Was born into the family of an officer of the most peace-loving and invincible army in the world - the Soviet Army. As an army brat, from early childhood traveled across the vast spaces of the boundless motherland: from Ukraine to the Far East. Spent childhood in the "exotic" Vyatka wilderness, in a timbered village, between the work zone and the residential zone of a Stalin GULAG labor camp. As a result, was introduced quite early on to various aspects of human life, as well as to the reachness and the vocabulary of the great and powerful Russian language. Such colorful background later contibuted to creative work in journalism.

Learned anything and everything, here and there: in school, vocational school, university. Hugrily absorbed various ecclectic knowledge, from methods to manufacture alloy steel to using old Slavisms in the Russian language.

Although didn't end up following in my father's footsteps, dilligently served my full term from start to finish in the intelligence unit of a tank corps in the Soviet Army. This experience noticeably sharpened my photo and journalistic observation skills.

Spent most of my life in the Ukrainian city of Zaporozhye, famous for its colorful Cossack history, as well as the unique island of Khortitsa proudly towering among the raging waters of the Dnieper river which was tamed by the hydro-electric power station DneproGES, the product of the first Soviet five-year plan. Zaporozhye is also known for an awkward compact car Zaporozhetz, and its ever present smog covering the entire industrial city.

Enjoyed working for small and large newspapers alike. And since the vocabulary was not enough to express colorful and explosive emotions, frequently used my favorite weapon - a photocamera. Published works in well-known nationwide papers and magazines. Had four personal photo exhibits. Became a member of various professional societies, including the Union of Journalists and Photoartists of USSR, and subsequently of independent Ukraine. In years prior to emigration worked for a Zaporozhye daily newspaper, editing an off-beat information and entertainment section called Weekend.

The turbulent progression of my bright career was somewhat slowed down at times by "aggravating" factors typical for a Soviet intellectual of that time, including dissident conversations in the Soviet kitchens, the fifth field of the passport (nationality), relatives abroad, and interest in jazz and Elvis Presley.