Bio

Helsinki based Tommi Viitala (born in 1975) has started active street photography over four years ago. However, the camera is not a new device for him because he has been filming more and less actively throughout his life, starting with film cameras from the 90s. Since the camera is almost always with Tommi, he also goes around the world filming streets, most recently in Budapest, Hungary. In street photography, Tommi's signature style includes precise composition, sharp contrasts, moody atmosphere and symmetry. Of these, the contrasts are the most what Tommi chases every day on the streets. The sunnier the day, the more Tommi looks for shadows. Street photography has also taught Tommi to look at the city in a different way, to look for exceptions and small glitches to pick up small beautiful details from those moments. Tommi's photos has been published also various street photography magazines and exhibitions all over the world. The past 20 years in the creative field have also brought their own spice to Tommi's shooting style. To keep himself in creative shape, Tommi also shoots portraits and produces video material at work, almost in weekly basis. Tommi has given many presentations about street photography at many different events under the title "Random Encounters from the streets". That title perhaps best sums up the reason why Tommi enjoys street photography — you never know what the street will capture on camera. What attracts Tommi about street photography is that even if like ten different photographers take a picture of the same fleeting moment, each picture is different, i.e. the look of its taker. In addition, the different styles of street photography, such as juxtaposition, geometry and the play of light and shadows inspire Tommi to the streets again and again. “They say street photography is the easiest and most difficult way to take photographs. It's easy to start but takes a lifetime to master.”