Finnish nature photographer Sanna Kannisto (born 1974) considers herself both a scientist and an artist, and her images of birds in particular are unmatched in their analytical beauty and compositional perfection. Perched delicately on disembodied tree branches and brilliantly lit against a white background, Kannisto’s avian subjects resemble classic wildlife illustrations or specimens in a museum, highlighting every exquisite feature.
This level of detail provides an opportunity for viewers to study up close the creatures they may only have ever seen at a distance: the chartreuse feathers of the European greenfinch seem to practically glow, while the plumage of a willow tit in flight unfurls into a geometrically perfect arc. In every picture, the deep black eyes of the birds penetrate the camera’s gaze with a distinct personality.
This collection of photographs is a fascinating volume for hobbyist birdwatchers, photography fans and anyone invested in the conservation of wildlife.
