Karl Hab: Son of air!
Based in Paris when he is not traveling the world, Karl Hab stands out both for his talent as a photographer and for his skills in aeronautical engineering. Always passionate about aviation, his job regularly takes him on trips, the opportunity for him to capture, through his lens, his passions for design, fashion, urban culture and travel. After more than 15 years of activity, Karl Hab truly embodies the spirit of the globetrotter, exploring the world with a unique perspective.
He recently produced “24H” for Air France, an innovative concept through which he reveals a captivating vision born from his experience and artistic sensitivity. A work which undoubtedly celebrates the art of French travel and 90 years of elegance.
But it was on the occasion of his “24H PARIS” exhibition that the photographer agreed to submit to our Questionnaire. A project designed as a continuation of the 24H HONG KONG and 24H LOS ANGELES projects, and which focuses on the unique vision of the city of PARIS, through a certain perspective and from many angles.
All of his images are imbued with the same aesthetic, and marked by his bold and original approach to photography.
Website: www.karlhab.com
Instagram: @karlhab
News:
– “24H PARIS”, his exhibition currently presented on the gates of the Paris City Hall until June 25, 2024.
– “24H AIR France”, A book to be found exclusively on airfrance.com. Printed in France on paper from certified and sustainably managed European forests. Production Studio Palatine. 176 pages, €50.
Your first photographic breakthrough?
Karl Hab : It happened quite naturally. My grandfather, who owned a small studio in Paris called Studio de Chaillot, was a photographer, but he never taught me anything directly about it. However, photography has always been part of our family heritage. We have always had a keen eye for images and films.
The man or woman of image who inspires you?
Karl Hab : I don’t really have any, I mean I like some of them but they don’t really inspire me as such.
The image you would have liked to create?
Karl Hab : I would have liked to capture Guy Bourdin’s famous image of a woman’s heels synchronized with the landing of a Boeing 747.
The one that moved you the most?
Karl Hab : There’s too much.
And the one that made you angry?
Karl Hab : I don’t really have one.
A key image from your personal pantheon?
Karl Hab : I may have some aerial photos of Los Angeles, as well as some heels.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Karl Hab : When I was younger, I took a wide variety of photos and documented many things as well.
In your opinion, what qualities are necessary to be a good photographer?
Karl Hab : A good eye, and a sense of light and composition.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
Karl Hab : It depends on many parameters, I don’t think the perfect image really exists because it’s the capture of a moment.
The person you would like to photograph?
Karl Hab : Timeless fashion models, as well as people often referred to as legends. These include legendary pilots and astronauts.
An essential photo book?
Karl Hab : Very difficult to answer. Let’s say, Peter Fischli & David Weiss: 800 Views of Airports.
The camera from your childhood?
Karl Hab : Canon EOS 350D – Yashica T5.
The one you use today?
Karl Hab : Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Leica CM, Pentax 67.
How would you describe your creative process?
Karl Hab : You shouldn’t think too much; you just need to take action and be patient. Visualize the image in your mind.
An upcoming project that is close to your heart?
Karl Hab : The exhibition presenting my work in Paris, entitled “24H PARIS”, currently presented on the gates of the Paris City Hall until June 25, 2024.
Your favorite drug?
Karl Hab : See sunrises and sunsets.
The best way to disconnect for you?
Karl Hab : Read a good book and take photos.
What is your relationship to image?
Karl Hab : Almost always present, some people claim they don’t know how to take photos, but that’s just a matter of perspective.
Who would you like to be photographed by?
Karl Hab : Joel Meyerowitz.
How would you describe your personality?
Karl Hab : Humble, focused, pragmatic, joyful.
An image to illustrate a new bank note?
Karl Hab : It depends on the ticket.
The city, country or culture you dream of discovering?
Karl Hab : South America and Oceania.
The place you can’t get enough of?
Karl Hab : Paris.
Your biggest regret?
Karl Hab : Not having taken enough photos when I was young.
In terms of social networks, are you more Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok or Twitter?
Karl Hab : I prefer Instagram for its practicality.
Color or black and white?
Karl Hab : Both.
Daylight or artificial light?
Karl Hab : I generally prefer natural light, but artificial light has its own intriguing qualities that I enjoy on occasion.
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
Karl Hab : Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you or would you opt for a selfie with him?
Karl Hab : N / A.
What is missing in today’s world of photography?
Karl Hab : In today’s photography landscape, there seems to be a lack of true creativity and originality, with many images conforming to trends rather than presenting unique perspectives or narratives.
If you had to start from scratch?
Karl Hab : I will take more photos.
What would you like people to say about you?
Karl Hab : That by staying true to myself and demonstrating humility, perseverance is about never giving up, or at the very least, that I have strived to do so to the best of my ability.
The thing we absolutely need to know about you?
Karl Hab : Don’t judge a book by its cover.
One last word ?
Karl Hab : Keep doing things, never give up.
