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Studio Metsä

Brand photos for Taru Hanna

22/03/2018

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

I love Taru!

She’s warm and open, so friendly and kind.

And her business, Taru Hanna, is a direct reflection of her cheerful and loving soul.

Taru helps small business owners shine in digital spaces, ie helps them with all their digital marketing needs. This business was born when Taru, along with her family, moved to California. Prior to starting her own business Taru worked in marketing.

She told me how much she loves photographs and actually makes most of them for her own business but avoids being in front of the lens herself. She’d never been photographed before and this of course caused for some nervousness in the beginning.

But Taru was a natural; she relaxed so quickly and really enjoyed being in front of the camera (as you’ll see in photos to come..;))!

TARU HANNA / taruhanna.com

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

Brändikuvaus Studio Metsä Helsinki

I loved photographing Taru. It’s so rewarding to see the person relax and really enjoy the process.

And this being a person who’d always thought they don’t know how to be in photos, that they don’t usually succeed and now all of a sudden they’re completely natural in front of the lens.

Thank you, Taru, for trusting me, giving me a chance and opening your heart to me. You’re special, so happy and warm, I loved spending time with you. You also have this way of making a person feel like they’re the most important person in the world. That’s very special!

Go check out Taru’s business and her services by clicking here. You can also fall in love with Taru by following her on Instagram!

With warm hugs,
Erika

Unique Ella in the Rhododendron park

20/08/2017

Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind

It’s not every day that I get to photograph such a delicate young lady as Ella.

Ella had her confirmation camp this summer and her mother decided to gift her with a photo shoot. Ella herself is also interested in photography which she clearly has an eye for since her photographs are gorgeous, serene and delicate – just like Ella herself.

The photo shoot was in the beautiful Rhododendron park in Haaga, Helsinki. Despite Ella being a bit shy, she was incredibly relaxed and willing to try out even the weirdest suggestions I had :P

It all went great and I’m so happy that Ella’s mother united us. I look forward to seeing where Ella’s road will take her!

Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika LindElla Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika LindElla Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind Ella Haagan Alppiruusutarhassa Studio Metsä Erika Lind

Until next time lovely,
With hugs,
Erika

Miia and her life-long adventure

13/08/2017

Miia Portrait Photography Studio Metsä

Oh, Miia!

Miia is starting a new adventure in her professional (and personal) life and needed photographs to represent the new her. She connected to my concept of accepting yourself and loving yourself as you are so she contacted me.

I was excited to work with her because it was a bit different from what I normally do. And it seemed from the beginning that Miia and I were on the same page.

I went to do the photoshoot with her in Brussels, where she was located at the time, and we had an amazing time.

We spent a lot of time talking and by the end of it, I had a pretty clear idea of what she was looking for.

Let the adventure begin

Miia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio Metsä

The day of the photoshoot was glorious. We started off at her beautiful apartment and moved on out into the city.

Something I really appreciated and admired about Miia was her approach to the entire process.

She knew herself, how she usually behaves and what goes through her mind. She knew she needed to control those thoughts and patterns.

Miia knew, being a visual person, that she’d have an urge to control the photoshoot and as those feelings arose, she kept telling herself to let it go. She’d hired me to do the visuals and she had to trust me.

When she told me this after the photoshoot, I never would’ve guessed. And I was beyond impressed that someone could know their own pitfalls and work so diligently to avoid them as they arrive.

When we had the photo reveal, she told me she always wanted to have this elegance about her, but didn’t think she did.

Until she saw the photographs.

It was so interesting because that elegance was one of the first things I noticed about her, even before we met. It’s always been in her, without her even realising it.

In addition to that, Miia had also never considered herself to be beautiful.

Something that also came as a surprise to me.

I mean look at this woman!

Beautiful and elegant Miia

Miia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio Metsä Miia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio Metsä Miia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio MetsäMiia Portrait Photography Studio Metsä

You can follow her journey through

  • her blog
  • Instagram

Thanks for finding me, Miia, and for giving us a chance to meet and become friends! It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know you.

I look forward to seeing where this adventure leads you!

With so many hugs,
Erika

Satu and the struggle with her teeth

06/08/2017

Satu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki Finland

When Satu and I sat down to have our face-to-face getting-to-know-each-other-chat, I knew her and I would get along just fine.

She had been emailing me for a while and shown such openness and trust towards me long before we’d ever met.

This always speaks so highly of people: when they’re willing to be vulnerable and candidly open.

Satu was that from the get-go.

She’s had a tough past but she’s learned a lot.

Satu is now 54 years old and proud that she’s come a long way from how she used to be.

However, she still doesn’t enjoy being in photographs.

Satu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki Finland

The fear about photography

Her main concern are her teeth. She doesn’t like them and she definitely doesn’t like seeing herself smile or laugh in photographs.

She specifically remembers this one photograph where the shadow falls on her face in a way that accentuates her teeth. And she strongly dislikes that photograph. That’s also one of the reasons why she hasn’t liked being in photographs anymore.

Although I thought, “but there’s nothing wrong with your teeth!”.

And this is usually how it is.

It’s not really ever about our physical appearance, because truthfully, we can all find something in us that we don’t like.

But it’s about how we look at it.

I like to say that the way you see yourself is not the ONLY way to see you.

What a comforting idea, isn’t it!?

There are people out there in the world, some that you know, some that you don’t, that look at you and admire you for those precise qualities you think are horrible.

Satu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki Finland

But let’s do it anyway!

On the day that we were having our photoshoot, the sun was out and it was a totally gorgeous day.

She told me straight-up-front that she’s nervous.

That’s okay. It comes with the territory.

I like to start the photoshoots slowly, to let my beautiful clients get used to it.

We did a little relaxation exercise and started off sitting next to the water.

Satu was amazing!

She got the hang of it so fast and I could visibly see her relax.

Later she told me how positively surprised she was about my ability to make her relax. She was so nervous, she wasn’t sure I could!

And that’s really the number one thing: to relax.

But it’s my job to relax you in front of the camera. And I work so hard to do that.

Sometimes it works especially well –>
(Haha! I just love her in these photographs.)

Relaxed Satu being photographed in Helsinki Finland by Studio MetsäSatu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki FinlandSatu and Studio Metsä in Helsinki FinlandSatu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki FinlandSatu photographed by Studio Metsä in Helsinki Finland

The entire time I spent with Satu was amazing. She’s an incredible woman and I’m so happy and privileged I got to meet her, get to know her and photograph her.

Once she saw the photographs of her teeth exposed, she actually liked them. “Oh, they don’t look so bad at all!”

:)

Thank you, Satu, for reaching out to me and for baring your soul to me.

With so many hugs, and much love,
Erika

Mari + Helsinki + Sun = Joy, joy, joy

11/06/2017

Voimaannuttava kuvaus Helsinki Studio Metsä Erika Lind

Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä Empowering photography Helsinki Finland Worldwide Studio Metsä

Until next time lovely.

With hugs,
Erika

Päivi finding a way to love and accept herself

23/04/2017

Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä

The fourth woman to be photographed for the Me Naiset project was Päivi.

Päivi is a 44-year-old woman who’s always battled with her appearance. Päivi told me she’s always had issues with her weight, whether they were imagined or real. She hasn’t been able to relate to her appearance in a healthy way and has found it difficult to wear make-up or color her hair.

Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio MetsäPäivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio MetsäPäivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä

The way you see yourself isn’t the only way to see you

Päivi avoids being in photos by always having a camera in her hand. This nearly always guarantees her escape from photos. However, at times there are people who also have the same strategy and have managed to catch Päivi in some of their photos. When Päivi sees the photo, her party mood goes down immediately. She’d felt beautiful but seeing the photo tells her otherwise.

 

Sound familiar?

Päivi hoped to get some new-found insight into herself through this photography experience. She hoped that photos made by a professional could reveal sides of her that she likes and through that grow her self-esteem and self-confidence. These are the very things I hope to be able to resurface.

Because the way we see ourselves is rarely the same way others see us. Of course it’s obvious that when we look at the same face and the same body day in and day out that some type of criticism will start to emerge. This is precisely why I feel it to be so crucial to have a second opinion. To have a chance to see ourselves through someone else’s eyes.

It gives us the possibility to see the good in us and to focus in them, to learn a more positive and loving approach to ourselves, leaving behind the much too nagging negativity.

 

Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä

In this photoshoot:
You open a door that allows you to see yourself in a new light,
You give the photographer a chance to show you yourself through her eyes,
You give yourself room to love and accept yourself as you are.

 

Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä

The experience with Päivi’s own words

“Having ended up being photographed by Erika was a chance. I went through all the thoughts in my head which I shouldnt: ‘Even the countryside fences will laugh at me if I’ll be photographed and the photos end up in a magazine. It’s ridiculous that a woman of this size, appearance and age will have photos made of herself, wouldn’t it be better to just hide in the corner and pull a blanket over my head. This will stigmatize me.’ I looked at the photos Erika had made of women who’re afraid of the camera and I felt infinite inadequacy: they’re all beautiful, I’m not.

On the day of the photoshoot I rapidly forgot about self-criticism. I didn’t even get a chance to be nervous. I also didn’t think of my appearance. Erika and I walked and talked and photography came on the side. A photographer’s job is really demanding. In order to be good, it’s not enough to know how to use the camera. It’s much more important to be able to really see the person you’re photographing. I felt like I was with a friend and friends never want to harm each other. The photoshoot was very natural – actually it wasn’t even a photoshoot, but instead a meeting between two people, two women.

I was nervous to see the photos, because deep down inside I had the same old thought: how can anyone make beautiful photos of me when I’m not beautiful. I had planned to look through the photos, compliment them and then forget all about them. But when I saw the photos, I suddenly found myself thinking these photos are good. These photos feature a beautiful woman. I’ve looked at the photos many times and thought of myself and my appearance. When I look in the mirror, I see my weight and other flaws. When I look at the photos I see a sweet, laughing, attractive woman. And yet, the same woman is in both the mirror and the pictures, she is me.

One photo sessions of course isn’t enough to entirely fix a skewed way of thinking formed by years, or even a lifetime, but it has opened up a door to a different way of thinking. I’m a relatively level-headed person despite everything and I have recognized that the way I think isn’t right, yet I haven’t managed to get over it. Now that I’ve been looking at the photos Erika made of me, I’ve dared to think that I can be beautiful even if I have flaws. The camera doesn’t lie, or at least Erika’s doesn’t. So why wouldn’t I believe it?

The photoshoot, the photos, the entire process has helped me. It’s wise to face your fears. You won’t become beautiful by standing in front of the mirror and speaking to yourself nastily. It won’t make you lose weight or become prettier. It’s worth it to look for the good and beautiful in everything, but especially of the one thing you’ll be living with for your entire life = yourself! I’ve always admired women who carry themselves beautifully. I want to be one and these photos has helped me in it.”

Päivi Helsingissä Valokuvaaja Erika Lind Studio Metsä

Photographing Päivi and spending time with her was easy-going and fun. Päivi is a really heartfelt, beautiful and warm person. Her gorgeous eyes sparkle and her smile lights up her entire face. Päivi is intelligent and kind, who has a lot to say and to give.

Thank you Päivi for applying for this project and thank you for giving me a chance to get to know you! I hope these photos will continue to remind you of the importance of kindness, love and appreciation towards yourself. You’ve faced a fear, and exceeded your own expectations, that is a reason to celebrate!

 

Did Päivi’s thoughts feel familiar? Why do you avoid being in front of the camera? Send me a private, confidential message to me here – I’d love to hear from you!

With a lot of love and hugs,
Erika

 

Päivi – the stepsister, never Cinderella

02/04/2017

Päivi Studio Metsän ja Me Naisten kuvauksissa Helsingissä

Päivi was the first of the five women I was meant to photograph for the my collaboration with the Finnish women’s magazine Me Naiset. (To read the introduction to this series click here)

We met on a cloudy Friday morning in front of the main railway station in Helsinki. As we began walking towards our photo location, the clouds decided to provide us with some light rain. Despite the weather, the mood was light and happy, though perhaps a tad nervous but that’s all part of the process ;).

From the first moment on, it was easy to be with Päivi. She met me with a big smile and friendly words. You’d never guess this out-going woman would have a negative self-image.

Always the stepsister, never Cinderella

Päivi is the youngest of a large group of siblings and has always looked up to her big sisters’ beauty, never quite able to reach it. She’s formed a very strong identity as the ugly stepsister in the Cinderella story – as if beauty was always something unattainable to her, spending her life watching on the sidelines as others succeeded.

This impression has always followed Päivi: she wasn’t dealt the “beauty cards” and because of that she’s not that special, and this is simply her “role” in this society. As she’s grown older, the meaning of this “role” has diminished as she’s had her own family and career. By the age of 59, Päivi has simply given up on the pursuit of beauty and come to terms with the fact that it isn’t in the cards for her.

In fact, in Päivi’s world, people are divided into “beautiful” and “ugly” (she’s always belonged to the latter). For her, belonging in the “ugly” group has meant that she can fail, she can be imperfect and human, she can make mistakes and even be a little dumb because the “ugly” are forgiven these things much easier than the “beautiful”. On the other hand, the “beautiful” receive more compassion and they’re more easily considered better people than the “ugly”.

Päivi – and her own beauty

Päivi Ahola Studio Metsä

When asked, Päivi says she likes her smile, liveliness and brightness. These are the very things you noticed about her right away and these are precisely the things we need to pay attention to – the aspects of ourselves we really like. Why do we always want something we don’t have? Why do we wish we were something we’re not?

For instance, have you ever admired someone’s clothing only to try them on and realized oh dear goodness gracious they do not fit at all?! I’m sure you have as have I! But in here lies the true beauty of our individualism. We are all different, we all have different bodies and personalities, and this is what our clothing reflects.

We should focus on who we are and what fits us – not trying to be something or someone else, because we’ll always lose that game. Always.

Besides, how much fun would it be if we all looked exactly the same?

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Päivi ja Studio Metsä Helsingissä

Photographing Päivi was fun and natural, you’d never know by just looking at her how much it meant for her to be photographed. And this is something important to remember – it’s not always about how we feel about something but that we do it anyway. Because if we let our fears and insecurities guide us, we’d never do anything. None of us would ever do anything because we all experience fear.

Just recently I had a chat with a colleague about our misguided ideas of the bravery of others and the cowardice of ourselves. We always think that others can but for an unknown reason we can’t. Always someone else is capable, someone else has more to give, just not us.

Even though the truth is that the difference between us and others is solely in what we decide to do. People don’t succeed or get to do amazing things in their lives just out of pure luck. People succeed and move forward because they work for it. Just as we can work for what we want.

A Finnish rapper, Elastinen, raps in his song Eteen ja Ylös about this:

if it was easy, everyone’d be doing it

Damn straight!

That’s about as true as it gets. If we want a better self-esteem, we need to work for it. We’ve all got learned patterns that we have to fight hard to get rid of. But the gift of life is that we can make a new decision every day, every moment to change ourselves and through that the course of our lives. Every decision we make forms us and our lives. There’s a lot of power in it!

We have a lot of power in ourselves!

Päivi Studio Metsän ja Me Naisten kuvauksissa HelsingissäPäivi Studio Metsän ja Me Naisten kuvauksissa HelsingissäPäivi ja Studio Metsä HelsingissäPäivi Studio Metsän ja Me Naisten kuvauksissa Helsingissä

That is all I have for you fine folks on this cloudy Sunday evening. So tell me, what steps are you going to take this spring? How are you going to treat yourself better? What are your best qualities? How can you enforce them?

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo
Erika

Nervous or not, Hanna is showing you the way!

07/03/2017

Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017

“I’m so nervous!”

That’s the most common phrase I hear at the start of every photoshoot.

My response is always some variation of:

“I’m so glad!”

Because nervousness is an indication that what’s about to happen really means something. In other words, if you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be nervous.

When we look at it like this, nervousness can be a great indicator for where to head next. If you ever find yourself confused or unsure about which direction to take, follow that which makes you nervous, that which scares you (nothing that involves physical danger though!). Because in that place is where we’re going to grow and develop as a person, through which we’re going to find a lot of happiness, feelings of aliveness and joy!

This is what this gorgeous girl, Hanna, did.

Does she look nervous?

Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017 Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017 Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017 Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017Hanna-Riina Studio Metsä 2017

Do you feel uncomfortable or afraid when you have to be in front of a camera? Have you thought about how you’d love to try out being photographed but are scared to do so? Read more here about why I think this is important to do so.

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo Erika

Kristiina and Lugano – meant for each other

30/10/2016

Kristiina Luganossa Studio Metsä Photography

One of the biggest perks in my work is that I get to meet and know the most incredible people.

And this woman is no exception.

She’s an amazing combination of determination, intelligence, femininity, confidence and sensitivity.

She’s a CFO, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend and a yogi.

She’s all in one.

Meet Kristiina

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Kristiina is a woman I admire.

She’s worked hard, achieved a lot in her career, takes care of herself and looks about 10 years younger than she really is.

For the past 15 years, she has been practicing yoga and meditation, both of which she credits for her success and peace of mind.

Yoga and meditation have helped her get in touch with her intuition, which has always guided her in the right direction.

In fact, the decision to say yes to this photoshoot was in large due to her intuition. She visited my website, read more about my concept and felt a strong pull towards it – her intuition said a big, fat yes.

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Getting to know each other

And her intuition was spot on once again. It was clear from the beginning that we were going to get along just fine.

The first time we spoke on the phone about the arrangements and other practical aspects of the photoshoot, I knew we would have no trouble connecting. There was something about her voice and the way she spoke that made me sure of it.

Since the photoshoot was to take place in her new hometown of Lugano, Switzerland, the entire process went about a little bit differently. We decided to jump start getting to know each other so I sent her an initial set of questions via email.

They’re no ordinary questions either, as they dive directly into the depths of your soul.

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

She had absolutely no trouble answering them. I was really pleased that she opened up and answered the questions so honestly. It showed me that this person is serious about the process and wants to make the most of it. That she’s willing to open herself up so vulnerably to someone she’s never met, in order to have the possibility of gaining something in return.

I was excited to begin this journey with her.

Progress, not perfection

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

One of the answers she gave me stuck with me the most. She told me the one thing she disliked about herself was her criticism – towards herself and others. While it has played a big role in her career success, it has also become a source of irritation.

When we strive for perfection, we’re never satisfied, there’s always something to fix, something to be made better, something be made perfect. However, the problem with perfection is, it’s only an illusion.

This is something familiar to me, something I’ve also had to learn to deal with. The wonderful Marie Forleo always says: “Progress, not perfection” and when I start to get pulled back into perfectionism, I try to remind myself of this quote. We can sometimes get so stuck in the idea of what something should be like, that we end up getting lost and never arrive anywhere.

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Habit or personality trait?

Sometimes the aspects of ourselves that are the most prominent, ones that we’ve always considered ‘us’, might just be habits formed early on in our childhood. We’ve grown so accustomed to them that we’ve made them a part of who we are. We’ve learned to define ourselves through these habits.

The strive for perfection was something Kristiina always thought was in her character. It wasn’t until we had our initial conversation face-to-face that she discovered, it was probably just something she learned.

This gave her a whole new perspective on the possibilities of who she is, who she could be and what she could feel.

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

The day of the photoshoot

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Kristiina’s husband, the one who gifted her with the photoshoot, was largely in charge of logistics and had picked me up from the airport, shown me around so I could choose the photoshoot location, and was now giving me a ride there.

He told me in the car that Kristiina had already started getting nervous about the photoshoot the evening before. This was great news to me – it proved, yet again, that this meant a lot to her. There are so many non-verbal signs that tell us much more than we can sometimes even articulate.

I was excited to see her and work with her.

That day, we spent a great deal of time together. Walking, photographing, talking, laughing, eating, drinking tea and photographing some more.

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Kristiina told me that she’d always wanted to have nice photographs of herself but has a hard time relaxing in front of the camera. She feels like she’s not able to smile and doesn’t like to see herself laugh in photos.

This is a very common issue – seeing ourselves laughing. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s because of how we’re used to seeing ourselves. Our primary source is the mirror. How often do we stand in front of the mirror laughing? I sure rarely do! So we are most comfortable with the “poker face”.

I made a note about it to myself that I need to find a way to 1. relax her and 2. to make her laugh. Luckily those two usually go hand in hand!

web-kristiina-leppanen-studio-metsa-52Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

The freedom of being who you are

Kristiina is an amazing woman. I was constantly blown away by her. In the bloopers section you’ll notice how she was jumping around, moving her body, and at times she did this directly in front of people. She couldn’t care less about what they thought.

How much more free and happy would we feel if we did what we felt like doing without concern about how others may perceive it?

Life would look quite different, I’m sure.

So next time you feel like doing something, do it, regardless of the place or the time. Follow your intuition, follow your heart and set it free. The right people will love you for it. Remember this:

Be who you are because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. -Dr.Seuss

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Thank you, Pasi, for finding me and for knowing your wife so well. Thank you, Kristiina, for opening yourself to me without limitations and for being so open and willing to try anything. It was an absolute pleasure, and privilege, to get to know you and to photograph you.

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo Erika

Bloopers

Kristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä PhotographyKristiina in Lugano by Studio Metsä Photography

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

16/10/2016

Mirror, mirror on the wall - Studio Metsä Photography

Time for a bedtime story! (Lue suomeksi täällä)

Once upon a time there was a girl, who time and time again felt disappointed when looking in the mirror – her wishes still hadn’t been answered, she still looked the same. Her legs were nowhere near the same as the model’s, her face still had the same flaws and her hair hadn’t changed one bit either. “When is it my turn to be beautiful?”, she thought.

Days went by and turned into weeks, months, years – and before she knew it, the girl had become a woman and the disappointment had become a monster.

Every day that same monster would appear in front of the mirror and belittle the woman. The only difference was that it wasn’t as painful as before because it had turned into a habit. The monster had relocated itself to live inside the woman and was now a part of her.

The monster had also successfully convinced the woman that this was part of a normal life and you can’t, nor should you, live without it. It also often plays the solidarity card, reminding the woman of how every woman has their own monster (apparently they have an annual strategical planning convention, where they determine how they go more effectively below the belt in the upcoming year) and she couldn’t possibly be the only one without one.

And so she decides to keep going and the vicious circle keeps going.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Who’s the fairest of them all – the distortion of reality

This monster can also be found in this woman – Lois. You probably wouldn’t think that she battles with just about anything, let alone with the way she looks.

Upon meeting her, she told me how uncomfortable she is in front of the camera. This included all cameras, all lenses, every time. Even when she’s with her husband or close friends. So yes, also selfies, including silly ones.

She also dislikes the photographs that are the result of those uncomfortable situations.

So she avoids being photographed. At all cost.

This is directly related to how she feels about herself.

And we all also know it has nothing to do with reality.

When we criticise ourselves, nothing in our appearance can ever be right or enough. Because the criticism comes from pain, learned habits, distorted self-image and sense of reality. And when we decide to look at the world, and ourselves, through those lenses, through the eyes of the monster, our concept of reality changes accordingly.

But it doesn’t have to be so.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Lois and the jump to the unknown

And so decided Lois.

I’ve gotta tell you, it took some time before we managed to set a date for the photoshoot. Lois told me after the photoshoot part of the reason was her nervousness about the photoshoot.

But the photoshoot went really well and after the initial discomfort, Lois turned out to be a natural! It was a pleasure to witness and such an honour to photograph.

Taking this type of a step, being photographed when it’s clearly outside of her comfort zone, shows courage and determination. Lois decided that she wants to challenge herself and change those old thought patterns. And that she did!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Lois’ experience, in her own words

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Lois turned her experience into a glorious piece of writing which she allowed me to share with you fine folks today.

“When I first looked at the pictures I had two thoughts.

First I thought “yes, this is me”: I was recognising the body I’ve known so well for almost 30 years, the face, the expressions, my hair, my eyes. A second later I thought “I wish I could look at myself like this everyday”: not even a minute had passed and I was confronted with the fact that on a daily basis I fail to look at myself in a fair way.

I met Erika last spring. We had a fairly long conversation over a tea, one of those magic moments of connection between women where you open up almost immediately and talk about every thing imaginable. She contacted me afterwards for doing a photo shoot and we finally met again a couple of weeks ago. We spent two hours in the park; it was fantastic. My cheeks hurt from laughing, we didn’t stop talking the whole time, and it took only five minutes for me to be completely comfortable. Not only that but also, I had a blast, I was at peace, at ease, with someone photographing me. I was enjoying it so much.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

For many, many of us, looking at ourselves in the mirror can be an act of violence towards our bodies and faces. For many of us, looking at the mirror means scrutinising what we call “flaws” until exhaustion, comparing our bodies to ridiculous standards. Many of us look at the mirror not see what we are, but to see what we are not, what we are missing, what we still need to achieve in order to be something we never were in the first place. For many of us, the trivial act of looking in the mirror before leaving the house in the morning is the act that sets the agenda for the rest of the day, the act that keeps our chin down, reminding us of something we insist calling “imperfections”.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Having these pictures taken was an act of defiance; looking at them afterwards was an act of nurturing; doing this with a woman photographer was an unforgettable act of sisterhood. I know my body so well, I know my face and my smile and my serious expressions so well, I know the way my hair makes these mischievous waves when there’s wind, I know every single one of the tiny dots I have on my skin. I needed to find again the voice that loves every single detail of my body. I didn’t need to create that voice, because it does exist, I needed to give it the space to talk loud when I look at myself in the mirror. Hearing this nurturing loving voice is a journey that has started already few years ago and that still has a few kilometres to travel. On the way, there was this amazing woman who takes pictures of other woman, in the revolutionary act of confronting them with their own beauty, a visual encounter with my own self I will always be grateful for.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Thank you Erika, not only for the pictures but for the whole experience. We are taught to constantly criticise our bodies and we are taught to keep silent about it. Thank you Erika for creating a space of sisterhood where we speak about these things and throw that criticism to the trash where it belongs. Thanks for helping us in the most important life journey, the journey of loving ourselves.”

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä PhotographyMirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

Her writing, its vulnerability, openness and honesty, makes one go quiet – doesn’t it?

Thanks to Lois herself for this courageous jump and openness. These personal stories, experiences and emotions are those that we need to speak of more, because they open up the doors of love between people and within ourselves. They open up the possibility for others to talk about their own challenges and experiences in life. Because we all have those.

Thank you Lois, for being an exceptional human being.

And thank you, for allowing me to photograph you.

—

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä PhotographyMirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all - Studio Metsä Photography

How many of you can relate to this? What kind of things do you battle with and what are you going to do about it? Answer in the comments below!

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo Erika

Alice + Sun + Inspiration = Perfect photoshoot

14/08/2016

Photoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä Photography

ALICE

Photoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä Photography

Here’s a girl who will go onto doing big things in her life. In addition to her external beauty, Alice has a heart of gold and an intelligence to match – she’s really the perfect package.

And we had so much fun! Not only is Alice extremely photogenic and an all-around awesome person, she was also willing to lie down in the busy Hesperia park sidewalk, sit in the middle of thick vegetation and even getting herself wet in the Töölö Bay (which we ended up deciding to leave until next time ;)).

Photoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä Photography

Photoshoot locations

Right at the beginning of the photoshoot, Alice asked me a really good question – do I go check out exact locations to use before each photoshoot?

I answered ‘no’.

The reasons are quite simple:

  • First of all, Helsinki is already pretty familiar to me and wherever I go, I always keep an eye on potential photoshoot locations.
  • Secondly, I follow the light.
  • Thirdly, I like surprises and I get even more excited when I come across something in the moment.

I always choose the starting point for the photoshoot with the subject in mind. It depends on who I’m photographing and if the photographs have a specific target in mind. The location also needs to be one that is surrounded by photo opportunities because I rarely stick to just one location.

Weather-wise, I hope for sun, or at the very least overcast weather. I use a sun calculator which shows you where the sun will be at any given time. This helps me to plan better for where the light will fall at the time we are photographing.

Inspiration

Truth is, though, that there aren’t very many places you couldn’t photograph in and make beautiful photographs. Inspiration is everywhere and so are photo opportunities. In fact I tend to see a bit too many opportunities as I’m photographing someone that I physically have to stop myself or other wise neither of us would be going anywhere before the sun has set!

There is so much beauty around us, especially the unexpected kind. The way light penetrates through different elements brings me endless inspiration.

Nothing beats the dance of light and shadow!
Photoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä Photography

This photoshoot was so enjoyable, inspiring and overall really fun. I enjoyed the entire process, Alice and the photographs themselves! A big thank you to Alice herself who was magnificent in the photos. It was a joy and an honour to photograph her.

Until next time, lovelies!

With hugs,
erika-signature

Bloopers

Photoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä PhotographyPhotoshoot with Alice in Helsinki Studio Metsä Photography

Portraits of nutritionist Annika from Soulfood Nutrition

07/08/2016

Annika-portrait-photography-Studio-Metsa-Helsinki-Finland

Meet Annika.

She won this photoshoot through a contest I held a while back for all my newsletter subscribers (if you’re not yet a subscriber, subscribe at the bottom of this page).

Annika also happens to be a good friend of mine whom I’ve known for half of my life.

In addition to that she is a nutritionist who is just about to graduate as a nutritional therapist.

Annika’s first degree is in marketing and she was doing marketing for around 8 years until recently when she decided to make the move towards a full-time focus on nutrition.

Some years back Annika discovered how much she had started to care about what exactly went in her mouth and the unavoidable consequences they have not only on our physical, but our mental and emotional health as well. She found herself so immersed in the world of nutrition that she decided to take a step further and began studying it.
Portraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, Finland

Annika the superwoman

I’m telling you, this woman is a real-life superwoman.

Yes, she is.

Not only did she go to school while still working full-time in her marketing position, she also took care of her young son (and gave time to her marriage, friendships and family in addition to her own health).

I’m not entirely sure how she was able to manage it all, but so she did and now she’s nearly done with her school. One more step and she’ll officially be a nutritional therapist.

Portraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, Finland

She’s making a huge change in her life right now, transferring from full-time marketing coordinator to full-time nutritionist.

It’s a scary time but anything worth something will always bring up different levels of fear.

I, for one, am immensely proud of her for taking this step and for believing in herself. She’s going to do so great in her new position and will change so many people’s lives.

Portraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, FinlandPortraits of Annika in Helsinki, Finland

If you’re interested in taking care of yourself through nutrition, you should be sure to check out her business Soulfood Nutrition and ‘like’ her page on Facebook.

—

Thank you for reading and caring! I would love to hear from you though, what are the things you would like to do if you had no fear? Comment below!

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo Erika

In the spotlight: Enni

24/07/2016

Potrettikuvaus Studio Metsä Valokuvaus Helsinki

One of the greatest things about being a photographer is meeting new people. It’s a constant reminder of what a fantastic bunch of people this earth truly carries.

The fact that a person can open themselves up and let someone come so close in such a short amount of time is a real gift. That person takes a step into the unknown, challenges themselves and shows themselves, and others, what they’re capable of.

Because photo shoots are really intimate. As I’m fighting with the wind to keep the reflector steady and aiming to photograph at the same time, I often mention how having an extra pair of hands would be really useful right about then. However, the truth is, I don’t want an assistant because I want to be alone with my client to keep that intimacy intact. I want my focus to be 100% on the client.

Spotlight

As we were photographing, Enni and I had a few funny moments in the bird tower in Lauttasaari. At one point the reflector was literally gone with the wind and left on the ground to compete with the sun about which one is brighter. We also got some company when a lady along with her children came up in the tower and ended up staying a while longer to check out the beautiful Enni and our photoshoot. I believe we were even caught in a few cell phone pictures ;)

It was really a pleasure to photograph Enni. We had beautiful sunshine which came pouring in gorgeously through the wood. It inspired me to create a bit more fashion-y portraits of Enni. The strong contrasts between the light and shade complimented Enni’s cool look.

Here are a few frames from our photo shoot!

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Spotlight on Enni in Portrait Photography by Studio Metsä

Happy Sunday to you all and a wonderful start for a new week! Until next time..

With hugs,
Erika

Studio Metsä 6 months!

06/05/2016

Studio Metsä 6 months / Studio Metsä 6kk

Cats in search of a life-long home

19/02/2016

Kissa etsii loppuelämän kotia HESYssä - valokuva Studio Metsä

Cats, cats, cats! I’ve always loved cats.

Erika Lind lapsena kissojen kera - with cats

But growing up I didn’t have a chance to have one. My father has asthma and at the time was reacting terribly to cats. As a result it was always an absolutely-not for any animal but cats were the biggest no-no of all. So, I was left petting all the cats I could get my hands on outside of our house.

I remember a night I spent at my friend’s house who had just gotten a little kitten. My heart went to heaven upon waking up and having the little kittie come up to me purring. I thought, ‘how amazing would it be to wake up like this every day‘!

That’s what I dreamt about.

All animals have always held a very special place in my heart, but cats…there’s something special about them. Perhaps it’s their independence, their absolute resolution to showing how they’re feeling – no sugar-coating, no detours, just honesty (which I guess is also the very thing that some people are put off by). Erika Lind ja kissanpentu - Cats in blog Studio MetsäNot to mention their unwavering forgiveness – you accidentally step on their tail, they meow in protest and you kneel down to apologize and there they are, already purring, as if the tail-stepping never happened. Seriously! How amazing is this species.

At the age of 19, I finally got my own cat. Her name is Mimmi, she is now 13 years old (turning 14 this year!) and she is the most amazing cat in the world. Her and I used to take naps together when I was still living at home (that’s right, I got a cat while living at home with my asthmatic father. His reactions are long gone and he hasn’t suffered from any symptoms caused by cats thereafter) – so Mimmi and I would take naps together, I laying on the floor and she would sleep on my chest. When we lived in Helsinki and I would cry, she would come to me and lick the tears away. And every time I came home from work, she was already behind the door meowing and so excited to have me back.

How could you not love these gorgeous, fascinating beings?

—

As a result of this life-long love affair with cats, I have taken interest in their welfare and helping out any way I can. I first became more involved with animal shelters when I moved to Canada. I was volunteering at the local SPCA and began photographing the cats as time went on.

Since moving back to Finland, I have been involved with the local HESY organization doing photography for them here and there.

This week I went back to photograph some of the cats currently up for adoption.

MEET THE CATS:

Kissa makoilee HESYn tiloissa Helsingissä - valokuva Studio Metsä / Cats of Hesy

Halla – male – born in 2015

Halla makoilee HESYn tiloissa - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of Hesy Halla HESYn tiloissa - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of Hesy

Halla is a chill cat. He is glorious in his size, he is thin but long. He came to HESY with his siblings who are all a bit timid, but friendly. He will be adopted with another one of his siblings or alone to a family that already has a cat.


 

Kissa etsii loppuelämän kotia HESYssä - valokuva Studio Metsä

Mosse – male

As soon as I got there, Mosse caught my attention. He was by far the most affectionate of all the cats there. I immediately fell in love with him. He will need a family who have time to spend with him, petting and socializing.


 

Kissa etsii loppuelämän kotia HESYssä - valokuva Studio Metsä

Viiru – female – about 1 year old

She was an interesting little kittie – she would be very interested in what’s happening around her, but as soon as the door is opened to their little room, she ran away. She is clearly looking for love and affection but is, for one reason or another, a bit timid. I have no doubt that she wouldn’t be the most affectionate cat with the right, patient and loving owner.
Viiru will be adopted along with her friend Pesonen (featured in one of the photos) to a home with previous knowledge about cats and no children.

HESY-viiru-etsii-kotia-studio-metsa HESY-viiru-kissa-etsii-kotia-studio-metsa HESY-Viiru-Ja-Pesonen-etsivat-kotia-yhdessa-studio-metsa


 

Kissa etsii loppuelämän kotia HESYssä - valokuva Studio Metsä / Cats of Hesy

Viima – male – born in 2015

Viima is Halla’s brother and has the same timid personality as Halla does. He will also be adopted with another one of his siblings or alone to a family that already has a cat. He needs a family that has experience of cats.

Kissa etsii loppuelämän kotia HESYssä - valokuva Studio MetsäViima istuu HESYn tiloissa odottamassa adoptiota - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of Hesy


John HESYn tiloissa odottamassa adoptiota - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of HESY

John – male

John was a real charmer and has a gorgeous fur coat. He will be adopted along with Smith and they need a home that doesn’t have small children. Both of their fur coats need to be groomed daily.John HESYn tiloissa odottamassa adoptiota - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of HESY

Smith HESYn tiloissa odottamassa adoptiota - valokuva Studio Metsä // Cats of HESY

Smith – male


 

If you’re interested in adopting any of these cats, please go to the shelter directly to get to know them! Also, please remember that these cats deserve, and need, a life-long home and should be chosen as a great fit to your family, where everyone takes an active role in taking care of the cat.

HESY ry
Yhdyskunnantie 11
00680 Helsinki

Cats can be visited Wed-Fri between 3-6pm and Sat-Sun 1-5pm

Until next time lovelies,
xoxo Erika

Blogging Challenge #7:
From the good of the heart

31/01/2016

Hooray, and holy smokes, this is the last post for the 7-Day Blogging Challenge! Much to my surprise, I actually really enjoyed it. In a way it is like journaling (which is something I have been doing ever since I was a little girl), which at its best can be incredibly therapeutic and meditative.

So, what do you say? Shall we get on with the last Blogging Challenge post?

We shall!

Something else that has carried with me from childhood is my absolute love and adoration for animals. They are creatures that most often far outweigh the human in more capacities than one. They have the ability to make you live in the moment and forget about all of your troubles, not to mention teach you how to love unconditionally. I mean seriously, have you ever had a furry friend hold a grudge? I sure haven’t. They have the amazing ability to forgive and forget, something we could all learn from!

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.
-Anatole France

The sad part is that, as we have domesticated animals, they sometimes end up in the care of people who are entirely incapable of caring for themselves, not to mention other living beings. This is how animals end up abused, living on the streets and, in some worst case scenarios, dead.

We patronize the animals for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they are more finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other Nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.
-Henry Beston

Luckily we have organizations that work to help these animals, care for them and provide them with a chance for a new life. One of those organizations is HESY, The Helsinki Society for Animal Protection. I have been lucky enough to have worked with them and help out in any way I can. They asked me to come in and photograph their vet at work for an article they were publishing in their magazine. These photographs are from that time.

Vet at HESY, Animal Rescue Center, by Studio Metsä PhotographyAt the vet's office at HESY, Helsinki, Finland by Studio Metsä PhotographyVet in action at HESY animal rescue center by Studio Metsä PhotographyVet in dramatic light by Studio Metsä PhotographyVet listening to cat's heart at HESY by Studio Metsä PhotographyVet grooming a cat at HESY by Studio Metsä PhotographyCat getting vaccinated at HESY by Studio Metsä Photography

HESY magazine article, photography by Studio Metsä

And here are a few of the inhabitants at HESY at the time:

Black and white cat, Armas, at HESY by Studio Metsä PhotographyCat lying in bed at HESY by Studio Metsä PhotographyBunny at HESY by Studio Metsä PhotographyBlack and white cat at HESY by Studio Metsä Photography

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
-Mahatma Gandhi

To give back and help these animals, please follow this link to donate to their important cause (the page is in English and all bank accounts are in the IBAN format so you can make a bank transfer from anywhere in the world).

I’m excitedly waiting to have a chance to work more with HESY and other organisations alike. If you have a desire to make the stories in your company or organisation visual, get in touch with me through info (at) studiometsa (dot) com – I can’t wait to hear from you!

And now, folks, this is it. I have completed my Blogging Challenge! Thanks to all of you for supporting me and commenting on my posts. It means the world to me! So even though the official challenge is over, I will still keep blogging since I am having so much fun! :)

Happy new week to all of you lovelies!

Until next time,
xoxo Erika

Spreading joy every day in every day. Photographer and coach Erika Lind captured by the amazing Satu Mali

STUDIO METSÄ SPECIALIZES IN MAKING YOU FEEL GOOD IN YOUR OWN SKIN.

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