Jesse
Laitinen
Originally from the South coast of Finland, Jesse Laitinen is a London-based photographer and director who has worked with some of the most notable brands and editorial outlets in the world. His unique ability to capture the individuality and personality of each model gives his photographs a distinct diversity and dynamism. While he hasn’t been able to hold shoots during quarantine, he is taking things in stride by exercising, cooking light and embracing the change.
Staying healthy and positive
Photographer
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Jesse on the rooftop
Tell us a bit about yourself
14 MAY 2020 My name is Jesse Laitinen. I was born and raised in Finland in a small town called Karis. At the moment I live in London. This September it will be 6 years—damn time flies! Before that I lived in Stockholm for 6 years. I’m a freelance photographer and director, and I’ve been doing that for the past 6 or 7 years now.
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Unpolished Magazine cover story
Credits: Samia Giobellina, Jenny Jansson,
Sanni Syd, Charlotte Tomas
How have the last few weeks or months shaped or impacted your practice?
Yes it really was a massive change when the whole industry just shut down. All of the jobs I had coming were just cancelled. It was especially a tough blow economically, which is a struggle to deal with. I would say I am taking it very well; I don’t mind isolating, but I really really miss working and travelling. So, for now, it’s a perfect time to think about other solutions. Hopefully we can go back to some sort of work soon; I have too many ideas that I need to get out :)
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Cover story for Blanc Magazine
Credits: Oliver Vaughn, @siennawho,
Paulina Piipponen
, Anna Payne,
Regina Meessen, Richard Quinn
All you can do is to embrace this and
turn it into something positive for yourself.”
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Esquire UK Magazine
Credits: Catherine Hayward, Ben Talbott,
Peter Ainsworth, Emie James-Crook,
Mikhail Shmatov, Nick Rupp
How are you coping at home?
Like I said, I am coping really well actually! I think all you can do is to embrace this and turn it into something positive for yourself, because this is something that is out of my power. Now I have a chance to get back to my workouts, which have really helped me! It clears my head to exercise and, as a former athlete, it is also very important to me. I am also cooking at home more or less every day, which is a good thing. My life has definitely taken a turn to the healthier side since all of this happened. That was my choice. You just have to put your mind to it.
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Vogue Turkey photo shoot
Credits: Aydan Sivaci, Sam Araji,
Franzi Frings, Ilke Beyaz, Mud Studios
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The Last Magazine
Credits: Tania Rat-Patro, Anna Chapman,
Crystabel Riley, Toni Bagley, Arianna Pradarelli
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Alistair James ss18
Credits: Sara Gilmour, Johnnie Biles,
Kristina Andrews, Jolina Sofie
What has inspired you recently?
Hmmm, good question. I always find it hard to answer that because I can get inspiration from most things. It just pops up into my head when I’m out for a walk or something.
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Saana for Stylein FW18
Credits: Linn Hägglund, Pablo Kuemin,
Saana Mirzaie, Crystabel Riley, World Of Stylein
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Amira. Nayara. Ruth. Lydia.
How can people support you?
I actually have a company printing some of my images on hoodies and t-shirts, and a few normal prints on paper, as well. That can be found here.
You can also DM me or email me about buying prints :)
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Jesse