Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ksu Koystinen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ksu, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
At the heart of all photography is emotional resonance. Regardless of the subject – be it a majestic mountain range, a wild animal in its natural habitat, or a person with a story to tell – the key to creativity lies in connecting emotionally with your subject. This involves being present in the moment, feeling the scene, and letting those emotions guide your perspective and approach. It’s about capturing not just an image but the moment’s essence. Observation is critical. It’s about seeing more than what’s in front of you.
You find unique moments and perspectives that breathe life into your photographs. It requires one to be meticulous and observant of even the tiniest details and find beauty in the mundane. Observing carefully lets you capture the essence of a moment, and your photographs become more than just images. They become stories that tell of a place, a time, and a feeling. You can find unique moments and perspectives others might overlook by honing your observational skills. These moments can breathe life into your photographs and make them stand out.
Photography is an extension of the photographer’s personality. You should work on personal projects regularly, driven purely by passions, not client requirements or market trends. It is in these projects that personal creativity feels most authentic and uninhibited. Rules are bent, conventions questioned, and through this exploration, creativity flourishes. I often find my most compelling work in the unexpected – a blurred motion, an unconventional angle.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My passion for photography and the arts was kindled in childhood, deeply rooted in a fascination with visual storytelling. As a child, I was captivated by drawing, paper modeling, and graphic design. Each medium was a stepping stone, shaping my understanding and appreciation of aesthetics and composition. They taught me about the balance, rhythm, and emotion that go into creating a visual narrative. Over the years, this journey has taken me through various aspects of photography. From the initial days of learning the technicalities of the camera to understanding the subtleties of light and shadow, every phase has been a learning experience. My approach to photography is deeply personal. It’s about seeing the world through my unique lens and sharing that perspective with others.
Based in the dynamic and culturally rich Washington DC metro area, I have dedicated over a decade to mastering the art of photography. What started as a passion-fueled hobby has transformed into a professional pursuit. Today, my focus is on continually exploring new horizons in photography, pushing the boundaries of my creativity, and capturing the world in ways that evoke emotion and provoke thought. It’s a journey that’s as much about self-discovery as artistic expression.
Regarding my brand, I’m embracing an artistic vision that I’ve been contemplating for quite some time. This new direction involves a deep dive into blending the gothic with the ethereal. My aim is to showcase the beauty inherent in contrasts.
This approach is more than just a stylistic choice; it reflects my belief that beauty often resides in the balance of opposites. The interplay between the dark, moody gothic elements and the light, airy, ethereal aspects creates a captivating visual dialogue. It’s a realm where stark contrasts coexist and complement each other, resulting in striking and harmonious imagery.
I believe this fusion not only sets my brand apart but also allows me to express a wider range of emotions and narratives through my photography. It’s about pushing the boundaries of conventional aesthetics and exploring a style that resonates with my artistic sensibilities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
During your artistic journey, the best advice I can give is to embrace your individuality and be true to yourself. Photography is a subjective art form, and your unique perspective sets your work apart. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your photos. There will be times when people need help understanding your viewpoint or the choices you make in your work, such as unusual angles or unconventional subjects. However, it’s crucial to remember that this often stems from their artistic preferences and perspectives. Art is diverse and subjective, and what resonates with one person might not with another. Stay committed to your vision and style. It’s okay to be different, to be unconventional. That’s often where the most memorable and impactful art comes from.
Remember that failure is an inevitable part of the creative process and a powerful learning tool. Don’t be afraid to fail; every mistake is a lesson that helps you grow and improve. Remember that some of the most innovative ideas come from trial and error.
Lastly, it’s important not to let the haters get you down. Criticism is a part of any creative field, but it’s essential to differentiate between constructive feedback and negativity. Stay true to your vision and goals, and let your passion and commitment to your craft drive your success. Keep pushing boundaries, keep experimenting, and keep capturing the world through your lens in your unique way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am particularly keen on collaborating with makeup artists, hair stylists, and clothing designers, especially those who bring an artistic, unconventional, or theatrical flair to their work. I envision working with makeup artists unafraid to experiment with bold, dramatic looks that challenge traditional beauty norms. Similarly, I’m interested in hair stylists who can create unique, avant-garde hairstyles that complement my photography’s gothic and whimsical themes. In addition, collaborating with clothing designers who specialize in theatrical or unconventional fashion is something I am very enthusiastic about. Designers who play with unusual textures, shapes, and themes and who can bring a sense of drama and storytelling to their creations would be ideal partners. Their work can add a significant layer of depth and intrigue to my photographs.
These collaborations are not just about adding elements to a photograph but about creating a visually stunning narrative. I’m looking for partners who are passionate about pushing creative boundaries and willing to explore the unorthodox.
If you’re a creative professional in these fields and my vision resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through my website, social media channels, or directly via email. Let’s come together to create something truly unique and spectacular.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ksukoystinen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksu_koystinen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KsuKoistinen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksu-koystinen
Image Credits
Photographer: Ksu Koystinen
