2. Photography

Project RuSu 365

Not always so successful or interesting, & not always daily, though certainly a reflection of our daily lives - more like pick of the day. Our goal - to share our world and improve our skills. Thanks to all the members of the SmugMug Daily Community for your support and input. Feel free to leave feedback by clicking on 'Add Comment' below. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. The photo of the day will always be in first position. Thank you for looking. - Rustem Safronov & Susan Gilman a.k.a. RuSu. This gallery was started on October 26, 2010.

Henri Cartier-Bresson said, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.", so bear with us...
Read More
Oktyabreskya Metro Station. (5.12.2012)<br /> <br /> The Moscow metro is known as one of the most beautiful in the world, though it's the older stations built during the Stalinist era that are most unique & detailed. In fact, after Red Square & the Kremlin, it's probably the most impressive thing to see in Moscow. This isn't one of the most distinctive stations, but it's where I happened to be.<br /> <br /> It's the word's 2nd busiest public transit system carrying more than 7 million passengers a day, far more than it was designed to carry. To be avoided at all costs during rush hour, if at all possible.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments yesterday. Lots of great challenge shots. Have a good weekend.
50 / 356

Oktyabreskya Metro Station. (5.12.2012)

The Moscow metro is known as one of the most beautiful in the world, though it's the older stations built during the Stalinist era that are most unique & detailed. In fact, after Red Square & the Kremlin, it's probably the most impressive thing to see in Moscow. This isn't one of the most distinctive stations, but it's where I happened to be.

It's the word's 2nd busiest public transit system carrying more than 7 million passengers a day, far more than it was designed to carry. To be avoided at all costs during rush hour, if at all possible.

Thanks for your comments yesterday. Lots of great challenge shots. Have a good weekend.

октябрьская метроOktyabreskya Metro StationMoscow metroMoscow subwayМосковский метрополитенrusurusu photography

  • "Be still my beating heart..." (5.21.2012)<br /> <br /> Something about this girl caught my eye as I was going through shots from Rustem's most recent business trip. Actually, I was almost cursing him for taking so many & he's due back from another trip tonight - I'll never catch up. But, this girl sitting in a classroom with her fingers in her mouth & those somewhat haunting, crystal-like eyes just drew me in. The PP is all mine & I'm somewhat mixed about it. Had a 2nd version I was just about to upload, but Indigo commented so quickly on this one, I decided to leave it. I'm running late & have got to get out. Will catch up later. <br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments yesterday! Have a good Monday.
  • "In summer, the song sings itself." ~William Carlos Williams (5.20.2012)<br /> <br /> It's beginning to look a lot like summer. Have a sunny Sunday.
  • A peek through an archway to, what I believe, is a women's monastery. (5.19.2012)
  • Purple crystal ~ for Indigo & Carrie. (5.18.2012)<br /> <br /> Quartz crystal is thought [by some] to be a metaphysical aid assisting in healing, bringing balance, and increasing the flow of energy.<br /> <br /> Not particularly pleased with this & would probably scrap it if I had time, but am up against the clock. Sending positive energy to Indigo & Carrie. <br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on yesterday's windows. Was I ever surprised when I woke up this A.M. to see it in the top spot. Have a good one!
  • Periwinkle windows & drainpipe. (5.17.2012)
  • Lenin bust on the side of the Lenin Museum.
  • Blue Serenity. (5.15.2012)<br /> <br /> Always a bittersweet day for me as it's Rustem's Birthday & the day my mother died, 6 years ago. This serene memorial is at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France overlooking Omaha Beach. I've reworked it to emphasize its basic planes. <br /> <br /> Thanks for all you comments yesterday. Totally unexpected as I wasn't quite pleased with the shot. Ya' never know... Have a good day.
  • Boy meets girl. (5.14.2012)
  • Wishing all Smug mothers & spouses of Smuggers, a Happy Mother's Day! (5.13.2012)<br /> <br /> Remember that bestseller, "Gorky Park"? That's where I shot these tulips.
  • Oktyabreskya Metro Station. (5.12.2012)<br /> <br /> The Moscow metro is known as one of the most beautiful in the world, though it's the older stations built during the Stalinist era that are most unique & detailed. In fact, after Red Square & the Kremlin, it's probably the most impressive thing to see in Moscow. This isn't one of the most distinctive stations, but it's where I happened to be.<br /> <br /> It's the word's 2nd busiest public transit system carrying more than 7 million passengers a day, far more than it was designed to carry. To be avoided at all costs during rush hour, if at all possible.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments yesterday. Lots of great challenge shots. Have a good weekend.
  • "Speak softly & carry a big stick..." (5.11.2012)<br /> <br /> Let me be cruel, not unnatural;<br /> I will speak daggers to her, but use none;<br /> My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites, —<br /> How in my words somever she be shent,<br /> To give them seals never, my soul, consent!<br /> Shakespeare ~ Hamlet's Fifth Soliloquy
  • Old sailor who served in the Pacific. (5.10.2012)<br /> <br /> It's traditional to give flowers to veterans on May 9th &, as you can see, they get lots of them. I sometimes wonder how they carry them home. Many do come to the festivities with their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren to help with the flowers or assist those who are infirm.<br /> <br /> The small accordion he's holding was with him throughout the war. It's been repaired numerous times, but still plays.<br /> <br /> Seems yesterday was another red letter day in the Dailies. See my starter comment below. Have a good one!
  • Listening to war time stories. (5.9.2012)<br /> <br /> This woman actually helped take the Reichstag - she had the photos to prove it. In a country where almost every family lost someone during the war, young & old turn out on this day to pay their respects & listen to Veterans' stories. It's 67 years ago & seems like ancient history to [American] youth, but here it's still fresh in the minds of all.<br /> <br /> We're heading out to the celebration though it's a cold, raw & gloomy day. Thanks for all your comments yesterday. The story of October '93 is a long one. Perhaps I'll put it to paper one day. <br /> <br /> I do have a short video compilation of some the the events of the day on our site [including Rustem seconds after being shot], though much of it is raw footage & Russian TV reports, which can be found here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.rusuphotography.com/Us/October-1993-Moscow/9239545_3m3bsg#!i=633391280&k=5WnEy">http://www.rusuphotography.com/Us/October-1993-Moscow/9239545_3m3bsg#!i=633391280&k=5WnEy</a><br /> <br /> I also found an interview with him from 2007 in English:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://rt.com/news/interview-with-rustem-safronov/">http://rt.com/news/interview-with-rustem-safronov/</a><br /> <br /> Will catch up with everyone this evening. Have a good day!
  • My hero, my dude ~ Rustem ~ Victory Day 2002. (5.8.2012)<br /> <br /> I rarely post family shots, but thought I'd share this shot of Rustem from a previous Victory Day celebration. It is one of the most important holidays in this country which lost more than 20 million people as a direct result of the war with a total of about 75 million having lost their lives from 1939 to 1945. It is a day when people show their respect & gratitude to the dwindling number of living veterans by giving them flowers & saying 'thank you'.<br /> <br /> The medal Rustem's wearing? It's from another war; the battle for the Russian White House [presidency] during the Yeltsin years. Rustem was shot in the back through his lung by a sniper & probably would have lost his life if it hadn't been for the good people of Denmark, but that's another story...<br /> <br /> The sign boards in the background are the names of what are now known as hero cities: Stalingrad, Leningrad, Kiev, etc. The building in the background? Lovers of spy novels will recognize the name - Lubyanka, headquarters of the former KGB.<br /> <br /> Thanks to everyone who rallied round me yesterday in response to my 'guest' commentator - much appreciated. To my recent guest political commentator, please sign in when you wish to comment.<br /> <br /> Happy VE Day to my European friends!
  • Future soldier honoring Victory Day. (5.7.2012)<br /> <br /> For much of the world, tomorrow marks Victory Day, the end of WWII. Because of the time difference, Russia celebrates on May 9th. This is a reworked image of a young boy attending a previous year's celebration. The medal is one of the highest honors awarded for valor during WWII. The ribbon of St. George was established in 1769, but is presently associated with victory in WWII. Most people will tie this ribbon to their cars over the next few days. <br /> <br /> Remember, most of us in the Community were Allies; so please, if you don't like this image, just pass on by. Let's try to maintain a civil community...
  • KoKo Poulet - the $12 chicken in a box. (5.6.2012)<br /> <br /> This is what happens when you send hubby to the supermarket. You get an expensive chicken in a box with a rope handle that's supposedly some French breed of chicken raised in Russia. The box was really 1st rate - a nice, heavy cardboard rarely seen here - the chicken was good, too.<br /> <br /> Not the best shot & undeserving of any treatment, but it's getting more & more difficult to put your best shot forward, isn't it?
  • Old Believer Russian Orthodox priest. (5.5.2012)<br /> <br /> In 1666 there was a schism in the Russian Orthodox church. Small, somewhat isolated communities of Old Believers remain in Russia today, though many fled for the U.S. & Canada during Tsarist times with the help of Tolstoy. According to [old] Orthodox tradition it is a sin to cut one's beard.
  • Invoking the gods. (5.4.2012)<br /> <br /> Actually, she was just speaking passionately, but that's the feeling I get. <br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments yesterday. Tomorrow's a work day here, but then we have four days off - hurray!
  • Contemporary office building detail. (5.3.2012)<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments yesterday on the young Communist girl. Seems to have offended a few of you. It was NOT a political statement, but a capture of a major event in the city we live in where millions of people still support the Communist Party & believe in the ideals of communism. As an American raised on the principles of free speech, I certainly defend her right to express her ideas.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the snake's still slithering around - Melissa actually had the #1 shot of the day. There's always someone looking to beat the system - no matter what that system is :)
  • Young Communist with Chanel bag. (5.2.2012)<br /> <br /> Rustem went to yesterday's May Day demonstrations. I stayed in as I had work to do & next week we'll have the Victory Day celebrations/demonstrations. Each group had their assigned protest places in the city center. Rustem visited the Communists, Young Socialists & Left Radicals demonstrations. I chose this shot.<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments yesterday. Much appreciated.<br /> <br /> For those of you who still have thumbs showing in your Daily gallery, follow the directions here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1772262#post1772262">http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1772262#post1772262</a>

  • Douglas Sandquist Photography

    on May 13, 2012

    Cool capture.. I loved the Moscow Metro! Such detail down there

  • fotomom

    on May 13, 2012

    I like the mix of arches and upward light. Looks much prettier than I'd except a metro station to look. There is virtually no public transit except buses where I live.

  • nelli

    on May 13, 2012

    LOVE this pov and the lights are exquisite!That window is spectacular!

  • fotoeffects

    on May 12, 2012

    I love this perspective!

  • webstersway

    on May 12, 2012

    Awesome comp and light!!!

  • Dennis Warren

    on May 12, 2012

    Excellant shot. Love the old architecture.

  • Art in Photography

    on May 12, 2012

    I really like your comp here!

  • TinaMarie Gardner

    on May 12, 2012

    Many years ago, I think 1985, my XFIL took a group of tourists to Russia. He was the community services and extended education director at Monterey Peninsula Junior College. And he would arrange tours thru the extended learning. During these tours he made sure he had free time to go out and take pictures. He often took 50 or more rolls of slide film. While in Moscow he was photographing this building, but he had also been "sneaking' shots at Russians in uniform. He got arrested because you couldn't take pictures involving public transportation and definitely not soldiers. At the time of the arrest they opened his camera and yanked out the film. He had dual US and Swiss citizenship and had his Swiss passport on him, which was confiscated. And then they held him for over twelve hours, moving him during that time, before allowing him to make a phone call. He still did not get released until the next morning. During that time they searched his room, confiscated his shot film and brought him his US passport, showing him that he had two passports and WHY would he need two? Eventually with help from his tour group and the hotel and other Russians who been hired to help him with the tour, the Swiss consulate got him free and he was allowed to remain in Russia with his group if he promised to not go anywhere without the authorized Russian guides, and he was told to never come back to Russia. They made sure he knew that we could have been thrown in prison for the laws he broke. (Of course he could be very melodramatic and was a charismatic story teller, so who knows the whole story?) When he got home he was still fuming about the indignity and his loss of rights and freedoms and swore that as long as he lived he'd never take his American tourism $$$$ to the USSR. He returned in the 1990's with another group he had arranged and I think even returned alone after he retired and was traveling the world taking pictures. He came home after the 80's trip having shot the remaining film. he said he was followed when he left the hotel, with or without the guides. He snuck out. He got pictures of this building and other forbidden sites and soldiers backs.... to prove something, I guess. Mostly he was one of those controlling people who had the attitude he was King.... I'm not sure if we live in a better world now.

  • Deborah Irene Glessner

    on May 12, 2012

    Those arches are exquisite!

  • Byron Fair Photography

    on May 12, 2012

    Beautiful. Yes love all the detail.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.