The pictures of this series are self portraits taken with automatic shooter. The idea was to make a session completely without planning. I didn’t choose the style, theme, had no idea about how its going to be, clothes were my usual everyday outfit. I wanted camera and chance to make all the work. Only thing that I did plan was that it had to be BW. I personally think that BW pictures are more «true» showing just necessary things, without confusing and taking one’s concentration with a colors.

So I went to the studio, made lights, got in front of a camera and suddenly felt in complete shock! I simply didn’t know what to do. Should I smile, or wince? How do I act now, do I have to act? Why do I feel this way now?

Even though I was alone, I felt extremely shy to be in front of a camera that just shoots and shoots whatever comes in front of it. I had a feeling that the camera is not just a machine. Looking into the lens made me feel like it has its own opinion and character, ideas about me, and shows me what I cannot see. It was not under my control after all, there were two of us.

Korjaamo Bar
Töölönkatu 51 b, Helsinki

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Wednesday–Thursday 5 pm–1 am
Friday–Saturday 5 pm–3 am