Photographer Visits Chernobyl With His Infrared Camera, Captures Stunning Images

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Infrared Photography

The Nuclear power plant sarcophagus, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Russian photographer Vladimir Migutin recently ventured into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, armed with an infrared camera from Kolari Vision. The 1,000 square miles surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is a strange, transitional space. A place where, 30 years after the fallout, humans stay away, but animals and nature carry on.

Using a full spectrum camera and a 590nm infrared filter, Migutin documented this incredibly surreal environment. Surprisingly, he didn't feel a melancholy atmosphere when wandering through the area, one where such tragedy had taken place. Instead, he was transported into a “‘kind of' paradise' on a different planet.”

By using an infrared filter, Migutin's vision of Chernobyl takes on an ethereal air. Abandoned machinery is surrounded by pink-hued forest while Simon, a human-friendly fox, has his portrait taken against a background of white trees. Migutin's infrared photography renders the invisible as something new, bathing the abandoned scenery in a light we normally cannot see.

Migutin's visit to Chernobyl is a reminder of the resilience of nature, as well as a warning about the consequences of manmade technology and how they can have a lasting impact on our planet.

Through the use of infrared photography, Vladimir Migutin takes us on a unique tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

Simon, a human-friendly fox, whom often approaches groups in the exclusion zone, asking for food.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

The monumental trail with names of the evacuated villages on either side.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

Bumper cars in Pripyat’s amusement park.

Infrared Photos of Chernobyl

The ghost town of Pripyat, Ukraine.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

The Azure Swimming Pool in Pripyat, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Infrared Photos of Chernobyl

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone - Infrared Photography by Vladimir Migutin for Kolari Vision

Butterflies and flowers in the forest, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

Abandoned farm in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Infrared Photos of Chernobyl

The Bucket (machine part) that was used to clean the roof of the failed reactor after the fallout, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

A lake within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Infrared Photos of Chernobyl

A trolleybus in one of Chernobyl’s scrapyards.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone - Infrared Photography by Vladimir Migutin for Kolari Vision

Rotting grand piano in the concert hall of the abandoned town of Pripyat.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Photography

Pripyat Sports hall, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone - Infrared Photography by Vladimir Migutin for Kolari Vision

The iconic 85 foot tall Ferris wheel in Pripyat’s amusement park.

Kolari Vision: Website | Instagram | Blog

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Kolari Vision.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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