Conceptual, Futuristic, Value-Driven—these words perfectly encapsulate the essence of Niklas Haze's photography. Niklas delves into his journey from aspiring director to a renowned photographer who seamlessly merges the aesthetics of science fiction with the raw beauty of nature. His conceptual approach is deeply rooted in storytelling, where each image is meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in an alternate reality, offering a much-needed escape from the mundane.
Niklas, thank you for sharing your thoughts and journey with Shot Magazine. Considering your exposure to professional sets and the various influences you've experienced, what was the pivotal moment or reason that led you to choose photography as your primary form of expression?
Thank you for having me. From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a creative field. Being a highly visual person, choosing a camera as my tool of expression was an obvious choice. Initially, my ambition was to become a director. However, after studying at the New York Film Academy for six months, I observed the significant influence producers have on the final outcome of films and the immense difficulty in establishing a distinctive style. When I create, it is crucial for me to ensure that my aesthetic and vision are clearly conveyed. Photography, much like cinema, involves storytelling and crafting worlds for the viewer to immerse themselves in, offering an escape from reality. This ability to provide a visual retreat is what I deeply love about photography.
Your work is described as having a strong aesthetic and often blends elements of science fiction pop-culture with pure nature. Could you delve deeper into how these seemingly opposing influences converge in your photography?
My influences stem from various sources, particularly those I was immersed in during my childhood and teenage years. I have a deep appreciation for spending time in nature and absorbing its beauty. Nature serves as a profound source of inspiration, with its intricate processes and interconnectedness. Some animals possess an otherworldly beauty, appearing as though they have come straight from an alien movie. Likewise, science fiction films, known for their visually striking qualities, have always captivated me. I am particularly intrigued by the existential questions they pose about the future of humanity and our ultimate destination as a species
Niklas, living between Berlin and London, two vibrant cultural centers, how do these cities inspire or influence your work differently?
I was born and raised in Berlin. Most of my family and friends reside there, making it a place of comfort and familiarity. London, however, stands out as one of the most creative cities in the world, offering me invaluable lessons about photography and the fashion industry. The level of competition in London and Paris is unparalleled, requiring one to consistently perform at their best and continually evaluate and improve their work. This environment has significantly contributed to the development and refinement of the quality of work I produce today.
“Blue” seems to be a predominant color in your recent works and editorials. What attracted you to this color palette and how do you believe it influences the overall narrative and atmosphere of your photographs?
There are several reasons why I am particularly drawn to cool colors. Firstly, many science fiction movies feature a predominantly cooler color palette, which undoubtedly influences my preference. These tones help to create alternate worlds and provide the eye with something unique and uncommon. Additionally, Earth is a blue planet, largely covered in water. A significant portion of our bodies is composed of water, too – so this connection feels quite natural to me. In the end, being a water sign myself also contributes to this affinity.
Niklas, your series "Birth of a New Species" features very powerful pictures. What was the inspiration behind this series and what did you hope to communicate through it?
My team and I sought to explore the concept of human cyborgs, as I believe this represents a direction towards which humanity is progressing. Consider advancements such as robotic prosthetics, neural interfaces and micro chip implants. To me, this is a very dystopian idea, as I believe that much personal and spiritual freedom will be lost in this process. Through the work, I aimed to highlight and draw attention to what I perceive as a concerning development within our society.
Your work often explores the complexity of beauty. How would you describe your conception of beauty, and what aspects of it do you seek to highlight in your work?
I deeply appreciate the diverse cultures and rich history that exist on our planet, and I hope we do not lose these in the process of globalization. Therefore, I strive to highlight and celebrate cultures that have been underrepresented in the fashion industry.
Behind every artist, there is often a driving force or personal philosophy. What is the belief or fundamental principle that guides your approach to photography, and how does it manifest in your creative process?
I believe artists have a responsibility to their audience. I always strive to approach my work from a place of honesty and positive energy. Whatever I create will be received and consumed by others. As an artist, I cannot control who will engage with my work. For example, I avoid oversexualizing women in my work – as I do not believe it sends a positive message to young girls. This approach is already prevalent enough in the creative industry.
What emotional or intellectual response do you hope your audience experiences when they look at your photographs?
I hope my work allows the audience to escape and dream, while also encouraging them to think critically. I believe this is the hallmark of great art, regardless of the medium — be it music, paintings, photographs, or films.
Looking to the future, what themes or concepts are you excited to explore in your upcoming projects? And how do you envision your photography evolving in the coming years?
Photography currently stands at a fascinating juncture, having undergone significant transformation due to advancements in AI and digitalization. Undoubtedly, these changes have reshaped the landscape of photography, making it more challenging and competetive than ever. Nevertheless, I am determined to continue my creative journey, keep expressing my thoughts and interests through this beautiful art form.