10 Questions: Jere Satamo

Sometimes our featured photographers sneak a few surprises into their submissions. This week, Finnish based wedding photographer Jere Satamo submitted an amazing REAL FILM double exposure (he assured me it was a test shot - well I’d like to see non-test ones) as well as shots of his two 2 iggies (which is a nickname for Italian greyhounds) who live happily with the Satamos in Turku. In Turku Jere photographs weddings, people in love, and just people. Jere is a strong advocate of not being a party pooper - and we think this must be a general Finnish characteristic. They have a unique sense of humour for one thing. Read on to find out more!

1. What is making images mean to you?

Photography to me is to capture unforgettable moments for people. I seek to have my clients re-live those unique moments again through my pictures.

2. What is life to you? What it should be?

In short, life means to me caring, happiness and enjoying what we are doing. I´ve noticed that (especially Finnish) people are pretty much always feeling sad or jealous if someone succeeds or something really good happens to another person. We should be happy for them and enjoy life ourselves as well. Life is not so long a journey, so let's enjoy it - and don’t be a party pooper if someone else is doing well.

3. Where did you grow up and how did that play a part in your photography?

I grew up in northern Finland, in a city called Oulu. Usually a very windy and freezingly cold city, but the people are warm and social. I spent my first 20yrs there and the only photography related stuff available was a photography course in high school. It was pretty cool though. We developed the films ourselves and I still can feel the moments waiting for the end results. It was like Christmas.

4. There are a lot of professions out there - why be a photographer?

Why not be a photographer? I know a lot of people doing photography as their second job or as a serious hobby. Today technical levels are so advanced and entry-level dslr´s perform really well. If you dare to spend a little more time on it, you will get your money back, I don’t mean it literally but with experiences and by exceeding your expectations. The competition is hard, but don’t lie down and cry because of better competitors. Observing competitors and other photographers is a good way to improve your strategy and way of working. Although I have to admit I´ve been very lazy following colleagues or photographers overall.

5. Do you have a “second profession” or passion?

Yes. Back in the day we went hiking and fishing with my family and my friends, many times a year. I’ve completely forgotten these things now having moved from Oulu to Turku (from North to South). Still inside me, there lives one small fly fisherman who wants to go hike and explore beautiful scapes and nature. I´ve decided that when my children are an appropriate age, I will give them the same opportunities.

6. What movie did you love recently?

This is hard one! Birdman…The Grand Hotel Budapest…Birdman…The Grand Hotel Budapest…dammit, BIRDMAN!

7. Do you shoot with your left or right eye?

Left, but I have thought that I should learn to shoot with my right eye as well =)

8. Are there any unseen experimental images in your attic you’d like to show us now?

Hmm, how about my double exposure test shot with my Lomo LC-A 8yrs ago? It´s actually not looks-like-film, it´s pure looks-film ;)

9. Who do you respect - in photography or elsewhere?

If I need to choose someone, I´m going to choose my wife. First of all, she is the perfect mother for our children. Her attitude and respect towards life has also affected to my photography and way of thinking, giving respect to all humans and taking care of others.

10. If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Why?

I would´t concentrate so much on equipment and technologies. It doesn't matter which lens or camera it is, the best camera is the camera that is with you when you need it. The other thing that I would change is in me. I should have been saying ’no’ in certain situations. Especially when my career started, I took in all the gigs and challenged myself. I managed to accomplish almost everything, but still, I should have spent more time with my family and people around me.

Bonus Q: Do you think the gear you use affects the way you photograph? Why? 

As I said above, it doesn´t affect me so much. Of course your gear needs to be reliable and familiar to work with. Still, it doesn’t matter if there occurs CA or other s**t that every other photographer is able to see. Clients won´t even notice if there is a fly on your sensor. Nowadays I shoot a lot to film and that makes me feel good. We all know that the digital revolution has made indiscriminate shooting possible and we can just shut our eyes and let the burst begin. Shooting film, makes me still concentrate more and give that extra something ;)

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