The day I arrived in Russia, October 7, 2023, felt like a new chapter in my life. Having spent my entire life in Bangladesh, I was accustomed to crowded streets, vibrant festivals, and a warm tropical climate. Arriving in St. Petersburg, I found myself in a completely different world: grand architecture, the crisp autumn air, and a language I couldn’t yet understand. Amid all the unfamiliarity, I had one constant companion — my camera. For six years, it had been my trusted tool to capture fleeting moments and connect with people. Little did I know it would also become my bridge to understanding Russia, helping me embrace its rich culture and fall in love with its diverse landscapes.

The first glimpse of a new world

St. Petersburg welcomed me with open arms and endless beauty to discover. Known as the Venice of the North, its sparkling canals and pastel-colored buildings glowed with history. As a passionate street photographer, I felt overwhelmed by inspiration. Nevsky Prospekt’s grandeur, the Neva River’s serene waters, and the Winter Palace’s intricate facades all seemed like scenes from a living painting. The Hermitage Museum’s green and white grandeur and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood’s brilliant mosaics left me in awe. Framing those shots felt like capturing fragments of timeless beauty.

Yet, the real magic appeared beyond the landmarks: a babushka selling flowers, children playing near Peterhof fountains, or a street performer filling the air with music. These moments brought life to the city through my lens.

Adapting to Russian life wasn’t easy. The language barrier was daunting, the culture unfamiliar, and the winters harsher than I’d ever experienced. But my camera became my tool to navigate and connect. When the snow transformed St. Petersburg into a white wonderland, I discovered peace in its stillness. One early morning after a snowfall, the empty streets of Palace Square were blanketed in white, and the crisp air felt cleansing. The snow softened the city’s edges, muffling its usual noise. It was a moment of tranquility I will always treasure, captured forever through my lens.

Discovering the beauty of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, alive with history and culture, offered endless opportunities to capture its essence. The bustling metro stations with their chandeliers and marble walls, the quiet charm of the Summer Garden, and the energy of Nevsky Prospekt all showcased the city’s diversity. Nevsky, especially, became one of my favorite spots. By day, people hurried to work, and by evening, the wet pavement reflected streetlights, turning the avenue into a magical scene.

The Neva River’s banks also provided inspiration. In summer, the white nights cast a mystical light over the city, as if time had paused. Photographing a couple strolling along the embankment or the sun just barely dipping below the horizon felt profoundly rewarding.

How photography took me across Russia

While St. Petersburg holds a special place in my heart, my love of photography pushed me to explore beyond its borders. Moscow offered a striking contrast with its grand Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, whose colorful domes seemed surreal against the winter sky. Quiet moments in Gorky Park, children sledding in Zaryadye Park, and the intricate metro stations brought Moscow’s charm to life.

Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, introduced me to a unique blend of cultures. The Kul Sharif Mosque’s blue and white domes stood alongside Orthodox churches, symbolizing harmony. Vibrant bazaars filled with spices and handmade crafts made for lively scenes that were a joy to photograph.

Each city carried its own identity, but in my next journey, I ventured into Russia’s natural beauty — a world far removed from the urban bustle.

Falling in love with Russia’s natural beauty

As much as I loved Russia’s cities, it was the country’s landscapes that truly took my breath away. Traveling to Khakassia felt like stepping into another world. The rolling steppes, bathed in the golden light of dawn, radiated a warmth that felt almost spiritual. Here, I captured shepherds tending their flocks and the untouched beauty of the land.

In Murmansk, I fulfilled a lifelong dream: witnessing the Northern Lights. Under the Arctic sky, the green and purple waves danced above me. The humbling experience of photographing this phenomenon felt like capturing a gift from nature.

Novosibirsk offered scenes of resilience: snow-covered landscapes, the frozen Ob River, and fishermen braving the cold. Despite the harsh conditions, life thrived. Children built snowmen, and locals carried on with their daily routines. These moments of perseverance became some of my most meaningful captures.

Street photography: a focus on culture

Street photography remains my favorite medium for connecting with people. In smaller cities like Pushkin, Pskov, and Rostov-on-Don, I found countless opportunities to capture everyday life.

In Pushkin, I wandered Catherine Palace’s gardens, documenting the interplay of history and modern life as locals strolled amidst the grandeur. My Canon 600D was perfect for capturing the palace’s intricate details, while my GoPro Hero 8 proved invaluable for candid shots.

Pskov’s medieval charm, with its rivers and ancient kremlins, felt timeless. My Sony Alpha A7 III paired with a 50 mm prime lens let me focus on small, meaningful moments: an elderly man fishing by the river or a child gazing up at history. Rostov-on-Don, by contrast, buzzed with energy. Markets brimmed with vendors, fishermen shared laughter at the docks, and the vibrant scenes allowed my cameras and lenses to truly shine. The personal connections I made while photographing these moments reminded me that photography is about building bridges and finding common ground.

A journey through my lens

Photographing Russia has drawn me closer to its culture. Rich traditions, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities have left me in awe. From intricate church domes to children playing in the snow, each image tells a story of resilience, warmth, and wonder.

Sharing these photos has been equally fulfilling. Friends and family back in Bangladesh marveled at Russian winters, while fellow photographers online found connections through my work. These interactions reminded me of the universal power of art and its ability to bring people together.

Looking back on my time in Russia, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences I’ve had and the stories I’ve captured. Photography not only opened my eyes to a new world but helped me grow as a person. It taught me to find beauty in every moment, embrace challenges, and connect deeply with people and places. Russia has become more than a destination; it’s part of my heart. Through my lens, I’ve discovered its soul and fallen in love with its beauty, one frame at a time.