In His Image Photos

Israel - people, land and nature

By Valery Ostrovsky

Valery Ostrovsky was born in Kharkov, Ukraine (FSU) in 1956 to parents who grew up in the years of turmoil within the Soviet Union. Valery and his wife, Irina, who was born in Western Siberia, made aliyah in the early 90’s with their son, Aviram Georgy, who is now 19. Their 15-year-old daughter, Varya, is sabra (a native born Israeli). The family lives in the Samaritan community of Ariel.

“My father educated me in art and art history, so I was able to pick up rudimentary elements of composition, color, balance, and perspective at an early age.” Attending lectures on the history of art by guest speakers from Moscow and Leningrad furthered Valery's intrigue with the techniques of photography.

Beginning with insects, Valery branched off into still life. Now, it is the land and the people that mostly attract Valery’s attention. “I can stop to give someone a lift, and after they share their story, I ask to take their picture. Photography is a highly creative mode of expression that allows the sharing of a vision,” says Valery.

Valery finds that the Russian-speaking community worldwide has an increasing interest in the Land of Israel. “Eastern European immigrants delivered to Israel find themselves caught up with the beauty of the Promised Land. It is my intention to record this beauty and forward it further.” Valery’s photography well fulfills his desire to support and represent Israel.