Enjoy the Present Moment – The Story of Lana Jurković

This is based on an interview with the participant, incorporating her personal reflections, memories, and experiences. Her perspective has been carefully adapted and written in the third person while preserving the authenticity of her voice as part of the In Their Element project.

Lana is the mother of a two-year-old son and has been married for two years. She graduated from an Art High School, specializing in Fashion Design. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and photographing wildlife.

She works in her family's company, which manufactures filter bags for the paint and coatings industry. These filters are used to strain paints and varnishes during the production process. What she appreciates most about her job is its routine nature and the fact that it doesn't require constant decision-making, giving her a sense of calm and stability.

Photography has fascinated her since childhood. While attending high school, she even organized her own fashion show, combining her love for design with creativity. However, photography took a back seat for a while until the COVID-19 pandemic, when one of her friends bought an analog film camera. Watching him rekindled her own passion for photography, so she bought an analog camera as well. Together, they wandered around the city capturing everyday moments on film.

Later, she met another friend who introduced her to wildlife photography. Today, she loves venturing into forests or visiting Kopački Rit Nature Park on her own, where photographing animals has become a form of therapy and a way to completely unwind. Although she owns camouflage gear, she rarely uses it. Instead, she usually drives through nature and, whenever she spots an interesting animal, she stops the car and captures the moment.

What makes her work even more impressive is that she photographs most wildlife using a fully manual analog telephoto lens, which requires manual focusing. Many people have praised her ability to photograph shy and fast-moving animals with equipment that demands exceptional patience, precision, and skill.

Above all, however, Lana sees motherhood as the most important role in her life.

"Motherhood is a lifelong job. It is the most exhausting one, but also the most beautiful."

Since becoming a mother, she says she has never felt happier. Every milestone her son reaches feels like a first for her as well.

"Everything he experiences for the first time is also a first for me."

She believes that one of the most important foundations of raising a child is the relationship between the parents. She feels grateful to have a loving and supportive relationship with her husband. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, he takes care of their son and encourages her to go out with a friend, take some time for herself, and recharge. When he needs a break, she does the same for him. Lana believes that this mutual support is one of the greatest examples of a healthy partnership and successful parenting.

One of the biggest surprises of motherhood has been how quickly time passes. She imagined her son would remain a tiny baby for much longer, sleeping peacefully and growing slowly. Instead, she discovered that every week brings something new, and children grow up much faster than parents expect. Motherhood has taught her to slow down, be fully present, and appreciate every moment.

Lana also spoke openly about a topic she believes is still not discussed enough—postpartum depression. She experienced it herself after giving birth, but with the love and support of her family, she was able to overcome that difficult period.

She believes that after childbirth, the people around a new mother should focus not only on the baby but also on supporting the mother herself. While the mother dedicates her time to her baby and her own recovery, family members can help by preparing meals, assisting with household chores, and offering practical support. She also emphasizes the important role of partners in sharing responsibilities and caring for both the baby and the home.

Lana encourages women to learn about postpartum depression before giving birth and to know that they are not alone if they experience it. It is a condition that can affect any mother, and with understanding, support, and the right help, it can be overcome. Thanks to the unwavering support of her family, she found her balance again and now hopes that by speaking openly about her own experience, other mothers will realize that there is hope.

To conclude, Lana shares a simple but powerful message:

"Don't dwell on yesterday. Don't worry about tomorrow. Focus on today. Enjoy the present moment, because motherhood has taught me just how quickly time passes."

If Lana's story inspired you or you'd like to discover more of her wildlife photography, you're warmly invited to follow her journey through the link below.