DIMA BELIAKOV, born 1970, professional photojournalist, Russian native, based in Moscow.

AWARDS:

2002 - INTERFOTO Press Photo Russia's Contest  2nd prize

2004 - OPC (Overseas Press Club of America) Borovik Award

2007 – 3^rd Days Japan Press Photo contest Award

2010 - NPPA (National Press Photographer's Association), Best of Photohournalism, 1st Place, Portrait Series

October-December 2008 - Exhibition of work from Chechnya in Italy, Turin, Museum of Resistance, Deportation, War, Rights and Freedom

May 2009 - Exhibition of work from Southern Ossetiya at Andrei Sakharov' Museum/Center in Moscow

Picture stories and additional works published in THE SUNDAY TIMES Magazine, PARIS MATCH, STERN, AMERICAN PHOTO Magazine, RPS (ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY) JOURNAL,  FIGARO Magazine, GEO Magazine (German, Spanish and Russian editions), DIE ZEIT, NEWSWEEK, NEW YORK TIMES, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, THE  TIMES (British), THE TELEGRAPH Magazine (British), many others.

EXPERIENCE: I covered both the first 1994-1996 and second 1999-2006 wars in Chechnya from both sides. I was the only Russian photographer to gain trust of the Chechen rebel forces in the 2^nd conflict. This is notable, because of the virulent hatred for Russia, and Russians' repeated war has generated among  Chechens. It is notable, too, because immediately before and after this I documented the situation from the Russian army side throughout the troubled North Caucasus. Experiences, sources, and contacts gained unique access during the hostage crises at Beslan School ¹ 1. I was the only photographer to capture images from the perspective of the Russian Special Forces, the anti-terrorist units, poised frighteningly close with more then a thousand children and teachers. This unique experience the BBC invited me to participate in its Panorama program. I worked with Germany's ZDF on its documentary "Beslan Aftermath". CBS News profiled me and my photography in its documentary "Hostage" broadcasted on "48 Hours" program January 2005.

Since 2002- 2008 on a contract to Bloomberg News my pictures have illustrated business, economic, and news feature stories on everything from oil drilling in the frigid artic to widely scattered locales, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, Georgia, Azerbaijan and throughout Russia.