images4nature

Photography by Eckart Mayer celebrating the beauty of our planet ! Selected images are available in the shop as wall prints, photo presents or jpg files. 50% of sales proceeds (excl. photo books) will be donated to support environmental protection projects.

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Front view of the main staircase leading up to the Uxmal main pyramid

Uxmal pyramid staircase

After the evening light & sound show, I decided to come back to the Uxmal archeological zone early the next morning. The weather was perfect, with blue skies and not too hot. So I managed to walk most of the site before it got busy with tourists. The huge main pyramids with their extremely steep staircases are majestic, and give an idea just on how advanced the Mayan civilization was during their peak period. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-14)

A beautiful arrangement of the green plants in flower pots with an orange wall bearing to metal lamps in the background

Beautiful plant arrangement

Some people just have an amazing talent for beautiful arrangements. The textured orange wall with the black lamps was eye-catching all by itself. Adding differently shaped flower pots with various green plants in front of it just made it even better. Please pay special attention to the natural material used for the plants on the left and on the right. They grow within wooden tree roots. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-31)

View of the road in a rural Mexican village with two tropical flame trees in full bloom

Flame of the Forest tree

All across Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, there is a visual spectacle during summertime. The flamboyant Royal Poinciana trees (delonix regia, also called "Tropical flame tree" or "Flame of the Forest" at that time of the year is in full blossom. The strong red of the flowers shines bright next to an equally impressive green of the leaves, and the (mostly) blue Mexican sky. I just love them for their breathtaking beauty. (Yucatán, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-24)

Blue hour evening sky with clouds framed by tree silhouette

Tropical Mexican sunset sky

To make the evening mood even stronger, I framed the sky with the colorful clouds. If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world, and with frequent spectacular sunsets. Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast. I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-28)

A spiny tailed iguana taking a sunbath on a stone boulder

Spiny tailed iguana sunbath

Visitors to the archeological sites in Yucatan usually share these with some local inhabitants. Amongst them are a number of different lizards and iguanas. Due to their color, it is not so easy to see them from far away. Their dress code inconspicuously blends in with the natural tones of the earth and the stones. But with a bit of time and effort, you will most likely see some of these amazing creatures, like this spiny tailed iguana enjoying the early morning sun. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-18)

Spectacular sunset over the ancient ruins of Uxmal

Sunset over Uxmal ruins

Like at many other places, Uxmal offers a "Light & Sound" show for tourists in the evening. Initially, I wasn't sure if I should go, since many of these events are over-commercialized and often kitschy. Even before the show began, the entire setting of the ancient ruins at sunset was absolutely spectacular with a burning tropical sky. Once it got a bit darker, the artificial lights came into play, and I truly enjoyed that evening. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-12)

Portrait of a person with traditional Mayan clothes and blue warrior painting

Blue Mayan man show

Attached to the very nice and informative Chocolate Museum at Uxmal ("Museo del Chocolate"), there is a beautiful botanical garden. Walking around, one can learn a lot about the history and processing of cacao, but also about Mayan culture. There are also special shows for the visitors, with traditionally dressed and painted Mayan people. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-09)

The evening light almost seems to reflect in the palm frond If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world And you frequently get spectacular sunsets with strong colors Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 Image ID: 201407 MX 27

Palm frond at sunset

The evening light almost seems to reflect in the palm frond. If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world. And you frequently get spectacular sunsets with strong colors. Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast. I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-27)

Mayan healing ceremony altar

Another attraction is a Mayan ceremony performed by a shaman and various other actors. This one also takes place in the beautiful garden of the very nice and informative Chocolate Museum at Uxmal ("Museo del Chocolate"). Walking around, visitors can learn a lot about the history and processing of cacao and chocolate, and also about Mayan culture. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-10)

The gables of a Mayan building ruin at Uxmal archeological site

Gables of Uxmal Mayan ruins

This image is another example of the breathtaking architecture used at the Mayan city of Uxmal. These days, it is one of the most important archeological zones in Mexico. Visiting early in the next morning, I managed to walk most of the site before it got busy with tourists. The so called "House of the Pigeons" with its triangular gables is stunning, and reminded me of Roman aqueducts. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-19)

Night shot of one of the large pyramids of Uxmal illuminated by colored light

Uxmal pyramid at night

This image is the conclusion of a special evening. Like at many other places, Uxmal offers a "Light & Sound" show for tourists in the evening. Initially, I wasn't sure if I should go, since many of these events are over-commercialized and often kitschy. Despite my concerns, with darkness falling quickly, the artificial lights really did the trick. Using multiple colors, the organizers tastefully illuminated the spectacular Mayan ruins. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-13)

A plant with green leaves and red flowers growing out of the stones of Mayan ruins

Nature reconquering architecture

Whilst the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal are breathtaking, it is also interesting to see the constant process of evolution. Some areas of the site are still waiting for scientific examination. Other buildings have been partially or completely restored, which are the main attractions for tourists from all over the world. When you have a closer look, you will however find countless examples where nature is already claiming back its territory, with plants growing out of the old stones. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-16)

To the portfolio

The Idea

Capturing moments on camera has been my passion for more than 40 years. And we all know that beautiful moments are best enjoyed together. Sharing my memories will hopefully inspire others to appreciate the big and little wonders of this world…

Selected images are available for sale for a purpose related to my favorite photo location: NATURE!

Giving Back to Nature

images4nature isn’t just another image archive.
50% of the shop profit (excl. photo books) will be donated to support environmental projects.