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A modern master of photography – Salla Seeslahti shapes the future of the industry
In the hands of photographer Salla Seeslahti, moments turn into stories. Her photographs go beyond capturing memories – they convey emotions and tell timeless stories.
- Photography is, above all, about connecting with people and telling their stories. Every client brings a unique story, and my role is to capture and reflect that through my photographs.
At her photography studios in Polvijärvi and Joensuu, Salla offers a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses. She captures life’s most significant and touching moments through her portraits, from baby and family photos to graduation, wedding, celebrations, and memorial photography. For businesses, Salla provides comprehensive photography solutions, including staff portraits, brand image libraries, and storytelling-driven product and marketing images. Her services also extend to environmental, corporate, and project photography, each carefully planned to reflect the client’s goals and values.
Salla emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in her work. With her business clients, she delves into their stories and visions to ensure the final images enhance their brand and deliver the intended message:
- Photographs need to communicate what makes a company unique. They’re more than just images – they are powerful messages that evoke emotions and strengthen a brand, Salla emphasizes.
Entrepreneurship: freedom, responsibility, and a way of life
Before discovering her true calling behind the camera, Salla began her entrepreneurial journey as a K-market retailer in Kontiolahti and as a subcontractor in the logistics industry. These experiences laid a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial skills, but it was photography that ignited her passion. In 2015, Salla transitioned to professional photography, and in 2022, she opened her first photography studio in Polvijärvi. Just a year later, she expanded her business to Joensuu, taking over the premises of the former KK-kuva studio.
- The Joensuu studio enables us to serve a broader customer base and was a natural step for growth, Salla shares.
As her business grew, Salla welcomed her sister, Katja Seeslahti, to the team. Katja manages the day-to-day operations of the Joensuu studio, such as passport photos, printing services, and customer service. This support allows Salla to dedicate more time to photography, honing her skills, and advancing her vision for the business.
- Entrepreneurship has always felt like the right path for me. It offers freedom but also responsibility, and every day is an opportunity to grow as a person and a professional, find solutions, and learn something new, Salla reflects.
For Salla, entrepreneurship is more than just business – it’s a way of life where creativity, continuous learning, and freedom come together.
- In photography, self-employment is almost the only option, but entrepreneurship allows you to create something entirely your own. It’s challenging, but it also provides the freedom to shape your daily life and make your work truly meaningful, she sums up.
Salla is a member of the Finnish Professional Photographers Association and is currently pursuing a professional qualification at the Visual Communication Institute in Tampere. In December 2024, she undertook a significant project as the still photographer for the upcoming Inttikomedia TV series, set to premiere on Yle Areena in May 2025.
Support for growth through Business Joensuu
Salla has extensively utilized Business Joensuu’s services to develop her business.
- I participated in the startup coaching program for new entrepreneurs in Joensuu in late 2021 and early 2022. It gave me valuable tools for running my business, particularly for initiating marketing on my own. Later, as planned, I outsourced marketing, Salla explains.
Since then, she has also taken part in several programs, including the V!rtaa group coaching program for small entrepreneurs in Polvijärvi, which offered practical guidance on creating a growth plan and peer support from fellow entrepreneurs. Through the DigiGrow program, Salla improved her digital presence and visibility. Currently, she is involved in the !nnoo service development coaching program, focusing on developing and productizing new services for the market.
- I want to learn how to turn an idea into a new service and explore how photography services can evolve to meet market needs, particularly in the context of physical studios. I’m interested in finding ways to inspire clients to use studio spaces and digital services and to expand the role of photography in home decor and preserving memories. It’s essential to understand what clients expect from photography as a service, Salla shares.
She also credits business advisor Juha Saastamoinen for assisting with Leader funding applications, which have enabled her to secure development and investment funding for acquiring new equipment.
The free business services have been invaluable to Salla:
- The coaching programs have been incredibly fruitful – they’ve given me new perspectives, practical tools, and valuable peer support from other entrepreneurs. It’s empowering to meet other entrepreneurs and realize you’re not alone on this journey. Plus, I can always call Business Joensuu for help, no matter the issue, and they guide me in the right direction, Salla says with gratitude.
Looking ahead: growth, employment, and international recognition
Salla’s vision is to build a modern, top-tier portrait photography studio in Finland, bringing personal and storytelling photography into the everyday lives of individuals and businesses. She is committed to enhancing memorable photography experiences at her studios, developing digital services and e-commerce, and introducing innovative service concepts.
Internationally, Salla has already received significant recognition. In the summer 2023, she became the first photographer in North Karelia to earn the prestigious QEP (Qualified European Photographer) designation. Her next goal is to achieve the MQEP title (Master of Qualified European Photographer), which would open doors to judging opportunities and allow her to share her expertise on an international level.
- In the future, I want to focus more on being an entrepreneur than a photographer – to grow my business, create jobs, and build a community-driven brand. Through collaboration and networks, we can advance the industry and bring new services to clients. Photography is, above all, about connecting with people, and I want that to shine through in everything we do, Salla envisions..
Learn more and explore Salla’s services:
sallaseeslahti.com, +358 50 5492 943, asiakaspalvelu@sallaseeslahti.com
Text: Tanja Immonen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Salla Seeslahti