Photo: Samuli Vienola
In the world of street photography, capturing the unseen beauty of everyday life is a skill honed over time. Tommi Viitala has spent years perfecting this craft, and his journey into photography is as captivating as the images he creates.
The Beginning of a Creative Journey
“My name is Tommi Viitala, and I’m a 48-year-old Senior Producer from Helsinki, Finland. Originally, I’m from Oulu, a city in northern Finland,” Tommi begins. His northern roots have heavily influenced his street photography, contributing to the distinctive style he has developed over time.
As a child, Tommi was drawn to the visual arts, starting with simple sketches of logos in a square notebook. His passion for visuals led him to various creative roles, from graphic designer to lighting designer, roles that shaped his artistic eye. Although he is a self-taught photographer, Tommi has been part of the creative industry for over 20 years. He’s no stranger to the camera, having used film cameras since the 90s. However, it wasn’t until five years ago that he truly immersed himself in street photography.
“I found street photography when my friends from work mentioned I had an eye for details. I had never tried it before, but after spending my first hour in the streets, I was hooked,” Tommi recalls. What initially started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, as he became captivated by the hidden beauty in everyday moments.
While some photographers prefer sunny days or golden hours, Tommi embraces all weather conditions.
Rediscovering the Familiar
Tommi’s early film photos from the 90s unknowingly captured the essence of street photography, even though he didn’t realize it at the time. “When I look at my old film photos, I see the same vibe and feeling that I now create in my current images. It’s as if we unconsciously develop our style early on and refine it over time,” he explains.
The Finnish Street Photography Scene
Street photography in Finland is thriving, and Tommi is thrilled to see it gaining popularity among younger generations. “The scene is really active, with more young people getting excited about older film photography,” he shares. For many, it’s a form of mindfulness, offering a contrast to the fast-paced, modern world.
Tommi participates in photowalks, where street photographers meet, exchange stories, and share knowledge. “It’s great to see people coming together for these walks. We might even capture a few good photos while we’re at it!”
Finnish Melancholy Through the Lens
A recurring theme in Tommi’s work is something he calls “Finnish Melancholy.” Despite Finland consistently ranking as one of the happiest countries in the world, there’s a contrasting side to this happiness—a quiet, introspective melancholy that Tommi aims to capture.
“My goal is to create visual stories that resonate on a deep emotional level,” Tommi explains. Drawing inspiration from Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki’s films and photographer Pentti Sammallahti’s work, Tommi seeks to portray the quieter moments of city life. His images often feature low-light, shadows, and understated gestures, evoking a sense of Finnish melancholy that is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Street photography is more than just capturing images—it’s a form of mindfulness.
Finding Inspiration in Every Season
While some photographers prefer sunny days or golden hours, Tommi embraces all weather conditions. “Finland’s four seasons provide the perfect backdrop for my photography,” he says. However, his style often favors sunny weather, as it creates dramatic shadows that enhance his work. For this reason, he’s drawn to cities like Rome, Paris, and Budapest, where the combination of light and architecture adds depth to his photographs.
Street Photography as Mindfulness
For Tommi, street photography is more than just capturing images—it’s a form of mindfulness. “I put on some good music, head into the streets, and walk without any specific plan. It’s a way for me to clear my mind and focus on the moment,” he says.
He enjoys the social aspect of street photography as well, participating in photowalks and connecting with people from all walks of life. “Street photography brings together people from different backgrounds. I always say, ‘First coffee, then photos,’ because I want the process to be fun and stress-free.”
Words of Wisdom for Beginners
Tommi has three key pieces of advice for those just starting out in street photography:
- Have Fun: “Street photography is a great hobby for meeting people, staying active, and capturing interesting moments. Don’t take it too seriously—just enjoy it,” Tommi advises. He once struggled with focusing too much on social media validation, which took the joy out of his work. After taking a break, he rediscovered the fun in photography and now emphasizes doing it for personal satisfaction.
- Stay Curious: “Curiosity is essential to creativity. When we stop being curious, we stop growing as photographers,” Tommi says. He encourages beginners to explore hidden corners of the city and keep an open mind.
- Experiment with Different Styles: Street photography is incredibly versatile, with endless styles to explore. “Try everything—juxtaposition, black and white photography, silhouettes—until you find your unique style,” Tommi suggests.
Tommi Viitala’s work is a reflection of his deep connection to his Finnish roots and his passion for storytelling through street photography. His journey from Oulu to the streets of Helsinki, and beyond, serves as an inspiration for both budding and experienced photographers alike.
