Being Young

Two female soldiers walk past the Freedom Monument in central Riga during a shift change. The monument, honoring soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence, is guarded around the clock.

Vladimir Bazarov, 24, servant in Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Catheral, poses for a portrait. He fights with the tension between the Latvian heritage and the significant Russian-speaking population, a divide rooted in the country’s Soviet history, which he personally experiences as he is labeled a “fascist” in Russia and an outsider in Latvia. Despite these challenges, Vladimir channels his faith into fostering understanding and addressing social issues like alcoholism, trying to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive society through his church work.

Mareks Bērziņš, 22, tour guide at KGB buiding, part of Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, poses for a portrait. Being a history student at Latvian Univeriesty, while his initial career aspirations was communication science or movie making, he found himself drawn to history, particularly the opportunity to educate others about Latvia's past. He sees his role in the museum as a way to help people understand how Latvia's history has shaped its present. “Freedom is not taken for grant. ”

View by the Daugava River in the south of Riga.

Marks Burja, 20, poses in his apartmnet building in Cukurfabrika, a small city near Riga. He studied computer engineering but now works in a casino. Like Marks, many graduates in Lativa find themselves in jobs unrelated to their field of study, often due to a lack of experience or skills demanded by employers. Mark's experience also underscores a sense of disillusionment, as he discovered his interests lie more in social interaction than in the tech field he initially pursued.

Airsons RD, 20, boxer, posing for a portrait.

Young people work out at Ghetto Games, a sports complex includes a outdoor gym in Riga.

Young people drink and talk in the city center of Riga. Latvia is one of the highest alcohol consuming countries in Europe.

Young people wait trains in Riga Central Train station.

Three young boys smoke weeds in the skating park in city center of Riga.

Weeds covered by school text paper, written about Ukrianian president Zelensky’s life and being a charismatic leader.

Edgars Rupeiks, 20, young politician, poses for a portrait in Riga.Growing up as single lativan-speaking family in the russian-speaking community, he developed a strong connection to his country and its culture. He has been interested in politics since he was a young child. His involvement began with the Youth Guard, where he developed a strong sense of patriotism. This passion led him to join the National Alliance, where he is now the head of the youth organization and a board member of the party. “my biggest hope for Latvia is security . This includes not only the military security of Latvia and Europe overall but also the freedom of minds of the people. ”

Edgars Rupeiks

Guns in one airsoft shop in Riga.

College students rehearse Folk Ensemble Rotaļa at VEF Culture Palace in Riga, Latvia, at night.

Diāna Grasmane, 19, poses a photo at her home in Riga. She is a transgender woman and activist, and confronts societal norms and challenges in Latvia, using her visibility to advocate for queer and transgender people in transphobic misinformation. She sees herself as a “radical political act” rooted in kindness and respect. Through community engagement, Diana provides essential support to others while pushing for a more inclusive future, despite the personal toll of her activism.

Young couple kiss in a concert in Riga.

Laura Jegorova, 27, poses a portrait. She is a second-year psychology student pursuing her bachelor's degree. Her interest in psychology stems from her own experiences with mental health challenges, giving her a unique understanding of the subject. She hopes to use her knowledge to help others, particularly those with significant mental health struggles.

Twilight view of Riga.

Young poeple enjoy Nova Koma concert in Riga.