By James  Nye A photographer whose stark portrayal of a little girl's life surrounded by her poverty-stricken parents life of drug and alcohol abuse has defended her decision not to report them to authorities. Irina Popova's photo-essay entitled 'Another Family' sparked national outrage when its portrayal of two St. Petersburg's addicts seemingly oblivious to their two-year-old girl, Anfisa, was shared widely online. Parents Lilya and Pasha were captured living a raucous life of drug-fueled partying - while their daughter was allowed to wander to the ledge of an open window, play with their cigarettes and come face-to-face with her strung-out father's genitals while he slept-off his latest binge.
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Photographic project from 2008 shows Russian family and their chaotic, drug fueled, lifestyle
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Caused outrage in Russia when pictures were put online
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Viewers were outraged at the neglect of two-year-old Asfina - who is surrounded by cigarettes, violence and drugs
Lilya
She claims that the startling images are just that and do not represent the ability of Pasha and @placeholder to raise their daughter.
St. Petersburg
The project began when Popova traveled to @placeholder with the intention of creating a photographic essay about 'feelings'.
Irina Popova
Beginnings: @placeholder found Lilya on the streets of St. Petersburg with Asfina in her stroller
Asfina
Beginnings: Irina Popova found Lilya on the streets of St. Petersburg with @placeholder in her stroller
Irina Popova
Pasha became angry at @placeholder because of the brush with the law and now refuses to speak to her.
St. Petersburg
She sought treatment for her addictions and is no longer with Pasha and works in a @placeholder clothe shop.