Petri Damstén is the first photographer to achieve the NFFF distinction NSMiF/d3. It is our great honour to present this inspiring photographer and tell you about his motivation and work methods. Please enjoy!
From code to camera
Petri Damstén is a 55-year-old photographer from Kuopio in eastern Finland, originally born in the small town of Lieksa.
After a long career as a software engineer, Damstén retired in 2009 due to mental health issues. Then, he discovered photography—a medium that would become both a creative outlet and a form of therapy.
For Damstén, photography is more than just a hobby; it’s his primary way of expressing himself artistically:
— I guess one could say photography is the only way I express myself artistically, he says, though it also includes prop making, miniature building, web design, photo editing, and more.
His work reflects a deep personal drive, where art becomes a method of self-discovery and emotional healing.
(click to view images below in full: )
Crafting mood and meaning
Damstén’s photographic style is dark, moody, surreal, and conceptual. He focuses on creating art projects with strong narratives or emotional resonance.
— I aim to create a story or evoke a strong feeling in my images, Petri explains.
(click to view images below in full: )
(click to view images below in full: )
Working alone, inspired by many
Though he tends to work alone — a natural fit for his introverted personality — Damstén appreciates the occasional collaboration with other photographers, seeing it as a chance to learn and grow.
— Inspiration can come from anywhere: song lyrics, movies, paintings, or even a simple walk in the woods, Petri explains. — Other photographers inspire me too, but I find photo books far more valuable than any online sources.
Influences and ongoing ambitions
When asked if there are any photographers he would mention as an influence or a potential collaborator, Damstén lists Juha Arvid Helminen, Brooke Shaden, Joel Grimes, and Eugenio Recuenco:
— They all have a unique style and mood, with powerful storytelling in their images that resonates with me. I’m not sure if I’d be too nervous to collaborate with big names, but observing their process would at least be interesting.
Damstén mainly shares his images on his blog, petridamsten.com, where he usually also shares behind-the-scenes material, such as lighting setups and editing processes.
— I should try to do more exhibitions, as I believe they’re the best way to showcase your work.
But most of all, Damstén’s goal is to keep creating the dark art he loves — and to keep learning, growing, and pushing his creative boundaries.
See more of his images here on nordic.photo:
