Wow... What a Russia. It has always been my dream place to visit. Thx for presenting it in your brilliant perspectives !
— Patrick, November 20, 2007

Belated answers to your questions, Don.
Thanks for your questions, Don. I never use flash, tripod, or monopod. I shoot with the available natural light at ISO 400 in dark indoor settings. Even though they may show electronic grain, I would rather have texture in the picture than the artificial look of flash. I use a large lens opening of f/2.0, and shutter speeds as slow as 1/15th of a second. I apply pressure on the shutter button and gradually squeeze. Because I am not pushing or jabbing the shutter button, I can use slow shutter speeds without the blur caused by "camera shake." As for my three images of "icons on a golden wall," two of them were made in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Moscow's Kremlin. The other was shot in the Trinity Cathedral at Kostroma, a small city on the Volga between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Hope this helps. Good luck on your trip this July, Don.
— Phil Douglis, May 10, 2004

Professor Emeritus-Metro. State College
Your photos are exceptionally good. We will be taking a 16 day cruise in Russia in the same area next July. I would like to know how you took the indoor shots at the Hermitage and other places. Did you use flash, tripod or both? Could I get by with a monopod? How did you get the proper exposures? Where was the picture taken with the icons on a golden wall? Your pictures have inspired me to improve my photographic skills.
— Donald Alford, February 9, 2004

Captivating! We were in Moscow & St Petes through early August 2003 and your images have refuelled many of the memories I have from the (rather inebriated) time we spent there.
— Duncan Smith, December 7, 2003

Terrific Pictures!!!
Philip, thanks for these wonderful pictures. I particularly liked your detailed photos, the composition and of course the colours!! Kind Regards,
— Kostas NATSIDIS, November 1, 2003

Yes, that watch is a dead giveaway. Great colors and texture, shows off the beautiful ornate costume and jewelry. The pose is interesting too, hiding his eyes sort of from your camera lens to say "yes, I'm resting, don't bother me!" (only in russian I guess)
— Carol E Sandgren, October 25, 2003

Phil, I have just mastered the process of uploading and have 6 images of the Russian cruise on show. Inspired by your pics, I am now reworking some of mine, learning from your cropping and resolution advice on the boat. looking forward to your next enterprise
— Brian Brasier, October 3, 2003

Beautiful Photos
My Aunt Cyl was on your trip with you and shared your photos with me. My husband and I spent two brief days in St. Petersburg and Moscow in 2002, so we really enjoyed your incredibly beautiful images and detailed descriptions. Thank you very much!
— Debbie Schilling, September 28, 2003

Fantastic job, as always, Phil. Your Russian pix and commentary bring back happy memories of my trip to Moscow and St.Petersburg (then Leningrad) in the late '70s. Please keep me on your list of email fans. Elizabeth
— Elizabeth Kolowrat, September 17, 2003

Thanks, Bea and Ron
Hi, Bea and Ron:

Thanks so much for your comments, and you are welcome to use a few of my pictures in your trip scrapbook. I enjoyed our chats about photography on the ship, and hope we'll meet again someday.
— Phil Douglis, September 17, 2003

We loved your pictures--several were simply sensational and I hope you don't mind my including a couple in my scrapbook. My scrapbook took nearly two weeks to put together but now a have a real record of one of our favorite trips. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely pictures.
— Bea and Ron Reak, September 17, 2003

President, Travel By Design, Vancouver
My husband and I sailed with Valera on the Peterhoff in the fall of 1999 from St. Petersburg to Moscow. We loved the history, culture and our wonderful guide Valera. We have emailed ever since. Your photographs are amazing. Marsha
— Marsha Taylor, September 10, 2003

Re: Scale and detail
You're right, Igor, it's very difficult for a camera to encompass architectural landscape in terms of both grand scale and small detail at the same time. But small detail can be used as a contrast device, giving something much larger a sense of scale. I did this in the picture you helped me correct regarding that date in its caption. Those tiny figures walking in St. Petersburg's vast Palace Squre are small details that help define the huge size of the square and the General Staff Building behind it. Thanks again for your kind comment on my pictures, and for the date correction.
— Phil Douglis, August 24, 2003

You're welcome Douglas. Since we're on this subject, the storming took place in November, not July :)

Architectural landscape is hard thing to capture - the impression you have when you're in the middle of it is something that photography does not convey quite well. It is combination of the sheer scale/size and beautiful details, at the same time. Pictures unfortunately can deliver only one of those. But as far as pictures go, yours are great.
— Igor, August 24, 2003

You are very observant, Katie
Hi, Katie: I thank you for your wonderful comments on my pictures. Coming from an artist such as yourself, I am all the more appreciative of your remarks. As for "the magic and mystical", I give credit to the incredible subject matter and your wonderful imagination. I was particularly pleased that you commented on the contrast of the green, gold, and red in my shot inside of the Cathedral of the Assumption. Ivan The Great picked an Italian architect to design that building in the 1400s, and he certainly had a good eye for color contrast. I simply isolated some of this contrast in my frame, and through it, I tried to bring this incredible work of art to life. Thanks, Katie, for being so observant.
— Phil Douglis, August 23, 2003

Philip - your pictures are stunning! The color and the choice of angle shots are simply amazing. It's such a wonderful perspective. There is a certain magic and mystic to your photos. The color in taking a break is wonderful - the pose even better! Renaissance splendor angle is magnificent mixed with the beautiful green, really nice contrast. The statures are hauntingly real and screaming with life. The museum shots are great. There are so many places I would love to go and visit and your photos bring me that much closer. thank you.
— katie, August 23, 2003

Thanks, Igor
Appreciate the comment, Igor. I hope that my impressions of Russia will be of interest to Russians and non-Russians alike. Thanks for picking up the typo on the date of the storming of the Winter Palace in one of my Hermitage captions. I had it correct in one place and somehow off by two years in another. The dates are now consistent.
— Phil Douglis, August 23, 2003

Not many russians have seen it this way ;) One caption needs correction - the storming of the Winter palace took place in 1917.
— igor, August 23, 2003

Tremendous photos...
— Stan, August 22, 2003

Your amazing eye!
Phil, once again your pictures are priceless. You seemed to have brought Russia and its people to life in their own surroundings. Applause, Applause! Still, you have managed to, again, capture the most breath taking sunsets! Beautiful! Thanks for sharring! Jody
— Jody Jensen, August 22, 2003

I'm glad I'm on your e-mail list. The pix and commentary are outstanding. Thanks, thanks, thanks. Cindy
— Cindy Sutton, August 22, 2003

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pic
We agree Valera is tops.
— Maureen & Don Taylor, August 21, 2003

Travel Consultant
You have captured the essence of this beautiful Russian River Cruise..It took me back 8 years ago when I led a group on this same journey!!! I also believe that Valera is Russia's national treasure--He is the Best.. Rula Krikorian
— Rula Krikorian, August 21, 2003

Cecilia the Perceptive
Thank you, Cecilia Lim, for your three part analysis of my photographs. Your heartfelt, eloquent summation of what my pictures mean to you made my day. It is seldom that I get such precise feedback -- in each case, you have managed to express the exact point that I was trying to make in my pictures. When it comes to reading the meaning of pictures, you are truly perceptive, Cecilia. And this perception shows in your own work, which can be seen at: http://www.worldisround.com/articles/20379/index.html
— Phil Douglis, August 21, 2003

Here's to Valera!
Glad that Valera has forwarded my Russian pictures to some of you who have had the good fortune to have had him as your guide on other Russian adventures. I owe much of my knowledge of Russia to him, and his logistical help regarding picture permits, etc. was invaluable. Thanks for singing his praises.
— Phil Douglis, August 21, 2003

Travel Agency owner
Valera, my Russian Guide for the past ten years has always been my favorite. I plan another trip on June 9, 2004 from Moscow to St. Petersburg, and insist that he be my guide again. There is none better in all of Russia.
— Bill DeMaestre, August 21, 2003

Valera makes Russia come alive with each adventure. I took a group to Russia a few years and he was charming, insightful, bright and very personable. He remains one of my beautiful travel treasures. Sue Park
— Sue Park, August 21, 2003

A Beautiful Picture Story Book (con't)
You've shown yourself to be a sensitive and intelligent story teller and that sets you apart from many of us desrciptive travel photographers. Thank you Phil!
— Cecilia Lim, August 21, 2003

A Beautiful Picture Story Book (con't)
There are many images that move me, but a few of my favourites include: "Taking A Break" (we did not need to know who the person was to appreciate his colourful costume), "Steeds & Spray" (for the energy), "The mysteries of war" (how you juxtaposed a young girl with so much life ahead, against the memory of those who are long gone), "Clouds & Dome, Kizhi Island" (the whispy curly clouds accentuate the beautiful, delicate curves), "Ketchup in Kostrama" (the colours and the fact that she's completely surrounded by all things that represent capitalism), "Art at the Yusupov" (for your humour), "Moscow at dawn" (for yr expression of quiet beauty of early morning), "Chanting at Uglich" (your 'perspective' on a heavenly subject), "A day on the park" and "Weekend Paddlers" (for the happy buzz of summer).
— Cecilia Lim, August 21, 2003

I too took this wonderful journey a few years ago and have stayed in touch with our wonderful guide Valera. He very kindly forwarded this sight to me. It was like reliving the whole trip and brought back some wonderul memories. Thank you for sharing - my photos are not nearly as beautiful.
— Midge Behnke, August 21, 2003

A Beautiful Picture Story Book
I'm about to do a "Tim May" (a 3-part comment - long but your work is worthy of it!) : You're quite right in saying that spending 10 days around Moscow & St Petersburg is hardly seeing Russia at all, but on the contrary, you have shown us the essence of what made Russia - then and today. You did that beautifully by drawing our attention to every aspect of the russia you experienced - its arts, architecture, people, its landscape. And through your sharp interpretation of its form, colour & context, you've expressed the grandeur and beauty you saw, both the calm and excitement of summer (and summer love) and the quirky, colourful and tragic sides of human nature.
— Cecilia Lim, August 21, 2003

Thank you Phil for making my first adventure to Russia so much more memorable. Your incredible photography and interesting articles have truly captured what we experienced in July 2003. I look forward to sharing and revisiting your site often. Spasibo!
— Cyl Beresford, August 20, 2003

Glad to share
Fellow passengers Elizabeth and Bernardine -- glad to help bring these memories of the trip we enjoyed together to both of you. Fellow photographers Tom and Andrea -- glad that these images were able to make Russia come alive for you.
— Phil Douglis, August 19, 2003

Many thanks for sharing your article and fabulous collection of photos with us. I too have just relived our journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg through your eyes that you captured so well. What a masterpiece! Bernadine Einloth (fellow passenger)
— Bernadine R Einloth, August 19, 2003

Interpretation and description
Very complete and interesting article, as usual. Your way of using the camera is really peculiar and is your taste for the details that perhaps I love more.I can say that even if you are focused on interpretation, your shots at the end describe very well the esprit and the mood of the country you visit, its past and present.
— Andrea Rasetti, August 19, 2003

I like the dancer and singer photographs the best. I can hear the singing and I can hear the music in these photos.
— Tom Stillman, August 19, 2003

In the middle of the night I have just relived the Russian journey that I too took on this Viking River cruise. Your pictures capture the heart and soul of what I saw. Thank you. Elizabeth A. Girod
— Elizabeth Girod, August 19, 2003

More thanks
Weng, Tim, Akira, Nicole & Christoph: It's a pleasure for me to share these pictures with you. Glad you enjoyed them, and I thank you all for leaving your comments. I have responded to each of you via email as well.
— Phil Douglis, August 16, 2003

By chance we found your great pictures at midnight and they are awesome - like the pics you shot before! Our personal favourites are 'Moscow at dawn', 'sunset on the volga' (looks like an advertisement =)) and 'farewell to Kizki'.... actually we like all of them! We are already excited about the next travel you will make and looking forward to see your pictures and the stories within them. Best regards, Christoph and Nicole
— Nicole & Christoph, August 16, 2003

Great pictures from Russia. I recently bought a G5 and I hope that it would work for me as it did for you. Come and visit my site sometime! Ayeye photographic expression (Hong Kong pictures) http://www.ayeye.com
— AKira Yamaguchi, August 15, 2003

Very nice.
Well done, I enjoyed your article. I have seen different programs on Russia on the Discovery Channel and found it all very interesting, you have captured it very well.
— Tim Lubcke, August 15, 2003

absolutely, perfect pictures....
— Agustinus Wibowo, August 15, 2003

More thanks from the photographer
Tim, G4, Pat, Mo, Fred, Billy, Buddy Boy, Steve, Bob, Pete, Scott and Miya: Thank you all for leaving such nice comments on my Russian photos. It is always a joy for me to be able to share my travel pictures. As you can see, Russia was quite an adventure. My next posting will be pictures made as part of a week long workshop in digital travel photography in September in Santa Fe under the guidance of National Geographic photographer Nevada Wier. I look forward to sharing the results with all of you.
— Phil Douglis, August 14, 2003

Wow!
What beautiful and inspirational photos! Great storytelling too. I feel richer for having seen them. Thanks much for sharing .... M.
— Miya, August 14, 2003

Very Nice pictures
Hi Phil,

I have been anticipating your pictures. I read an article before you left indicating you were going to Moscow to take some pictures. You do very nice work.

Thank you for sharing your talent !!!!
— Scott Doyle, August 14, 2003

hello phil!

nice shots!...thanks for the insights of russia, i'm going there midyear 2004 and hopefully bring back some nice pictures with my g3.
— pete sevilla, August 14, 2003

Absolutely the best ever !
I have enjoyed and admired your Africa and Eastern Europe articles, but this is the best ever. These 99 pictures would fill a wonderful book, and I'm sure I 'd be happy to have taken any of the 900 you left out. Your writing is terrific, too. After reading this and all the other compliments you deserve so well, I hope you still have time to take more trips ... and more pictures, and continue to share them with us !
— Bob Fairbanks, August 14, 2003

Beautiful photos. You seem to have mastered the art of city photography. This gives a great feel for your journey. I wish I could capture the feel of a city as well as you can.

Steve
— Steve Axford, August 14, 2003

Damn your good!
— Buddy Boy, August 14, 2003

If I never get to heaven. . .
Hi Phil,

If I never to Russia, I can say I've already seen it through your images. Each one, as aways, is a masterpiece of composition and storytelling. I particularly love all the juxtapositions and your angles of view.
— Billy Dugger, August 14, 2003

Fred Gordon
Hi Philip - great pictures and I really like the one of the Dancers. regards
— Sheila Gordon, August 14, 2003

Again a wonderful collection of photos, bringing Russia right into my office. I love the vibrancy and the colors of your pictures, and of course the patterns you find everywhere
— monique jansen, August 14, 2003

what more can one say. I thank you
— Pat, August 14, 2003

...yet again !
Philip, you did it yet again. Simply amazing snaps. It brings the country 'live'. I wonder which one would be the 'picture of the week'. I'm sure Dave would have a tough time deciding that.
— G-4 !!!, August 14, 2003

Very good job.
— tber, August 13, 2003

The photographer thanks you
To Sarah, Tim, Sheri, Berge, Richard, Sidorowicz, and Fred: Thank you all for your comments. As a photographer I try to make photographs that will express how I feel about what I see and discover on my travels. My Russian trip meant a great deal to me, and all of you have obviously appreciated what I was trying to say in these images. Thanks again for sharing your response to these pictures.
— Phil Douglis, August 13, 2003

WOW!
What magnificent photgraphy! You have clearly mastered every situation and the challenges they posed. I agree with the fellow who said they are the finest photos yet shown on this site. Congratulations!
— Fred Perry, August 13, 2003

The best album I'v ever seen
— Jan Sidorowicz, August 13, 2003

Probably the best article that I have seen on the site! The images are both beautiful and compelling. Photographically, I am humbled.
— Richard Green, August 13, 2003

These are exceptional pictures that say something about the positive aspects of the camera and a great deal about the competence of the photographer.

A good photographer can make good pictures on any camera. A bad photographer can't make good pictures on any camera.
— Berge Bulbulian, August 13, 2003

Absolutely spectacular. The torn curtain. The whispy clouds above the dome. The twirling dancers. How can you pick a favorite from among so many excellent images?
— Sheri Rosen, August 13, 2003

part III
Killing time in Jaroslavl this one reminds me of the man walking in front of the museum in Sante Fe and I can almost hear your joy when you were able to get the man sitting just so on the window sill - Kizhi: through windows of time because of the way the distortion plays on the intricate roof -Peterhof: Under the Double Eagle because of the brooding containment - and finally what I think is my favorite because it touches my heart as well as my eye Clouds and domes at Kizhi Island (forgive the lenght of these comments)
— Tim May, August 13, 2003

part II
The Memory of War for the contrast of the figures and the colors - Moscow Remember for the magic of the flame (Wow) - A Terrifying site because its up close and I like that - The State Armory for the up close reasons plus the play in color - St. Demetrius on the Blood for the blues and the other colors - The golden domes of Kostroma because I love the gold detail with the silhouette - Singers, Kostroma Cathedral for its intensity - Singers, Kostroma Cathedral for the colors, particularly the green and the way the the cross radiates - Russian folk dancers, Jaroslavl for the movement (I can almost hear the music) -
— Tim May, August 13, 2003

Welcome home...
I am glad that your journeys bring you home so that we can see and feel what you've just seen and felt. It feels like I have so much to learn from viewing your images. I have, as usual, some favorites - Dolls of Gum for the color and detail - Taking a Break for color, gesture and mood - At Dawn for the light - Rush hour because you've managed to capture both the rush and the still waiting of rush hour - Metro Militia for personal reasons that my stepson is serving in Iraq and probably looks that weary -
— Tim May, August 13, 2003

Wow! Once again you are able to bring me through the streets, culture and sights of a far away land and make me feel like I am there :) Incredible shots! and wonderful commentary!I am so proud to have such a creative and artistic Daddy!
— Sarah, August 13, 2003