TAHDON

In 2014, I was commissioned by Image magazine to create a portrait series for the Tahdon campaign supporting equal marriage rights in Finland.

Rather than traditional portraits, I approached each image as a cinematic scene. Working closely with the participants, I selected locations that resonated with their lives, ideas and the broader themes of the campaign, using place as an active element of the narrative.

The opening photograph brings together astronomer and writer Esko Valtaoja and scholar of Arabic and Islamic studies Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila in Helsinki's Senate Square. Chosen for its historical role as a center of political, religious, scientific and civic life, the square becomes a symbolic meeting place for dialogue, knowledge and social change.

Created during a pivotal moment in Finland's social history, the series documents individuals who chose to publicly support a more equal and inclusive society.

Participants include Anna Abreu, Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila, Paavo Arhinmäki, Saimi Hoyer, Elias Koskimies, Niina Kurkinen, Minna Parikka, Anna Puu, Ninja Sarasalo, Seela Sella, Laila Snellman, Jani Toivola, Esko Valtaoja, Tiia Vanhatapio and Maria Veitola.