Finnish photographer Tommi Viitala began actively pursuing street photography over four years ago. His camera accompanies him everywhere, allowing him to capture urban life across the world, from Rome to Paris to Madrid. His images, published in various magazines and exhibitions, stand out for their precise composition, sharp contrasts, and careful use of light and shadows.

Viitala loves street photography for its ability to tell unique and spontaneous stories. Each shot is an unrepeatable fragment of everyday life, filtered through the photographer’s sensitivity. To him, even ten photographers capturing the same moment will present different visions, each with their own artistic perspective.

A key element of his work is contrast: «The sunnier the day, the more I seek out shadows,» he tells us. His images play with light, colors, and geometry to create evocative scenes. Viitala also explores Finnish melancholy, capturing the more introspective side of people. In his shots, subjects often appear as silhouettes blending into their surroundings, expressing a quiet inner world.

Viitala believes that imperfections make a photograph special. He doesn’t strive for absolute sharpness but embraces flaws and blurs that add authenticity. «Life isn’t perfect, and my photos don’t aim to be». With his unique style—marked by contrasts, harmony, and a subtle melancholy—Viitala transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering a fresh perspective on the city.

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