does believe they can help you understand it a little better. Having received his first camera as a birthday gift at the age of 12, the photographer quit and came back to the practice several times before turning professional in 2000.

More info: Alexander Petrosyan, Instagram (h/t: huckmagazine)


Alexander Petrosyan

The one constant inspiration is the streets of St. Petersburg, where he has lived his entire life. The city’s historical centre consists of just a few dozen square miles and Alexander knows every corner by heart. Any pictures he takes while travelling, he says, are best kept private – the eye of a tourist can only offer a fleeting glimpse from the outside. “This is my world,” he says of St. Petersburg.


Alexander Petrosyan

“The most difficult thing is not to repeat yourself,” he says. “Get away from your own signature style and traditions; you have to update your thinking and seek change constantly.”


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan


Alexander Petrosyan

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to Design You Trust Facebook page.

More Inspiring Stories

Guardian Readers' Travel Photography Competition: July 2018 Winners

"Deathmask Divine": The Superb Dark Paintings of Bahrull Marta

"Been on More Roofs than Santa Claus"

Daily Life of a Gamer's Girlfriend

Tenement Kids And The City – Glasgow In 1975

Einstein: The World’s Smallest Horse

Glorious Photos Of Cuban Ballet Dancers Taking To The Streets

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2014 Contest

In-Flight: Photography by Maria Netsounski

Ivorian Photographer Joana Choumali Shows Modern African Women Dressed In The Traditional Clothes Of Their Ancestors

Spectacular Winning Photos from The Wildlife Photographer of The Year 2020

"It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia": Stunning Mid-Century Mugshots From The City Of Brotherly Love

Emergency Workers From Around The Globe Take Part In The 'Tetris Challenge'!

"Terminal City": Extraordinary Photos Of Vancouver 1972-1982

Neil Zeller's Snaps Were Taken Across Canada, Where He Photographs The Northern Lights Dancing Across A Dark Night Sky

Brazilian Photographer Captures New York City Winter In Black And White

Haunting Photos Of American Slaves 70 Years After Abolition

The 2108 UK Royal Society Of Biology Photographer Of The Year Shortlist

Guinness World Records 2016 In Pictures

Enchanting Landscape Winners of the 2025 Refocus Photographer of the Year Awards

"New York State On Pause": These Photos Show How COVID-19 Changed Daily Life In NYC

Scottish Photographer Alan McFadyen Digs Pool In Forest For ‘Mirrored’ Wildlife Photos

This Dog Perfectly Recreated Madonna’s Iconic Photos

Brazilian Photographer Camila Fontenele De Miranda Transforms Strangers Into Frida Kahlo

Confection: The British Designer Shows Us how Brands Can Adjust to Our Tastes

This Photographer Perfectly Captures Sand Sculptures Naturally Carved By The Winds

Jungbauernkalender 2020: A New Bavarian Calendar For Young Farmers Has Arrived

You Have To See These Astonishing Photos Taken By A 14-Year-Old Boy

No Name

A Real-Life Mermaid Who Swims With Sharks Using Her Fish Tail And Holds Breath For 2 Minutes