From Fashion Photographer to Furniture Maker

Olof Händén has spent years behind the camera, where his skilled eye for photography has led to collaborations with established brands and magazines, including several projects for us at Care of Carl. Now, his creative journey has taken a new direction—from adjusting camera lenses to working with his hands in his new woodworking workshop.

Text: Camilla Åsedal
Photo: Olof Händén

Published 2024-11-12

Timelessness, craftsmanship, and quality can be expressed in more ways than just through clothing and accessories. This became a topic of conversation when photographer Olof shot a campaign for us at Care of Carl, where we also borrowed some of his handcrafted furniture. We chose to continue the discussion on craftsmanship in his new woodworking studio. More about this, and about his journey into a new industry, can be found below.

The Woodworking Dream Takes Shape

Olof made a name for himself as a fashion photographer, collaborating with Swedish brands like Kappahl and Gina Tricot, and working in places as far-flung as New York and South Africa. Yet, his interest in woodworking has always been there, gradually growing while he tinkered on projects at his countryside home. When COVID-19 hit and photography work slowed, Olof seized the opportunity to shift paths and returned to school—this time to study furniture making.

Now, 1.5 years later, Olof is showing us around his new workshop, located in an old factory district. The space is bright and clean, filled with tools and machinery, though it hasn’t yet seen its first layer of sawdust. Around the workshop there is a planer, a dust collector, and an edge trimmer, all ready to be put to work.

Olof as a furniture maker and photographer.

“This is the heart of the operation,” says Olof, patting the saw that will soon start transforming lumber into furniture.

However, although much is in place, the showroom and a few crucial machines are still missing. Setting up a new business in a new space reminds him of the same feeling he had when he first started as a photographer.

“I built my photo studio about thirty years ago. Now it’s time to start over again. My goal back then was to become a fashion photographer—and I did, or actually, my real dream was to shoot for Italian Vogue,” Olof shares. “Although, I did have an assistant role at Vogue, does that count?”

What’s the dream now?

“Now the focus is on establishing myself in a new industry, making a name for myself, getting the workshop running, and building a viable business. At the same time, I want to do high-quality work like prototypes for furniture production or one-of-a-kind projects for individuals and companies looking for something exclusive.”

Will you continue with photography?

“Once a photographer, always a photographer. Capturing a moment in the right light is magical.”

A desk set with soft and fluid shapes, made from veneer, which we’ve also used as props in our productions with Olof. Inspired by an old console from a 1970s sci-fi film.

Creativity as a driving force

Transitioning from an established fashion photographer to a novice furniture maker is no easy feat; it’s both a financial challenge and a test of starting fresh in a completely new industry where making a name for oneself can be tough. Olof approaches this humbly, recognising that he is new to the field and highlighting the importance of learning from more experienced carpenters.

For Olof, though, it’s all about creativity—the challenge of building something from scratch and continuously learning.

"I just want to head to the workshop and get going," he says with a smile.

This is what it can look like when Olof makes his furniture.

The Joy is in the Details

Whether he’s designing a custom-built guitar stand for a Marshall enthusiast or creating a bespoke dining table with matching chairs, he aims for both functionality and aesthetics. He’s meticulous about the details, describing how he might test-sit a chair hundreds of times just to adjust the backrest by a single degree. From creating a mood board and a design to producing the actual prototype in the workshop, Olof finds the process immensely enjoyable.

"I get excited about details. It might be the shape of the chair back or a spacer on the seat, but what matters most is how you bring everything together to complete the piece. I love finding solid, long-term solutions," says Olof.

Details of the desk and a prototype of a lounge chair in a simpler type of wood, still in progress. The charm of a prototype is in witnessing the development toward the finished result.

Soft Retro Shapes

Olof’s work is characterised by soft retro shapes, often using walnut, oak, or ash, materials with beautiful grains. He also champions pine, which he says is making a strong comeback. He emphasises the importance of sustainability, too.

"Recycling, circular thinking, and sustainability were major topics at school, essential aspects to consider. For instance, using organic oils as finishes is a given," Olof notes.

The first chair Olof built during a course in Gothenburg. The bench on the right is a relatively simple construction made from fine Swedish wood, specifically ash from the forests of Småland.

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