Category Archives: Photography

KRISTA KELTANEN | COOL FINNISH PHOTOGRAPHY

26 January 2014

Krista Keltanen is a Finnish photographer and I came across her beautiful interior shots on one of my late night Scandi blog browsing sessions – strictly interiors I may add and totally G-rated.

Her photography feels quiet, deliberate, feminine and composed. No action shots, crazy filters or wonky horizon lines anywhere. It’s honest and simple and very Nordic.

I’m sure it’s something to do with the often harsh weather, the rugged landscape and lack of light for months on end that makes Scandinavian photographers want to capture every last sliver of natural light when it is available.

I was intrigued by her work and contacted her for a short interview which despite being a mother of three she happily agreed to.

TELL US HOW YOU GOT INTO PHOTOGRAPHY IN GENERAL AND THE FIELD YOU’RE WORKING IN NOW.
I bought my first SLR in 1994. I started to shoot film and I was so excited. At this time I mostly photographed for fun… summer holidays, nature, flowers. My father and uncle are both amateur photographers and I had the opportunity to spent time with them in darkroom. I think it was the first spark. I started to study photography in 2002. At the same time I began to work as a freelance photographer. I visited many advertising agencies with my portfolio. It was the time before social media. You had to meet people face to face and show you photos.

I’m totally in love with interior photography and work with interior journalist & stylist Jonna Kivilahti. We shoot homes for Finnish magazines as well as commercial shoots for different companies and we have an agent Living Inside in Italy who sells our home features all over the world. In England our home features has been published in The Simple Things and Country Living and also in Elle Decoration Country.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECTS AND WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE?
Favourite subjects are interiors and different kind of commercial shoots. I also feel very comfortable to photograph people, especially kids.

A LOT OF MY READERS ARE MUMS, MYSELF INCLUDED, AND WE ALWAYS STRUGGLE TO FIT EVERYTHING IN. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO HAVE A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
I don’t 🙂 As a freelancer there are always things to do. A couple of years ago I worked incredibly hard and I was so tired all the time. Then I made a conscious decision to stop and put my life in order. I don’t book my calendar full any more and I don’t edit photos at the four o’clock in the morning and I also spend less time on social media.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
Light. Nature. Interior. Children. Magazines. Conversations. Books. Photographs. Art. Travel.

DO YOU READ ANY BLOGS? IF SO, WHICH ONES?
Wishwishwish, 79 ideas, whatkatieate

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR WORK?
I like blogging. I do have a business facebook account where I post inspirations. Instagram is my favourite. I find social media is a good tool to find people who have some same interest as you.

I LOVE YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED. WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITES?
My favourites are all I follow at the moment, but to mention a few names: anne_parker, _jillthomas and saipua.

Thank you Krista!

MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHY | Krista Keltanen
BOOKS | 12 x koti, Mekkotehdas

Photography / LEAVE A COMMENT /

IDA LAERKE INTERVIEW VIA BUNGALOW 5

8 November 2013

I couldn’t finish this subtle week on Stylejuicer without introducing you to one of my NBF via Instagram:
IDA LAERKE HANSEN.

I see her almost daily or at least I get a glimpse of her and see what moves and inspires her. I feel we are on the same wave length and if she’s happy or sad I can feel her mood through her photos. I think of her as part of my ‘gang’ but of course I’ve never even met her – and probably won’t – but such is the power of a simple idea like Instagram that it lures you into thinking you’ve found a soulmate. Strange, dangerous, harmless or simply fun whichever way you look at it, Instagram is a magical tool.

I was therefore delighted to find an interview with my NBF on uebercool Danish blog Bungalow5 and got permission from the founder himself to re-post it here on Stylejuicer. [Thanks Allan, you’re the man!] For more inspiring designer interviews pop over to Bungalow5 and get lost in it’s stylish content.

A picture from my newsfeed on Instagram has just ticked in, while I am writing this. It is from Ida Lærke Hansen, who just posted a new cool picture of pieces of fruit in a glass filled with water. The other day it was four horses on a field chewing grass. Ida takes pictures of her everyday life. And everybody loves it. Ida has almost 300.000 followers (including me). If you like me are curios as to why people follow her and how much time she is actually using on styling her pictures, read on.

What is your background?

I have a master in history from the University of Copenhagen. I handed in my thesis spring 2013, and the subject was sexual and body education for women 1890-1950.

And how did you start instagramming?

A friend showed me Instagram in September 2011. The immediacy appealled to me: Take a picture with your iPhone, use a filter to edit the picture and share. Easy and quick.

How do your 300.000 followers affect you?

For me Instagram is a complex tool. It is a social network but I can also use Instagram to express myselv creatively. I am happy that so many like what I do and express their positive opinions of my pictures. My many followers have motivated me to keep taking pictures but for me taking pictures has to be about me wanting to take them. As long as I think it is fun to take pictures and post them on Instagram, I will keep doing it.

How long time do you spend taking pictures?

Some days several hours, some five minutes. It depends on my mood and inspiration that day. A lot of my pictures are from where I am at at the moment. For instant at Amager Strandpark with my husband and son. In that sense Instagram is a visual diary which I always cary with me.

A lot of your pictures look like still lifes. Why?

Because I feel like it. I have an interest for compositions and colours and I love having fun arranging a picture. My still lifes create or recreate moods and feelings. Or it simply looks beautiful.

What apps are your favorite?

I am a big fan of Amaro on Instagram. Lately I have started using VSCO CAM.

The other day you posted a picture of four hourses on a field. The picture currently has 6768 likes. What makes this particular picture great?

The best pictures on Instagram are about much more than just the specific object or lighting. It is about how the picture move the person who sees it.

Why do you think people follow you?

I like to think that people follow me because my pictures represents something in our time: The esthetic and the ordenary of our everyday life. Like a cup of coffee, a flower, family or a beautiful sunbeam in my kitchen. My everyday is being interpreted through a simple, esthetic universe that I think appeals to a lot of people.

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Photography | Ida Laerke on Instagram
Interview | Bungalow 5
Stylejuicer on Instagram

Photography / LEAVE A COMMENT /

DAYDREAM WITH JOE SCHMELZER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Joe Schmelzers photography hits the spot with me today. I’m desperate for a holiday and therefore shall be featuring mostly travel shots from his awesome portfolio so I can daydream about my next vacation. Well, actually that’s doing him a disservice.

He is of course HUGE in the US and one of the most sought-after photographers around. Joe has established himself as an influence in the portrait, interior, food, travel & hotels industry and regularly features in the editorial pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue UK and Travel + Leisure. His distinctive images convey a natural, unstaged environment and he has the gift to make and look his subjects feel at ease, from moody fashion models to overscheduled celebs – a gift that’s truly priceless and probably an indication of what a good bloke he is.

Interestingly, his introduction to photography began via a popular series of Yousuf Karsh prints. And his first still-life subjects were half-eaten meals, clearly setting a trend for today’s instagrammers. He launched his career in New York but has relocated to LA where he lives in an Art Deco suite that once served as JFK and Marilyn Monroe’s ‘secret’ hideaway. Joe also conceptualizes, arranges and produces photo/video projects through his studio-production company, and published his first book ‘The First Apartment Book: Cool Design for Small Spaces’ in August 2012.

Clearly a multi-talent but for today just enjoy his beautiful style and let’s daydream…

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Photography | Joe Schmelzer

AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER RYAN EDY

30 July 2013

Ryan Edy’s philosophy is ‘to work hard and play hard’ which to me initially seemed a juxtaposition to his photography. His work is incredibly sensitive, emotional and shows maturity beyond his years. During his short career he has already managed to accumulate awards and honourable mentions in various international competitions, like One Eyeland, IPA and Px3.

To find out more about this talented Geordie (for all my American readers, it’s an endearing term for people from in and around the town of Newcastle in the north east of England) I quizzed him about his motivation, his passions and what the future holds.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?

Having always been passionate about art and design from a young age, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field; nothing else was ever an option! But I wasn’t quite sure which direction to go in however I’d always use my father’s camera taking photos at every opportunity which soon developed into my goal of wanting to enter the world of photography.
My biggest inspiration has to be my family, who has always supported me in every decision I’ve made. I’ve also been very fortunate to have some amazing mentors that have helped me along the way including Graham Stopuh, my college tutor and good friend and Alex Telfer, who I assisted for three years.

WHICH PART OF THE JOB DO YOU ENJOY MOST?

I enjoy every part of it, it’s my dream job! But the thing I get the most satisfaction from is capturing some amazing images then seeing others admiring and enjoying my work.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR AWARD-WINNING PORTRAIT SERIES OF CHILDREN IN ZIMBABWE AND HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO CAPTURE THEIR ‘ESSENCE’ AND MAKE THEM RELAX IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?

I was born in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe and I have a very close connection with the country, which is why I wanted to capture the striking beauty, character and culture of the locals and surroundings in a way that stayed true to the subject. Therefore I felt the best way to go about photographing the locals was to take time to get to know them so they felt at ease.

HOW IMPORTANT AND ENJOYABLE IS POST PRODUCTION FOR YOU?

I always try and do as much as I can in the original shot in camera as it is crucial for getting a great image. This allows me to do subtle tweaks and edits in post production which really brings my images to life so I feel it is both important and enjoyable for getting the final image just right!.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS TODAY AND HOW IMPORTANT IS SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOU?

My main advice would be to practice and to learn different techniques, never underestimate the importance of sound technical skills. But don’t be afraid to make mistakes and most importantly enjoy yourself… as this is what makes your work “you”.
And this is why for me social media is a key aspect for marketing and advertising as it allows people to see me, the person behind the picture! Posting ‘behind the scenes’ shots of the shoot to the final images or adverts is a great way to keep people wanting more and wondering what’s next.

OTHER THAN PHOTOGRAPHY, WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

I have many passions beside photography which include sports, exploring different countries around the world and learning about their cultures and enjoying their local cuisines… but these just add as muse for my photography.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?

At the moment I’m currently working on various different commissions alongside some exciting creative personal projects, which I feel is so important as it keeps me shooting and helps develop my style. I try and keep personal work a little looser and more free, simplicity is key. Some of my projects are my ongoing surfing series, and on the other hand something totally different: Documenting the life of a burlesque artiste.

AND FINALLY, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: IF I HAD A MAGIC WAND I WOULD…

Leave a lasting impression for future generations with an array of breathtaking images that I’ve taken throughout my career.

My gratitude to Ryan for giving us a glimpse into his work and life.

MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHY | Ryan Edy

Photography / LEAVE A COMMENT /

ANNA WOLF ‘LIVING THE DREAM’

By her own admission Anna Wolf is living the dream! Her style of photography is loose, fun, surprising and fresh. All prerequisites to be featured on Stylejuicer!

Anna is a California girl at heart though she has been splitting her time between East and West Coast for the past 10 years. You can get a sense of her when you start following her blog and keep up to date where and what she’s been shooting. In my opinion she’s at her best when shooting lifestyle and editorial stories though also very accomplished at polished high-end fashion photography. Her client list is long and credit to her success. You can find Urban Outfitters, Aldo, Quicksilver and Nike amongst them as well as New York Magazine and South China Magazine. She’s also recently been featured on the Girls I Know blog by Jen Steele where she talks about measuring success:

That is a tough one because I think it changes all of the time. When I first started out, success really just meant not waitressing and being able to pay my bills by being a photographer. Now that I’ve achieved that, I want so much more. I think it’s important to never be satisfied with what you’re doing… To always strive for something more and something better. But, at the same time, you have to be able to really appreciate what you have and what you’ve accomplished and also love your work. Its a delicate balance. At the moment for me, success is having a career I am proud of, a beautiful home that feels like home, my health, my family, my friends, my dog.

Read the whole interview at Girls I Know.

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Photography | Anna Wolf
More information | Anna Wolf Blog