Sanna Elina Ahtisaari is a Nordic multidisciplinary creator whose work spans photography, directing, and fine art.

At the heart of Sanna's practice lies an "inner gaze"—a deeply personal lens through which she has been documenting her inner circle since moving from her native Iisalmi to Paris in 1995. Her work explores themes of time, the body, and their connection to nature, as well as universal cycles of life—birth, death, and transformation. By blending the personal with the universal, Sanna creates work that resonates with profound emotional depth.

In 2017, her photographic installation Kasken Kierto, curated by art historian Marjatta Levanto, became the first public art piece showcased on Vallisaari island, now the site of the Helsinki Biennial. Her latest commissioned public art work, for the Time of Water / Veden Aika festival in Central Finland, will open in summer 2025. Sanna’s solo publications have been edited and published by Ofr. Paris and her forthcoming book Vapaasti Joki Virtaa / The River Flows Freely, accompanied by a short film of the same name, is set for release in 2025.

Sanna collaborates with individuals and brands whose values align with her ethos, creating evocative portraits and campaigns. Her recent Saheli Women series was prominently featured at Times Square and the United Nations in New York, underscoring her ability to fuse art with social consciousness. As a director, she has created videos for a diverse range of clients, from major-label pop artists to baroque orchestras. Her impressive client list includes SSAW, Pitti Uomo, Delphine Manivet, Agnes B, Metsähallitus, Aalto University, Elle, Helsingin Sanomat, Gloria, Madame Figaro, Milk, Warner Music, Sony, and Universal.

She has taken portraits of personalities such as Caroline de Maigret, Reid Hoffman, Lou Doillon, Kristiina Mäkelä, Professor William G. Kaelin, Samu Jussi Koski, Jane Birkin, Esko Valtaoja, Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila, Maria Veitola, Meeri Koutaniemi, Miina Äkkijyrkkä, Pekka Haavisto, Jani Toivola, Pyhimys, Jonna Tervomaa, Kim Peers, Anssi Kela and Rebecca Dayan.

Before establishing her artistic career, Sanna worked as a model during her early years in Paris, collaborating with iconic names like Charles Jourdan, Vogue, Comme des Garçons, Costume National, Pierre & Gilles, ID, Dazed & Confused, Jalouse, Sonia Rykiel, Spur, Elle, Mario Testino, Diesel, Martine Sitbon, Jean Colonna, Isabel Marante, Issey Miyake and Rankin. Her work with Rankin was recently celebrated in the Back in the Dazed — Rankin 1991-2001 exhibition in London, highlighting her enduring legacy in fashion and photography.

Today, Sanna is based in Helsinki but works internationally, continuing to create compelling visual narratives that connect deeply with audiences.

For portrait or campaign commissions contact her studio.