Through these images I wish to illustrate my vision of the
individual in a big city or in life in general. Belonging, but yet
detached. Having one’s view of the world. Walking with the others
or just by oneself, partly there, but somewhere else at the same
time. Involved and absent, with a sense of longing and in the
pursuit of the undefined. Like an actor entering the scene of one’s
own life. Showing life to the letter or enhancing it by the play of
shadows and light and reflection? The reality or a story told? Or
just that intangible inner feeling? My images are of that very
moment.
Originally from Finland, Merja Varkemaa is a Paris based fine art photographer. A keen observer of urban life, she draws her inspiration from timeless street photography whilst not being a traditional street photographer herself. She also enjoys portraiture and capturing the moodiness of empty beaches off season. Merja’s photography is based on her pursuit of light and shadows, using both their contrast and complementarity to enhance the beauty of every instant.
Awards AWARDS
2023
PX3 - Prix de la Photographie Paris 2023 - Honorable Mention in category Architecture/Cityscape
2022
VOICE 2022 - 2nd place in the category “Neighbourhood’ and honorable mention in the categories “From above”, “Light play” and “neighborhood”
2021
Lensculture Street Photography Awards 2021 - Finalist
Paris International Street Photography Awards 2021 - Honorable mention
VOICE 2021 - Finalist in the categories “Color Theory” and Minimalism”
2020
PX3 - Prix de la Photographie de Paris 2020 - Gold in category Special/Street photography (non-professional)
PX3 - Prix de la Photographie de Paris 2020 - Honorable Mention in category Fine Art/People
VOICE 2020 - Finalist in the category “Her”
2019
VOICE 2019 - Finalist in the category “Weather”
2018
PX3 - Prix de la Photographie Paris 2018 - Gold in “Advertising/Architecture” category (non-professional)
VOICE 2018 - Finalist in the category “Beautiful Light”
VOICE 2018 - Finalist in the category “Womanhood”
2017
Monochrome Awards 2017, International Black & White Photography Contest, honorable mention in “People” category (amateur)
VOICE 2017 - Finalist in the category “Culture & Travel”
2016
VOICE 2016 - Best in the category “Street”
VOICE 2016 - Finalist in the category “Color”
VOICE 2016 - Finalist in the category “Night & Low Light”
2015
VOICE 2015 - Best in the category “Street”
