Ivan takes most beautiful photos of Serbia: Magical landscapes that take your breath away

Photographer Ivan Strahinic has not been separated from his camera for decades. He discovered his love of this art as a high school student, and has long been known as a creator who takes the most beautiful photographs of Serbia.

Each of the shots he takes tell a unique story about the beauties of Serbia, both the popular and recognizable places that can be seen on billboards, in tourist magazines and on social networks, and the hidden ones that make you stop for a moment and wonder how come you missed them, while they were in front of you all the time.

Over the next year, the "365 Days Through Serbia" series published by Telegraf will show Ivan's photographs taken across the country - from mountains Tara, Zlatibor and Uvac, through Stara Mountain, Pester, which is rightly referred to as "the Serbian Siberia," to Guca, well known and less famous waterfalls, caves, monasteries, food, people...

The most beautiful things that Serbia has and can offer to both domestic and foreign tourists will be on our portal, as seen through the eyes of the artist, our contributor.

In an interview with Telegraf, Ivan Strahinic talks about his journey with the camera that has been lasting almost four decades.

"I started doing photography as a high school student, that was many years ago,"  says Ivan. "Zenit, Pentax, 35mm and the scent of fixers and developers."

• What was decisive in choosing to photograph Serbia's natural beauties?

- It is what I see, feel, live... Nature is inspiring, never the same, unique in its original beauty, and the nature of Serbia in particular. Each trip and each photographic trip through Serbia awakens in me that boyish curiosity and creates some inner, very wide smile. And the two things that are perhaps most important - it's passion and love. And it doesn't stop. It lasts!

• Which part of Serbia is the most inspirational for you?

- There are many. It’s a matter of the moment, magic and inspiration, and especially the energy I feel in a place. It often happens that some places I visit are not "in," photography-wise. However, if I feel "something" I simply stay there and start exploring. And I'm never wrong. It is precisely there that Serbia shows me that piece of its beauty without hesitation.

• When is the best time to photograph Serbia's landscapes - early morning, noon, or dusk?

- Nature photography requires knowledge of nature, specific local weather conditions and planning. My photos depend on lighting, more precisely on the sun that gives me that light. There are no controlled conditions in nature like in studios or urban areas. When it comes to landscape photography, you have to learn to be in the right place at the right time. The "blue" and the "golden" hour (moments that offer best quality of light for photography) are something that cannot be bypassed.

Of course, there is also the planning, framing, setting up all the necessary parameters .. But? It often happens that I go to a location after a long drive or walk, and there sun is nowhere to be found. And the famous dilemma - what now? Experience has taught me to be patient. To wait. And really, almost always some magic wand changes the scenery completely.

• What are your recommendations for taking photos and which was your greatest discovery as you explored Serbia?

- Morning mists over the lakes in Vojvodina and reflections on the peaceful rivers of Vojvodina. Stara and Suva mountains - every inch of them - at any time.

Autumn magic of the mountains of Western Serbia, especially Prijepolje, Tara and Zlatibor. The amazing and full of emotion Pester. The seductive Zapadna Morava River, Ovcar, Kablar and Dragacevo. The Danube. Beljanica and Resava. The sweet Sumadija. The undiscovered beauties of Southern Serbia - from Kukavica near Leskovac to Crnook near Bosilegrad.

Uh! And so much more!

And the greatest discovery are the people. Their merging with the areas in which they live. The way they carry life. The language of the eyes and the soul. Serbia is a beautiful country with beautiful people.

• How much time do you need to create a photography that will meet your criteria?

- In order to be created, each photograph must go through three phases. The first is location and travel planning, the second is fieldwork and the third is photo processing. If all the phases are well prepared and realized, a photograph is completed in a few days.

• What was the most difficult photo to take?

- The hardest thing for me to do is take selfies. And I’m not good at it, definitely.

• Which is the one you're most proud of?

- Of each. Each is a part of me. Each is made from my hands and with both feet on the ground. However, I would like to single out two for Telegraf readers. One was created at 2,168 meters altitude, on Midzor (Stara Mountain) with my "companions." Getting up early, walking together in very difficult conditions from Babin Zub to Midzor, sharing food and wate, and then an incredible instance of "posing for a picture."

The other is Pester and the frozen Uvac Canyon. Breaking through the snow, getting stuck, digging up the SUV. And a memory for a lifetime.

Photo: Ivan Strahinić

(Telegraf.rs)