1. What was it like to see the Milky Way live over the Labuništa Pastures?

The Labuništa Pastures, like many other mountainous areas, are perfect for observing the night sky because they are far from city lights. Seeing the Milky Way live is an experience many describe as fascinating, awakening a feeling of awe at the enormity of the universe.

2. What makes this location special for this kind of photography?

At high altitudes, far from urban areas, light pollution is minimal. This allows a clear view of the Milky Way and other celestial objects that would otherwise be invisible to the human eye in cities.

The air in the mountains is generally cleaner and less polluted than in lowlands, which allows a sharper view of the stars.

Higher altitude means being closer to the atmosphere’s edge, reducing its thickness and improving photo quality.

3. How much patience and preparation does such a photograph require?

Due to the darkness, manual focusing on the stars is required. Long exposures (from 15 to 30 seconds), high ISO settings, and a fully open aperture are typically used to achieve a good photograph. Multiple attempts and setups are needed until the perfect photo is captured, demanding a lot of patience and persistence.

5. Was there a particular moment that stood out to you from that night?

It was not just a photo but a moment of personal connection with the vastness of the universe. Seeing that "river of stars" with the naked eye, and then through the lens, is an experience deeply etched in memory.

6. What message or emotion do you want to convey through this photograph?

The photograph of the Milky Way over a mountain landscape often conveys a strong feeling of awe and tranquility. It highlights the vastness of the universe compared to the small human figure or landscape.

Enjoying the moment and the silence the mountain offers at night, meteor showers make the moment even more exciting; things invisible to the naked eye become discoverable through the lens and photography techniques, revealing many happenings within the Galaxy.

7. What would you recommend to people who have never seen this beauty with the naked eye?

The most important thing is to get away from cities. Light pollution is the main enemy of the night sky. Therefore, find a location far from urban areas, such as mountainous regions.

To experience it fully, choose a night without the moon. Moonlight can overshadow the stars' light. Also, check the weather forecast — the best nights are clear and cloudless.

When you finally see it, allow yourself to feel the moment. It is a moment of absolute silence and peace where you can feel the vastness of the universe. See it as a "river of stars" stretching across the sky. You don't need expensive equipment to experience this wonder, just a clear sky and patience. Enjoy the moment and let it inspire you.