Meet the Photographer

Wildlife photographer. Observer. Storyteller.
Every photograph on this website tells the story of a real encounter in nature.

A woman with blonde, curly hair, blue eyes, and a black shirt, smiling against a gray background.

Beyond the Photograph

There is often more to a photograph than what you can see.

On my Substack, I share the stories behind some of my photographs, encounters in nature, personal thoughts and observations, and the things that stay with me long after I put my camera away.

You can also find my podcast and newsletter there a place where I go a little deeper than I do here.

My Substack and podcast are currently in German.

My story

A silhouette of trees and a fence against a greenish evening sky with a visible airplane contrail.

I didn't start photographing wildlife to collect rare species.

I started because nature gave me something I couldn't find anywhere else: silence.

Hours can pass without a single photograph. Those moments teach patience, observation, and respect for the animals that allow us into their world.

Every image in this gallery tells the story of a real encounter. Nothing is staged, nothing is rushed. The animal always comes first.

Every photograph begins with patience. I hope they inspire you to slow down and notice the beauty that is already there.

Melanie Koecher
Founder of ITS PIGZY