Almost all 2025 was passing so fast that I barely could count days. The war erases memories but still images are left. I totally forgot about my intentions of sharing my steps in photography in real time. So I will try my best to collect some crucial moments of the year that have already passed. I was inspired to make these notes on the 13th of January 2026.
PHOTOCHALLENGE - GROUP PROJECT
From October 2024 to October 2025 I’ve participated in a great group project that was led by Taras Bychko.
It was called ‘Photochalange’ and was running in a Telegram channel specifically for Ukrainian photographers.
Every month Taras gave us a theme, we were fully free in its interpretation. At the end of the month he subjectively chose 3 winners and +/- 10 finalists. Winners received nice prizes from the sponsors of the project, but for most participants that was not a goal. The support of the community was much more pleasant and inspiring. The results were presented on an open website.
And on the exhibition that was running in Lviv from 20 October till 20 November.
I visited the gallery on the opening evening. It was nice to meet people in the real world and see printed work on the walls. Add some photos from the opening night:
During the challenge my two works won second place:
And one was included into the shortlist:
I would like to share a few works that I had a chance to catch during this challenge in 2025. I love them however they weren’t included into the catalog:
Since March 2025 I started learning film photography and left behind my digital camera for more than half a year, so my participation was extremely slowed down.
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
As I do not have a systematical photography education as well as I prefer traditional relationships of the 'master-student' model (not modern one with «courses» rolling by fancy photo schools) I was dreaming about the person who loves to share his experience and thoughts about photography.
And I thank God for his mercy and gifts. Wonderfully in February I met a teacher.
I asked him to teach me silver gelatine printing. He agreed and we started working in the darkroom. Eventually, we found a lot in common and became friends. He gave me so much that I will never be grateful enough.
I greedy shooted on film, mostly on BW film to be able to print a work by hands further. Unfortunately, blackouts played the game. I continue working with film but not so fanatic as 6 months ago. No time not for free art process, but even for work! Generators helps not to stop film development in a lab (bw film I develop in my bathroom) but there is no ability to make prints. As well as motivation slowly fading away. I hope to come back into darkroom soon. Maybe when spring comes something will change. Otherwise, if we are alive and God allows we will wait till summer! :)
Before blackouts started we had begun printing new series on soviet paper made in 1979. My teacher generously presented the full unpacked 100 pages of 18x24. The fabric of the paper is nuts! Especially with the works from the project that very naturally found me.
There it is:
But before I tell about current project I would like to share a mix of pictures from color and bw films. Nothing special just random moments that I found beautiful:
Broken chair
Wet chairs
Old cup
Dad
Anton and sunset
Flowers for granny's bday
Childhood feeling
Hanna's grandma yard
CURRENT PROJECT
