Oulu, Finland
Hanko, Finland
HERITAGE PROJECT
Celebrating the folk traditions of my grandparents
ONGOING (MAR '24, OCT '24, + WINTER '25) // INDEPENDENT PROJECT
To reconnect with my roots, I wanted to explore the fashion and folk dance history of my family. My paternal side is from southwestern and northern Finland (Hanko, Oulu), while my maternal side emigrated from Guangdong, China, to Malacca, Malaysia (Hakka, Teochew communities).
I wanted to visit my family’s ancestral lands, perform folk dances in our national costumes, and capture each country’s natural beauty across seasons. This project, 50% complete, still awaits my visit to Malaysia. Beyond cultural rediscovery, my goal has been to create a historical snapshot for my family—past, present, and future. This was especially dedicated to my grandmothers, who aren’t able to travel to these lands or dance as I can now.
TOOLS
Canon EOS M50 + EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Edited with Photoshop, Lightroom
SPECIAL THANKS
Mari Varonen — Finnish national costume rental (Oulun ja Bromarvin kansallispuvut)
Polokkarit Kansantanssiryhmä — Polkka choreography
AALTO SALSA SOCIETY
Showcasing the vibrant and welcoming world of social dancing
AUG - SEP 2023 // VOLUNTEER WORK
While working as a dance instructor and Communications Coordinator for the Aalto Salsa Society, I established the student association’s early social media presence. I photographed dancers during classes and at major events like Aalto Day One, bringing the lively dynamic of the salsa and bachata community online.
TOOLS
Canon EOS M50 + EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Edited with Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator
AALTO UNIVERSITY
Documenting summer school student life
AUG - SEP 2023 // FREELANCE WORK
As a teaching assistant for the Aalto ARTS Summer School 2023, I chronicled the journey of 40+ international students as they delved into wood-based architecture and design. I photographed field excursions, prototypes, experiments, and community-building moments over the course of two weeks.
TOOLS
Canon EOS M50 + EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Edited with Photoshop, Lightroom