Masha

Yuri Pautov

Yes, often I hear or read about smiles... Why are your models dont smile?
I must say that there must be some specific Russian beauty in grief.
If you know Russian folk songs - almost ALL of them are in minor key.
As for the next three portraits of Masha they also have explanation. We always met on Sunday's church. She comes with her grandma. Like many others, they come to God in hope to solve some problems.
Masha's papa is drug addict. He doesn't need anything except drugs...
Her mama is alcoholic. She close herself in a room and drink, drink and drink...
Who knows what this little child have seen in her life?
But due to her grandma (who just lost her husband not so long ago!) she always has dress, meal and some food to her soul.
1

2

3


It's touching - her grandma told me that one day Masha went to her neighbors with a question "Could you be my parents, please?"
So don't ask me about smiles this time, dear friends...
Spasibo,
Yuri

Howard Barlow

Yuri,

Even so, you have shown beauty out of the midst of tragedy.

Looks like I will be returning to Voronezh, in June, for an overnight trip to visit friends. Well, not overnight to Russia. I will otherwise be there for 8 or 10 days, total. Perhaps we can meet.

Yuri Pautov

Howard Barlow wrote:

Yuri,

Even so, you have shown beauty out of the midst of tragedy.

Looks like I will be returning to Voronezh, in June, for an overnight trip to visit friends. Well, not overnight to Russia. I will otherwise be there for 8 or 10 days, total. Perhaps we can meet.

In June 2009?
It will be great to meet you, Howard!
Yuri

shatch

Yuri,
Thank you for the deep portrait and reminder of our blessings. She is an adorable little girl. My heart and prayers go out for her. Thank you for sharing.

evoryware

Beautiful girl and interesting story. Hope to see you do follow up's with her as she grows older.

Thanks.

Howard Barlow

Yuri Pautov wrote:

In June 2009?
It will be great to meet you, Howard!
Yuri

Yes. As plans are finalized, I will let you know.

CCROY

Yuri, thanks for showing her in all her beauty in the pictures. There is so much innocence in her beautiful face. I hope that she will become strong to face all the odds in her life. God will be with her

Nikolai

Sad story, great captures, thanks man!

heatherfeather

I am never bothered by the lack of smiles in your photos because somehow you always keep the eyes active and alive looking. It makes your photos interesting. This one is no exception! And she does have a hint of a smile in there- it is like it is just below the surface- a bit of a sad sweet smile.

Awais Yaqub

Very sad :cry

ShepsMom

Hey Yuri, unfortunately, it's all sounds so familiar, and i know how some children are abandoned by their alcoholic parents, i had number of friends growing up, who had similar situations. We were not allowed to church however, such an upbringing left me with no god in my heart, however. But, they all grew up being wonderful people, i'm sure this girl will be taken care of, thanks to her grandma.
Excellent captures, as always!

Lee Massey

Thanks for sharing Yuri...

My prayers go out to her and especially for the courageous grandmother.

That first picture is fantastic... Nice light, great pose and eye contact...

Lee

Flutist

Yuri, these photos are evoking such emotion for me. I grew up much like this little girl, with an alcoholic father, who recently passed from his drinking. My heart goes out to her, and thank you for sharing these photos, they are beautiful!!

Yuri Pautov

Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kindest words and all this warmth!
Yuri

Qarik

she has haunting look to her.