“Camera is a tool for pausing in nature”

For outdoor photographer Harri Tarvainen, capturing the perfect photo is just one part of the experience of moving through nature. The best stories come from what happens before and after taking the picture.

Who: Harri Tarvainen, outdoor photographer, Art Director, and Halti ambassador from Oulu, Finland.

How he moves: On foot, skis and snowboard, preferably in the north. Often accompanied by Kaffe the dog.

Where to find him: On Instagram @harritarvainen and @kaffegram

You don't always have to go far to get an impressive nature photo.

Photographer Harri Tarvainen was taking an evening walk with his dog by the sea, carrying his camera as usual. The dog was running along the shoreline when Harri noticed a small swan feather on the wave-ruffled sand.

“The feather was insignificant and yet spectacular at the same time. This is the best thing about photography: I would have never noticed it without the camera,” Harri explains via remote connection in his home in Oulu, Northern Finland.

“There was the open sea next to me, but I focused on a small detail on the sand. The camera allows you to see wonderful things in the world.”

Harri is known for his photographs where majestic nature and the people moving in it are presented in an austere but impactful way. “Northern minimalism,” as he himself describes it.

“I keep discovering amazing things up here in the north. I used to think I had to travel to the other side of the world for great pictures, but for example, the frozen sea outside my door is one of the most exotic places I've ever camped and photographed in.”

Boarding led to photography

Harri got into photography through his hobbies. At the turn of the millennium, the young man somewhat accidentally became the dedicated photographer for his hometown’s skateboarding and snowboarding scene. The first photograph he sold was for a snowboarding magazine.

“Even though I studied photography as a minor at university, the snowboarding and skateboarding cultures have been my higher education for becoming a professional photographer,” he explains.

The fast and visual activities, from somewhere between sports and art, have shaped who Harri is as a photographer. He considers himself to be primarily an outdoor, not nature photographer. Nature is strongly present in his work, but the photos often feature people and movement.

While Harri also shoots commercial work in studios, he prefers photographing out and about. For example, shooting freeriding is a way to spend time in the fells and express himself artistically at the same time.

“The camera is a tool for pausing when I'm moving through nature. Freeriding is fast-paced and very physical: you climb up to the top of the fell, take out your gear and ride down. The camera allows me to stop and find interesting things in the environment.”

Photographing action sports at the mercy of weather comes with challenges. Every good photo requires a little bit of luck, and you cannot take the same photo twice in constantly changing conditions. The success of the shoot depends on careful preparation and adapting to the weather.

“Freeriding is, both physically and mentally, the most challenging activity to do and shoot. First you climb and then you might wait for the right weather window for hours. First, you’re sweating, and then you get really cold,” Harri explains.

“The right clothing determines your ability to function. When you climb up, you wear less clothing, and during breaks, you have to put on more clothes. Sometimes we've kept drone batteries warm inside our boxers,” he laughs.

Lessons from a dog

Suddenly, a black hairy head pops up at the bottom of the screen. Kaffe, the curly-coated retriever, wants attention from his master.

Ten-year-old Kaffe is Harri's trusted companion on outings – and to many a more recognizable figure on social media than his owner. Kaffe's Instagram profile features playful photos in stunning landscapes and has delighted tens of thousands of people worldwide.

Harri says that getting Kaffe inspired him to take more photos in his free time. Shooting the lively furball is also an excellent counterbalance to demanding client work.

“With the dog, it's OK to take bad photos. Kaffe is the kind of client who doesn't complain or get upset,” Harri laughs, scratching the dog's head affectionately.

Working with an animal is always a lesson in appreciating the moment. Once, on a trip to Kuusamo in the Northeastern part of Finland, Harri had envisioned a particular shot of the dog on top of the hill at sunset. Back at camp, after hours of hiking, he realized the photos didn't turn out as he had hoped.

“It didn't bother me at all. It was therapeutic to realize that spending time with my dog was the best part of the trip.”

Living an outdoorsy life with a dog can also lead to unforgettable mishaps. Once in Lofoten, Norway, after a long day of driving, Harri and his partner had finally erected their tent, as Kaffe showed up, having rolled around in feces. After Harri had finally managed to wash the dog in a nearby creek and gotten to bed, the soaking wet and stinking Kaffe’s sharp nails poked a hole in the air-filled mattress. Sleep was scarce that night.

“That’s when I learned that you mustn’t clip the dog’s nails just before starting the trip but give them time to round out,” he laughs.

Being outdoors is much more than just taking the perfect photo

Spending time outdoors and photographing nature has become a downright trend. Harri, who has become successful on social media, gives lectures, organizes photography trips and guides beginners in the world of outdoor photography.

He likes to emphasize that being in nature is much more than taking pictures. The success of the outing shouldn't depend on how good a photo you share on social media.

“The photo is just a part of the overall experience. The best stories often come from what happens before and after taking the picture,” he reflects.

Harri shares a story from a few years ago when he was photographing in the Easter borderlands of Finland. The photo of the swamp, tinted red by the rising sun, is impressive in itself, but what stuck with the photographer most was how he heard wolves howling in the distance while waiting for the perfect light.

“It was a wonderful moment. I was alone but I didn't feel scared or exposed at all.”

As a professional photographer, Harri has thought a lot about the responsibility and sustainability of being outdoors and taking photos. Beautiful shots on social media can inspire people to get outside, but they can add stress to nature as more and more people want to take their version of the popular shot.

“The coolest thing about photography is finding your own special places. That's why I've spent a lot of time photographing the sea near my home in the past years, it feels very special.”

Harri points out that getting good pictures doesn't have to mean travelling at all. Seeing the nearby nature with new eyes, even through the lens of a smartphone, can result in an impressive photo.

“The camera makes you a wonderer.”

Harri's tips for nature photography

Go outside with an open mind. The most important thing is to go out and take pictures. You don't always have to travel far to get a great shot; you can discover something new in the nearby forest. You don't have to worry about whether the pictures turn out well or whether you will publish them.

Think about the shot in advance. It's fun to plan ahead and visualize the photo you’re aiming for. It also helps you prepare for the trip: will you get cold while taking the photos, or do you need waterproof clothes?

Take lots of photos. When you take thirty photos instead of one, the chances of success increase. Try taking pictures of the subject from up close, farther away, and different angles.

Add movement with angles. If you're taking pictures of skiing or mountain biking, you can convey speed by using a low angle and a long exposure time. If the terrain looks flat, try shooting from the opposite slope; it emphasizes the steepness.

Visit the same place at different times. A familiar spot looks completely different at 2AM than it does at 2PM.

Harri's gear picks

"I spent most of the summer in the Pallas shorts! On hikes, swimming, in the city, and wherever. I think they look good, dry quickly, and are lightweight."

"The Kuru shoes surprised me! They look a bit like sneakers, but they are really comfortable and keep water out well. For a backpacking trip, I'd choose something with a stiffer sole, but for a day hike with a light pack, they're just right!"

"The Hiker Ventilated outfit was my summer favorite. Lightweight and breathable – I love how it's full of functional features but doesn't look overly technical. Timeless and natural! Now in the fall, I've been using the Hiker II DrymaxX shell jacket a lot; it's really good for cooler weather. Just keep in mind that since it's a shell, it does trap more heat compared to some non-waterproof models."