Christer Strömholm and Sally Mann

Hubby and me saw several exhibitions while in Stockholm. At Fotografiska museet we saw a comprehensive retrospective of Christer Strömholm's photos. I have wanted to see them in real life for years, so I was very happy to be able to actually see some of them. Read more about one of Sweden's finest and most interesting photographers here: Christer Strömholm.

After lunch at the highly recommendable restaurant at the museum, we went to see one of the other exhibitions. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. I was so impressed by Sally Mann that I still have difficulties remembering Strömholm's photos. Read about Sally Mann here. I can't remember I've ever seen so beautiful photos. This was also a retrospective, and I'm sorry to say you can't see it in Stockholm now, it's over. I liked everything, but was especially taken by the beautiful photos documenting Sally Mann's husband, death, and the landscapes.

Just to prove I was there: three snapshots with my phone in black rooms with strong spotlights making reflections.

Christer Strömholm's relaxed dog, one of my favorites from photo magazines.

Sally Mann's landscape. The light in this series of photos is beyond any description in words, not to talk about what a digital photo with a phone can show.

My husband and another visitor at the museum. It's a coincidense I didn't notice until I downloaded the photos to the computer: the dog and my hubby and the likeness of the composition. I must say I like my own photo also! Hubby was not aware of the camera, he's looking at a photo.

Hannu Hautala, photographer

When hubby and I traveled in northern Finland last week we visited the Hannu Hautala Gallery in Kuusamo: Hannu Hautala Gallery. Hannu Hautala is one of Finland's most nenowed nature photographers with a long and successful career. This was the first time I've seen his photographs in real life. It was impressive, both the photos and the gallery. Hannu is the nestor of Finnish nature photography, and I think all Finns taking pics outdoors have learned something from him. He has frequently shown his work on TV, and as we are a reading nation, we have seen at least some of his many books.

The light in the gallery was excellent, as you can expect from a gallery built for showing photos. Hannu collects owly items, I liked the sea shell owl and it's babies.

In the showroom you can see some of Hannus best photos in a large scale, and listen to him telling the story of his life. There is also a big light board with Hannu's photos. Upstairs is a play room for children. There is a café and a shop, and changing exhibitions. If you want to look at Hannu's photos, please use the link above.