For The Guardian, I photographed and interviewed six Ukrainian families who fled the war in Ukraine and moved to Los Angeles. Upon arriving, they began the hard journey of finding work, learning a new language, building community and regaining a sense of peace. Some have found successes, new friends and new careers. Some long to return home. They all still face uncertainty — these are their stories.

Photo editor: Gail Fletcher

Text editor: Charlotte Simmonds

Nataliya Zhuk

From Kyiv

We were certain Ukraine would win in early 2023. I planned to be home by spring.

–Nataliya Zhuk

Dmytro Fedotov

From Kharkiv

Sofiia Sapozhnik

From Kyiv

The first week after I came here, I had very difficult dreams. Then I started to explain to myself that everything was okay and that the airplanes were carrying people, not bombs.

–Sofiia Sapozhnik

Misha Nefedov and Oksana Nefedova

From Dnipro

It was our last summer before going to college. There’s usually some sort of party, fun activities. Now there’s nothing. 

–Misha Nefedov

Dima, Katya and Sofia Pastukh
Pavlo Mamalyha and Veronika Biletska

From Odesa and Kyiv

Witnessing and learning about these families’ experiences as new immigrants to the US was a personally meaningful and deeply rewarding experience for me. It reminded me of my own and my family’s experience of immigrating to the United States. I discuss this in the interview with my alma mater ArtCenter College of Design about this project. You can read the interview here.

As an immigrant, I love working on projects that explore the immigrant experience. Drop me a note if you have an immigrant story you’d like to collaborate on.

Thank you for looking and reading!

Catch up on my recent newsletters:

August 2024

June - July 2024