Shrovetide (8 img)

Yuri Pautov

Priviet, dear friends!
Before I fell ill (influenza), I took some shots at shrovetide.
I thought it might be interesting to you. This holiday - is a kind of saying good bye to winter on one hand and the the last day before the fast on another. Some people here keep the fast. Do not eat meat, eggs and so on... People usualy eat pancakes (with honey, jam or caviar) on this holiday - last day!

So in Russian it is called 'Maslennitca' . They make such a 'doll' - also called Maslennitca.
1


2
Then they take pieces of material, write down their problems there (avidity for example). This doll will be fired later...


3
People play different games, sing songs, have fun


4
After Maslennitca fells down, people start jumping over the fire.
Here's Galina - some time ago I took her photo in the street - she invited me to this holiday in one of the schools, where she works - jumping...



5
As you know I love faces, - so here are some of shots taken at school's performance


6

7


8
And, of course, it will not be Yuri Pautov if he doesnt take portrait of interesting girl :-)


Now everythinh is OK with me.
Some other shots are at my site at Events pages...
Spasibo,
Yuri

WrenTheBlurry

Hello Yuri,

I enjoyed your pictures, and all the much more because of your explanation. I had not heard of Shrovetide before. One of my favorites is number 4: she has such glee in her face, and I like that you captured it juuuuust before she cleared the fire--it lends excitement and action to the shot. I also like number 8: very sharp, and yes, interesting.

Hope you recover from the flu soon!

happy day,

wren


edit: forgot to ask---have any shots of the pancakes with jam or caviar? Yum!

kres

There are a few people on this board that I consider my long distance "mentors." Artisits that I keep in my mind as I frame and shoot. You are certainly one of them. So much personality and emotion come out of your portraits - you have a very special gift.

Spasibo!

Elaine

Thank you for sharing some of your culture! My favorite shot is #7...his eyes are so clear and bright. I also really enjoyed the girl jumping over the fire. I have had much difficulty taking candid-style shots lately. Yours are inspiring!

Elaine

Terrence

I love every one of them. You have a gift for capturing the eyes. They speak to me in every picture you take. I feel like I am getting to know a lot of Russia and Russians through your work.

Yuri Pautov

Spasibo,
dear friends!
Yuri