Finnish press photo of the year captures the daily life of a drug user
A photograph by Yle’s Janne Körkkö depicting the everyday reality of a substance user has been named the 2025 press photo of the year in Finland’s annual photojournalism awards, announced Thursday in Helsinki.
The winning image, selected by a jury of industry professionals, was praised for its delicate yet unflinching portrayal of addiction and human vulnerability. “It’s a picture that stops you—both beautiful and sorrowful,” the judges noted. Körkkö, a visual journalist for Yle’s Oulu regional office, documented the daily lives of two local individuals struggling with substance dependence for the project.
“Society has many people living in poverty, battling addiction, facing harsh realities,” Körkkö said. “Perhaps we can see this image as a reminder that addiction is an illness—and that these individuals deserve compassion.” The photograph ultimately did not appear in Yle’s published article, as Körkkö explained that editorial selection involves careful consideration: “Not every strong image makes it to publication. My rule is simple: I only publish what I can stand behind when meeting the subject again.”
Mikko Suutarinen wins record fourth consecutive photojournalist of the year title
Helsinki-based Mikko Suutarinen claimed his fourth straight photojournalist of the year award, with judges highlighting his “meticulously controlled, technically near-perfect” images and refined use of colour. His winning series in the Work theme category explored labour across societal sectors, capturing human effort, aspiration, and responsibility.
“Suutarinen’s series contains several standout individual frames,” the jury remarked. “It’s a broad yet intimate look at something universal.”
Other category winners
News photo of the year: Antti Yrjösen’s image of a Ukrainian math teacher conducting a remote lesson amid the ongoing war in Chernihiv was chosen for its “unexpected optimism,” showing resilience and routine in adversity. “This is just an ordinary day,” the teacher, Olena Mykhailivna Loboda, told the photographer.
Photo essay of the year: Rio Gandara’s Invisible Class, a sensitive portrayal of Helsinki Metro’s 44-person cleaning crew, was lauded for its nuanced approach to often-overlooked labour. Gandara, originally from Indonesia and working for Helsingin Sanomat, also won sports photo of the year for his vivid depiction of mothers enabling their children’s athletic pursuits.
Portrait of the year: Outi Pyhäranta’s image of author-actor Pirkko Saisio earned top honours for its compelling, vulnerable framing of the subject. The Helsingin Sanomat photographer received praise for her ability to reveal depth in a single frame.
Emerging talent: Jyväskylä-born Aalto Puutio was named new photojournalist of the year for combining technical skill with a bold visual perspective.
The 2025 competition drew 96 entrants submitting over 2,000 images. Honourable mentions were awarded to Juha Metsä, Ville Maala, Matias Honkamaa, Iiro Kerkelä, and Laura Talvitie in their respective categories.