Photographing Former Soviet Republics

This article is about a photographer, Bruce Haley, who is photographing former Soviet Republics as they attempt to rebuild. The article with a sample of his really stark black and white photography is here. The article says, "Though some of the images are bleak, together they evoke a sense of hope, strength and beauty. There are lush landscapes, circus performers, young women gossiping and smiling, and proud mothers." I agree... though the images show destruction and decay of the physical landscape, the images don't convey a sense of hopelessness.

Here are some examples from the 16 photos the NYTimes published on their blog: