AFTER FARM DUTIES, MILENA TRANSFORMS INTO A MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER

Milena Erceg from Gradiška, the first woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina to receive the prestigious AFIAP title (Artist of the International Federation of Photographic Art), continues to gain recognition on both national and international stages.

PHOTO: Moja Gradiška vijesti

At the recently held 14th International Photo Exhibition Photo Emotion 2025, organized by the University Photo-Cinema Club Banjaluka, Milena won the FIAP gold medal for her photograph “Winter by the River.” This marks her second gold medal in the past nine years, but her first under the auspices of FIAP, making it especially meaningful.

“This photograph is particularly dear to me. It was taken in the peaceful silence of winter nature,” Milena shared.

Her talent was also recognized in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the open exhibition “FotoBiH – Trebinje 2025,” organized by the Association for Artistic Photography in BiH and the Trebinje Photo-Cinema Club, Milena won third place in the monochrome category for her photo “In a Rush.”

“It was an honor to be invited as a guest. I thank the organizers for their hospitality and congratulate all my fellow photographers on their awards,” she said.

Although photography remains a hobby for Milena, her work—often inspired by the landscapes of Lijevče Field and the Potkozarje region—is widely recognized for its artistic value.

Alongside her passion for photography, Milena also manages a family farm. After completing her daily chores around the house and with the livestock, she picks up her camera and creates images that captivate juries across the region.

Her talent, dedication, and authenticity prove that true art doesn’t require a grand canvas—just a heart, an eye, and the right moment.