ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES INCREDIBLE IMAGES OF THE DARKEST SKIES IN THE WORLD OVER 20 DAYS
Astrophotographer Mihail Minkov recently fulfilled a dream by journeying to some of the world's darkest skies. Minkov, a Bulgarian, travelled to Bolivia and Chile for 20 days, stopping in the Easter Islands to capture some amazing star photos. Minkov spent a year and a half meticulously organising his photo vacation to the Atacama Desert in Chile, which was inspired by photographs made there.
Minkov and eight other photographers set out on their journey to South America after making connections with locals who may make their goal of travelling a reality. Minkov's efforts have resulted in photos that show the Milky Way arching in the sky over breathtaking surroundings. Minkov also brought up vivid memories of the event in addition to these unforgettable pictures. The photographer was particularly struck by Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat.
He told outlet My Modern Met that, "words cannot do this place justice—it must be experienced." When it rains, the water creates a surface that resembles a mirror rather than seeping into the salt. It is breathtaking during the day, but at night it takes on an absolutely unearthly quality. It appears as though you are standing on a different planet since the stars appear to be descending to Earth.
He goes on to say, "Even the smallest stars from the night sky are reflected when the wind stops and the water becomes perfectly quiet." The high altitude, low humidity, and lack of light pollution make nighttime photography and observation here quite remarkable. It is hard to see stars that extend to the horizon in my own country.
As he took pictures of the stars, Minkov was overcome with intense emotions, and he is aware that the experience will stay with him for a very long time. He wants to convey some of that feeling to the audience through his images. "Night photography is a moment of silence and a kind of meditation for me; it's not just about taking pictures of the stars. I feel humbled and at peace as I stand in the nighttime solitude. Even if only briefly, I hope that my work makes people feel at ease and content.
