Street photography in Kyiv

I’d been planning a trip to Kyiv for street photography for quite some time, even though I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Wide streets, lots of open space, a cooler atmosphere - I didn’t expect to get many close, intimate shots, even though my previous experiences in Eastern Europe had been quite the opposite. But when I came across cheap direct flights for just a few euros in 2019, I didn’t hesitate and headed to Ukraine for a long weekend.

As usual, I traveled light - just a few changes of clothes and some food for the journey. This time, however, besides my Fuji X100F compact camera, which I absolutely rely on for street photography, I also packed a mirrorless X-T2 with a new 50mm lens (I have updated my gear since then, now packing X100V and the beautiful X-T5). I assumed it might come in handy on Kyiv’s wide boulevards - and I was right.

Right after arriving in the evening, Kyiv welcomed me exactly as I’d expected in late October - with rain, fog, and a biting cold. Even so, I walked to my hostel to soak in the city’s atmosphere and maybe take a few photos along the way. The hostel was just a few dozen meters from Maidan - Independence Square - but since it was already late and not much was happening around, I checked in and got a proper night’s sleep for the next day.

The morning didn’t greet me with particularly friendly weather either, but as any street photographer would, I was actually thrilled by the lingering fog and headed out to hunt for moments.

Taking street photos against the backdrop of Soviet architecture and brutalism was a refreshing change from Central and Western Europe, where I usually shoot much more often. It felt like something unfamiliar was waiting for me around every corner.

But Kyiv, of course, isn’t just about buildings and remnants of the past. It’s also a lively, pulsating city center, where large department stores are buzzing with activity during the day, and in the evening the streets turn into a showcase of street performers.

The highlight of the trip ended up being my second-to-last day, when I headed to the historic Podil district on Saturday morning without really knowing what to expect. Locals tend to spend their weekends here, and this time was no exception - an exhibition of classic cars was taking place, with a strong focus on Soviet-era vehicles, though there were also a few unique American classics on display.

At the same time, drift racing was happening right next door on Kontraktova Square. I had the feeling the smell of burnt rubber could be sensed all the way in Slovakia, but it was an incredible spectacle. For a street photographer, it was pure paradise, and I ended up spending nearly half the day there. I’m still genuinely happy with many of the photos I took - some of them even made it into my very first photography zine.

Even though I don’t speak Ukrainian, I ended up talking with plenty of people during those few days. Ukrainians might not look particularly approachable at first glance, but everyone I met was quite friendly and sociable - even those who noticed I was photographing them. You never really know whether someone wants to strike up a conversation… or give you a punch in the nose :)

Street photography in Kyiv genuinely excited me, and I would definitely recommend the city to any street photographer. It’s an authentic place where unusual moments are everywhere. I’d love to return someday - maybe in summer - to experience the city in warmer weather as well.