INTERVIEW
March 16, 2025
A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
Photography by Fanja Hubers
Interview by Melanie Meggs
In the subtle interplay of light and shadow, Fanja Hubers’s approach to photography unfolds from a foundation of personal experience, introspection, and the act of observation. Inspired by her father’s use of the camera, Fanja’s journey began in 1982 with her first camera, a Konica Pop, a camera that became an extension of her daily life. Since then, she has maintained an unwavering commitment to carrying a camera wherever she goes, capturing the moments that connect her inner world with the external environment. Her work is not only a documentation of what she sees but a continuous exploration of how personal history, memory, and emotion intersect with visual storytelling.
In A Voyage of Discovery, Fanja shifts her focus inward, using photography to explore a time of vulnerability and a deep, personal reimagining of her creative process. This project serves as a meditation on identity, questioning what it means to be both a photographer and a human being. Influenced by Indian photographer Raghubir Singh’s belief that photography reflects both the inner and outer worlds, Fanja seeks to bridge these dimensions through her images. The result is a body of work that does not merely record the visible but seeks to reveal the unseen — emotional states, fleeting thoughts, and the deeper layers of human experience.
Beyond this project, Fanja’s broader portfolio includes Empty Faces, One Moment in Time, People as They Are, Rediscover the First Moment of Seeing, and The Simple Beauty of Nature. Each series represents an extension of her visual inquiry, whether through candid street scenes, studies of human presence, or explorations of momentary ephemeral beauty. Her approach remains consistent in its attention to atmosphere and the emotions embedded within the act of seeing.
Her work has gained recognition in international exhibitions, including the Women Street Photographers Annual Exhibition in New York (2024), the Rome Art Expo (2023), and Photography in the Visual Culture in Palermo (2023). She has also been published in Quadro Magazine, Mina Art Magazine, and other photography journals, further establishing her presence in contemporary photographic conversation and visual culture.
This interview examines the foundations of Fanja’s artistic development, her evolving relationship with photography, and the ways in which her images serve as both documentation and personal reflection. Through this conversation, we explore how she constructs meaning through visual language, how her experiences shape her perspective, and what continues to drive her pursuit of capturing life through her camera.
“I started capturing and recording events, especially on weekends and summers on our boat. Over time, I learned more about the technical aspects and bought my first DSLR camera during my student years. I increasingly photographed street scenes, everyday life, and funny moments. In recent years, I have come to see photography more as an art form to express emotions.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH FANJA HUBERS
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Your father’s influence played a role in your early interest in photography. Are there any specific lessons or philosophies he passed down that you still carry in your work today?
FANJA: Besides the fact that he also used to shoot in black and white and had a certain calmness in his compositions, it was mainly the technical aspect that stood out. When I passed my final exams, he took me to Paris. Because of his fear of heights, he didn’t dare go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. On the first floor, he explained how his camera (a DSLR) worked, and I was allowed to go to the top alone to take photos. From that moment on, I wanted a camera that I could set entirely manually.
TPL: How has growing up in Utrecht, the Netherlands, shaped your visual perspective and artistic approach?
FANJA: Utrecht is a beautiful city full of life. But in other cities, I felt more anonymous, and I sought that out more often—until recent years. After visiting many other cities, I have come to appreciate Utrecht even more.
TPL: You emphasize carrying a camera with you at all times — is there ever a moment where you feel capturing an image would interfere with truly experiencing it?
FANJA: I noticed that during my first trip to India. I had to be careful not to experience the entire journey through my viewfinder. That’s when I decided to occasionally put my camera away so I could fully experience the trip. And I know you always have to pay attention to that.
TPL: Your project ‘A Voyage of Discovery’ is deeply personal, exploring vulnerability and self-reinvention. What inspired this particular shift inward, and how did the creative process evolve throughout the project?
FANJA: In recent years, I have been struggling with feelings of sadness, and photography has become an important outlet. I wanted to express this in a creative way because I was increasingly discovering that photography is not just a way to document life but also an art form to express emotions. I was (and still am) quite insecure about this, but with the feedback of an inspiring photographer, I gradually gained the confidence to share more of my work. Since I started photographing with more emotion, I have also gained recognition for my work.
TPL: Do you see your photography as an act of storytelling, or is it more about capturing fleeting emotions and moments in time?
FANJA: Both. Photography has become more of an art form and a passion. But I must not forget to capture memories, such as my son growing up. For me, the essence of photography is still about capturing moments so that later, you can relive memories when looking back.
In recent years, I have been struggling with feelings of sadness, and photography has become an important outlet.
TPL: Your work captures the subtleties of human presence. Do you feel that photography has changed the way you see people in everyday life?
FANJA: People don’t change, but how you see them might. This is also strongly dependent on how I feel that day.
TPL: Raghubir Singh’s philosophy on photography bridging inner and outer worlds is a key inspiration for you. What other artists inspire you and your photography and why?
FANJA: Valerie Jardin — I really love the romance in her photos. Elliot Erwitt—for his humorous images. But also, Anton Corbijn, when it comes to capturing emotions.
TPL: How does seeing your photography in print — whether in exhibitions, magazines, or books — change your relationship with the images compared to viewing them digitally? And what are your thoughts on the role of printed media in an increasingly digital world?
TPL: As you look to the future, how do you see your photography evolving? Are there particular themes, techniques, or approaches you are eager to explore? What are your aspirations for your photography, and where do you hope to see yourself creatively in the next 3–5 years?
FANJA: I would like to further develop the series ‘A Voyage of Discovery,’ and ultimately, it is a dream of mine to have a solo exhibition in my own country, so that friends and family can visit it as well. I hope I can continue like this and that I will retain my passion for photography.
TPL: What would we find in your camera bag? Is there anything on your WishList?
FANJA: I have no camera bag, just one camera, the Fuji x100vi, around my neck. For a backup camera, family shoots and video I have a Fuji S10 with some interchangeable lenses. But for 99% I use the Fuji X100vi.
TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
FANJA: ...Enjoy life with family and friends, my work as an educator, and play the piano.”
Fanja Hubers’ journey in photography is one of continuous exploration, balancing documentation with artistic expression. A Voyage of Discovery marks a turning point in her work, shifting from observation to introspection and transforming photography into a tool for self-reflection. Her images capture more than moments; they reveal emotions, memories, and personal narratives. With a clear vision for the future, she remains committed to developing her art, sharing her perspective, and pursuing new opportunities for engagement. As she moves forward, her work continues to evolve, shaped by experience, curiosity, and an unwavering dedication to storytelling through photography.
