Kaisa Sirén
Kaisa Sirén discovered her passion for photography through her mother, who photographed and filmed the family’s life on Super 8 during Kaisa’s childhood. At the age of 15, while on holiday in the Canadian Rockies, Kaisa was able to try her mother’s camera. Having previously photographed with a Coca-Cola camera, she was then completely drawn into the world of photography.
Later, the family moved to Canada. While working on her school yearbook, the idea of pursuing further studies in photography became clear to Kaisa. Her path led to a university of applied sciences, where her own direction began to take shape.
“While studying in Canada, I quickly realized that studio work was not for me – photojournalism suited my temperament better.”
Where Work Becomes Art
Kaisa continued her photojournalism studies in Toronto. After completing her studies, she returned to her home region of Turku and began working as a staff photographer for Turun Sanomat. Soon, a work assignment took her to Rovaniemi, where she met her husband. Plans changed quickly, and a move to Lapland lay ahead.
“I worked for many years in my husband’s travel business as a guide and in sales and marketing. Then I remembered: I am a photographer.”
Kaisa returned to photography and now works as a freelancer. Alongside editorial and corporate photography, art has become an increasingly important part of her work. She runs the art gallery Villa Vinkkeli in Rovaniemi, which offers diverse art experiences – exhibitions, cultural and wellbeing events, as well as various courses.
In art photography, Kaisa is particularly known for her ICM technique (Intentional Camera Movement). In addition to her own artistic work, she teaches others and is one of the founding members of ICM Photo Academy. The Academy is an international learning environment for creative photography and offers self-study courses, mentoring, and portfolio reviews. In addition, Kaisa is a regular contributor for ICM Photography Magazine.
Kaisa has always been interested in nature and animals. She does not primarily see herself as a nature photographer, but rather as an artist who draws inspiration from nature.
“In nature, my temperament calms down. Nature offers experiences and a sense of connection that cannot be reached elsewhere.”
Learn more!
We are proud to share Kaisa’s ICM photography tips, available here.
Explore Kaisa’s ICM- photography collections
Kaisa Sirén, Villa Vinkkeli, ICM Photo Academy