German photographer Sandra Bechtold’s passion lies in photographing nature. To center the viewer’s attention on the main object of each photograph, Bechtold prefers to work in black and white, drawing out the basic forms of the natural wonders she presents. Her favorite subject is the flower, which she only has to step out her back door to find. Bechtold lives in the German countryside and tends flowers in her beloved garden. Throughout her life, Bechtold has consistently integrated her soul with nature: she grew up in a rural area and now cultivates this garden and explores the forests and poppy fields near where she lives. Because of her lifelong connection with nature, she is uniquely able to evoke deep appreciation for its details.

Bechtold began her photography career with an analog film camera and now works in digital photography. Growing up, her family had no connection to art or creativity, so it was up to her to find her artistic way on her own. This led her outside and into the natural world for inspiration. As much as she can, Bechtold leaves her pictures unchanged, aiming to capture nature’s unfiltered beauty. Through her photographs, she encourages us to look out for the small elements of life that we can find happiness in, even if we live in cities without access to the type of lush countryside she displays. Her photographs carry a profound sense of peace and relaxation, transferring the calm Bechtold finds in nature to her viewer.