Photographers Paulina Rökman and Tapio Kekkonen, who have lived in Hanko since childhood, know its bays, cliffs, beaches, and boulevards. Hanko provides a unique setting for photography. The compelling proximity of the sea and the power of nature are incredible to capture in images. Hanko’s natural environment also inspires and helps sustain daily life.
Photographs capture atmosphere – they live on for future generations. Both Paulina Rökman and Tapio Kekkonen are photographers from Hanko. They know the town and its people intimately. Both describe Hanko as an inspiring place to live and to make a living through photography.
“My red thread is actually a blue one – the stunning blue of Hanko’s sky and sea,” Paulina sums up. Following in her father’s footsteps, she has walked the beautiful sand dunes of Hanko since she was a little girl. Today, she lives in her dream location in Hanko with her own family. “I specialize especially in portrait photography by the sea,” Paulina explains. The sea shines through her images in magnificent colors – she is a master at capturing mood and atmosphere in her work.
Tapio Kekkonen has always photographed alongside his other work. For him as well, Hanko has been home since birth.
“I’ve had the chance to travel to many places around the world, but nothing beats Hanko,” he says. Tapio began seeing Hanko through a camera lens at the age of seven. “I started with analog technology – using a borrowed camera. Over five decades, we’ve taken a huge leap into today’s digital world.” Tapio has held several photography exhibitions in Hanko. “I enjoy working with large-scale images. Hanko is exactly the right place to showcase big photographic surfaces.”Although the seasons change, Hanko’s unique light seems to remain.
“I’ve photographed much of Hanko’s vibrant cultural life, both indoors and outdoors. Especially outdoors, the images always seem to capture a kind of magical light,” Tapio reflects.
Paulina sums up the importance of the setting:“No matter how busy or stressful the day has been, once I reach the shore to photograph, my breathing and my mind calm down. In that moment, you realize how fortunate you are.” The Hanko mindset and environment form a perfect combination for celebrating different art forms. It’s something you never get tired of – no matter which side of the camera lens you are on.
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