Starting from passion and the art of lens storytelling
Tommi began taking photos in the 1990s as a way to relax and explore life through a personal lens. Over time, photography gradually became a deep passion, closely tied to his life. With over two decades of working in the creative industry, he skillfully incorporates this experience into his photography, bringing emotional and meaningful visual stories.
Tommi’s work is mostly done in Helsinki, where he finds a perfect blend of light, shadow, and the peaceful urban life. The quiet streets, the early morning light, and the modern architectural lines are all endless sources of inspiration. However, Tommi does not stop at Helsinki, he also explores other cities such as Paris or Budapest, where the rich culture and vibrant life force him to see the world from many different angles. These places, according to him, are not only visually beautiful but also have a strong emotional connection.
“Light is the key to discovering the beauty hidden in every scene”
In street photography, challenges are always present. Tommi shares that he has to face many unpredictable factors, from weather, light to capturing natural moments without disturbing the subjects in the photo. Sometimes, to find a worthy frame, he has to spend hours walking, observing, waiting. However, it is this patience that helps him create works that are authentic and emotional. In particular, immersing himself in the space and surrounding context is also an important skill, because it allows him to capture authenticity without interrupting the moment. It is these “normal” moments in daily life that are Tommi’s greatest inspiration.
Tommi's photographs often convey a sense of peace mixed with contemplation, making viewers stop and reflect.
He believes that beauty lies in the ever-changing nature of light – the way it illuminates, casts shadows, and adds depth to an otherwise ordinary scene. In addition to light, he is drawn to contrasts in both imagery and emotion. He believes that the most ordinary things contain extraordinary stories. Finnish culture, especially the concept of “Finnish Melancholy”, also plays an important role in his photography.
For Tommi, light and composition are the two most important elements in photography. He sees light as the key to discovering the hidden beauty in any scene. Light helps create depth, highlight details, and bring emotion to the photo. Meanwhile, composition plays the role of organizing all the elements together, making it easier for the viewer to feel the message he wants to convey. The strong contrast between light and dark, as well as the subtle geometric arrangements in Tommi's photos, bring a sense of balance and order. Even the simplest scenes come to life and are full of emotion under his hands.
A special feature of Tommi’s work is the image of “lonely subjects”. According to him, this is not only an artistic theme but also reflects a universal aspect of human experience. In the context of Finland with its long winters and majestic natural landscapes, the feeling of loneliness often has a quiet beauty. “The ‘lonely subjects’ in the photos often do not have a specific story. Instead, they act as metaphors, inviting viewers to reflect on themselves and connect with the deeper aspects of their souls,” he shared. Loneliness, in Tommi’s perspective, is no longer a negative thing but becomes a meaningful and artistic state.
Loneliness, in Tommi's view, is no longer a negative thing but becomes a meaningful and artistic state.
Tommi recounts a memorable experience in his career: an early morning in Helsinki. The city was quiet as the sun began to rise, casting long shadows on the streets. As he watched, a pedestrian stepped into the light, perfectly matching the lines of the surrounding architecture. The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like fate. For Tommi, it’s these unexpected moments that are why he loves photography. It’s the intersection of chance, luck, and keen observation that he looks for in every shot.
Tommi Viitala has proven that photography is not just about capturing images but also an art of storytelling. He brings viewers new perspectives on everyday life, where beauty lies not in the flashiness but in the simplicity and authenticity. With his unique style and dedication to his craft, Tommi not only leaves an impression on viewers but also strongly inspires those who love photography and the art of storytelling through light.
Some other images provided by the character:
For Tommi, light and composition are the two most important elements in photography.
His photographs give viewers new perspectives on everyday life, where beauty lies not in glitz but in simplicity and authenticity.
