Photoshoot + Interview: 'Ida V' by Astrid Mannerkoski
This stunning photoshoot by Astrid Mannerkoski features aspiring young actress and singer Ida Vakkuri.
Shot in a playground the photographer used to visit as a child (and which she calls the Pirate Bay), you'd be forgiven for actually thinking that these images took place in an enchanted woodland.
We also have an inspiring interview with the Finland-based photographer and you'll find her insightful answers sprinkled among the following images. Enjoy!
Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?
A: My love for photography first blossomed when I was 14 years old and got my first DSLR. I had been borrowing my father's camera constantly, and he decided it was about time I stopped borrowing and had me buy my very own camera. I started asking my friends to model for me, and together we created characters and stories. I'm born in the countryside, and one of my favourite things when starting up photography, was to go roam in the woods and fields, and just photograph what ever came across.
Q: What inspires your creativity the most?
A: People. I love to photograph people. I love the emotions, the beauty, the stories. To capture someone as their selves in a photograph. I also get inspired everyday, by small glimpses of light and life. Sometimes all it needs to get inspired is just a small ray of light.
Q: Please tell us a little more about the experience you had planning and capturing this beautiful series?
A: I had the pleasure of photographing Ida's promo shots, and was eager to photograph more of her. Near the place I grew up is this place which when we were kids we used to call the Pirate Bay, and I had the idea of photographing a girl in the river. I had cherry blossoms in my mind, but as we left for the shoot we realized the cherries had already blossomed, but thankfully apple trees were still at full blossom. We harvested some apple tree blossoms and made our way trough stinging nettle, and finally arrived at our secret hiding place.
We had tons of fun shooting the pictures. I had no assistant, so it was pretty interesting to work standing in the river. Although the water was super cold, I got sucked in to photographing and forgot about the freezing water. The one picture where Ida had her head in the water was especially tricky to take: The water froze her head, and I only had about 20 seconds to take the picture.
Q: What does an average day in the life of Astrid look like?
A: I am a full-time photographer, and I mostly shoot weddings and portraits, so I do most of my "work" on the weekends, which leaves me the whole week to edit pictures, meet clients, and enjoy life. On an average day when I am not shooting, I do some editing, trek with my dog, drink a lot of green tea and spend time with my boyfriend and friends.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your photography career in the not-too-distant future; do you have any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I have a work-schedule booked full until December, and in January I start a few months vacation which I hope to spend abroad photographing my own projects and meeting new people. Just me and my camera, and the whole world ahead!
We want to thank Astrid for taking the time to answer our interview questions and we encourage you to check out more of her stunning work by visiting her website and following along on Facebook. You can also check out model / actress / singer Ida's website here. Enjoy!