Capturing real emotions
Green (Un)ordinary life
People grow through learning, and the greatest growth happens through discomfort. To step out of the ordinary life of an office worker and immerse yourself in brotherhood. To get used to discipline, a uniform, and a weapon. To push through “I can’t” every time your clothes are soaked through to the very last thread, and every step reminds you of the blisters from new boots. When, after a 20-kilometre orienteering march, you drop your backpack and realise just how much you are capable of. That making mistakes while learning is normal.
The photo series “Green (Un)ordinary Life” is about a real person who has chosen volunteering in uniform. About how, driven by one shared purpose, a physicist and an artist, a teacher and a medic, an engineer and an entrepreneur work side by side. About how, during the first six months, the first skills of military training, drill, survival, and first aid begin to grow into the muscle memory — repeated again and again until the team works as one. And all of this with painted faces, but without social masks.
This series brings together moments from various activities, exercises, and commemorations of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Under the blazing sun or in pouring rain, it reveals the true rifleman’s (un)ordinary life — and the tired eyes in which a spark continues to glow, no matter the situation.
About me
My name is Karolina Savickytė, a photographer based in Vilnius, Lithuania. My journey into photography began in high school, where I first picked up a camera and discovered my passion for capturing moments.
As a former soldier and now a volunteer in the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, I've experienced a unique blend of discipline and emotion that shapes my work. Every exercise, parade, and event is not just about showcasing precision; it’s about capturing the raw emotions that emerge in those intense moments. I strive to narrate the untold stories of friendship, resilience, and pride through my lens, ensuring that each photograph reflects the spirit of those who serve to the country.