[slidepress gallery=’dmitrymarkov_awkwardage’]

Hover over the image for navigation and full screen controls

 

Dmitry Markov

Awkward Age

PLAY THIS ESSAY

 

I grew up in a small Russian town in a family of factory workers. The part of the town where I lived was rough: the only available place of work (the factory) had been closed, and as an outcome most of adults drank much and we being left alone lounged away time roaming the streets. We constantly had fights and problems with a school and police. At the age of 16 I wrote an article in a local newspaper about my friends who were doing heroin. The article evoked a wide response and public attention and was rewarded. Thereby I got fascinated with journalism. At the age of 20 my new interest let me leave my native town and helped me to avoid those deplorable consequences which my friends come across with. By that time many of them were not already alive or were put in prison.

In 2005 by chance I visited a boarding school during one of my volunteer trips. In some months’ period I left the job in a newspaper and started working closely as a volunteer with non-commercial organizations and foundations which helped and supported orphans. I was getting on well with the youngsters from the boarding school, most of them had the similar problems I’d experienced when was of the same age.

In summer 2005 I volunteered in a boarding school for disabled children in Pskov region. I was very impressed by the actual state of thing regarding such children, by their hopeless living. Therefore I decided to move to Pskov region to start working with those children. During the next three years we successfully realized several local projects with disabled orphans. Effective 2009 we started a new project “Children’s village” where several elder children from the boarding school are learning to live on their own under the supervision of two tutors.

Looking at my foster children I often recall my own childhood. On the one hand I want to help them to avoid serious mistakes which could ruin or influence their further lives. It is not easy. This is the age when you think you know how to live properly, this is the age when you often ignore advice of the grown-ups. On the other hand I would like to draw the society’s attention to the problems of these children which are sometimes difficult to resolve alone without one’s help and support.

 

Bio

I was born in 1982, in Moscow region. After finishing school I studied at the Faculty of Philology and actively wrote for youth magazines and newspapers on a voluntary and part-time basis. Being a 3rd year student I left the University as I was proposed a position of a full- time reporter in one of the prints. Later on during four years, I worked in a Russian weekly newspaper “Argumenty i Facty” (Arguments and Facts) where most of my articles were devoted to social issues and youth’ problems.

Nowadays, I am a volunteer of several non-commercial organizations: charitable organization “ROSTOK”, education fund “ROOF”, fund “Detskiedomiki”, the Pskov branch of the “Russian Children’s Fund”, Austrian fund “Kleine Herzen” and several informal volunteer unions. The author of several albums, publications and photo exhibitions dedicated to the problem of orphanage in Russia. I am working as a tutor in the Children’s Village and taking part in the other current projects. We’ve been attracting many volunteers and are actively dealing with the region’s mass media and local social welfare authorities.

I hope that my photos have not the small share in drawing the attention of benefactors, volunteers and journalists. I do hope that they help the society to look at the problems of such children in a humane way.

 

Related links

Dmitry Markov

 

75 thoughts on “dmitry markov – awkward age”

  2. joao henriques

    A great photographic work, which is clearly depicted by an insider. Joined with the other part that you’re acomplishing with these kids, this is just remarkable.
    Thanks for sharing this caring energy and photography.
    PS-Could i make some critics to the work? Of course i would, but i’m sure you’ll have plenty of people eager to make a “porfolio review” of this, talking about exploitation, etc etc. Don’t bother and go ahead!

  3. Pingback: dmitry markov – awkward age | burn magazine | The Click

  5. emcd

    Dmitry – thank you for this – a symphony of heart, head and talent.

    A poetic metaphor for the expression “Hindsight is 20/20 vision.”

  6. bob black

    If I walk the noisy streets,
    Or enter a many thronged church,
    Or sit among the wild young generation,
    I give way to my thoughts.

    I say to myself: the years are fleeting,
    And however many there seem to be,
    We must all go under the eternal vault,
    And someone’s hour is already at hand.

    When I look at a solitary oak
    I think: the patriarch of the woods.
    It will outlive my forgotten age
    As it outlived that of my grandfathers’.

    If I caress a young child,
    Immediately I think: farewell!
    I will yield my place to you,
    For I must fade while your flower blooms.
    –pushkin

    Дима! :))

    Поздравляю вас с этим замечательным и очень мощный историю. Мне понравилось очень много фотографий и первые фотографии великолепна. Это история с сердцем и мужеством и, прежде всего человеку храбрость. Эта история показывает не только фотографические власти (у вас есть красивые фотографии), а также глубины души. Я поздравляю вас, что вы не стали циничны, или разочарованные, но вместо этого вы используете фотографии, чтобы сделать свет на эту историю, и добавить любви и света, и жизнь в жизни этих детей.! :)))

    big congratulations Dima!….

    a story filled with both beauty (in your photographic details) and in your humane and loving heart and approach. Very happy to see this essay here!

    cheers
    bob

  7. stelios

    I find rather interesting the fact that 3 images are shown in image 14 as black and white prints on the wall. Not sure why but I do.

    Loved this essay.

  9. Michal Daniel

    FANTASTIC! I’m jaded, and am therefore rarely moved by photography, these days. You moved me and how! THANKS!!! Can’t wait to see what else you’ll bering to the photography table. Hard to beat this scrumptious meal!

  10. Frank Michael Hack

    Really wonderful essay. Beautifully photographed. Words are hard to come by some of the images are really stunning. Your subject matter is close to your heart and therefore rings true. It is strange but I find that the forgotten ones and places often remind us most of who we really are,

    Loved it. Congratulations. I hope you have submitted this essay to the Burn Photographer Fund. If not you still have a few hours : )

    Frank

  11. Yulia Serdyukova

    Дима, рада тебя здесь видеть!

    Многие из этих фотографий я уже “знаю наизусть” – и все равно каждый раз с трепетом пересматриваю.
    Заметила много новых снимков, особенно поразил 23-й…

    У тебя настоящее – живое – средце.
    Удачи тебе и вам всем!

  12. Sidney Atkins

    Brilliant and dedicated work. beautiful and impressive. Many, many outstanding singles, but more than that an outstanding essay that raises the bar once again at BURN… viewing this along with the “Shower Series” is possibly enough to intimidate any emerging photographer about the quality level that BURN demands and delivers.

    It’s very hard to say anything about what could possibly improve this essay, except this very minor quibble… I don’t think the final image, no.25, is as strong as many of the others and I wouldn’t have chosen it to conclude the essay… maybe drop it, or put it in the sequence after no. 16… I think the penultimate image, no. 24, would have been a stronger conclusion.

  13. Lee Guthrie

    Dmitry, lovely essay. So refreshing to see life with joy and hope in an essay about Russia. Especially love 15, 17, 18 & 23. Like the b&w prints on the wall too.

  15. Frostfrog

    The work of a sensitive soul, peeking beneath the hardened shells of other sensitive souls living under hard circumstance.

    Well done.

    It goes without saying that I like the one of the kitten in the hands with the dark storm clouds behind the best.

  16. david_bacher

    Hi Dmitry, It’s a nice topic. I like the typical photo-journalistic shots, but perhaps there are too many of the same theme…That is, this group of guys just hanging out together. After one or two we get the idea that this is a close knit group of kids despite the hardships that they go through. I prefer the more symbolic photos actually, like 9. We are left to wonder what he is thinking while staring out the car window. I love 10 with the small piece of light just illuminating his face and the symbols painted on the wall. Again #15 we the viewers are left to ponder. 18, 19, and 23 are in the same direction. I think these photos fit together very well, but too many of the reportage images dilute the strength of the whole piece.

    Are you going to keep on this project? Nice job.

  18. Reimar

    Dimitri,
    these images are simply cool, cool, cool!

    You certainly photographed from the inside with heart and soul. Keeping light and a strong composition in mind at the same time. Outstanding images!

    Yes, society has to look at the life of these kids, teenagers or young adults! Your work is a great effort to draw the attention to their lives.

    Glad to see your work! A very good inspiration!
    Keep going!
    Reimar

  25. Rodolfo

    Hi Dmitry! Great images. Great composition, use of light and scenery. perfect timing. virtually no noise in your message. Some images seem a bit less consistent on the set. Great work with the “cast”.

    Perfect – 15, 17, 04, 05.

    There´s also a “cinematographic” quality to your pictures. Especially on these (15, 17, 04, 05) Check out Wenders Zeiss Calendar… I’m not sure why. check it…

    http://www.wim-wenders.com/2009-zeiss-calendar.htm

  26. bob black

    Дима :))…я хотел сказать еще одну вещь. Я смотрел на все ваши фотографии и рассказы в LiveJournal. Работы очень и очень красиво. Некоторые фотографии и рассказы напоминают мне о моем друге C. Максимишин. Знаете ли вы свою работу? История (в черно-белый) детей великолепна, как и все семейные истории. Это эссе на Burn, я не могу перестать думать о первом фотографию и фотографию мальчик выглядывал голову из отверстия погреба с картошкой. В самом деле, великолепные работы. Будут пользоваться встречи с вами, когда Марина и я приехать в Москву. :))

    Боба ))

  27. Gordon Lafleur

    Dmitry

    Congratulations.

    This is just simply spectacular work. I’m so pleased to see this here. Amazing work, amazing project. I can’t believe you were born in 1982. I’m blown away.

  28. peter grant

    Hi Dmitry.

    I am most attracted by the intimacy of these images. Yes, the lighting is wonderful and you obviously have a good eye for composition as well. But what I most appreciate is the intimacy you recieve..

    Very interesting for me. Like to see more, so I’ll visit your web site.

    Take care.

    Peter.

  31. Patricia Lay-Dorsey

    What an exceptional body of work. The photos alone are remarkable, the light especially. But all of it is here: an artistic eye, a sense of authorship, compelling story, obviously deep connection with the subjects. This is the kind of work that makes a difference in the world. I hope Dmitry has submitted it to the EPF. I’d give him the $15,000 in a heartbeat!

    Patricia

  37. dmitrymarkov

    Hello!

    I am glad that this essay was published in “BURN”. Thank you for your kind words.

    Yes, I’m going to continue shooting

  38. bob black

    panos/patricia/david(ah): gotta say ditto….one of the finest documentary essays i’ve seen in a long time, cinematic and heart feld and profound….it’s a raise high the roofbeams level! :)))))))….

  39. Katrin

    Dear Dmitry, thank you for making, and sharing, this work. It is exceptional. I feel richer for having seen it, and for having been allowed a small glimpse into the way you see the world.

  46. medford taylor

    The beauty and innocence of this essay made me go back and have another look and then another. Dmitry has emerged and we are all more enriched for that. Give this man a prize and a leg up.

  47. Chantal

    Dmitry, my sincere compliments for this moving essay.
    Keep on doing as much voluntary work as you can, since this is definitely your magic key
    to photograph these beautiful stories!

  48. petepin

    Dmitry, this is exceptional. I was very moved. I’ve watched and digested it multiple times. And that opening shot; spectacular.

  51. Lens

    This is the first time I post a comment here.

    Dmitry Markov, this is an absolutely inspiring essay. I love many of the images, beautiful lighting. I have also bookmarked your site as well. Thanks for sharing this amazing body of work.

    Thanks very much for this wonderful inspiring and meaningful site!

  53. John Pitsakis

    One of the very best stories I’ve seen in Burn.
    The intimate relationship between you and the youngsters and your knowledge of their circumstances and common experiences speak volumes.
    Photographically speaking I find it excellent and at least Nos. 12,17 are exceptional.
    I’d love to see more, much more in the future, will be following you closely.
    Congratulations my friend.

  55. Pingback: Awkward Age by Dmitry Markov (BURN MAGAZINE) « Most Recent « The 37th Frame – Celebrating the Best of Photojournalism

  56. jbnightingale

    Floored! Honestly one of the best I’ve seen in a long time, from professionals on down. I really must see more, and will be following your work! Dmitry, keep shooting!

    —and Mr. Harvey…this is what is Burn is all about. Thank you so much for shining light on these stories we would all miss, I hope everyone else is as inspired to donate and promote Burn as I am looking at these photos….as soon as the IRS gets around to writing me a check…

  58. Pingback: Das Fotografie Special ist da: Die browserFruits | Digitale Fotografie Lernen - KWERFELDEIN - Martin Gommel

  59. Stefano Barazzetta

    Great, great, great, Dmitry.
    Thank you so much for sharing… it doesn’t happen everyday to have to chance to look at such a marvellous, intimate, honest and inspiring work.
    Thanks a lot!

    Stefano
    Milan, Italy

  60. Andrew Gray

    Wonderful photographs of light. I love the sense of being close and intimate with the people, and yet they are “place-less” images at the same time.

    I have one critical comment that comes to mind. You have demonstrated your acceptance and intimacy with this group of people. I noted the photo with your photographs on the wall in the background, meaning you’ve spent some extended time and involved them in the project. This reminds me of Koudelka’s work in some ways. However, Koudelka achieved something at another level. His photographs showed his intimacy with the subjects and communicated the distance between them at the same time. There is a wildness that comes in, an element of surprise. I’d like to see more of that distance and element of surprise in this series. The people in these photos are surely like me in many ways, but how different are they? How is their world removed from mine? Just my 2 cents, so take it or leave it as you see fit.

  62. imaclellan

    I enjoyed seeing your work first through PhotoPhilanthropy. Congrats on winning that as well.

    Love some of the new images you have added too.

  63. dmitrymarkov

    to Andrew Gray

    Thank you for your note.

    I’ve already received similar notes and thought about it much.
    It is not an easy question and unfortunately I am not sure that I am able to form my opinion on that. Possibly I am simply not able to keep this distance. Possibly I am not interested in the things you are speaking about (hope you understand me I don’t want to hurt you).
    Yes, I am searching for themes which could show our consistency with these children. This is unconscious search you know. This is the thing that I am captivated by, this is the thing that comes from inside and I can not be indifferent towards to. This is my path and I follow it. I think it is not right to make yourself feel the other way and switсh on your brain when your heart is working. Perhaps I haven’t come yet to that and it will be a next step.

    I would like to thank you for you note once again.

  64. Tommy

    nice work. much enjoyment of viewing here. I was reading a piece earlier about the ability of a photograph to excel beyond what it is. I think this sentiment is reflected well in your essay. well done Demitry. #15 in #14. Clever.

    I’m late to this particular party, All been said I think.

    Cheers.

  65. eva

    I’ve been looking at the essay for several times now, it’s beautifully done, thank you, Dmitry!

  67. marco

    I like this work a lot; it has a delicate and respectful approach to a difficult topic, it’s clean, with excellent light use, a good variety of situations and sharp postproduction work.

  68. Pingback: Bits and bobs « Prišel, videl, fotkal…

  69. wentbackward

    This speaks to me, growing up under similar circumstances, different country, living around a dockyard that was shutdown, drugs, violence, crime, many old friends dead or in prison. I was lucky and ‘escaped’, both lucky that I found a direction to head in and lucky I didn’t get caught. It’s so borderline, so easy for a smart young man to make a stupid mistake that will cost him his freedom (in many senses). I love the picture of the potatoes in the bowl. Simple rewards.

    I think your story here reflects something that everyone must go through in life, firmly standing on ones own two feet, as it were, surviving. In a sense these kids are more fortunate than many, they’re thrust in the deep end, no choice. They already have the strength of character, just need to make it through the transition safely and they’ll be fine. I can feel your concern, a kind of deliverance, get them over this hurdle, this is the big one.

    In another way, as a parent, it shows the best we can do is prepare our kids for life, we can never live it for them. In that sense all kids of this age are intimately connected, I’ve seen those troubled looks from rich and poor kids alike.

    I actually ignored your photography and enjoyed the story. It wasn’t until I saw your prints on the walls that I realised how immersed in the story I was and how good the photography was. I had to go back for a second look! Thankyou for this piece.

  70. mnm

    Dmitry,

    This work is sublime. Your love for these kids is palpable, I can feel it radiating through my screen. I cannot wait to see where your photography goes from here but I imagine you may be the type of photographer who makes all of his subjects familiars.

    Wonderful work again

    MM

  71. Herve

    Thumbs up, Dimitry, superb work, these young men seem already so marked by life, and for life, one fears. It’s all conveyed in your pictures, while we may be searching for (or lacking) for signs that the awkardness will not grow into hopelessness.

  72. Pingback: BURN.01 – Inspiration | untrentieme.com

  73. Pingback: teenvalley.net

  74. Pingback: 15 Awesome iPhone-Only Instagram Accounts to Follow · nomadbiba

  75. Pingback: 15 Usuarios de Instagram Geniales que Sólo Hacen Fotos con su iPhone · nomadbiba

Comments are closed.