WHO?
I am Natela Grigalashvili, a documentary photographer from Georgia. My journey into photography began with a childhood love for cinema, particularly documentaries. Growing up in a remote village, surrounded by mountains and traditions, has deeply shaped the themes I explore. I’ve dedicated my work to capturing the disappearing ways of life in Georgia’s rural communities and the stories of people who inhabit its most remote corners. Photography, for me, is a way to preserve these fading moments and build connections with the people I photograph.
WHAT?
My work focuses on documenting the lives of people in Georgia’s rural areas, especially communities facing rapid change or decline. I’m drawn to stories where tradition and modernity intersect—villages where life is shaped by both enduring customs and the inevitability of transition. My images aim to capture not just the challenges these communities face but also their strength, their culture, and the landscapes that define their existence.
WHERE?
Primarily in Georgia, in the highlands and remote villages where life is slower, but stories are rich. I spend a lot of time in Mountainous Adjara, a region in western Georgia where communities still practice a nomadic way of life. I also document the Doukhobors, a religious and ethnic minority whose numbers are rapidly dwindling. These places are deeply familiar to me—they remind me of the environment I grew up in.
WHEN?
Photography is a constant in my life. I work when I feel a connection with the moment, whether it’s during the soft light of early morning in the mountains or the quiet stillness of an evening in a village. Before I start photographing, I spend time building relationships with the people and understanding their stories. The act of taking the photograph often comes after that connection is formed.
WHY?
To preserve what is being lost. Many of the traditions, lifestyles, and stories I document may not exist in the future. Photography allows me to create a record of these moments and share them with others. It’s also a deeply personal journey for me—each project is tied to my own memories and experiences. By photographing these communities, I hope to honor their lives and bring attention to the beauty and fragility of their world.
