Nicola Thiele | Kobe
Nicola Thiele, a fashion designer based in Japan, captures human connections and places that evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
Using photography as a form of self-healing, she beautifully expresses it as “a way to find solace and meaning in the continuity of existence.”
Discover more about Nicola’s story below.
How did you first get into photography?
My journey into photography began with a bright pink camera my parents gifted me when I was six years old, a fun automatic film camera. This simple toy ignited a passion for capturing memories, and as I grew older, I inherited my parents' retired cameras, each one deepening my love for capturing moments and exploring the world through a lens.
A turning point came in university. Initially enrolled as an international business major, it quickly became clear that this path wasn't for me. I felt a growing sense of regret for not pursuing a creative path. In a decisive move, I changed my major to art, didn’t tell my parents, and picked up my camera. My path led me into fashion design, but I never put my camera down again; to me, it is a way to stay present and anchor myself in the world.
What subjects or themes do you most enjoy photographing and why?
I find myself drawn to scenes and places that evoke a sense of human connection and life. Most days I let my camera guide me, allowing spontaneity and intuition to shape my memories - there is so much beauty to be found when you are present in the moment.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through photography?
For me, art and photography has always been a form of self-healing. When my mother passed away very suddenly, I turned to photography to navigate my grief. Documenting the parts of her I still felt present became a way to process and preserve those memories.
During this time, I received a book about the poet Robert Lax from my photography teacher. A particular line from the book resonates deeply with me: "What possible use for all those memories unless we are somehow to meet again?" This thought has profoundly influenced not only my photography but my approach to life as a whole.
It reminds me of the importance of documenting memories, not just for the sake of remembrance, but as a way to find solace and meaning in the continuity of existence. Through photography, I find a sense of healing and a way to honor the connections that endure beyond time.
How do you think the industry can support and encourage more female photographers?
Discovering that I wasn't alone in my thoughts and criticisms of the photography industry was revelatory for me. Finding community among other women who shared similar experiences instantly brought a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Projects like this collective resonate deeply with me for this reason!
I believe the key lies in creating more visibility for female photographers and ensuring equal opportunities. I don't think there are proportionally less women active in the photography space; there are just less spaces that consciously let women in, and the conversation should be about breaking down barriers that exclude them from spaces where their talent and perspectives can flourish.
