For this project, I collaborated with the City of Lahti during the Under the Cherry Trees community event in Lahti, Finland. What initially started as a small opportunity to photograph my girlfriend during the event quickly evolved into documenting the entire day on behalf of the organization and the city itself.

The event focused on bringing together local residents, international students, musicians, and families through workshops, performances, and cultural activities. My role was to capture the atmosphere of the day in a natural and authentic way, highlighting both the energy of the event and the interaction between people from different backgrounds.

Throughout the event, I worked independently, moving between performances, workshops, and public spaces to document genuine moments as they unfolded. I approached the photography with a documentary mindset, focusing on emotion, connection, and community rather than staged imagery.

What made this project especially meaningful to me was the trust I received from the organizers and the positive response afterward. The photographs were publicly shared and appreciated by the City of Lahti’s participation team, reinforcing the importance of visual storytelling within community-driven events.

This project allowed me to further develop my experience in live event coverage while strengthening my creative network within Finland.

EVENT: KIRSIKKAPUIDEN ALLA (UNDER THE CHERRY TREES)

DATE: MAY 9TH