We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ninni West. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ninni below.
Ninni, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
For the longest time I used to live and aim for success just to show the people who didn’t believe in me. I was going to “make it” out of spite. My mother was very young when I was born and she did a great job raising me. My family has been always super supportive for my hobbies and career, but the people outside our family have had their doubts. Without ever even knowing me.
I’ve been lucky for having a good support system around me and also having the Finnish sisu helps. If I wanted something I worked for it.
I am only 33-years-old and have already reached more goals than I ever imagined; I am married with kids, have my dream dog, own business and my own home in Helsinki. Now I can focus on living for myself and not for others expectations.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Finnish photographer based in Helsinki. I focus on b2b sales; marketing photos, staff portraits and my own creative work. My specialities are colourful and cheerful studio sets, imaginative styling and relaxed atmosphere. In my photoshoots everyone can be themselves and have a relaxed feeling. I believe there are only photogenic people!
Just now I finished a portrait series of Finnish people who dress up in Japanese street fashion from Harajuku. I wanted to pay omage to the Japanese FRUITS-magazine and the long tradition of rebellious Harajuku spirit. I’ve been dressing in J-fashion for 20 years myself and found it weird that no-one had documented the phenomenon before.
The images are for show in Museo Leikki in Espoo until 2026. I plan on continuing the project but now I need a small break from it.
I am also starting a new business since one isn’t enough; I want to bring Finnish photo books and publications for international audiences. The business is still in the works but I am so excited about it!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Do what you want and believe in your own vision. Be realistic but not pessimistic. Follow your dreams but take into consideration the realities of the world; financial, logistical and your own energy. You can have many things but not everything at the same time. Not everyone starts with the same cards in their hand, unfortunately. You have to work around your own circumstances.
Ask for help, get to know people, talk and be open. The people who have helped me the most have not been necessarily on the same field as I am. Don’t be a dick, that gets you nowhere. But take no bullshit and don’t let people walk over you.
Give yourself deadlines. Being a self employed person is a lot for time managing for yourself. Keep your eyes on your goals.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
After having my son and returning back to work I have learned to believe in myself more. I also trust that I have enough skills to sustain my business and get clients. I have also let go some of the limiting believes; For some time I thought I could not do video or projects about my own interests. I started leaning more into my personal passions and subjects that felt important to me personally. Not some grand ideas what SHOULD be photographed.
Before I thought only some “important” political issues, hardships or conflicts deserved to be photographed. But I want to also show the happy things people do. Their passions. Like the J-fashion documentary. It sparked so much joy in me and the models gave such wonderful feedback. They felt seen and that their passion was worth documenting. It moves me to tears. I can finally give something back for that community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ninniwest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninniwestphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninniwest/
Image Credits
Ninni West
