Akinori Ikeda Photography
Light and silence descend upon the northern winter.
A story of snow and light, painted by the forests
and night skies of Finland.
Northern Light and Frosted Trees Shining in the Night
The Silver-White Land
The Night Forest Lit
by Warm Lights
Ammattimainen japanilainen valokuvaaja muuttaa Suomeen!
Akinori Ikeda
Akinori Ikeda
I’m Aki, a Japanese photographer living in Turku, Finland. After more than ten years of professional work in Japan, I moved here with my family in 2023, seeking a new chapter in life. The first year was far from easy. With limited language skills and no connections, I often found myself overwhelmed. There were moments when even my naturally positive outlook felt close to breaking. Yet, Finland slowly began to open my heart. On winter days with almost no sunlight, I realized how essential light is for emotional balance. I was deeply moved by the quiet beauty of snow—each flake a tiny crystal—and by the stillness of forests covered in white. Stepping into the night woods, I experienced a silence so complete that it felt like entering another world. When the long winter finally gave way to spring, the sudden burst of life felt powerful and uplifting. In summer, walking along the coastline with a cool breeze and gentle waves, I felt profoundly grateful simply to be alive. Through meeting Finnish people, I discovered a warmth that reminded me of home. Many listened patiently to my slow, imperfect words, and their kindness left a lasting impression on me. Living here has allowed the sensibilities I developed in Japan to blend naturally with the calm and clarity of the Nordic atmosphere. Being able to relax and be myself has enriched my communication with others and opened new perspectives in my photography. I hope to share the sense of wonder and inspiration I’ve experienced in my own life. It would be my joy to help you create meaningful and unforgettable moments here in Finland.
Why Couples Choose AKI
- Honest and Flexible Support -
Aki is not a photographer who simply takes pictures. He understands the hopes you bring to this journey and the commitment behind traveling so far. With that in mind, he always asks:
“How can I make this time truly meaningful for the two of you?”
Whether the Northern Lights appear or not, Aki evaluates the situation calmly and presents the best choice for that moment. He never inflates expectations or leaves you with vague hope—his priority is guiding you with honesty and decisions you won’t regret.
Behind the scenes, he keeps preparing long before and after each session. Even when you are resting, he monitors aurora activity, communicates with trusted hunters, and considers whether tonight or tomorrow offers the highest chance of success—not only for the aurora, but for your entire stay.
Passion. Integrity. Sound judgment.
These values form the foundation of Aki’s work.
Three Pillars of Support
Natural and Relaxed Expressions
From the very beginning, I create a warm and comfortable atmosphere where couples can relax quickly. With gentle and clear guidance, natural expressions come easily, allowing your true personalities to shine even within a short time. My goal is to help you feel confident, at ease, and genuinely yourselves throughout the session
Precise Decisions
for the Best Outcome
I read the weather, light, wind, and snow conditions to guide each session toward the most beautiful result. Even when the Northern Lights don’t appear, I instantly shift to the best alternative—winter forests, starry skies, or snow‑lit landscapes. Fast, accurate decision‑making in Arctic conditions is one of my strongest skills.
Safe, Comfortable, and Honest Support
In −15°C conditions, safety comes first. I share practical advice gathered from past couples and guide you on movement, pacing, and clothing so you stay comfortable. If conditions become unsafe, I recommend stopping without hesitation. My approach is always honest and focused on protecting your well‑being.
Northern Lights Sessions
in Finland
The Northern Lights can never be guaranteed,
but so far every couple has successfully captured them.
€2,000～€2,300
A short 2-Day Challenge for the Northern Lights
A simple plan that includes two days of Northern Lights (NL) attempts and one daytime session.
You may continue NL attempts at no extra cost until the NL session is completed.
Ideal for those who want to challenge the Northern Lights even on a short stay.
PRICE
tax incl.
This plan includes: • One Northern Lights (NL) Session • One Daytime Session Night photography is primarily focused on Northern Lights. If the NL are unlikely to appear and we do not go NL hunting, you may choose Nightscape (NS) as a backup option. However, if you choose to complete the NS session, the NL session for this plan will be considered closed. If you wish to continue NL attempts afterward, you may add an Extra Session (optional). Only one night session (NL or NS) can be done per night.
* Photography is not guaranteed.
* Aurora‑hunter guiding fee not included (approx. €600).
Plan Notes
● About the Northern Lights The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, no type of photography can be guaranteed either. However, based on experience and observation, a stay of three nights or more significantly increases the chance of seeing them. ● About Sessions Each plan includes three types of sessions: - Daytime Session - Northern Lights (NL) Session - Nightscape (NS) Session The NL and NS sessions are separate. Completing one does not complete the other. If your stay is long enough, both sessions can be completed. Only one night session (NL or NS) can be done per night. It is not possible to complete both in the same night. ● NL Attempts vs. Session Completion When we go out for Northern Lights hunting and the NL do not appear, the NL session is not considered complete. In such cases, the photography will shift to what is possible at that moment— for example, nightscape or star photography— but this does not count as completing the NL session. As long as Aki’s stay allows, you may continue attempting the NL session on the following nights. When NL is unlikely to appear: Premium / Eternal • You may choose to complete the NS session instead. • The NL session remains uncompleted, allowing you to try NL again on the next night. Economy • If you choose to complete the NS session, the NL session will be closed. • Continuing NL attempts afterward requires adding an Extra Session or extending the stay through an Extra Day. ● Safety and Session Interruption For safety reasons—such as temperatures below –20°C, strong winds, or dangerous road conditions— a session may not begin or may be stopped early. In such cases, the session is not considered complete, and you may try again on another night if the schedule allows. ● After Completing Sessions Each session—Daytime / NL / NS— is designed to be completed once. If you wish to photograph the NL again after completing the NL session, you may add an Extra Session. ● Extending Aki’s Stay (Extra Day) If the NL do not appear and you wish to extend Aki’s stay, you may add an Extra Day. Only the stay cost will be added— there is no additional photography fee for completing any unfinished sessions. ● About the Eternal Plan The Eternal Plan is available only for residents of Japan, due to dress rental and album delivery limitations.
Included in All Plans
-
Basic retouching for all delivered images
-
Local pickup/transportation for Northern Lights shoots
(when joining a Northern Lights hunter tour) -
Northern Lights shoot: 3–4 hours / 5–20 cuts
-
Night shoot: 120 minutes / approx. 80 cuts
-
Daytime shoot: 120 minutes / approx. 150 cut
Behind-the-Scenes Support
In −15°C conditions, preparation becomes essential. To keep you safe and to maximize the short time you can spend outside in a dress, every detail is planned in advance. • Pre‑shoot meeting A face‑to‑face meeting where I explain the shooting flow and share valuable cold‑weather advice collected from past couples. • 120‑minute pre‑shoot lesson (included) - Posing practice to ensure smooth shooting - How and when to remove your coat safely in extreme cold - Where to stand and how to move during Northern Lights shooting • Daytime & nighttime location scouting + safety checks I check access routes, terrain, wind exposure, lighting conditions, and the best scenic spots in advance. I also confirm whether there are places to warm up along the route and negotiate access when necessary. • Continuous Northern Lights monitoring Throughout your stay, I track Northern Lights activity and provide you with accurate updates and decision‑making information. • Coordination with Northern Lights hunters I work with hunters who have proven reliable in past shoots. If they are unavailable, I arrange backup hunters to ensure coverage. • Extreme‑cold camera management I take care of condensation prevention, slow defrosting, drying, battery management, and other measures to keep the camera functioning properly through day‑night‑day cycles. • Photographer’s physical recovery To maintain performance in extreme conditions, I take time between sessions to recover and restore energy.
OPTIONs
■ Extra Day
Extend Aki’s stay by one additional day to increase your chances for Northern Lights or daytime shooting.
If a session included in your plan has already been completed,
an Extra Session is required to conduct additional shooting.
Price for 1 day:
• Economy: €1000 tax incl.
• Premium: €600 tax incl.
• Eternal: €500 tax incl.
Multiple extra days can be added.
■ Extra Session (120 mins, per session)
Adds one additional completed photo session.
Available for: Daytime / Nightscape / Northern Lights
This Extra Session can also be used for accompanying you during your activities—
such as exploring the town, visiting scenic locations,
or any personal schedule you wish to be photographed during.
Price for 1 session:
• Economy: €600 tax incl.
• Premium: €400 tax incl.
• Eternal: €300 tax incl.
Multiple extra sessions can be added.
EDIT
■ Extra Editing
All delivered photos already include standard retouching.
If you would like specific or advanced retouching, please consult with us.
Examples include:
• Skin enhancement • Targeted corrections
• Removal of specific blemishes • Posture correction
• Other detailed adjustments
Price: Consultation required.
Plan Comparison
Feature
Economy
Premium
Eternal
(Japan-Only)
Price
NL Night
included
sessions
(final photo sessions)
Wedding attire
Album
Weather Flexibility
Extra shooting
Extra stay
Cost
€2,000-€2,300
2 night
Either
NL or NS
+ Daytime
(2session)
ー
ー
☆☆
.
€600 / session
€1000 / day
▲
€3,000-€3,200
3 night
NL + NS
+ Daytime
（3session）
.
ー
ー
☆☆☆☆
.
€400 / session
€600 / day
○
€4,500
3 night
NL + NS+ Daytime（3session）
.
✔
✔
☆☆☆☆
.
€300 / session
€500 / day
◎
Note:
• “NL” refers to a Northern Lights.
• “NS” refers to a Nightscape.
• Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.
Photography is never guaranteed in any plan.
tax incl.
FAQ
Q1. Are the Northern Lights guaranteed? A1. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so they cannot be guaranteed. However, I monitor activity throughout your stay and guide you toward the best possible timing and every couple so far has successfully captured them.
Q2. What do “daytime”, “nighttime”, and “Northern Lights session” mean? A2 .• Daytime: Portraits taken in natural daylight. • Nighttime: Portraits taken at night without the Northern Lights, using the surrounding landscape as the backdrop. • In Saariselkä: Aki creates a magical atmosphere by lighting up the snow‑covered trees. • In Levi: Shooting takes place inside a beautifully lit cabin and in the surrounding managed forest. (Hunter fee required) • Northern Lights session: When there is a possibility of aurora activity, we move to the best available location and photograph under the Northern Lights. If the aurora does not appear, and time allows, the session shifts to starry‑sky portraits or forest shooting depending on conditions.
Q3. Do you offer dress rentals? A3. Yes. Dress rentals are available for clients residing in Japan only, as the dresses are shipped from and returned to Japan.
Q4. Do I need to pay the Northern Lights Hunter? A4. Yes. The hunter fee is separate. I can introduce a hunter, but we are not officially partnered (except in Levi). Whether the fee applies when the Northern Lights do not appear will be confirmed each time.
Q5. What happens if the weather is too bad for outdoor shooting? A5. I will always provide alternative options such as indoor shooting. You will never leave without photos — that is guaranteed.
Q6. Can I add more days? A6. Yes. You can extend Aki’s stay by adding the “Extra Day” option if you wish to wait for better Northern Lights conditions.
Q7. Can I extend on the same day? A7. Yes, if the schedule allows. However, same‑day extensions may not always be possible during peak season. Please note that extending after you have already arrived in Finland requires adjustments to flights and transportation, which adds actual costs and handling fees. For this reason, same‑day extensions are typically €100–150 more expensive than adding the “Extra Day” option in advance.
Q8. What if the weather forecast is extremely bad before my trip? A8. If the conditions are clearly unsafe or the probability of Northern Lights is extremely low, I will contact you before your departure to discuss either canceling or postponing the trip. In principle, cancellations caused by weather-related issues—or situations where I must stop the shoot because I judge it to be unsafe—are treated as cancellations, and a cancellation fee will apply. The final cancellation fee consists of all hotel, transportation, and other shoot‑related cancellation costs plus €500. Postponement is possible by covering the additional costs required to change your schedule. Please note that if your flight is canceled due to a strike, or if luggage is lost and shooting becomes impossible, the same cancellation fee applies unless the issue is caused by me.
Q9. What if I need to cancel due to illness or unexpected issues? A9. Cancellations made up to 30 days before the shooting date incur no cancellation fee. For cancellations made from 29 days before the shoot up to the shooting day, the cancellation fee will include all hotel, flight, and transportation cancellation costs plus €500. I understand this can be a difficult situation, but please be aware that these fees are necessary to cover the actual expenses already committed for your shoot.
Q10. Where does the shooting take place? A:Most sessions are held in Finland, primarily in the Lapland region. However, Aki is also available for shoots in other countries. If you are considering a location outside Finland, please feel free to contact me to discuss the details.
Q11.When is the best season to see the Northern Lights in Finland? A11:Aki’s Recommended Months for Shooting Best Overall Balance: March (−20°C to −5°C) - Warmer temperatures compared to mid‑winter. - High aurora probability with clearer skies. - Snow remains beautiful for both daytime and nighttime portraits. - Comfortable for wedding photography with exposed hands or shoulders. - Accommodation prices begin to drop after mid‑March. → The best balance of comfort, beauty, and aurora chances. Second Recommendation: October (−5°C to +5°C) - Mild temperatures and safe for wedding photography. - Early snow possible, but not guaranteed. - Weather is unstable, yet manageable. - Affordable accommodation. → A comfortable month for couples who prefer milder conditions. November & December (−15°C to −5°C / −20°C to −10°C) - Often suitable for shooting, with beautiful winter landscapes. - Snowy scenes are magical for both daytime and nighttime photography. - Weather can be cloudy, but shooting is usually possible. → Many days are safe for shooting, depending on conditions. January & February (−25°C to −15°C / −30°C to −15°C) - Temperatures can drop below −20°C, increasing the risk for wedding photography with exposed skin. - Although I have experience shooting safely in extreme cold, continuous shooting for more than 30 minutes becomes dangerous when hands or shoulders are exposed. - In such cases, I may need to pause or stop the shoot for safety. → Beautiful months, but the possibility of not being able to shoot increases due to extreme cold.
Q12.What if the Northern Lights appear suddenly? A:Although we set a planned starting time for the shoot, I constantly monitor the aurora activity, the expected conditions for the next few hours, your preparation status, and the availability of the Northern Lights hunter. If the situation looks promising—or if the current moment is clearly the best opportunity—I will contact you immediately and we will begin the shoot as soon as possible.
Q13.Do you provide transportation? A:Local pickup/transportation is included when joining a Northern Lights hunter tour.
Q14.How do you ensure safety during the shoot? A:Safety is always my highest priority, and I take several careful steps to protect you during the shoot: • Pre‑shoot consultation: I share insights from past couples and explain how to prepare for extreme cold, including clothing, layering, and safety measures. • On‑site briefing: Before we begin, I teach you how to manage jacket on/off timing and how to capture many photos efficiently in short intervals to avoid prolonged exposure. • Location scouting: I check the area in advance to confirm safe walking paths, resting points, and emergency return routes. Every decision I make—timing, pacing, location, and shooting style—is guided by one principle: your life and safety always come before the photographs.
Q15. What happens if an injury or unexpected accident occurs during the shoot? A: I take every possible precaution to ensure your safety, and I always approach the shoot with safety as the highest priority. However, please understand that I cannot provide compensation in the following situations: • If you are involved in an accident that makes it impossible to continue the shoot. • If you are injured during your stay in Finland and cannot proceed with the shoot. • If an accident occurs while traveling in the Northern Lights hunter’s vehicle. (In such cases, the hunter’s own terms and conditions apply.) • If numbness or pain occurs due to enduring the cold for too long. I always do everything within my ability to protect you, but accidents caused by natural conditions or physical limits cannot be guaranteed. For reference: The lowest temperature I have safely completed a shoot in was −15°C (feels like −18°C), and the session was finished without any issues. This experience helps me judge conditions accurately and prioritize your safety at all times.
Liability Notice
I always prioritize your safety and do my best to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, please note the following: • Injury during the session or during travel I cannot take responsibility for any injuries or accidents that may occur. • Weather-related interruptions If sudden weather changes make it unsafe or impossible to continue, we will discuss whether to pause, move, or stop the session. • Photographer illness or emergency In the rare case that I become unable to shoot due to illness or an accident, the session will be postponed or fully refunded. • Loss of data I have never lost data in over 3,000 deliveries. However, in the unlikely event of theft, device failure, or an unavoidable accident, the session will be refunded and no further responsibility will be taken. A full version of the liability agreement will be shown in the reservation form, and your consent will be required before booking.
What Our Clients Say
K & N
Thank you so much!! My husband and I have been looking through the photos together, and we kept saying, “Is this really the real world…!?” That’s how breathtaking they are. Of course, the scenery itself is stunning, but the way you captured every moment with such care and intention moved us deeply. Even in temperatures below –10°C, when your fingers must have been freezing, you still took so many beautiful photos for us. We’re truly grateful. In the photos, I look genuinely happy and natural, and my husband looks effortlessly cool — every single picture feels like a treasure. We are so glad we chose you, Aki. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for the wonderful time and the incredible photos!!
T & M
My wife dreamed of having our wedding photos taken under the Northern Lights, so we began searching for a photographer — and that’s how we found Aki, a Japanese photographer based in Finland. From the very first meeting, he listened to us with such care and sincerity. We were truly grateful for how thoughtful and supportive he was throughout the planning. On the day of the shoot, we were deeply impressed by his passion as a professional photographer, as well as the variety of poses and creative ideas he offered. We had an amazing time — it was genuinely fun from start to finish. Thank you so much, Aki, for capturing such a special moment in our lives.
