About Samu Aaramaa Photography – Nature as a Way of Life
Welcome to my world of Nordic nature. I am Samu Aaramaa, a Finnish nature photographer based in Tampere, with roots in the rugged plains of Kauhava. So, I was born in 1982 in Kauhava, South Ostrobothnia, Finland.
For me, photography is more than a technical pursuit or a hobby—it is a lifestyle and a profound way to connect with the world around us. I often describe nature as ”medicine without a pill,” a place to slow down, find focus, and discover meaning in the quiet moments of everyday life.
I have been nature enthusiast since a little boy. First I just wandered in nature and wondered everything. I had my bird book and notebook with me and I wrote everything down and drew drawings of what I saw. I read tons of books and watched documentaries from TV. I was and still am hungry for knowledge and I have come to learn that I know barely nothing. But I’m more than happy to learn more.
Nature is home to me. Place to calm down and sooth my neves. I can’t go without being in nature in regular basis. I just need it, literally.
I love the four seasons we have. All of them. There is always something beautiful in our nature. Spring is the time when nature wakes up and it’s a busy season for wildlife photographers here, as the animals wake up from their hibernation and all the birds migrate here. It’s awesome time. In the summer, the animals have offspring and there is something to photograph again. Autumn is full of colors and atmospheric tones. Winter is mostly cold, dark and quiet, but we still have wintering birds and other wildlife. The bird feeders are perfect for bird watching and the snowy landscapes are incredibly beautiful. Winter is also the time of the starry sky and the northern lights. What’s not to like about the four seasons?
A Visual Journey Through the North
My gallery is a tribute to the diversity of the Finnish wilderness. My work spans several categories, reflecting my passion for every element of the ecosystem:
- Birds & Mammals: From the majestic white-tailed eagle to the daily lives of forest dwellers, I capture animals in their natural habitats, always maintaining a respectful distance.
- Landscapes & Flora: I am drawn to minimalist beauty—mist, ice, and the soft light that transforms a familiar shore into a work of art.
- Macro Photography: My macro work explores the intricate details of insects and plants, revealing a hidden world that often goes unnoticed.
More Than Just Images: The Blog
Through my blog, I aim to provide value to fellow nature enthusiasts and photographers. I dive deep into the heart of the craft:
- Ethics First: I advocate for ethical nature photography, sharing insights on how to document wildlife and landscapes without causing disturbance. For me, the welfare of nature always comes before the shot.
- Gear & Field Tests: I put equipment to the test in real-world conditions—whether it’s the benefits of using a gimbal, tips for capturing the aurora borealis, or how to read the weather for the perfect sunset.
- Well-being: I openly discuss the mental health benefits of birdwatching and being outdoors, analyzing even the costs and rewards of winter bird feeding in relation to the peace of mind it brings.
The Pursuit of Stillness
My work is driven by a desire to understand nature more deeply. In a world where many give up when faced with challenges, I find inspiration in the ”Finnish sisu”—the resilience to embrace the frost and the early mornings to witness nature at its finest.
I believe that a photograph is the most powerful way to communicate the fragility and beauty of our environment. My goal is to inspire you to pause, appreciate, and above all, protect the unique nature we share.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
As a photographer
I have loved photography, I think, since I saw first photo. When I got my hands on camera I never turned back. I started nature photography more ”seriously” in 2008 when I got my first DLSR. It was Canon 450D or Digital Rebel XSi / Kiss X2 Digital. It came with 18-55 mm kit lens and I just had to cope with it. It was good for portraits, landscapes and macro/close ups though. But I wanted more. In 2012 I bought Tamron 70-300 mm telephoto lens and I was excited about the reach. It was not the best you can get, but more than 55 mm for sure. My skills and needs grew and I wanted update my gear again. I bought Canon 7D MK II in 2016. That was awesome camera for me at the time being and it was that for years. In 2020 it was time to upgrade lens again and I tested several lenses before I decided to buy Tamron 150-600 mm G2 lens. World really got closer to me. I was exhilarated! That combo have been really amazing for the price. In 2023 I got my first full frame camera. That was/is Canon R6 MK II. What an amazing camera! I have been truly amazed what camera can do! As a second body I had briefly Canon 6D Mark II, but I upgrgraded it to Canon R in autumn 2025. Usually I have Canon 24-105 mm lens attached to it to shoot general photos, landscapes, close ups and mood photos as the Tamron 150-600 mm G2 is on my main body Canon R6 Mark II.
If you want to follow my work on Social Media, check my links on Contact page.
