Press Kit Bio

Oleg Klimov (born 1964, Tomsk region, Russia) is an independent documentary photographer and photojournalist whose work focuses on long-term observation, social transformation, and the human consequences of political and institutional systems.

He studied astrophysics at Kazan State University before turning to photography in the late 1980s. Since that time, Klimov has worked extensively as a photojournalist in Russia and internationally, covering armed conflicts, post-Soviet transitions, and everyday life beyond official narratives.

From 1991 onward, Klimov collaborated for many years with the Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad. His work has also appeared in international publications including Time, Stern, Le Monde, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Independent, Elsevier, Het Parool, and others, as well as with major photo agencies such as AFP and Sygma.

Alongside editorial assignments, Klimov has developed sustained documentary projects that often unfold over decades. His work is grounded in presence rather than event-driven reporting and frequently addresses themes of isolation, memory, marginalization, and institutional life.

Photo Books (selected):

RUSLAND (2024)
Erbe eines vergangenen Imperiums
CALAMITY ISLANDS (2022)
Sakhalin and the Kurils – terra incognita of a brutal Russian Empire
OUTCASTS (2025)
Life in Russia’s Closed Institutions

Outcasts documents life inside Russia’s closed psychiatric and social care institutions and was published following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The project combines photography with long-term fieldwork and personal testimonies.

Exhibitions (selected)

Klimov’s work has been exhibited internationally, including solo and group exhibitions in:
Amsterdam, London, Kyiv, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other European cities, as well as at major photography festivals and cultural institutions. His photographs are held in private and public collections in Europe, Russia, and the United States.

Professional Activity

In 2010, Klimov co-founded Liberty.SU, an independent platform supporting documentary photography and long-term visual research across the post-Soviet space.

He continues to work independently, prioritizing projects that require extended time, trust, and sustained engagement with people and places.

Available for long-term documentary assignments and editorial collaboration.