About Kulmakuvaamo & the photographer
Eveliina Halttu, the professional photographer
My journey to becoming a professional photographer and the owner of Kulmakuvaamo​​​
I’m originally from Kemi, but I moved to Oulu in the spring of 2022. After finishing comprehensive school, I pursued a double degree to become a photography artisan. The studies lasted four years, during that my passion for photography grew even stronger.
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I’ve had a camera in my hands since I was little. I used to write a blog where I took outfit photos with my friends and sisters and shared “my day” posts. Over the years, my photography hobby turned into a career that I love – and a key part of my identity. After graduating with my double degree, I started doing photography as a side business. Then, in the fall of 2020, I decided to apply for a Professional Photographer’s Qualification in Tornio. The program lasted a little over a year and a half, and I graduated in June 2022.
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After completing my studies, my thoughts about photography went through a big shift. This had already started during school, but it really hit me after graduation. I felt creatively drained, overly critical of my work – both in terms of style and technique – and I couldn’t fully focus on photography because of my other job. I experienced a kind of identity crisis, but looking back, I see it as an important part of my personal and professional growth.
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In the fall of 2022, I faced burnout due to my job at the time, which drained my energy. My free time was spent recovering from migraines and exhaustion, and I never really had proper days off because I was either photographing, editing, or simply resting. The following spring, I started finding a new job, hoping to find something in the creative field. That’s when I was directed to the START-UP business coaching program for young entrepreneurs.
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That program turned out to be more valuable than I could have ever imagined.
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If I had decided to skip filling out that one application on a Saturday evening in my tiny apartment, I wouldn’t be the owner of Kulmakuvaamo today.
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Long story short: My business coach at Oulu’s Uusyrityskeskus knew that Seija Leskelä was ready to sell her business and retire. So, we got the process started in the summer of 2023, and in October, I officially became the entrepreneur behind Kulmakuvaamo!
Me – as a person, a photographer, and a creative soul.
I would describe myself as joyful, empathetic, meticulous, and thoughtful. And of course, creative.​
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I want coming to a photoshoot with me to feel easy and natural and in front of my camera, you can be just the way you are.
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I want that you can trust me and my professionalism, no matter where you are in your life.
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I strive to make every photoshoot feel relaxed – while always respecting the nature of the moment.
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I want to take the pressure off you when it comes to the actual photography, so you can simply be present in the moment—knowing that you can relive it again and again through your images.
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I want you to find those small, fleeting, beautiful moments in your gallery—the ones you might not have even noticed at the time.
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What photographs hold inside them cannot be measured in money. The way an emotion can be captured and conveyed through an image is precious and unique. These moments will never come back. So, I promise to preserve them for you—turning passing moments into lasting memories. And I keep that promise every single time I step behind the camera.
I love colors, shadows, and light. These elements are at the heart of my photography style. Over the years, my style has naturally evolved, and now, even in the moment of taking a photo, I can already see in my mind exactly how that moment will look as a finished image.
I’m especially drawn to contrast and deep, moody tones, but at the same time, I adore softness, light, and earthy hues. A bit of rawness in a location is always a plus!
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I have a deep love for thrift stores, vintage clothing, old furniture, and stunning historic buildings that bear the marks of time.
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I seek beauty everywhere, and sometimes (read: often) I find it where others might not. That’s probably one of the greatest strengths of a photographer. Sometimes, the locations I choose for a photoshoot might seem odd—like places where you wouldn’t think a good photo could be taken.
But more often than not, the results surprise you!
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I’ve built my photography services on years of experience—starting small, charging way too little for my work, and gradually growing to the point where I can fully support myself through photography. I’ve experimented with different pricing models, and now, I feel that my current service structure not only serves you, my clients, in the best possible way but also works sustainably for me.
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If you’re looking for a photographer who is meticulous, professional, and uniquely creative—and if any of this resonates with you—I’m likely the right fit for you. <3 Let’s talk about your photography needs via email, message, or phone!
With love, Eveliina <3
Kulmakuvaamo – its history and the present
In the late 1960s, a photography studio was established under the Department of Pathology, later becoming an independent unit within the Faculty of Medicine in 1973. In 2015, it transitioned into the hands of Seija Leskelä, who took over as an entrepreneur. Starting in 1989, first as a university employee and later as a business owner, Leskelä photographed thousands of university events and dissertation defenses throughout her career. She also assisted in creating scientific posters and publications.
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Because of this, Kulmakuvaamo may be a familiar name to many, even from years ago! After decades of dedicated work, Seija Leskelä retired in October 2023, when I took over the business and stepped in as the new owner of Kulmakuvaamo.
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I have continued to offer many of the same services, including various photography sessions and printing services. At the same time, I have added my own photography offerings—ones I was already specializing in before joining Kulmakuvaamo—bringing a touch of my personal style into the studio. I have also created a brand-new visual identity and elevated Kulmakuvaamo to the next level! <3
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In the photo: the founder of Kulmakuvaamo, Seija Leskelä and me, Eveliina, Kulmakuvaamo's current owner!
