Less Than One

This photograph, by Alexander Gronsky, is from a collection called Less Than One. The purpose of the work was to document regions of Russia where the average population density is less than one person per square kilometer. I think this a fascinating area for photographic exploration because it deals with one of the few places left in the world largely untouched by human beings. 

Despite the buildings in the background, evidence of civilization, the image here feels void of life. The vantage point chosen by the photographer lends to the lifelessness of the picture; a wall of tall, white, dead-looking trees stands obstructing the view of the structures behind it. The buildings themselves seem old and beaten down.


Upon closer inspection, two people can be seen near the center of the picture walking in different directions. This brings an element of life to the image, but it is so difficult to spot if you are not looking for it that it doesn't significantly change the  overall feeling of emptiness that I get from the picture.


http://foam.org/foam-editions/portfolios/gronsky,-alexander