Mike Emery Photography

09/11/2025

This series explores the textures, forms, and contrasts of the natural world — from winding roots and desert spines to weathered rocks, resilient trees, and quiet waterways. Stripped of color, these moments invite you to pause and see the raw beauty in the details.

I’ll be at One Line Coffee – Franklinton on Friday, Sept 12th, from 6–9 pm, while the neighborhood comes alive for Franklinton Fridays (the arts district event runs until 10). It’s the perfect night to explore the area, grab a coffee, and stop in to see the work.

🌐 Learn more about Franklinton Fridays: franklintonartsdistrict.com
🌐 Learn more about One Line Coffee: onelinecoffee.com

👉 Prints available — just send me a message here on Facebook.

03/06/2025

Roots and Rocks: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park in three forms: the trees, the rocks, and the harmony of both. This black-and-white series explores their interplay—twisted silhouettes of Joshua Trees reaching skyward, ancient rock formations standing silent, and the perfect balance where they coexist. Stripped of color, the desert’s textures and contrasts take center stage. A study in contrast, shape, and time.

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03/06/2025

Keys Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park

We took a guided tour of Keys Ranch, a hidden piece of history deep in Joshua Tree National Park. Once home to William F. Keys and his family, this remote homestead tells a story of survival, grit, and the will to carve out a life in the desert’s harsh beauty.

The land feels frozen in time—abandoned buildings weathered by sun and sand, rusted tools left where they were last used, and the remains of a life built against the odds. The isolation, the stillness—it’s a place where the past lingers.

I may or may not have gotten told off for splitting from the group to take photos—but hey, anything for the shot, right? Totally worth it for ALL the likes.

03/02/2025

Mojave Desert

Desert landscapes, shifting dunes, and ancient caverns—my attempt at capturing the beauty of the Mojave in black and white.

02/15/2025

Channel Islands National Park, California

Visiting Channel Islands National Park started with a boat ride from Ventura, crossing miles of open water to one of the most remote places in California. No roads, no crowds—just cliffs, wind, and the sound of waves crashing below.

The landscapes felt untouched—the sharp contrast of rock and sea, mist softening the horizon, endless ocean stretching beyond jagged cliffs. It’s a place where time moves differently, shaped by wind and water rather than people.

Stepping back onto the boat at the end of the day, the islands slowly faded into the distance, leaving behind only the sound of the waves and the feeling of having visited somewhere truly wild. Hopefully, these photos do it justice.

12/16/2024

12/14/2024

"Finding Inspiration at Home"

While it’s always a dream to photograph iconic destinations like London, New York, or Paris, the reality is that those opportunities don’t come around every day. So, to continue doing what I love, I’ve learned to embrace the charm of my own backyard: Columbus.

This city, with its mix of urban life, hidden pockets of beauty, and everyday moments, has become an inspiring backdrop for my photography. It challenges me to look closer, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to capture stories I might otherwise overlook.

These are a few recent shots from walks where I didn’t have a specific plan—just an open mind and a goal to return with something that felt meaningful (or, at times, a little experimental).

It’s a reminder that you don’t need to go far to find inspiration. Sometimes, it’s waiting for you just down the street.

12/14/2024

12/12/2024

Back in January of this year, I was walking along Parsons Avenue, Columbus, looking for those moments of human connection that make portraiture so rewarding. That’s when I met this awesome gentleman. There’s something timeless about his quiet strength, the way he carries himself. We talked for a bit—such an interesting guy—and he graciously allowed me to take his portrait. The brick wall felt like the perfect backdrop to highlight his character. Encounters like this remind me why I’m drawn to street portraiture.

11/30/2024

A moment of quiet beauty captured in black and white along the Natchez-Trace Parkway. Dew-kissed leaves create a natural tapestry of texture and light, revealing the intricate details of nature’s design. The monochrome tones bring out the contrast between the glistening droplets and the rich, organic shapes of the leaves. Sometimes, the simplest elements hold the most profound stories.