This image was shot while on a commission to document the White Russian community here in the UK. The White Russians, as they call themselves are those whose families fled the Communist powers in the early years of the Soviet state. However they now include many recent immigrants. This photograph was shot at the consecration of the dome of the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God and Holy Royal Martyrs in London during which the congregation hold a candle lit service while walking around the outside of the church. I tend to shoot with available light, and this and the series it came from, are no exception. For me, candlelight is magnificent light, and as a great photographer once said, “if you can see it, you can photograph it!”

Mike Usiskin has worked for editorial clients and major institutions including the Prison Service and the United Nations. He likes to focus on social issues and is currently working on a series of images provisionally entitled Pariahs.

Photographer since 1995. EPUK member since 2006.