Inclusive, sensitive portrait photographer based in Finland, working across Europe
My greatest inspiration comes from authentic and real you. Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, we move in unique ways, and our expressions and energies vary — all of this is beautiful to me. Photography allows me to challenge societal norms, shame, and hate. I am here to celebrate diversity.
I am the photographer for people who want to be seen on their own terms
My sessions are intense, collaborative and safe. Together we create photographs that carry presence, pride, and recognition. These photos are deposits you can return to when you need confidence, connection or proof that you were seen as yourself.
The Safer Space Guidelines are always followed during The Session process.
[ Hover over my photograph below ]
The beliefs that guide my work
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The photographs I take are not mine alone. They carry my way of seeing, but they are created in collaboration. In a way they don’t even fully belong to the person in front of the camera. Once made, they exist in the world on their own. I do not lose artistic freedom by giving my clients agency, I gain it. Why would I treat a living person as a doll or a prop? My inspiration comes from their stories, ideas and their essence, so I photograph with them, not over them.
Years ago, I had a boudoir shoot. I felt like a mannequin: posed, polished, my skin afterwards edited into porcelain. The photos were nice, but they cut into my confidence. They made me feel worse about myself, not better as they were meant to. That experience is why I work the way I do today. My clients will never be dolls in front of my lens.
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Perfection does not belong to human life. Hierarchies of worth, based on ability, skin colour, gender, sexuality, class, etc, are imposed by culture, not objective truth. I see beauty in what is usually hidden: in our scars, fractures and oddities. They carry our stories, and when we let them be visible, we show ourselves as whole human beings.
My clients invest in recognition, confidence and proof that they were seen as themselves. The photographs become reminders for the days when self-doubt returns.
I live by the same rule I encourage for my clients: to live for myself, not for others. Shame and fear of judgement are some of the most restrictive forces we know. My work is one way of breaking free from them.
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I do not photograph ideals. I photograph people as they are: changing, imperfect, fractured, always powerful in their own way. My sessions are collaborative and entirely based on the energy and story that each person brings.
I am not a photographer for everyone. I am here for the ones on the fringes, the ones who feel too much, the ones who carry change inside them.
When you work with me, you are not “getting photographed.” We meet, we talk, we move and together we create images that feel private, honest and alive. I guide with presence and focus. And always without judgement.
This work takes energy and it is worth it. You invest in a session because you want to be seen right now and with your agency intact. The photographs are proof that you were here, visible on your own terms.
When working with me, you will be seen, heard and recognised. You’ll get all of my attention and encouragement. I have the ability to be fully present without taking up space. I am here to reinforce your agency and help you become visible as the whole, inspirational, and alluring human being that you are.
If you value playfulness, experimentation, passion, meaningful experiences, inclusivity, and a safer space, I might be the right match for you. Contact me and let’s talk. I’d like to hear more about you.
I belong wholly to the truth within me
The journey to this point, where I live true to my colours, has not been easy. I had to unlearn restrictive and shame-based thought structures and find myself over and over again. Looking back at my past self fills me with compassion and pride. Like many others, I stumble, fall, and rise, only to be lost for a moment until the path opens before my eyes.
Now I have found my home in Sonja. The love, respect, and care we give and receive help us live our lives with pride. I am part of a community of loving family and friends. I can be flawed yet growing, and still be accepted as I am. This is something I hold near and dear to my heart.
Tinksu
