I Returned To The Slovakian Tatras After 3 Years And Took 34 New Photos

I returned to the Slovakian Tatra Mountains after three years with a specific goal in mind - to conquer Rysy, the highest peak in Poland, as part of the 'Korona Gór Polskich' (Crown of Polish Mountains) project that my girlfriend had embarked on. My previous trip to the Tatras was still vivid in my memory, so when the opportunity arose to explore the Slovakian Tatras once more, I didn't hesitate for a moment. The Tatras are a treasure trove of incredible photography opportunities.

Two places, in particular, left a lasting impression, and interestingly, they weren't high up in the mountains at all. I was fortunate to witness two breathtaking sunsets on the plains in the village of Mengusovce. It felt like I had stepped into an anime scene - with majestic clouds, vast open spaces, and gentle breezes. Another unforgettable memory was spending a night in a shelter near Popradske Pleso - the night sky and the silence in that place were truly remarkable.

One of the constant challenges when photographing mountains is my fitness level. I admit I don't always take care of it as diligently as I should, and there were moments when I found myself out of breath. Another hurdle is the size and weight of photographic equipment. When I pack my entire photography backpack, it can weigh up to 15kg. Therefore, when venturing into the mountains, I try to limit my equipment to the essentials. I often swap a full-sized tripod for a compact version designed for smaller cameras (though it has its drawbacks), and I restrict myself to just two lenses - a 35mm and a 70-200mm. Limiting the amount of gear can be refreshing, encouraging a new perspective on composition and allowing for more improvisation.

Looking ahead, my photographic dreams are set on Madeira. It's an incredibly photogenic destination that hasn't been overly inundated by tourists yet. Madeira offers a wide array of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to atmospheric, misty forests. I hope to turn this dream into a reality in the coming years.