Whispers of the Wild

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‘Melanie Többe shares her journey from a carefree childhood on a northern German farm to becoming a passionate outdoor photographer. Inspired by a photography course in Australia, she explores the beauty of nature and unique cultures around the world. Her travels, from the nomads of Mongolia to the vibrant streets of Morocco, reveal profound lessons about simplicity and resilience.’

Background

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I grew up on a farm in northern Germany, surrounded by the countryside. My childhood was wonderful, filled with memories of vacations spent at my grandma’s or with cousins, where we’d roam freely through the woods, help out in the barn, bake together or play in the fields and bushes.

Nature and being close to animals have always played an essential role in my life from an early age. For me, there’s nothing more beautiful than country life, and to this day, I still call the countryside home. We never traveled as a family because of the farm, but as a child, I never felt the need to.

When did you first pick up a camera and decide that this is what you wanted to pursue as a fulltime passion?

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I never planned on becoming a photographer. I knew I wanted to work creatively, so I pursued a degree in product design, where I focused on designing jewelry and furniture. Then I did a semester abroad in Australia, where I took my first photography course and learned the basics of using a camera. I had never enjoyed a class so much before.

I was completely captivated. I knew that after my studies, I wanted to learn more about photography. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I did a six-month internship with a photographer, to whom I’m still so grateful for everything I was able to learn and the opportunities she gave me.

I began sharing my photos on Instagram, and soon enough, people started asking if I could take their portraits. In the beginning, I did a lot of family and couple sessions, but since I love being in nature, traveling, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, I realized that this was the path I wanted to take. I poured my energy into it, working hard to become a travel and outdoor photographer.

Alongside this journey, I completed a master’s in product design. Due to the pandemic, my studies moved online, but this gave me the opportunity to build up my photography business from home.

At the beginning of developing your skills as a photographer, can you tell us what you were mostly drawn to taking photos of at that time?
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Nature and light! Even when I was mostly photographing couples and families, I was always drawn outdoors, aiming to bring people and nature together in harmony through my photos. When I went out to shoot for myself, I’d explore nearby forests or beautiful spots close to home. I still remember planning my first little photography trip with two friends.

We headed to the Harz mountains for a weekend, and I packed outdoor essentials like water bottles, hiking boots, and a tent. There, I took countless lifestyle shots of us hiking, capturing the essence of the outdoors in every frame.

At some stage you moved towards remote landscapes and unique cultures, what was the first country or landscape that you photographed away from home? Can you tell us about that journey?

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I should mention that my love for travel began even before my photography journey. At 20, I took my very first trip to Iceland, and I’d never felt so free and alive. Completely surrounded by nature, I explored new and fascinating places every day. That trip was followed by adventures in New Zealand, Australia, and South America. When I went to South America, I brought along my first camera, which I’d bought during my semester abroad, though I was only taking casual photos at the time.

My first true photography trip was to Austria. It was easy to reach, and I found stunning mountains, lakes, and magical light. Not long after, I returned, this time exploring the landscapes of Switzerland. I believe that in the beginning, it’s about experimenting and discovering what fuels your passion and what speaks to you—without needing to fly to the other side of the world.

As a gifted photographer, you’ve managed to capture some stunning shots of unique cultures around the world. Can you list some of the more unique cultures you’ve encountered over time and what your experience with them has been like?

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The culture in Mongolia stands out as one of the most unique and memorable experiences I’ve had. Visiting this land of vast open spaces, where nomadic life still thrives, felt like stepping back in time.

The hospitality of the Mongolian people left a deep impression on me. They welcomed me into their yurts, shared meals with me, and allowed me to document their lives. I was struck by their deep connection to nature, as well as their incredible resilience in such a rugged, untamed environment.

Capturing the everyday life of herders, the bond between families and their animals, and the rhythm of life that has remained unchanged for centuries was incredibly inspiring. The sense of freedom and harmony with nature that defines Mongolian culture has stayed with me ever since. It’s a place I hope to return to, not only for the photographic opportunities but to reconnect with a culture that values simplicity, resilience, and closeness to the land.

Have you learnt anything surprising or unexpected when meeting these unique cultures?
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Alongside the nomads in Mongolia, I’ve encountered incredible kindness and a spirit of helpfulness in Indonesia, where life on the islands has its own rhythm. In Morocco, I experienced the vibrant, bustling energy of daily life, and in Guatemala, I felt immersed in a culture so lively and rich in tradition. In South Africa, too, I got a glimpse into a world both complex and diverse.

What I’ve learned from these experiences is that there are countless ways to live a fulfilling life. Keeping an open and positive mindset toward new perspectives allows you to learn and carry those lessons into your own life. For example, the nomads of Mongolia live simply and have very few possessions, yet their wealth lies in their freedom and the vastness of the land that fills their lives. It's a reminder that happiness and richness can come in many forms.

How would you describe your creative style when it comes to photography?

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That’s a tough question. I tend to create my images with a darker, moody touch to bring out deeper, richer colors. I’d describe my style as adventurous, emotional, and deeply connected with nature. My colors are cinematic and vibrant, often featuring warm and earthy tones. I aim for my photography to evoke a sense of exploration and a genuine appreciation for both the landscapes and the human stories woven into them.

For our tech focused readers, what camera and lens do you primarily use for landscape photography, and why?

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I shoot with the OM-1 from OM System and mainly use zoom lenses for my outdoor photography. I have a very wide-angle lens (14-24mm), a 24-70mm, and a telephoto lens (70-300mm). OM System makes excellent outdoor cameras that are waterproof and dustproof, making them reliable in all kinds of landscapes.

Do you prefer shooting in RAW or JPEG? What are the advantages of your choice?

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Definitely in RAW, as it gives you much more flexibility in post-processing. I would recommend this to anyone. It's best to start shooting in RAW right away, as it provides you with much more creative freedom.

When it comes to landscapes, do you have a favourite, you enjoy capturing the most?

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I think what I love most are the mountains at sunrise. There’s something so massive and incredibly beautiful about them. The morning light is absolutely breathtaking as the sun’s rays break through the peaks. It’s even more magical when you find yourself above the clouds, witnessing the reflection of the morning colors dancing in the mist. Each time I stand up there, it feels surreal, like stepping into a storybook.

Lastly Melanie, what landscapes or unique cultures are you hoping to capture in the future?

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Where should I even begin? My desire to explore the world knows no bounds! For next year, I’m eager to embark on an adventure to Kazakhstan and Greenland. Two breathtaking countries where nature reigns supreme and infrastructure is minimal.

One culture I am particularly passionate about documenting is that of the last riders of the Marquesas. These incredible individuals live in harmony with the wild horses, embodying a way of life that is both timeless and deeply connected to the land. I can’t wait to immerse myself in their world, capturing the beauty and spirit of their existence amidst such stunning landscapes.

Melanie Többe

Whispers of the Wild

To continue following our explorers Melanie’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram:

@melanietoebbe

Website:

www.melanietoebbe.de

Help support The Roamers Trail by following us on social media

Melanie Többe

Whispers of the Wild

To continue following our explorers Melanie’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram:

@melanietoebbe

Website:

www.melanietoebbe.de

Help support The Roamers Trail by following us on social media

Christoph Birnstengel

Nicola