The wave slowly crashed, the wind creating a soothing noise, and the stars above glimmering in the dark sky.
We were born unique and extraordinary.
Yet, we grew up being told to fit in, to follow the status quo and become ordinary.
Look at this famous spot in a small island of Bali, where hundreds of people flock to get the same exact photo.
Technology has taken away our sense of wonder.
When we arrive at a popular place, we subconsciously try to recreate what we have seen and forget who we are in the process.
Four and a half years ago, I had a mission to capture the unseen perspectives of the world.
Eight months ago, I envisioned a point of view that I’d never seen ever before from this infamous Diamond Beach, in Nusa Penida, Bali.
After stopping by during sunset, I was disappointed.
Clouds were thick, covering every single inch of the sky.
Some of us believe in miracles and some trust the weather forecasts. I believe in both.
The night got darker and the wind got stronger. Our guide thought we were crazy.
Our headlamps were on, with all of our gears.
Slowly, we made our way down a 100-meter-tall cliff through a narrow path of the carved limestone wall.
Piece of cake, I thought, just like walking down a set of stairs.
I couldn't be more wrong.
The path started with 1-meter wide stairs but then slowly became narrower to eventually a foot wide.
I shined my headlamp over the handrail made out of a single rope.
My feet began to tremble. My heartbeats went faster.
We had to duck, twist and crouch around tight corners and openings.
After holding onto ropes for dear life, sliding on dirt and scrambling through limestone walls, we came to a stop to catch our breath.
It's difficult to find words to describe these feelings.
We were blessed with a clear sky, and The Milky Way stood tall right in front of us.
So I asked myself:
How can I capture a never-before photograph of this beautiful landscape that has been shot thousands of times?
To create a piece of art that speaks and expresses my creativity, my expression and my point of view.
A tropical paradise under The Milky Way and Galaxies.
I added a human figure to create a focal point and a sense of scale, but to separate her from the background, I needed to add a light.
Once that was all set up, I went around the steep slope of limestone rocks and found these beautiful plants in the foreground.
That is where it all comes together.
The Diamond rocks sitting ring in front of me with a subject that creates a sense of scale, a strong foreground, as well as the cliff and palm trees that create framing around the Milky Way.
A one-of-a-kind Astrophotography in the Tropical Paradise of Bali.
Each of us is born with a truly exceptional, unique talent.
We’ve been dreaming of an era of freedom, where we can create, express, and take back ownership of our identity - to be valued for who we are.
The best way to create something unique is to sprinkle your personality in your art because you are one of a kind.
