Artists Sketching on the coast of the Vologda river

Tranquil Scene with Toy Cars at the center of Vologda historical museum

Silent Echoes of the Past - inevitable cycle of life and death

A Quiet Tribute - two years child's grave on the Vologda city cemetery

Weathered Elegance of an Abandoned Mansion - New Vision of the Classical Architectural Order

A Glimpse Through Time - woman figure juxtaposed against a mural depicting a vintage train station scene

Vologda city laces infrared travelog

In the span of just a few hours across different days, I embarked on a whirlwind photographic journey through the captivating landscapes and architecture of Vologda. My schedule was tightly packed, with only brief interludes between lectures and concerts at the local cultural forum to capture the essence of this historic city.

One evening, armed with my camera, I ventured into the heart of the city, my footsteps echoing on the cobblestones as I walked along. I had two precious hours amidst the twilight, wandering between towering churches and serene riverbanks. The sky threatened rain, casting dramatic, rolling clouds over the city, adding a layer of mystique to my photographs.

The next day, I transformed a visual local history masterclass into a hands-on, exploratory experience. We left the confines of the lecture hall and stepped into the vibrant streets of Vologda. This impromptu shift allowed us to breathe life into the historical narratives, capturing them against the backdrop of the city’s timeless architecture.

On the final evening at the forum, just before catching the last train, I found solace on the banks of the Vologda River. It was a tranquil intermission between the final concert and my impending departure. The river’s surface reflected the intricate silhouettes of the Vologda’s iconic churches, creating a serene tapestry that felt almost like the delicate lace for which the city is renowned.

The photograph encapsulates one such moment. The dramatic skies loom over a cluster of centuries-old churches and lush, surreal infrared foliage, mirrored perfectly in the calm waters of the river below. The scene exudes an ethereal beauty and tranquility, juxtaposed with the relentless, swift passage of time.

My brief but intense encounters with Vologda’s essence were like the intricate lace it is famous for – beautifully complex and richly detailed. Each thread of my journey was woven into a fleeting, yet profound tapestry of the city. The photographic story that emerged, though tragically limited by time, reveals the “Vologda Laces” — glimpses of a city steeped in history and beauty, captured in fleeting, poignant moments.