The Cabbages Dispatch: Dreaming in Light, with Photographer, Hana Snow
With a background in fashion and an eye trained by years of styling, Hana Snow now works behind the lens, quietly conjuring poetic moments that speak of both the whimsical and the grounded.
We chatted to her about finding magic in the everyday, the romance of quiet mornings, the sublime silliness of the small hours, and the things that will always fire her imagination, from galleries to the wisdom of the forest.
Soft, painterly and steeped in the Old Masters is how we’d describe your work. How about you?
Thank you, that is a beautiful description! Soft, romantic and grounded in the beauty of nature.
Can you tell us about how you became a photographer?
I had been a stylist for years and was always feeling a little disjointed from the images at the end of project, but couldn’t quite work out how to fix that at the time. After experimenting with a camera on some personal creative ideas I gained a little confidence in the idea of being a photographer, but didn’t feel brave enough to say that aloud. During covid, I was asked to help out by creating images for a handful of clients from home which was a terrifying but nurturing moment. The switch happened very quickly from then and it was beautiful to see the harmony between my ideas and the final images finally appear.
Growing up, were you always interested in life behind the lens?
My focus was always on fashion growing up studying textiles, couture dressmaking and tailoring. Recently I spent some time sifting through all my university sketchbooks and had the realisation that all my conceptual work for every project was very focused on the photograph of the garment or presentation of a collection. I hadn’t put that link together before then! I had always put photographers on such a high pedestal, I never could have imagined to have such a power.
What makes a perfect picture?
So many things! Light is so very important. Curating a colour story that softly speaks and doesn’t distract from the overall intention of the image. Having a element that hints to the otherworldly, without being overly whimsical. Capturing a link between the mood of the moment and the story intended in a truthful way is important to me when I look back at a picture.
Who inspired you most when you were learning to become the artist you are now?
Todd Hido is a great inspiration for me, his work captures human existence with such emotion and space that I always have found very inspiring. The elegance and play with fantasy within the work of Cecil Beaton & Tim Walker will always be a inspiration.
Who inspires you most now?
I find myself captivated by a strange combination of the outstanding craft of classic cinema, the elegance and swoons in period dramas, the light of the dutch masters and playful narrative of fantasy fiction! I love being invited in to another world, to be fed a truth of another reality is such a treat to experience and I aspire to do the same with my work.
The light is extraordinary in your work: what would you say is a signature of a Hana Snow image?
A undertone of romance, a window into a magical world, peace, truth, softness.
What do you love most about your job?
Being trusted by my clients to create and capture something so important for them is a true honour. I feel alive with magic when I am working, I love that I get to spend my working hours feeling creatively alive.
Can you describe a perfect day?
Wow… there are many ways to have a perfect day. If I am at home, starting with a slow morning of yoga and good coffee, then a long walk surrounded by nature under blue skies and a soft breeze, my lovely husband by my side. A completed ‘to do list’ , A long bath at the end of the day.
A perfect day away, would be in Stockholm, wrapped in layers, taking the familiar route through my favourite galleries & cafes soaking in colour & light. Consuming (possibly too much) coffee along the way. Joining my husband for porridge lunch at Pom & Flora. A evening with friends in the beautiful city.
What are the most cherished items you own and why?
The jewellery I wear every day, a collection of gold rings and a simple pendant necklace that I had made out of inherited pieces I never wore. I feel together when I have put them on, I have elements that were held by the women in my family close to me and I cherish that greatly.
Our house is filled with artworks that I would not want to live without. We have a collection of collected black & white photographs in the kitchen that started growing in my 20’s. A huge mixture gathered from flea markets, antique shops across the globe, a mix of totems that have a memory connected to them with our lives and journey.
What’s your favourite failsafe dish?
A Butternut squash, sage & goats cheese risotto feels like a trustworthy friend. But my secret superpower dish is a cacao & cherry porridge which has soothed many hearts & minds in my kitchen!
Dog walks, country pubs or gallery hopping: how do you spend your Sundays?
A long walk in the countryside and something sweet and cosy at tea time makes a Sunday for me.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Galleries, of any kind. I like to walk in without doing research before, meeting the unexpected inspiration can be very nourishing.
What was the last book you loved and why?
I have re-read and recommended Sharon Blackie’s ‘if Women Rose Rooted’ & ‘Hagitude’ She weaves a story of womanhood with Celtic folklore in a way that empowers and inspires. I feel these books are very important when living the ever changing landscape of femininity.
What’s your favourite hotel and why?
The Pig on the Beach, in the winter! It is SUCH a romantic building, a tumbling gingerbread house of many parts. We like to stay in ‘The Bothy’ which is within the vegetable garden. A huge bed, roll top bath & log burner. What more could you need!?
Favourite restaurant?
Oak in Bath, plant-based seasonal small plates. Always a treat with a friend or alone.
Your favourite artist, living or dead, and why?
It is hard to choose just one, there are many artists that are very important to me. I adore the world of Hilma af Klint, her use of colour & intention is very powerful.
Name a song that is significant to you and why?
Mambo Sun by T-Rex, it speaks of love, magic, the moon. I fell in love with that song as a child and it has always remained a favourite. I remember thinking that that song is what true love would feel like, and it is exactly that!
Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Truly, every client and creative that I work with, each help build my knowledge, confidence & portfolio.
Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?
Both are equally delightful and when the two combine it is real magic! Preparing a meal from things I have grown from seed is wonderful.
If you had to choose, are you happier in city or country – and why?
The country, I grew up on a farm and so I think that the freedom of the countryside, the wisdom of the forest and and clean air will always bring me true happiness.
Early riser or night owl?
I naturally rise early, I love the first hours of the day, there is a feeling of getting a secret taste of something before the rest of the world is awake.
The fun that can be created at night is also very special, the silly hours had after midnight have given me many fond memories!
How would you describe your style?
Victorian witchy core maybe a little prairie on the side. My wardrobe had been a sea of black up until a couple of years ago where pink crept in, now there are hints of berry reds, washy lilac & hint of baby blue. I love volume in skirts and to be cocooned in a waistcoat or fitted knit.
Your favourite item of clothing?
I have multiples of a dress that I couldn’t live without, the fabric has a beautiful texture to it and elegantly puffs out from the waist. It can be dressed up or down and comes with me wherever I go.
What job would you do in a parallel life?
I love the idea of working as an archivist or researcher in the V&A. To explore all their resources for a project, collecting it all together and learning something new. That would be amazing.
Explore Hana's work via her Instagram here or her website here.