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. 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 a nature enthusiast since I was a little boy. At first, I just wandered in nature and wondered about everything. I had my bird book and notebook with me, and I wrote everything down and sketched drawings of what I saw. I read tons of books and watched documentaries on TV. I was and still am hungry for knowledge, and I have come to realize that I know barely anything. But I’m more than happy to learn more.
Nature is home to me. A place to calm down and soothe my nerves. I can’t go without being in nature on a 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 awaken from their hibernation and the migratory birds return. It’s an awesome time. In the summer, animals have their offspring, providing something new to photograph. Autumn is full of colors and atmospheric tones. Winter is mostly cold, dark, and quiet, but we still have wintering birds and other wildlife. Bird feeders are perfect for bird watching, and the snowy landscapes are incredibly beautiful. Winter is also the time for 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 ”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
Education and Learning
The Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts took me under its wing and taught me multimedia between 2008 and 2012. There, I also learned more about photography and image processing. Quite a lot, actually. The camera’s automatic settings were forgotten immediately, and my photos increasingly started to look exactly the way I wanted. I graduated a bit ahead of schedule and received my Bachelor of Culture and Arts degree.
Since graduation, I have engaged in self-study and practiced enthusiastically at an accelerating pace. I gather information from books, magazines, websites, YouTube, and most recently from lectures organized by Tampereen Valokuvausseura ry (Tampere Photographic Society). I joined the society in the autumn of 2023 and haven’t regretted it for a day. I also joined the society’s nature photography group and have participated in their photography excursions. Later, I became one of the leaders of the nature group and eventually its coordinator. I also joined the portrait group and the exhibition photographers’ group – my appetite for learning continues to grow.
History and gear
I think I have loved photography ever since I saw my first photo. Once I got my hands on a camera, I never looked back. I started nature photography more seriously in 2008 when I got my first DSLR. It was a Canon 450D (also known as the Digital Rebel XSi or Kiss X2 Digital). It came with an 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 a Tamron 70-300 mm telephoto lens, and I was excited about the reach. It was not the best you could get, but more than 55 mm for sure. As my skills and needs grew, I wanted to upgrade my gear again. I bought a Canon 7D Mk II in 2016. That was an awesome camera for me at the time, and it remained so for years. In 2020, it was time to upgrade my lens again, and I tested several lenses before deciding to buy the Tamron 150-600 mm G2 lens. The world really got closer to me. I was exhilarated! That combo has been truly amazing for the price. In 2023, I got my first full-frame camera. That was and is the Canon R6 Mk II. What an amazing camera! I have been truly amazed by what a camera can do! As a second body, I briefly had a Canon 6D Mark II, but I upgraded it to a Canon R in the autumn of 2025. Usually, I have a Canon 24-105 mm lens attached to it to shoot general photos, landscapes, close-ups, and mood photos, while the Tamron 150-600 mm G2 is on my main body, the Canon R6 Mark II.
If you want to follow my work on Social Media, check my links on the Contact page.
