Kati Finell – a food photographer who combines many things she loves: she grows herbs and vegetables in her garden, is passionate about cooking and baking, and makes her own props. She then captures all of this for us in her beautiful images. Read our interview to get to know Kati Finell, what she loves about food photography and how she became a photographer.
Kati, why did you become a photographer?
I never intended to be a photographer. As a young girl I discovered my passion for sewing and pursued a career as a dressmaker. For years I ran my own tailoring studio, designing and making clothes for Finnish dancers. After that I had different jobs, but creativity always played an important role in my work.
How long have you been taking pictures, and do you remember what your first camera was?
I bought my first digital camera around 2000, but it wasn’t a DSLR yet. (In note: The term DSLR stands for “Digital Single-Lens Reflex” camera.) I started by capturing beautiful details in nature. A few years later I bought my first digital SLR, and eventually I sent my photos to a Finnish photo agency. I still remember the wonderful feeling of seeing my first photo published in a magazine – it was of a dog in a pharmacy magazine.
When and why did you specialize in food photography? What fascinates you about food photography?
Throughout my career as a photographer, I’ve done a little bit of everything: fashion, weddings, families, pets, sports, and more. I finally found my niche in food photography. As an introverted person, I enjoy working alone, and food photography perfectly combines the things I love in my daily life: I cook and bake everything I photograph, I grow herbs and vegetables for my shots, and I even make some of the props I use. I love playing with color and detail, and there is always something new to learn in food photography.
How would you describe your style and how do you work?
My style is pretty minimalist. I don’t usually plan too much in advance, but rather experiment with compositions during the shoot. I prefer small dishes to avoid waste, and usually the food I photograph is only enough for two people.
What is your favourite piece of equipment and why?
Definitely my studio flashes. While I love shooting with natural light, living in Finland makes that impossible during the dark winter months. So, I rely on studio flashes for my photography during those times.
Kati, who and what inspires you?
I really admire other talented photographers. They remind me how much there is to learn and how to grow as a photographer. Almost anything can inspire my photos: seasonal ingredients, harvest from my garden, new props, great recipes, and so on.
What do you do when you’re not photographing food?
You might find me sewing, knitting, gardening, or playing golf.
Where do you live?
I live with my husband next to Finland’s largest golf resort.
What do you like about it?
The summer in this area is very lively, but when the golf season is over, we hardly see our neighbours. I like the contrast between summer and winter. Also, this place is far from the cities, so we live in the middle of beautiful nature.
