Karl Hab : Son of the air!
Based in Paris when he’s not travelling the world, Karl Hab stands out as much for his talent as a photographer as for his skills in aeronautical engineering. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, his job regularly takes him on trips, giving him the opportunity to capture his passions for design, fashion, urban culture, and travel through his lens. After more than 15 years in the business, Karl Hab truly embodies the spirit of the globetrotter, exploring the world with a singular eye.
He recently produced “24H” for Air France, an innovative concept in which he reveals a captivating vision born of his experience and artistic sensibility. The book is an unmistakable celebration of the French art of travel and 90 years of elegance.
But it was on his “24H PARIS” exhibition that the photographer agreed to take part in our Questionnaire. A project conceived as a sequel to 24H HONG KONG and 24H LOS ANGELES, it focuses on a unique vision of the city of PARIS, through a certain set of eyes and from many different angles.
All 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 on display on the railings of Paris City Hall until 25 June 2024.
– “24H AIR France”, a book to be found exclusively on shopping.airfrance.com. Printed in France on paper sourced from certified sustainably managed European forests. Produced by Studio Palatin.e. 176 pages, €50.
Your first photographic trigger ?
Karl Hab : It all came about quite naturally. My grandfather, who owned a small studio in Paris called Studio de Chaillot, was a photographer, but he never really taught me anything directly about it. However, photography has always been a part of our family heritage. We’ve always had a keen eye for imagery and films.
The man or woman of image who inspires you?
Karl Hab : I don’t really have any, I mean I like some but they don’t inspire me as such.
The image you would have liked to take?
Karl Hab : I would have loved to capture the famous image of a woman’s heels synchronized with the landing of a Boeing 747 by Guy Bourdin.
The one that moved you the most?
Karl Hab : There are too many.
And the one that made you angry?
Karl Hab : I don’t really have any.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Karl Hab : I might have a few Los Angeles aerial pictures, along with some shots featuring heels.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Karl Hab : When I was younger, I took a wide variety of photographs and also documented many things.
According to you, what is the necessary quality to be a good photographer?
Karl Hab : A good eye, and sens of the light and of 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 exist because it’s the capture of an instant.
The person you would like to photograph?
Karl Hab : Some timeless fashion models, as well as individuals often referred to as legends. This includes legendary flight pilots and astronauts.
An indispensable photo book?
Karl Hab : Very hard to answer. Let’s say, Peter Fischli & David Weiss: 800 Views of Airports.
The camera of 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 : Don’t think too much; go ahead and make it and be patient. Visualize the picture in your mind.
An upcoming project that’s close to your heart?
Karl Hab : The exhibition featuring my work on Paris, titled “24H PARIS,” actually on the railings of Paris City Hall until June 25th, 2024.
Your favorite drug?
Karl Hab : Seeing sunrise and sunsets.
The best way to disconnect for you ?
Karl Hab : Read a good book and take pictures.
What is your relationship with the image ?
Karl Hab : Almost always present, some people claim they don’t know how to take pictures, but it’s really 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 banknote?
Karl Hab : Depends on which banknote.
The city, the country or the culture you dream of discovering?
Karl Hab : South America, and Oceania.
The place you never get tired of ?
Karl Hab : Paris.
Your biggest regret ?
Karl Hab : Not to have taken enough pictures when I was young.
In terms of social networks, are you more into Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok or Snapchat and why?
Karl Hab : I prefer Instagram because of its convenience.
Color or B&W?
Karl Hab : Both.
Daylight or artificial light?
Karl Hab : I usually prefer natural light, but artificial light has its own intriguing qualities that I appreciate on occasion.
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
Karl Hab : Paris, L.A, 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 photographic world?
Karl Hab : In the current landscape of photography, it seems there’s a lack of genuine creativity and originality, with many images conforming to trends rather than showcasing unique perspectives or narratives.
If you had to start all over again?
Karl Hab : I would shoot more.
What do you like people to say about you?
Karl Hab : That I Remained true to myself and maintained humility, to have perseverance entails never giving up, or at the very least, striving to do so to the best of one’s ability.
The one thing we absolutely must know about you ?
Karl Hab : Don’t judge a book by its cover.
A last word ?
Karl Hab : Keep doing things, never give up.
