Hey, You! Welcome to my page!

I am a Chicago based photographer born and raised in nearly arctic conditions in Finland. I got my BA in photography from Columbia College Chicago in 2001, but my photo journey really started at about 12. I picked up one of my dad’s film cameras basically right after I stopped playing. And I think my first image was a barbie trekking in snow! Or the one with my little sister pretending to ride a scooter in a black cape. I consider myself extremely lucky to be working in the creative field, with the medium I was so drawn to since childhood.

My career in photography organically evolved as I grew. I started college with love for fashion and portraits, it evolved to a deeper interest in fine art photography and self expression. Then in my world traveler years and with a need to make a difference, I found myself working in a newspaper.

Wedding photography combines all of the skills I’ve picked up on the way, it’s kind of like fashion, your subjects are donned in their best and there’s a lot of beauty that surrounds you in a wedding day, only you have very little time to get what you want. And you have a story to tell, for that I’m so greatfull for what I learned being a photojournalist.

Then my other love, studio portrait photography, provides me with a calming balance to the upbeat nature of weddings. Portraits are like therapy to me and my subject. I love the quietness of it all, the time we can devote to getting down to perfect light, pose and that soulful gaze.

Location portraits are actually very different to studio portraits. When you work with the forces of nature, finding a balanced backdrop while making sure light on my subject is stellar, one’s faced with a challenge that perks up creativity, and the images are always new and unique. There’s also a very healing and grounding with a dose of great oxygen, when you trick to a spot in nature to photograph. I’ve taken clients to some of my favorites like Indiana Dunes State Park and Devils Lake, but even just a few hours in a city park have nearly same benefits.