Photographer Mila Zhdanova (40 years old, in Moscow), met the 28-year-old brown bear Stepan through two friends, the same bear’s owner, Svetlana and Yuri Pantileenko.
Inspired by Stepan’s friendliness towards people, Mila set up a series of images of brown buckwheat alongside models in traditional Russian clothing.
The photographs were taken during the months in Moscow as Stepan can only work about half an hour at a time.
Speaking of photography, Mila said: ‘People often think stereotypes about Russia. They thought we never laughed and bears walked the streets. We want to show in the pictures that we are friendly people. Shooting with Stepan is a great thing and I have to control my emotions every time I shoot.’
The 28-year-old brown bear is very gentle thanks to the care and love of the coach. It took pictures with models from many countries such as Thailand, Australia, Germany, Great Britain and Israel.
‘I hope everyone can see the beauty and power of animals and nature through my photos,’ added the 40-year-old photographer.
Stepan weighs 340kgs and is cared for by the owner with a special diet every day.
This bear almost never attacks humans.
The photographer takes advantage of the beautiful scenery every season in Russia to capture Stepan and the bear’s ‘coworkers’.
Stepan cuddles a model in traditional Russian winter clothes.
Fruit cake, honey both make photo props and let Stepan pamper his stomach.