"Deep Water": How People Live on Lake Baikal

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Irkutsk photographer Anton Klimov began his photography work dedicated to the life of people on Lake Baikal in 2015. At that time, he was studying at the DocDocDoc photography school and chose the social landscape of the lake as the topic of his study project. The shoreline of Lake Baikal, which stretches for more than 2,000 kilometers, is a unique ecosystem where people live in a variety of conditions. Anton Klimov explored various settlements, striving to learn more about the people living in this amazing region. His works not only capture the beauty of nature but also tell the stories of Lake Baikal's inhabitants, highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of their lives. Anton planned to complete his project in two years, but it stretched on for nine. In 2024, the photographer's book, entitled "Baikalism," was published. This publication became the symbolic finale of his extensive research dedicated to the unique nature and culture of the Baikal region. The book not only reflects the author's many years of work but also offers readers a deep dive into the atmosphere of this amazing place. Anton shared his experiences and impressions of Lake Baikal, explaining what drew him to this amazing place. He described the unique atmosphere of the lake and the people he met on its shores. Baikal became a source of inspiration and new acquaintances for him, as well as a place where he felt a connection with the nature and culture of the region.

When I started working on the project, I studied the map and identified interesting places to visit. Then I developed my plans to visit these locations.

Life sometimes presents unexpected opportunities. One day, a friend called and suggested flying to Olkhon Island. Her friend, who happened to be a pilot, regularly made such flights, the way people go to their dachas or to Lake Baikal. It reminded me of the adventures of Richard Bach, when each flight became a new experience and opened access to amazing places.

Olkhon is one of the most picturesque places on Lake Baikal. This large island stretches for over 70 kilometers. It takes about five or six hours to get there by car, but we flew for just 40 minutes. It was a truly amazing journey. Olkhon attracts tourists with its unique nature and cultural heritage, making it an ideal place for relaxation and exploration. For several years, I spent two or three weeks in northern Lake Baikal with my family. During this time, I also had corporate shoots, where I worked and simultaneously photographed projects. I was always looking for opportunities to photograph and strive to capture interesting stories. Baikal has become for me not only a place of rest, but also a source of inspiration for my work.

Nikolay is one of the most experienced employees of the Baikal Nature Reserve, who has dedicated twenty years of his life to the protection and study of the unique nature of this region. He is a true representative of the "people of Baikal", whose work is connected with the preservation of the lake's ecosystem and biological diversity. For Nikolai, the nature of Lake Baikal is not just a place of work, but an integral part of his life and calling.

Ivan is the main character of a photo project that I conceived during a trip with my family to Severobaikalsk. This small single-industry town seems to be frozen in the atmosphere of the 1980s. Here I met ten young people who returned from big cities to choose life in their homeland instead of a career in a more comfortable environment. I was interested in what prompted them to return? Ivan, for example, studied in Novosibirsk and became actively involved in healthy lifestyle activism, participating in the "Sober Russia" and "Sober Running" movements. He became an idealist and champion of a sober lifestyle in Severobaikalsk, where the problem of alcoholism is particularly acute. Ivan is also an avid runner. We often ran in the mornings and then went swimming in Lake Baikal. I captured him in one of those moments. Ivan has a good life: he is happy with his family and is raising three children. He is truly a great guy, and his story inspires you to choose a life that brings joy and satisfaction.

In 2015, we conducted filming in the village of Buguldeyka. In accordance with custom, we visited the head of the settlement to pay our respects and ask a few questions about life in Buguldeika. We asked how things were going, what the milk yields were, and what new developments had happened in the village. Interestingly, the photograph perfectly conveys the sense of time thanks to the combination of portraits on the wall.

This picture was taken at the extreme sports festival, where I was walking and captured Brutal men in their natural environment. This photograph evokes a special feeling in me. In my opinion, it captures the essence of Russia. On the one hand, we see strong, stern men adorned with symbols, and on the other, a manifestation of tender and warm feelings through a single gesture. This contrast between outward masculinity and inner warmth contains a profound meaning that makes the image particularly memorable.

This photograph, taken without permission, captured a moment that will remain in memory forever. This photo was taken on a boat that used to cruise Lake Baikal, but the route is now closed. My family and I were enjoying the trip when a boat worker was photographed offering guests chocolates and soda. Her expression reflects the typical state of a local Baikal resident—an internal conflict between the region's importance and their own lack of relevance. Residents used to rely on fishing and hunting, but with the ban, these activities became impossible. Now, the only source of income is tourism, which isn't always viewed favorably by locals. For a traditional villager, the idea of ​​serving and catering to tourists can be unappealing. I saw this internal conflict in her gaze. She didn't notice when I took her picture, and I took away with me a whole story about life on Lake Baikal and the changes that affected its inhabitants.

I visited the bakery at the factory, where I had to stand At five in the morning, I went to see the bread-making process. Unfortunately, I don't know the woman's name in the photograph, as she was completely immersed in her work, and I was trying to capture the moment. We didn't interact, and I try to keep a low profile in such situations, so as not to disturb people's natural state. In her mood and social appearance, she resembles the woman from the steamship, with the same pensive gaze and, perhaps, similar internal conflicts. In her eyes I managed to capture the "Russian melancholy", which adds depth to this moment.

Uncle Vova, the hero of this photo, lives in the village of Kholodny, located in the north of Lake Baikal. This small village has a population of just over 200. I was intrigued by its name and decided to visit the place. Having bought a bus ticket, I arrived and spent the entire day meeting locals, asking them about their lives and photographing the surrounding nature. Usually on such trips, I try to visit with some of the locals, but in Kholodny I was told that most people were either out picking berries or on a drinking binge. I ended up strolling around the village with two local teenagers, who were minding their own business while I simply accompanied them. We eventually came to Uncle Vova, who shared his stories and life experiences, which was a real revelation for me. We entered the courtyard, which turned out to be a large workshop filled with tools and various junk. Two men were welding a huge iron structure. They were joined by two more young men, clearly suffering from hangovers. I wandered around the workshop for a while, realizing there was nothing to photograph here and nothing to talk about. I was about to leave when Uncle Vova suddenly said, "Antokha, let's go to the trailer and have some tea." I was wary of the atmosphere—I felt like an outsider, an object of interest because of my camera. Nevertheless, I decided to agree.

We went into the trailer, where Uncle Vova poured me tea in a dirty mug and offered me a bun. We began a conversation about village life. Uncle Vova divided people into three categories: those who work, those who do nothing, and those who simply observe, obviously referring to me as an outsider who had come to observe the lives of village men. I tried to put him at ease, and he began sharing the story of his life in the village. Overall, he lives well: last year they built a sawmill, and his wife is the curator of the local museum. He is 45 years old, has three daughters and grandchildren, and all is well with them. During our conversation, some guys came in for a shot of vodka. Vladimir explained their behavior with sympathy and understanding: "The guys are sick with a hangover."

After half an hour of conversation, one of the interlocutors, hungover, asks: "Do you even speak Russian?" I answer: "Yes." He asks: "Where are you from?" I say: "From Irkutsk."

From the notes of Anton Klimov

Anton Klimov shares his thoughts and observations that paint a picture of his inner world and the reality around him. His notes are filled with deep reflections on life, nature, and human relationships. In them, he draws attention to the little things that, at first glance, seem insignificant, but are actually of great importance. Klimov analyzes his experiences and emotions, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and understanding the world around him.

Each entry offers a glimpse into the author's soul, revealing their fears, hopes, and dreams. He explores themes related to the search for meaning in life, internal conflicts, and the pursuit of harmony. These notes can serve as a source of inspiration for those seeking answers to their own questions, as well as for those who want to better understand themselves and others.

In his entries, Klimov not only describes his thoughts but also invites the reader to reflect on important questions that concern each of us. His writing style is simple and accessible, making it easy to digest the information and find echoes of one's own experiences within it. Anton Klimov's notes are not just texts, but a kind of bridge between the author and the reader, which opens new horizons for reflection and self-reflection.

We have known Tatyana and have been friends for many years. This time we visited a man who grows cacti and orchids in his greenhouse. He has collected about 150 different species of these plants. The photo was spontaneous. Sometimes you just notice the perfect moment for a shot: beautiful light, an interesting background, and a wonderful subject. I asked Tatiana to hold still and took the picture. I always carry a camera with me. Although most photos don't produce pleasing results, this one turned out to be a success.

Natalya is the wife of Sergei Kopylov, the former mayor of Olkhon district, who was convicted in 2019 of illegally using national park land for road construction. Kopylov was found guilty of allocating land for gravel extraction during the construction of the Bayanday - Yelantsy tourist road. The lawyer claimed that the park's boundaries weren't clearly defined at the time. A photograph taken in the dining room of the "Wind of Wanderings" tourist center reflects the typical Olkhon tourist atmosphere, including the characteristic photo wallpaper and even a microwave. Unfortunately, I don't have any vivid memories of Natalya herself, as we rarely spoke. Currently, it's known that she and her husband are doing well: Sergei is free, and the family is successfully running a tourist center on Lake Baikal.

The Kopylov family farm is located a kilometer from the shores of Lake Baikal, in the picturesque Krestovaya Bay. This remote place is difficult to access and is completely isolated: there is no mobile phone service. The harsh climate, proximity to wild animals such as wolves, and hard work are a reality that the family would never trade for the conveniences of the city. The photo depicts the head of the family, Anatoly, who is 66 years old. He passes by, and his image catches my attention: a typical Siberian with binoculars, reflecting the strength and character of the region. I love capturing ordinary people, because they are always sincere and unassuming. For me, as a documentary filmmaker, it's important to capture genuine emotions. Anatoly is stern and laconic, the embodiment of the "Siberian breed," as Yevtushenko described in his poems.

Grigory, Anatoly's son, works on the family farm. During my winter trip, I went through the entire daily work cycle with him. The farmers rise early, around 5 or 6 a.m., and first thing they do is feed the 250 animals. Then they head to Lake Baikal, where they spend forty minutes breaking the ice so the cows can drink. Afterward, they return and clean the manure from the stables. I captured Grigory at this very moment. The daily work cycle on the farm is critical: if something is done at the wrong time, it can lead to disruptions in the care of the animals. Grigory is a friendly and pleasant man, although his appearance inspires sternness. He resembles his father, possessing the same "Siberian" stoicism. We talked a lot while traveling through the surrounding area and even searched for a wolf. Wolves are a serious problem for farmers, as they can attack livestock and dogs. The Kopylov family are amazing people who survive in conditions that are hard to imagine for a city dweller.

Every year I spend two or three weeks on Olkhon, taking my daughter with me, A cat, a paddleboard, a table and chairs, and a three-room tent. We usually set up a large campsite in a picturesque spot where other groups often gather. Our campsite is located between two villages, and when cooking becomes tiresome, we head to one of the local cafes. It was in such places that we met Liza and Andrey, sitting at a table and waiting for our tom yum. They are both so contrasting and unusual that they couldn't help but attract attention. We were all joking about our age difference, and I wanted to capture this simple but warm moment to preserve the memories of our meeting at our campsite on Olkhon.

Two people are quite well-known in Irkutsk: Alexander, a presenter and media personality, and Alexey, the owner of a car tuning business. I met them by chance, stopped and took a photo. Perhaps they started smiling because they were used to the attention of photographers. I wondered what they looked like together. They were both bearded and somewhat similar. Alexey was wearing a fur coat, which, judging by his gloves, looked like it belonged on a motorcycle. It seemed quite appropriate for a festival. In this picture they look very friendly, their image feels some tenderness and a different facet of masculinity.

Every evening on Olkhon Island you can see a breathtaking fire show performed by talented traveling artists. I knew Slava, but I saw Natasha for the first time. At the beginning of the performance, they just stood there, but soon Slava picked her up in his arms. This moment struck me with the contrast between their current lives and professional activities. Natasha creates unique LED costumes for various shows, while Slava runs a laser company and organizes impressive laser shows. Despite their success, in this photo they are just two artists enjoying the moment on Olkhon.

Artyom looked more like a grown man than a teenager. His face was scarred, and his eyes reflected life experience. He wore three-stripe sweatpants, a torn T-shirt, and a leather jacket, giving him a rugged appearance.

Waiting for a ride, Artyom shared his scars: "This is from a dog bite I got when I was four years old," "And this is from playing 'kopeck' with friends." The game involved holding out your hand, and someone vigorously rubbing a coin across its surface. Your goal was to count 10 brands of cigarettes as quickly as possible before the rubbing stopped. It was extremely painful, but the passion and competitive spirit kept him going.

From the Notes of Anton Klimov

Anton Klimov shares his observations and reflections on life and the world around him. His notes are filled with profound thoughts and personal experiences that may be of interest to many readers. He explores important aspects of human existence, such as love, friendship, the pursuit of self-improvement, and the search for meaning. Klimov emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and others, as well as finding harmony in everyday life. His notes can be a source of inspiration and motivation for those seeking answers to life's questions. Reading Klimov's notes allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your life and resonates with the hearts of readers.

I visited the village of Baikalskoye and decided to spend the day in nature. Suddenly, I noticed a boat floating on the water, and I was amazed to see two fishermen in it—a husband and wife. I approached them and asked for a photo. They told me they regularly fished together. This is surprising, since women rarely get to see each other while fishing. Nevertheless, they have developed such a wonderful family tradition. My wife really enjoys fishing, and it's a wonderful way to spend time together.

I used the Baikal exploration method of visiting unfamiliar settlements for a day. I walked the streets, met locals, visited their homes, and photographed people. This approach allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the region's culture and traditions, as well as glimpse the daily lives of its inhabitants. Baikal, with its unique nature and cultural diversity, became a true source of inspiration and knowledge for me.

All settlements on Baikal, especially those that do not attract many tourists, are immersed in an atmosphere of gloom and hopelessness. There is a sense of ill-being here, and local residents often express dissatisfaction with their lives. Baikal, despite its natural beauty, conceals the problems faced by its inhabitants.

In Baikalskoye, I encountered a unique atmosphere that left a pleasant impression. The locals were immersed in their activities and seemed content with life. Their main activities were fishing and farming. Tourism in this area was undeveloped, creating a sense of solitude and harmony with nature. This place attracts those seeking tranquility and enjoying the simple pleasures of life away from the bustle of the city.

From the Notes of Anton Klimov

Anton Klimov shares his reflections and observations that reflect his unique perspective on life. His notes offer profound insights into human relationships, nature, and the inner world. Klimov emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the pursuit of harmony. His words inspire reflection on personal values ​​and goals. Each note conveys sincerity and a desire to understand the world around us. These notes can become a source of motivation for many who are looking for answers to important questions about life and their place in it.

The photo was taken in the summer, but working conditions on the Kopylov farm remain difficult regardless of the season. In the photo, you can see that Anatoly's nose is heavily coated with sunscreen, which could indicate sunburn. People who live permanently on Lake Baikal have a characteristic "Baikal skin." This type of person is distinguished not only by a harsh and clumsy character, but also by the characteristics of their skin: it becomes chapped, thick, and rough. The bright sun and strong winds shape the living conditions on Lake Baikal, leaving a noticeable mark on both a person's inner state and their outer appearance. People seem to be covered with bark, which emphasizes their connection with the surrounding nature.

At the festival, Irkutsk balloonists brought a hot air balloon with them, offering visitors a unique opportunity to fly. These enthusiasts, dressed in bright kigurumi, created an atmosphere of fun and joy, attracting the attention of both adults and children. Their performances became a vibrant part of the festival program, adding elements of entertainment and adventure. The balloon became not only a symbol of freedom, but also an important attribute of this unforgettable event.

The book is an excellent conclusion to the project, but I still plan to continue my trips to Baikal. This amazing place inspires me, and I will definitely be shooting new materials.

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