Exploring the abandoned and forgotten parts of society is an exciting trend that just keeps gaining steam. Many “urban explorers” and photographers are drawn to the dark, lost parts of our cities. One such photographer, named Rebecca Litchfield, isn’t just drawn to abandoned buildings. She’s also interested in exploring the former Soviet Union, an important and intense part of history.
This photo series, named “Soviet Ghosts”, shows us the tattered ruins of a strange and dangerous part of the world. She is so committed to her work that she has traveled into areas where the danger of radiation exposure is extremely high. Not only that, but she has been arrested and interrogated because of her explorations. The images she captured on her journeys are worth the danger, though. These are so intense.
Not many explorers travel through Russia. It’s a foreign and dangerous place.
There is still a strong military presence everywhere, guarding some of these abandoned locations.
Most Westerners haven’t seen these kinds of images.
Rebecca was lucky enough to explore some forgotten parts of the Eastern Bloc. This is Latvia Skrunda, a Soviet secret town, where a radar station was located.
This old sanatorium in Russia was partially on fire when visited.
This military base in East Germany was constructed in 1937. It was used as a driving and riding school. During WWII, it was used as the Soviet 35th guards’ motor rifle division.
The Bulgaria Soviet Friendship Monument symbolized the bond between the USSR and Bulgaria.
Although the Soviet Union fell, no one will forget it.
(via: Rebecca Litchfield)
The book “Soviet Ghosts” by Rebecca Litchfield is available for purchase online (click here). It contains even more strange and disturbing images of the crumbling former empire.
Not many people would risk their lives to experience this area of the world in such a way. Share Rebecca’s brave journey by clicking on the button below.
