Nina Mommsen is a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience and Founder of the design agency Motion Magic Design Studio. On the sidelines of this edition’s cover shoot, Farah Baig chatted with Nina about her journey behind the lens and new creative possibilities.
It is said that creativity knows no bounds, and it is visionary women like Nina Mommsen that truly live up to the saying. The extraordinary photographer has always been a creative person, having begun her journey with oil painting, styling, makeup artistry and fashion.
“I now channel that creativity into my photography, but if I had to recount one instance that led to my decision to be a photographer, it would be when I took my first photo for a friend,” she says. “That photoshoot ended up changing the entire course of her life with her finding the love of her life. Seeing the joy and success that came from it inspired me. The experience showed me the profound impact photography can have on people’s lives, and it’s a feeling that continues to drive my passion for what I do.”
She earned her degree from the New York Institute of Photography, but her education didn’t stop there. “I’m constantly seeking fresh and innovative ways to enhance my work and elevate my photography. I make it a priority to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques, ensuring that my skills are always evolving and improving,” she explains.
In 2007, Nina arrived on the sunny shores of Bahrain where she focused on event photography. The experience gave her a unique insight into the Bahraini market and allowed her to meet people. Now, her focus has shifted primarily to real estate photography and product photography.
“I focus on conveying the true value of the product I’m capturing. It’s all about the fine details—whether it’s intricate jewellery, a stunning interior, luxurious fabric, or unique packaging. Often, these elements can go unnoticed, so my goal is to highlight and elevate them to a whole new level,” she adds.
Her work has been featured in showrooms, magazines, and billboards across Bahrain. “Contributing my artistic vision to our lovely Bahrain is what I consider my most notable achievement,” she says happily.
With the recent developments in AI, she has now discovered a whole new avenue for her creativity and hones the capabilities of AI to enhance her compositions. She can now offer a broader range of photos that were simply not possible before.
“I’m extremely excited about the evolving technology and the new creative possibilities it brings! At Motion Magic, we’ve already started integrating new tech with our designs, and the results have been incredible,” she says.
As for capturing the perfect portrait, she believes it isn’t just about having the right equipment. “With great lighting, meticulous editing, and knowing the best poses for your subject, you can achieve stunning results. But most importantly, it’s about the chemistry you create with your clients. When they feel at ease, enjoy the process, and are comfortable in front of the lens, that’s where the real magic happens,” she says.
“Working with Nasra Alabrawi and Aaron Grimley for Woman This Month’s cover was a pleasure; they are fantastic, and the session was smooth and enjoyable. Collaborating with people like them reminds me why I got into photography in the first place. Experiences like this fuel my passion and make my work truly rewarding.”
You can follow Nina on Instagram through the handles @ninaphotographybh and
@motionmagicbh.
