In Conversation With Photo Editor & Photographer Jessica Polar
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Polar (@jessicapolarphoto)
INTERVIEW: Isis Nicole (@theisisnicole)
On growing up in Tenerife
I’m from Tenerife (Canary Islands), a Spanish paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.I was born in 1984, and spent all my childhood and adolescence there which I loved. One of the strongest childhood memories I have is the sea view from my parents balcony which was over a cliff. I remember I was amazed by the immensity of the ocean, the intensity and homogeneity of the blue color. I lived there the first six years of my life.
On working freelance to full-time
I have eight years of experience as a photo editor spanning Amsterdam, Madrid, and Berlin. I started freelancing as photo editor for a mass media group in Spain, then I moved to Berlin. After a couple of art research fellowships and some marketing and writing jobs I started working as photo editor for a german photo agency, Vice Germany and right after that for some of the print magazines run by Axel Springer Mediahouse like Rolling Stone, Musik-express or Me.style. Since 2015 I have been a full-time photo editor for Polaroid where I’min charge of sourcing, producing creative assets and commissioning photographers for our seasonal campaigns for online, and retail.
On stepping into the world of photography
I thought I would become a journalist or a correspondent. Actually I have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, but things changed when I moved to Germany. I realized how tricky it was to get a journalist job as non-native speaker. That was a game changer for me so I decided to study photo editing at the Ostkreuz School of Photography. After that, I stepped into the photography world which changed my life completely and led me to where I am today.
On motivation during the pandemic
[Keep a] positive attitude towards low mood moments, meditation and yoga practicing. Also, having my partner by my side and adopting a dog have made my days much bearable.
On favorite place to visit
One of my favorite spots is a place called Punta de Teno on the Canary Islands. It’s a rocky headland with a small beach, a lighthouse and an amazing view to the cliffs of Los Gigantes. I like to take a leap into the water next to the lighthouse or gaze at the cliffs, as simple as that. I feel quite privileged to have grown up surrounded by such a beautiful volcanic landscape.
On inspiring viewers
Photography is a way of documenting my life and moods. It is quite a healing process. I want to inspire viewers and show them everyday unique and unaware details from places and people that I have the opportunity to meet.
On what we need in the present
More awareness, empathy, and love, and less superficiality and egocentricity.
On favorite advice
Stay in the present moment, become aware of your body, and treat yourself every day.
Follow @jessicapolarphoto on Instagram
Originally published in IN #10, FW 2021/22