The Nuclear power plant sarcophagus, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Russian photographer Vladimir Migutin recently ventured into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, armed with an infrared camera from Kolari Vision. The 1,000 square miles surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is a strange, transitional space. A place where, 30 years after the fallout, humans stay away, but animals and nature carry on.
Using a full spectrum camera and a 590nm infrared filter, Migutin documented this incredibly surreal environment. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel a melancholy atmosphere when wandering through the area, one where such tragedy had taken place. Instead, he was transported into a “‘kind of’ paradise’ on a different planet.”
By using an infrared filter, Migutin’s vision of Chernobyl takes on an ethereal air. Abandoned machinery is surrounded by pink-hued forest while Simon, a human-friendly fox, has his portrait taken against a background of white trees. Migutin’s infrared photography renders the invisible as something new, bathing the abandoned scenery in a light we normally cannot see.
Migutin’s visit to Chernobyl is a reminder of the resilience of nature, as well as a warning about the consequences of manmade technology and how they can have a lasting impact on our planet.
Through the use of infrared photography, Vladimir Migutin takes us on a unique tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Simon, a human-friendly fox, whom often approaches groups in the exclusion zone, asking for food.
The monumental trail with names of the evacuated villages on either side.
Bumper cars in Pripyat’s amusement park.
The ghost town of Pripyat, Ukraine.
The Azure Swimming Pool in Pripyat, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Butterflies and flowers in the forest, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Abandoned farm in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
The Bucket (machine part) that was used to clean the roof of the failed reactor after the fallout, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
A lake within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
A trolleybus in one of Chernobyl’s scrapyards.
Rotting grand piano in the concert hall of the abandoned town of Pripyat.
Pripyat Sports hall, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
The iconic 85 foot tall Ferris wheel in Pripyat’s amusement park.
Kolari Vision: Website | Instagram | Blog
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Kolari Vision.
Related Articles:
Otherworldly Infrared Photography Transforms Alaskan Fjord into Another Planet
Infrared Photography Transforms Central Park into Surreal Wonderland