meral nijenhuis photography
Welcome — it’s great to have you here.
For me, photography is a powerful way to look more consciously at the world, capturing both the sense of wonder and the hidden stories that unfold around me every day. In my landscape photography, I look for peace, atmosphere, and the interplay of light, sky, and water. I also love to experiment with abstraction and movement, bringing nature to life in a different, more tangible way.
Where landscapes are about space and stillness, street photography is all about timing and human moments that catch you by surprise. On the streets, I photograph mostly in black and white — both during the day and into the late evening hours. Black and white photography strips away all the noise, making the pure emotion and the essence of the moment instantly felt.
It is precisely that combination of the quiet nature and the elements against the dynamism and stories of the city that makes photography so fascinating to me. In this, I am always searching for the small, everyday, and often fleeting stories on the sidewalk.
A few years ago, I traded my compact camera for a mirrorless camera. Since then, photography grew from an interest into a serious hobby. I learn mostly by doing: by photographing a lot, experimenting, and staying observant. I also love visiting photography exhibitions. Over the years, I have built an exquisite collection of photobooks that continues to inspire me — from the classic work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Josef Koudelka to the atmosphere of Harry Gruyaert, Mary Ellen Mark, Chris Killip, and Ed van der Elsken. I am particularly drawn to imagery where humanity, a raw atmosphere, and the everyday come together.
I hope the images on this website convey something of the joy and wonder I experience myself while photographing. I invite you to explore the albums through my lens.
Thank you for visiting.