Monika Deviat has claimed the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 for the Aurorae category by the Royal Museums Greenwich. This accolade is part of the world's largest space photography competition, an achievement that serves as a testament to her undeniable talent and creativity. Monika's unique style and personality were captured in a documentary that delved deeper into her creative process.
Monika captured something magical with her camera. She tilted her lens skyward and captured a stunning formation in the sky, which took up the entire vertical frame and featured the Pleiades constellation at the bottom. Monika had taken many abstract shots that night, but none came close to the striking beauty of Brushstroke, with its singular definition and hypnotic pattern.
"Tilting the camera up to experiment with cutting off the foreground and capturing shapes." - Monika Deviat
"Tilting the camera up to experiment with cutting off the foreground and capturing shapes." - Monika Deviat
"I noticed the clouds were mimicking some of the aurora waves and tilted the camera back downwards." - Monika Deviat
For those interested in learning more about Monika's work and the creation of Brushstroke, her blog provides further insight into the process. She describes how the photograph was taken in Utsjoki, Finland, a prime location for viewing the northern lights. As part of a photography workshop she co-hosted with Rayann Elzein, Monika captured the Arctic's breathtaking landscape and natural wonders, including reindeer and puffins. The workshop also offered an opportunity to learn about Sami culture and, of course, chase the aurora borealis as much as possible.
If you are an aspiring photographer or simply someone who loves the beauty of nature, consider joining Monika for her upcoming March 2024 edition of Spring Light in Lapland. She would be thrilled to guide you through the wonders of the Arctic and provide valuable insights into the art of photography.
