PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: Nina Gebke
We know you missed it, and it's baaaack. Say "hello, again" to The Photographer Spotlight, a recurring feature on the DFP Education Blog, where we chat with a member of the Documentary Family Photographers Community so we can get to know them better.
This month, we are chatting with Nina Gebke. Nina lives in Northern Germany, and is Mom to an almost 11-year-old boy. Time is something elusive for all of us, especially now, but Nina chooses to go with the flow rather than fight against nature. To quell the chaos of everyday life, Nina enjoys hanging out in a hammock or indulging in a “piece of cake and cream.” She loves the woods, wild swimming, yoga, growing her own veggies and in her own words she is, “living an ordinary life in the countryside with our old dog, and bunnies and seeking all the little adventures in the everyday.” I don’t know about you, but that sounds heavenly, and the opposite of my personal “ordinary” in urban Los Angeles. Let’s get into it with Nina and I’m sure you’ll find she is actually quite extraordinary.
Meet Nina
A photographer in Germany
How did you first begin your photography journey?
I’ve been photographing like, forever. I got my first children’s camera when I was nine years old and chased my cats through the garden and into the woods next to our house. I’ve always felt like it is the way I see and the way I keep things that are close to my heart. The decision to explore more and the first thought about starting my own little business happened by the end of 2017. That’s when I got my first “real” camera equipment and started shooting manually, and I haven’t stopped since. I wanted to go beyond just shooting my friends’ families or my own, and I really wanted to dive deep into everything about building a business and learning, learning, learning all things photography-related. That was when I discovered that the way I’ve always been shooting is an actual genre called “Documentary Photography.” I was soooo thrilled!
What are some of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome along the way, personally and professionally?
I am still sorting things out with my business. I’ve had a business and photography mentor during the last year and I’m still going with that. The biggest obstacle as of today might be that I have not been very visible in my area so far. On one hand, this could be due to Covid, but also, I am not the kind of person who shouts out loud, and I also need to connect more locally. I’m working on trusting my inner artist and listening to my feelings.
What moments or things are you most drawn to while photographing families?
Emotional interactions, details and especially to the huge efforts parents or caregivers are making to create the life they wish for and want to provide their children. I want to empower families to live their truths and to fall in love with their lives despite chaos, hardships, self doubts…everything in a family is rooted in love and in values that carry us and make each of our lives unique and worthwhile.
Do you do work as a photographer full or part-time?
Part-time. I am also working part-time at the staff council for a Swedish company, taking care of the rights of all employees there. Originally, I was trained as a travel agent because I always wanted to travel the world and connect with people and foreign cultures. Life had other plans though, so I stopped doing the travel work.
How has the pandemic affected your photography business?
I had just started to get the first bookings for my business in the third quarter of 2019, so I was thrilled to really kick off in 2020. I was ready to apply marketing plans and get local collaborations. Obviously, because of Covid, that did not happen. I just adapted to the situation and decided to invest in education and self-exploration, so I started a long-term Business Mentoring Program and several photography workshops. I also started a long-term program to find creativity and my visual language through reconnecting with myself. Though it was (and still is) hugely challenging to get through these times of lockdown and a total change of our everyday routine, 2020 nonetheless turned out to be a very good year for me personally, with a lot of great connections. However, I really appreciate the spring coming through right now with small steps, as this winter lockdown has really been exhausting. There were many days I could only manage to be proud of myself for showing up for my son and myself every day.
What do you miss most about pre-pandemic life, and what do you promise not to take for granted when things get back to normal?
The ease of social life, especially for the children, the freedom to go wherever we want to go, whenever we want.
Do you photograph anything besides family documentary work as part of your business?
No. I am long-term planning to photograph births, but this is still part of family life. No business photography, no weddings.
Whose work has influenced you most and why?
I am very much influenced by Kirsten Lewis. She was the one I discovered first for myself when I started to dive into the documentary photography bubble. I started with her creative live classes and soaked it all in. I love her way of teaching. She is an open book - real and honest and full of kindness. During the last year, I have also met so many wonderful women that had huge impacts on me. So, I’d say women in general are the ones influencing me.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started your photography business?
Just go for it, and don’t think twice or wait until you “feel” ready, because as far as I’m concerned I will never ever feel ready.
How do you continue to educate yourself as a photographer?
I invest in workshops and long-term programs. I’m currently taking part in the Quietly Loud workshop with Kristine Nyborg (with whom I have worked before) and Felicia Chang, as well as Reconnect Programme with Barbara Puchta and Julia Rose-Greim. I am about to finish the Advanced Business Methods Group Mentoring with Ashleigh Raddatz. I can also highly recommend the Unfreeze Workshop with Nienke Koedijk which really elevated my spirits last autumn and prepared me in some way for the current lockdown. Also, connecting with photographers I trust to get feedback and talk about my work, get photographs critiqued, and share experiences - the most valuable advice I could give. Also personal projects - they offer freedom and I can open up fully to myself and try out new things, experimenting and learning along the way.
What kind of gear do you use?
Nikon D750, Sigma Art 35, Sigma Art 24 (my most favorite one), very seldom using Nikon 50
Nina’s current personal favorite
Out of all of your images, which one is your current favorite and why?
One of my personal favorites is a documentary portrait of my Mum and my son. It represents all the images I do NOT have of myself and my beloved “Opa.” This one makes me happy and sad at the same time.
What are your photography goals for the upcoming year?
I really want to start photographing births but might have to postpone it until our current situation changes for the better. On the other hand, I’m kicking off my new website this spring with some good stuff happening and connecting locally. I’m also changing my offerings to only Day in the Life Sessions plus hourly newborn sessions. Also, telling stories with my photography on a deeper level, accompanied with words.
SPEED ROUND
Where do you live? near Hamburg, Northern Germany
Where would you live if you could live anywhere? Somewhere where the sea is rough and nature is abundant (Scotland, Iceland), but I would also fancy a place where I can wear skirts and be barefoot all year long (California/Hawaii). I am the most indecisive person there is.
Your favorite photographer? Just one? Uhhh…no, sorry!
Black and White or Color? This is hard to say generally because it depends. But the world is in color, so I’d rather go with color.
Wine - Red or white? Gin Tonic
Coffee or tea? Oat Latte and lots of hot tea on winter days
Favorite book? Currently Auerhaus by Bov Bjerg (it is new to me but from 2015)
Favorite food? Strawberries and all kinds of Italian pasta dishes
Favorite band? Currently AnnenMayKantereit and their new album. Michael Kiwanuka.
What is your spirit animal? I would say a bird or an animal in the sea. I love the sea, it is my favorite place to be - in the water; or a bird, because to be able to fly seems to be the ultimate freedom one could have.
One word to describe yourself? Dreamer
Do you eat raw cookie dough? Yes, but I never bake, so...
Baby Yoda? What or who is Baby Yoda?
What is the one essential thing in your photo bag, besides your camera? Always a plastic bag with a rubber band - for various use, not very fancy though
About the Author:
Hi, I'm Jana (like banana) and I'm the owner of Jana Bee Photography. I live in Los Angeles with my husband, daughter, two rescue cats and soon to be guinea pig if my daughter gets her way. Photography brings me to my flow state. It's been both expression and escape since my all-black wearing high school days. I'm super into nutrigenomics, biohacking, cooking, and sometimes thinking I want to live a nature-y life on a farmstead. I'm a breast cancer thriver, former yoga instructor and ADHD lifer. I always have like 27 tabs open on my computer, I used to play lead guitar in a band and I would gladly spend my whole life curled up with a book in the sunshine if I could. Pleased to meet you, lets grab coffee via zoom.