Hi, I’m Jaana Askola, a fine art photographer from Estonia — a romantic daydreamer, passionate creator, and gentle soul with a camera. I craft magical, funny, and empowering photography inspired by nature, cinema, love, dreams, and literature. My work is a blend of fantasy and authenticity, where whimsy meets healing, and storytelling meets transformation. I describe myself as a beginner — but more like a baby phoenix — just learning to spread my wings in the vast sky of photography. And yet, through this journey, I’ve already discovered something incredibly powerful: photography can be a way to heal, connect, and empower. My sessions are not about perfection — they are about truth, self-discovery, and play. I want people to leave a shoot with me feeling lighter, seen, and a little more in love with themselves. I specialize in natural light and fantasy portraiture, often drawing inspiration from fairy tales, sci-fi, dreams, and the natural world. I love to explore mystical and emotional themes with a cinematic touch. Whether it’s through costume, location, or mood — every shoot is a unique collaboration, and every soul I photograph is a story waiting to unfold. My Creative Roots Photography first captured my heart in childhood. My father was a passionate hobbyist, developing images in a darkroom while I watched in awe as memories appeared on paper like magic. As a teen, I wandered around, capturing the world with compact cameras. The magic never left me, only grew. Over the years, I’ve deepened my skills through courses and personal exploration, including: • “Basic Training in Photography” (2020) • “Individual Study of Photography” at Tartu Rahvaülikool (2021) • Various specialized workshops and self-portrait projects But photography isn’t my only creative tool. I’ve also worked as a makeup artist in small theaters in Estonia and Finland, and I have training in special effects (SFX) makeup from Helsinki. This background adds a theatrical and imaginative layer to my photo sessions — I love combining visual storytelling, costumes, and character creation to push the limits of ordinary portraiture. Why Empowering Photography? My deepest motivation comes from my own life story. Growing up, I was painfully shy, bullied, and constantly felt like I didn’t fit in. For years, I struggled with depression and social anxiety, and there were times when darkness felt overwhelming. But through art, self-exploration, and healing, I learned how to rise again and again — like a phoenix from the ashes. Today, I channel that journey into my photography. I use the camera not just to capture beauty, but to reflect back people’s inner light. I want each person I work with to feel seen, safe, and celebrated — exactly as they are. I believe everyone deserves a space to feel beautiful, strong, and worthy. That’s why I offer empowering portrait sessions — especially for those who might not always feel comfortable in front of the camera. I know how vulnerable it can feel. That’s why I create a space that’s playful, warm, and real — a space where you can be yourself and be celebrated for it.