I was born September 9th, 1971, in the town of Bezhetsk, Tver area (Russia). When I was 13 years old, my family moved to the city of Odessa, at the coast of Black sea (Ukraine).   My interest in photography had started in 1984, and in 1985 I've started to specialize in underwater photography.   In 1986, I received my professional diving training at V.S.A.A.A.F. (Volunteer Society of Assistance to Air forces, Army and Fleet) in Odessa, Ukraine. I have completed this training in 1989 and became instructor of Underwater sports.