Kaisa Sirén: Letting Go of Control in Creative Photography
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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson speaks with Kaisa Sirén, a photographic artist from Finnish Lapland, whose work is rooted in intentional camera movement (ICM). With a background in photojournalism, Kaisa shares how she moved away from traditional documentary work to embrace abstract photography, allowing herself the freedom to explore emotion, movement and mood.
Based inside the Arctic Circle, Kaisa draws inspiration from Lapland’s eight seasons and the unique quality of light each one brings. She reveals why the polar night is her favourite time to shoot and how nature’s changes guide her creative process.
Kaisa also discusses her journey from experimenting with ICM on a foggy trip to Iceland to becoming a full-time artist, teacher and gallery owner. Her work encourages photographers to let go of control, embrace surprise and allow creativity to lead.
Angela and Kaisa talk about the challenges photographers face when learning ICM, why processing matters, and how to build confidence when showing your work. With warmth and honesty, Kaisa shares her experiences of exhibiting internationally, opening her own gallery, and balancing freelance photojournalism with artistic expression.
Whether you’re curious about ICM, looking to grow as a photographer or simply seeking creative motivation, this episode is filled with insight and inspiration from a life shaped by light, landscape and artistic freedom.
Takeaways
- Letting go of technical perfection can open the door to genuine creative expression.
- Abstract photography encourages personal storytelling beyond literal images.
- Nature, seasons and light are powerful sources of creative inspiration.
- Building confidence is essential when exhibiting or presenting your work.
- Experimentation and play are key when learning new photography techniques.
- Managing creative energy means learning to say no to projects that don’t align.
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- 0:00Introduction
- 0:57Background in Photojournalism and Creative Work
- 2:52Why intentional camera movement (ICM)?
- 7:06How non-photographers respond to ICM
- 8:32How Lapland’s eight seasons inspire Kaisa’s photography
- 11:53Working as a freelance photojournalist in Lapland
- 13:22Common challenges when learning ICM
- 15:31The role of post-processing in ICM photography
- 17:20Opening her own gallery by accident
- 19:59Tips for planning your first photography exhibition
- 24:28Six from SheClicks: How Kaisa balances her creative life
- 32:44Favourite subjects for ICM photography
- 35:41What makes a strong ICM image?
- 40:26Final thoughts