Q&A

Through her intimate portraits, Sanna attempts to capture the hidden and often deep-rooted emotion of her sitters. Flipping the ‘male gaze’ on its head, these images present a refreshing vulnerability in men that is often overlooked.

Who are your influences photographically? Are there any other aspects of culture that you would say significantly influence your work?
There are many photographers whom work I admire but they don’t influence me directly. Sometimes it can be just an element of an image that inspires me. I get inspiration from every day life and through my travels. I love observing people and their behaviour.

Do you believe it possible to capture more than the physical presence of your sitters?
Yes, I do. With this project my aim was to create “real” images. I attempt to expose what is going on deep within the psyche of my subjects. My photographs are of authentic people with their emotional and psychological baggage exposed. For me, the camera is merely a mechanical device that serves to focus my attention precisely at the right moment when inner and external experiences align.

What caused/encouraged you to begin this project?
I am intrigued by human emotion and intimacy. First I was interested in fears. What are they? Why do we feel fear? Etc. Once I started to shoot men I realised I was more interested in their vulnerability and in the different dynamic that was developing while taking the portraits. Me as a female photographer, stripping down these young men and asking them very personal, intimate questions. A man showing their vulnerability in public is still unusual.

From this body of work, which explores vulnerability and anxiety, how did you choose your subjects? Are they people you knew previously?
I tend to shoot people I have come to know and connect with. Some of my subjects I know better and others are just fresh acquaintances. I felt that the gender of the portraits was central to their impact and decided to shoot only men

What lies ahead in the near future for you? Do you have any new projects happening?
I am working on new ideas at the moment, one of which involves movement and dance. I have always been passionate about dance and been wanting to do a project about movement and it’s healing power for a while.

And finally: Early bird or Night Owl?
I want to be an Early Bird as I find mornings so beautiful but I end up being a Night Owl most of the time.