EMBRACING NATURE

EMY MAIKE

// Returning to the pages of Spectaculum Magazine, Emy Maike invites us once again into her poetic visual world—this time, through the monochrome intimacy of her newest photo series, Embracing Nature. Shot entirely in black and white, the project is a quiet celebration of flora, form, and the fleeting power of natural light. In Embracing Nature, she turns her lens toward flowers, leaves, and sunlight—seemingly simple subjects, rendered extraordinary through her choice to work in black and white.

Originally from Manila and now based in Germany, Emy approaches her work with a calm reverence. Her artistic practice is steeped in attentiveness, shaped by an inner desire to capture the subtle but profound relationship between humans and the natural world.

Beyond photography, Emy is deeply drawn to the arts more broadly. Museums, performances, and other creative expressions all hold a special place in her life. For her, art transcends language—it’s a way to process emotion, to communicate what words cannot. Whether she’s moved by a sculpture, a dance performance, or a piece of music, the experience of engaging with art brings her into a state of reflection and wonder. Creating art, especially photography, offers her the same gift. It becomes both a meditative escape and a path toward emotional clarity.

“Photography is a universal language. The beauty of art photography lies in its ability to capture moments and feelings that everyone can relate to, even if they interpret them differently.”

Emy Maike

What do you like best about this photo series?

What I like best the “Embracing Nature” project is the opportunity to capture moments that speak to the quiet, yet profound connection between humans and the natural world. The best part for me is seeing how each photograph tells a story-whether it`s a peaceful scene that invites reflection or an image that emphasizes nature’s strength and resilience.

Additionally, I love how this project encourages me to slow down and truly observe the environment around me. Photography allows me to connect with nature in a deeply personal way, and the creative process of capturing that connection is something I cherish.

What draws you to the arts?

I am always struck by how art has the power to transcend words and communicate complex feelings and ideas. Visiting a museum or seeing a performance often feels like stepping into a different world. I’m drawn to the way art can capture moments in time, express raw human experiences, and challenge my perceptions. There’s a certain magic in the way a painting, a sculpture, or a performance can make me feel something deeply, whether it’s awe, introspection, or even discomfort. When I engage in creating art myself, I feel a sense of flow and discovery. Its a process that allows me to express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to articulate. Art offers a space for reflection, a way to slow down, and a form of release. It’s both meditative and liberating.

Emy Maike’s Quiet Connection with Nature

At the heart of Embracing Nature is the idea of presence. In a fast-moving world, Emy’s work encourages us to pause and take notice of what is often overlooked. Her goal as an artist is not just to create beautiful images, but to spark a deeper awareness of the everyday miracles that surround us.

She speaks of photography as a personal journey—one of growth, experimentation, and evolving perception. Every image becomes part of a larger exploration of light, composition, and nature’s quiet resilience. Through this process, she continues to cultivate not only her craft but also her relationship with the world around her.

The Power of Monochrome

In a photographic world often dominated by vivid colour, black and white imagery offers something different: an invitation to slow down. With colour stripped away, what remains is form, texture, contrast, and the nuanced dance of light and shadow. For Emy, this choice is deeply intentional. Her photographs highlight not only the delicate veins of a leaf or the soft curve of a petal but also the way sunlight moves across these surfaces—evoking feelings that are both intimate and universal.

Each frame in the series is carefully composed, making full use of natural lighting conditions. Whether it’s the golden hour glow filtering through trees or the harsher, more dramatic tones of late afternoon, Emy harnesses the mood of each moment. The result is a meditative, almost tactile experience: her images ask viewers not just to look, but to feel.

Click on the photos to see a larger image. Some images may be cropped for layout.