We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Timo Keisala a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Timo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I could start over today, the first thing that comes to my mind is the gear. When I first started my photography journey I used a Canon 600D with the kit lens. In my opinion, I didn’t really get much out of it—I was just trying to do something. After half a year, I bought my second camera, the Canon 6D Mark II, along with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. After that, everything changed. I’m not saying it was the camera, but in my opinion, it was the lenses that really made the difference in the beginning for me.

The second thing that comes to mind is that I would start my own edits right away in Lightroom and Photoshop. I wouldn’t rely on YouTubers’ or other photographers’ presets just to make my photos look like theirs. Those presets gave me a good start, but using them for all my pictures didn’t feel like my own work. I was just copying and pasting someone else’s edits. There was nothing to learn because everything was already set. So what I’m saying here is that making my own edits and practicing—practicing and practicing—would have given me a much better start in developing my unique style. Of course, it takes time. Learning something new and it is always a struggle at first.

The third thing: Try to find friends who are interested to same things. When I started, I spent all my time watching YouTube tutorials: “How to pose a model,” “How to take good pictures,” “How to be like your favorite photographer”, “How to edit” etc. Starting photography alone can be very boring and even a bit discouraging. Struggling with everything by yourself, not knowing what to do,even after watching millions of tutorials can be frustrating.
When I moved to Tampere, I had already connected with a few models and photographers on Instagram. They told me about photography meetups and events in the city, designed for photographers and models. I soon realized that Tampere offered great opportunities for me to challenge myself and pursue my dreams. After settling in, I made many new friends and no longer had to struggle with my ideas alone that much, I could simply ask for help or advice whenever I needed it. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes it easier to stay inspired, learn, and grow together.

The fourth thing: “Less is more & take your time.” When I started, I rushed everything. I can say that it really pushed me forward and took me out of my comfort zone, but staying in creative focus mode 24/7 is not healthy. Eventually, it will burn you out. Taking time for other activities allows me to step away from work and photography, which in turn helps me stay creative and motivated.

Timo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Timo Keisala, a 26-year-old photographer from Tampere. I’ve always enjoyed doing creative things, and as a child, I loved drawing and woodworking. Drawing became an essential part of who I am—it allowed me to bring my imagination to life. I also watched a lot of movies growing up, and I still do as an adult. I find the color tones, camera angles and grainy textures of old films incredibly stylish and I believe this film-like, cinematic look is reflected in my own work.

At around 22, I was introduced to photography through a course at an institute. I got my first loaner camera, a Canon 600D and started experimenting with it. Even though at first, I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. Six months later, I bought my first camera, a Canon 6D Mark II, which I still use today. Around that time, I moved back in with my mother. While working, I kept practicing photography and found myself in a constant creative state. Time flew by as I focused on myself and I improved a lot. I started photographing my friends and cars, shot a music video, and also took engagement and christening photos.

As time passed, I eventually moved to Tampere. At first, I didn’t have a job, and although I applied to school, I wasn’t accepted. However, I quickly found new friends and models to collaborate with on creative projects. I truly believe that working with great models and having supportive friends has helped me grow as an artist and as a person. Without them and their encouragement, I don’t think I would be as good at what I do.

The reason I’ve reached this point is—I have always felt a deep need to create. I want to express my emotions and personal experiences through images, revealing the deeper, more artistic side of myself behind the camera. I struggle with writing, but photography allows me to tell my story and share who I truly am on a deeper level. My personal experiences have also shaped my creativity into what it is today, where emotion and storytelling play a central role. I feel that different colors bring a certain darkness and emotion to my photos, allowing viewers to interpret their meaning in their own way. I’ve also watched a lot of movies and music videos, constantly tried to learn new things and searched for ways to take my work to the next level. When doing photography, I’ve always wanted to create something unique and meaningful to me. I’ve taken traditional portraits and family photos, but they don’t inspire me—they only bring in money. That’s not how I want to express myself or share my art with others because, as a creative, I don’t feel any deeper connection or meaning in that work that much. As a creative, some people prefer to follow the rules of photography—but not me. I experiment with old or imperfect cameras, bringing my imagination to life. I don’t just take pictures, I create them.

Right now, I’m focusing painting and taking photos whenever I feel like it or when I come up with a new idea I want to try. I don’t care about Instagram numbers or fame. I just want to do my own thing and share it with others. Hopefully inspire people along the way.

I also do commercial projects, but not often. I’ve mainly focused on my own projects now.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I don’t have any specific goals at the moment, but in the future, I would love to work on film projects. Right now, I simply do different projects whenever I feel like it or when inspiration strikes.
My main focus now is to create more artistic and visually striking images by working with models and exploring different styles, looks, and colors to push creative boundaries.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the freedom to express myself and bring my ideas to life. I love the process of experimenting with different, colors, emotions and stories to create something unique. Seeing my work resonate with others and evoke emotions or inspiration is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also rewarding to grow as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: timokeisalaphotography