Archive for December, 2009

They were real troopers! I cannot imagine any kids being so playful, happy looking and giving me big beaming smiles in -14 Celsius, all the fresh snow and an occasional gust of wind. When I checked the thermometer at home, it showed -10. I was thinking that it’s not that bad and everything will go ok. Finnish children are used to this after all :) But on the way the car computer changed the value of the outside temperature at leats 6 times, it swung between -11 and -21 depending on the spot. I got really worried…

Finally at the destination it was not so bad, but we all longed hot tea and sauna after 10 minutes, and the little princess perhaps even a bit sooner. Despite the less than ideal circumstances, we were able to capture the beauty of Finnish winter and the Christmas spirit. Oh what a heaven for a photographer, three sets of big blue eyes and a sunrise that happens at a sane hour for a change :) Thank you, you made it really easy even in such extreme conditions. I hope you will enjoy your sneak peek, more coming your way real soon.
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And so winter came to Helsinki. Everything around is white and the air is pink and blue and the light, oh the light, so sweet … People smile again, after the autumn’s shades of grey, so many colors came at once. Sun shines. And the thermometer is well in the blue numbers. It warmed up around noon today, so me and my little ones decided to visit Ilmapallokeskus en route to our friends, who invited us over for some afternoon fun, play and piparit (gingerbread, pernicek) baking.

It was still -15 degrees Celsius when we spent about 40 minutes in Marketanpuisto. Boy, did we have fun. I am so glad to have finally captured the fun and playful spirit of my daughter. And in her new winter outfit too :) – which of course has to be of the princess color (read pink). Did I get frostbitten on my fingers? Of course. Did I try my new camera in less than favorable conditions? I did and it rocks! Did I realize again how much I love my daughter? Yes, I did, I love you so, my little darling girl…

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Oh and I must not forget … This really never happens here in Finland, was it the weather or Xmas being so close, but in Ilmapallokeskus the ladies were so friendly, we got gifts and sweets from them and they chatted and laughed with us. You were like little indoor sunshines :) Thank you, lovely ladies!

Have I been blessed lately – I again had a fantastic opportunity to photograph and document pregnancy of one BEAUTIFUL lady.  It was a grey and cold Sunday morning, but luckily not windy, because she lives so close to sea it would be unbearable to photograph outdoors if it was windy. And she was so natural, posing beautifully and glamorously and creating the missing wind indoors when waving her meter-long eyelashes… Ok, I admit, I am in love with my client :) I can’t wait to go back and photograph the newborn baby.

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I have said it before – Prague is according to some (like me) the most beautiful city in the world. Ok, it’s my favorite city and also a divine location for photographers. I had the pleasure of spending one foggy Sunday morning  right in the heart of Prague – in the Lesser Town and under the Charles Bridge – with a fun family of five. The boys were so active, open and nice (in the true meaning of this word) and your little princess is just adorable. Here is a sneak peek, butI am having a really hard time choosing only 20 pictures :) Thank you, I had a great time and I really hope that you did as well.

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I rarely use these words, but this young lady is absolutely stunning. She falls into her own category – breathtaking in reality, breathtaking on any media. And on top of her physical beauty, she has the nicest and sweetest personality. I am so happy that she is a family :) My cousin was too lucky to marry a woman like that. You would never guess it’s her second pregnancy and five months along already.

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Good morning people, today is the 4th of December and this is an important day for all my contest participants. It would seem that the winner of a free session with Niki (and a CD full of images from the session) is Olivier! Congratulations!! I would like to thank all the other guys who participated with their photos and there is a little gift for everyone who participated – due after Xmas because I am ultra super uberbusy right now, sorry about that :) heh. You know, all the Pikku Joulus to attend…

Anyways, if you are sad because you didn’t win, don’t be! There will be another opportunity again. Life is full of them, after all :)

Is there one cafe that I like in Helsinki the most? If a chain, I would have to choose Wayne’s coffee. They have the best carrot cake (and I am somewhat of a carrot cake expert!) – still can’t figure out how they make the creamy topping. And their chai late is just divine…

How pleased I was when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to exhibit during December 2009 and January 2010 in Wayne’s coffee on Aleksanterinkatu. Of course I said yes (with a huge grateful smile). Friends started it, friends helped throughout the preparations. When I got the prints from Dialab (thank you for the excellent work!) and filled our living room with them I felt so happy and positive. Today in the morning we hung the photos and I realized how small our living room is. We seriously need a bigger house :)

Luck is said to favor the prepared. So be prepared, read my blog regularly and you might just as well get lucky – on some (currently unknown) afternoon you may meet me in Wayne’s coffee on Aleksanterinkatu 11. I promise it will be soon and yes, it will be announced here. Come meet me then in the heart of Helsinki!

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