Nina Hauben
INTERVIEW BY SC&CO
I tend to write these introductions with a set of remarks about how much I admire a person’s work, Amsterdam based Nina Hauben is no different, her work is beautiful, elegant and chic, the make-up of an aesthetic which I love. However, there is more, when I look at Nina’s work I feel. The depth of imagery, enhanced by strong blacks provoke emotions, create mood, and force you to look beyond the surface. Her work, in my book is found under ‘exceptional’. Creatives like Nina make me feel both awe and a huge sense of gratefulness for the opportunity to be able to get to know them.
I particularly resonate with Nina’s response ‘I think one of the most important journeys you can take is one of self-discovery. Through my work, I've discovered more about myself.’ The more I think about it, the more intertwined I believe those sentences are, my own journey of self-discovery has led me to this point, a stage where I want to connect with new creatives and grow this community. Every time I work on this platform, write an interview, or speak to someone I learn something new about myself, it’s given me a purpose, a sense of worth and motivation to keep evolving. It’s a luxury.
This interview, showcases Nina’s latest exhibition, With(out), however I don’t want to finish this intro without drawing attention to Nina’s commercial work which is also remarkable. Check it out on her Instagram linked at the end of this page.
WORDS BY STEPHEN COX
SC&CO - Tell US a bit about yourself and your story, how did you get into Photography?
My journey into photography unfolded naturally. Initially, my dreams as a young girl revolved around becoming a dancer, leading me to train at a dance academy. Although my aspirations of becoming a professional dancer didn't materialize, I cherish the countless hours of dedication and discipline it taught me. Moreover, it instilled invaluable lessons in resilience and coping with rejection, which I believe are essential in the creative field. I always loved the magic of the theater; my next interest flourished in dance costumes. This interest ultimately led me to pursue my studies at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute in Fashion Management. After that, I started my career in Fashion Marketing and Art Direction. I soon discovered a desire to explore my entrepreneurial side. Now, all these elements are blending into my journey as a photographer. I feel this is the right path, although I feel like I’m at the beginning of it with many directions to take.
I think one of the most important journeys you can take is one of self-discovery. Through my work, I've discovered more about myself.
SC&CO - What is studying fashion like and how would you describe amsterdam?
My study in Fashion Management, specialized in Fashion Marketing serves as a backbone, not knowing at that moment for my work now as a Fashion Photographer. I love Amsterdam for the fact you can do everything by bike. Sometimes I carry a lot of stuff in my basket. In the evenings I like to walk along the canals, I always try to look inside how everyone has their houses decorated. I find it fascinating that every place has its own story. Amsterdam has the international allure but feels small.
Most of my work serves as a visual narrative of my emotions."
sC&CO - Tell me a bit about how you would describe your style, there’s lots of B&W images throughout your work for example.
I would describe my work minimalistic, graphic and elegant style. Most of my work serves as a visual narrative of my emotions.
SC&CO - You’ve worked with some amazing brands, how did that come about and what has been your favourite shoot SO FAR?
I really love the variety in my work. One day I’m shooting in the studio, the next day I’m traveling for a campaign and then other days I’m working from a coffee place or from home to edit or to keep in touch with my clients.
SC&CO - Tell me a bit about your exhibition, what’s it about?
The title of my latest exhibition is: With(out). It’s about:
‘In the end, all that’s left are memories we have. It’s a fear that memories, like wisps of smoke, will dissipate with time, leaving me with a void that cannot be filled. I wish I could have collected more of these memories. As I can’t hear your voice, your footsteps, or feel your presence, I have to pretend, so that’s what I do.’
In the end, all that’s left are memories we have. It’s a fear that memories, like wisps of smoke, will dissipate with time, leaving me with a void that cannot be filled.
SC&CO - What’s next for you? what are your future plans and goals?
Next to my commercial fashion photography I’m working on upcoming exhibitions for art and photography fairs. I think one of the most important journeys you can take is one of self-discovery. Through my work, I've discovered more about myself. This continuous process of creation provides something that I can always reflect upon later. There's still much to learn, as long as I'm creating I'm confident that I'm on the right path.
