Over hills and through valleys, equipped with a hat, smartphone, and bundled up warm, Uta Iba ventures out in search of glowing sunrises, frost-covered grass, and shy swans. The 65-year-old nature photographer from Oberellenbach has gained widespread recognition for her stunning landscape and wildlife photography, with her images regularly appearing in newspapers and online publications across Germany.

The gentle hills of Alheimer and the green shores of Niederellenbach Lake serve as Iba's hunting ground. As an early riser, she embarks on photo safaris in her hometown at least three times a week, armed with her Galaxy S23 smartphone. Her photographs consistently make it into her local newspaper, and the regional television program Hessenschau regularly publishes her picturesque landscape photos and animal shots on their website. On her own Facebook page, over 1,000 people now follow her work, which she captures while jogging or hiking through the countryside.

"I'm even featured in the Alheim cookbook," Iba proudly announces, presenting a stunning sunset photograph of an outdoor cinema venue called Cinema Natura. Her success has grown beyond local recognition, with her images making rounds both online and in various publications. The photographer is now planning to create her own photo calendar, a long-held dream that's finally within reach.

For her off-the-beaten-path expeditions, Iba comes well-prepared with waterproof hats, high rubber boots, and a red scarf wrapped snugly around her neck as she traverses leaf-covered trails. "I don't search for subjects – I simply see the motifs. Maybe it's innate," explains the 65-year-old as she settles into a chair at her dining table in Oberellenbach. She had baked waffles for visitors and herself, loading one onto her plate with cherries and cream, though she barely has time to eat between enthusiastically sharing her work.

Iba's energy is infectious as she jumps up after just one bite, hurrying through her light-filled house with quick steps. She rummages through heavy wooden cabinets, dragging out pictures and books, discovering old pins from years past and delighting mischievously in each find. Her mystical, romantic photographs of the countryside around Oberellenbach remain unedited, captured simply with her smartphone. "When the weather's nice, I'll just lie down in the grass. You can do that even when you're old," she says with a smile.

The photographer's pride in her work is evident to anyone who meets her, but she's equally enthusiastic about beautiful nature photographs taken by others. She's well-acquainted with reader-photographers and their works, forming connections within the photography community. For her calendar project, she's receiving assistance from experienced photographer Hubert Schreier from Breitenbach, who has expertise in calendar production. When asked about a favorite photograph, Iba admits she cannot choose – looking through the photos on her phone, every image holds special meaning.

Iba doesn't shy away from being in front of the camera either. Posing for pictures doesn't bother her at all, and she's unfazed when people stop to watch her work. "If people want to look, let them look. It doesn't bother me," she states matter-of-factly. The 65-year-old certainly stands out as she trudges through her hometown in tall rubber boots, sometimes having to visit shops while mud-covered. "People know me already," she grins, embracing her reputation as the local nature photographer who's always ready for adventure.

Being outdoors in all weather conditions – snow, rain, or summer heat – puts Iba in her element. This love for physical activity and being in motion has deep roots in her past. "I played handball in the national league," she reveals, sharing stories from her younger days. Back then, as a young woman named Uta Henning, she grew up in Hergershausen and excelled in competitive sports. When she married and became pregnant with her first son, Iba had to take a break from professional handball, though she later made a comeback attempt, reaching the regional league level.

However, a mountain biking accident in the forest changed everything. Iba broke her arm, leaving a large scar that still remains today. She tried staying connected to her beloved sport as a handball coach with HSG Waldhessen, but her injured arm hindered her effectiveness. "The whole day was always gone," she reflects on that period. Eventually, she left handball behind permanently and discovered photography, finding a new passion that would define her later years.

When Klaus and Uta Iba sold their joint business, K & U Office Systems in Alheim, she finally had the time to fully pursue her hobby. She's brought elements of the forest into her home as well – branches wind around a cone of light, and a living room lamp sits atop a wooden block. The 65-year-old feels deeply connected to nature and wants to have it around her at all times. "That's where my soul finds peace. And actually, we're all from nature," she says, letting her gaze wander through the tall windows of her living room.

According to Iba, photographing landscapes is actually more challenging than taking detailed close-up shots. Nevertheless, she'll throw herself onto the forest floor to capture a picturesque dewdrop or frost on a leaf. Some people might shake their heads at the sight, telling her "You're like a wild rabbit," as Iba laughingly recalls. She calls it childlike curiosity and takes joy in every successful shot. The forest clears her head and provides perspective. "You think about many things differently," she explains.

The silence just after sunrise is what drives Uta Iba out of bed and into the forest each morning. Her waffle has grown cold on the plate as she spoons a few cherries, with one of her first self-taken photographs hanging on the wall behind her – colorful houses on stilts by the sea in Holland, arranged beautifully in a row. "Photography was already in my blood then, but I didn't have the time yet," the nature photographer explains, quickly taking another spoonful before her next walk beckons. Her passion for capturing the natural world continues to drive her daily adventures, inspiring others through her dedication to finding beauty in the everyday landscapes of her German hometown.