Been a while since my last update. Times have been both hard and hectic. That applies both to my work and to my private life. However, I have not been idle. Far from it. There's a whole bunch of good stuff coming up at some point. More to come.
14.11.2011 / Happy deejay
A part of my dayjob is to arrange dj-workshops at local youth centers. Oh, and teach the students how to play records. When my super-cool students look like this, it's pretty damn easy to be content.
10.11.2011 / Something new in the works
Finally got a project started which I've wanted to for a while now. Basically I document the day of a gifted individual (whatever field they may be in) from wake up call to going to sleep. Obviously I need quite a few of these people in order to create something coherent and interesting. However, the first step is always the biggest. I photographed my friend Ima throughout his day and got some really interesting shots. When the finished project will see the light of the day is anyone's guess, but here's a preview anyhow. Pretty much the only posed picture of the day.
1.11.2011 / Goascape
Still working hard on that India book & exhibition. Stay tuned!
31.10.2011 / Herra Pekoni
29.10.2011 / Poet of the fall
23.10.2011 / Karoliina & Jusu
This couple not only had a beautiful wedding, they also got pretty much the last sunny day of summer all for themselves! A beautiful wedding in a beautiful setting, I was honoured to be their chosen photographer. Congratulations again, Karo and Jusu!
22.10.2011 / Hakaniemi #1
19.10.2011 / It's all politics
When the media's brightest individuals bump their heads together and start to plot something wicked funny they come up with...the same thing they did last year? Lash some out, take some in. All jokes aside, it was good fun for everyone involved, I think. Here's what it looked like.
16.10.2011 / Sneak Peek
We are working hard with Juha to create something that I think we'll be pretty proud of. A book and an exhibition of our time in India. Neither of us has ever done either of those two before. Exciting. Stay posted, we will let you know what's what.
This picture was made in Haridwar, northern India. Indian hairdresser at work.
10.10.2011 / Konstigt
Most of the time I put out blogs without any descriptions, information or reasons. This is a conscious decision as I do love to write. It's just that I have mixed feelings about explaining what it is I've tried to do with whatever post I just published. On a recent work trip to Sweden (where these pictures are from, by the way) I visited a certain art school and met a student. He explained all of his work with utmost detail and complex analogies. I find that a bit strange, but to each their own. I'm not comparing my work to his work or even calling my pictures art, but somehow I think meaning is lost when you really have to explain to the viewer why you did this or that. Oh well.
That's not to say that there shouldn't be a story or a background to a picture. Actually, there always is. Most of the time I'd prefer it if viewers could "decypher" the message and/or story straight from the picture. Photo essays are a different story, in my opinion. They, usually, are a product of a longer period of work and as such deserve to have a complete story to go with them. That's actually what I would love to do most; meaningful, long-term photographic essays and projects.
That's it, nothing more to say. These pictures have no meaning, they're plain konstigt.
9.10.2011 / Selfie
When all else seems redundant, DIY.
8.10.2011 / Mom and Moona
2.10.2011 / Preview of a wedding
I shot what might be my last wedding of the year yesterday and I have to say, it was great fun. Heidi and Kalle were both very relaxed people, equipped with a killer sense of humour. Thanks for everything! More pictures later.
30.9.2011 / Under a tree
I'm currently taking part in a "Creative Photography" course that takes place every two weeks. Basically, the teacher gives us an assignment (just a word or a sentence) and then we create photos to that title. Interesting. Here's my take on our latest topic, simply "Tree". Not a really inspiring assignment, but hey, I think this one turned out quite nice.
27.9.2011 / Open road
Pre-Harley Davidson era. Born to be wild.
18.9.2011 / Eastern promises
We had a little artisté -moment with Juha the other day. As you can see, we were up against some pretty tough (and creative, too) competition. Even though the pressure was on, we pulled it off. Even made a fan!
9.9.2011 / Veera and Jaakko got married
This wedding took place in a central yet secluded place in Helsinki. A beautiful ceremony for friends, the atmosphere was very relaxed and easy. Everyone was extremely nice and I felt really good making photos. Of course, the couple was great. Best of luck to you, guys, I wish you nothing but the best!
6.9.2011 / Book & Exhibition in the works!
Time has passed since our time in India. In retrospect, that's a good thing. We've had time to do other stuff and let our ideas and thoughts develop. That said, I had a brief meeting with Juha and we are now in the process of creating a book as well as an exhibition of our time in India. We do hope it's worth the wait.
The book will most likely be divided into different categories as our trip covered quite a bit of ground and we had various agendas, too. Main focus will be on people and on our workshop there, but there's other stuff included also. Store fronts are fascinating in India. Buildings too. Advertisements on walls and cars are often painted instead of printed, which creates a distinct look.
More info later!
1.9.2011 / Alina & Mikko
I had the chance to document the wedding of my dear friends, Alina and Mikko. Photographing weddings is fun and it gets even better when you actually know the people involved. This wedding in particular was extra beautiful, the couple was gorgeous , the atmosphere was great and the party was kick ass. Best of the summer! Congratulations!