Metsähallitus brand photography

We photographed Metsähallitus brand images in sweltering Vallisaari, Nuuksio and Loviisa. Hybrid production, where we shoot stills and video simultaneously, got its first real test at the same time.

We considered hybrid production already when planning the shoots. We thought about how to interweave the photographers' work so that production flows smoothly and models are comfortable. Everything went better than well.

Katri Lehtola shot stills and Mikko Törmänen shot video of the same subjects.

"We noticed it's a functional and cost-effective way to shoot for the client. Since then, we've done other hybrid productions where we've shot video clips alongside still images," Mikko says.

The number one benefits of hybrid production are that our client gets unified images and videos to use, and a separate video shoot day doesn't need to be organized. Metsähallitus people can in the future pick short videos from their video library for brand materials, company presentations or social media, for example.

Before the shoots, we had already worked diligently with Metsähallitus on image concept development, visual literacy training and media bank acquisition. The collaboration's goal has been strategic visual partnership from the start. 

Among the models in Metsähallitus summer shoots, you could spot several brave Metsähallitus employees. Many were on-site at the photo production portraying themselves — or at least representing their profession.

"The shoots included, among others, a Metsähallitus forest worker, forestry expert, summer employees and summer employee supervisors. We photographed authentic situations where, for example, summer employees were being introduced to their work," Katri says.

The shoot day got heat and sweaty foreheads. That fit the Metsähallitus image concept perfectly.

"We wanted to photograph authentic-looking work. If we're just pretending to fell a tree or sharpen a chainsaw blade, the images can contain informational errors. When there's a forest worker on-site, the job gets done as it's actually done. Just anyone might not even manage to be in heavy gear all day in the heat, unless they're used to it," Katri notes.

"The Metsähallitus people left a bubbly and joyful feeling. Unpretentious people," Mikko adds.

We always select a production team for our photo shoots that best serves our client's needs. We carefully plan the production and shoot day flow in advance, and our producer ensures things run as we've agreed.

The Metsähallitus photo production had two photographers who complemented each other.

"I really love photo production days when things are done together as a team," Mikko reflects.

The photographers worked together on a post-processing approach that followed the created image concept and fit the Metsähallitus brand.

"Mikko's images usually have really saturated colors. Mikko reduced saturation and I raised it a bit. This way we got the drone images and ground-shot stills to be unified," Katri explains.

Drone photography is Oulu-based Mikko Törmänen's special talent.

"You don't always have to raise the drone to a hundred meters. For example, I shot a Metsähallitus forestry expert in the middle of the forest from less than ten meters, below the tree canopy. You could call it squirrel perspective. That way you get a slightly different camera angle and visual impact for still images."

How can you focus on shooting while dodging trees?

"I'm quite skilled at it, I've flown the drone a lot. It just requires practice," Mikko says.

In addition to brand photography, we organized portrait sessions for Metsähallitus board and management team, photographed by Mikael Ahlfors.

"The shoot arrangements went smoothly through Keksi's own project tool, Luutu, and Keksi took our wishes into account. The shoot day went as planned. The photography, photographer and assistant all received great feedback," says Hanna Kelola-Mäkeläinen, Metsähallitus Sustainability Expert.

Hanna was also one of the models in the summer shoots herself.

"The day was intensive, but fun. It was interesting to experience the shoots and see the result later. I had no previous experience being photographed, so the shoot required commitment. The photography team and photographer were relaxed, and the atmosphere was pleasant," Hanna says.

"Many felt being a model was an exciting new thing, but jumped in with open minds. Other models were found from Keksi's model bank. It was a smooth arrangement," adds Aino Ilkka, Metsähallitus Communications Officer.

According to Aino, Metsähallitus people clearly felt confident because they were able to commit to the shoot situation.

"They were only asked to come as themselves. It's good that we got Metsähallitus people specifically as models. Who else could even act as a forest worker model than a forest worker themselves?"