5 Things We Learned... Marc Haers
MARC HAERS, PHOTOGRAPHER
ZAANDAM, NL
Marc Haers has never met a stranger. Atleast, that’s the impression he gives when meeting you for the first time, as we did a few months ago. His warm and easy energy makes him an immediate friend, but also a desirable portrait photographer. Based in Zaandam, Amsterdam’s hip, northern neighbor, Marc’s studio welcomes an array of commercial and documentary projects. His passion lies in finding the raw, truthful emotion of his subjects. Stay tuned for his latest work-in-development, which delves into the delicate representation of human struggle and faith.
Here are 5 Things We Learned about Marc.
What made you...you?
I have thought about this specific question a lot ever since I was an adolescent and it boils down to a few things. I carry the warmth and open-heartedness of my mother and make decisions with the confidence of my father. I’d also like to think that my character carries a lot of the hardships in life that I’ve had to overcome and with that came resilience. All of the above translates directly into how I create and how I work with people. I strongly embrace that I am the sum of all that has happened to me, both good and bad. Today, I’m using those core strengths to become a better creator and ultimately a better human.
When are you happiest?
I feel most complete when I’m doing the things I feel are part of my destiny. I am happiest when I see a smile on the faces of the people I work with. Using my ability to take a photograph that sometimes changes people’s lives and how they perceive themselves and/or art. But I also feel most happy when I am with my family and the only real need for me is to be a father and a loving partner. I guess it’s when I get to the core values of what I am that makes me so grateful. I am a loving father, partner, and passionate creator. In those three worlds, I thrive.
Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?
I’d rather have a muse. 100%. People inspire me in all ways. Not only who they are, how they smile, and how they move through life - but also what they create. Almost everything we see has been touched by a human and I would never put myself in the position to be a muse when I am fully aware of the beauty I’m surrounded with.
Who do you admire?
I could name many people, but I guess the reasons I admire them counts (more). I admire people that are daring but subtle, those who are shamelessly themselves in all scenarios, aren’t afraid to fail, and tend to celebrate their victories in silence or with the people closest to them.
What is important?
What’s most important to me is to dial back whatever I think is important. If that makes sense. I try to keep the list as short as possible. It helps me stay on track and keep focus - like enjoying what I’ve accomplished as a creative, connecting to wonderful people along the way (through creativity), and having a beautiful, healthy family. Anything else tends to get a bit distracting. So I try to keep my eye on those things only.
Check out Marc’s work here.
Portrait and all images provided by Marc.