
Using the camera obscura technique, photographer Marja Pirila is able to reflect outside landscapes onto her subjects inside. Pictured here is Sara in Tampere, Finland (2013).

The subjects are in a dark room, but what's outside is reflected on them via a small hole in the window. Here is Anu in Tampere in 2004.

Marja's room in Tampere (2000). Pirila chose models she knew -- students, friends, neighbors or random acquaintances -- though always "they are people who touch me in one way or other," she said.

Iris in Nauvo, Finland (2004). Models must hold a pose for a relatively long time for a picture to be taken in low light.

Tytti in Liminka, Finland (2013). "Darkness and long exposures create the contemplative atmosphere and let us enjoy and be inside the magic world which appears in an ordinary room for a while," Pirila said.

Camera obscura: From the outside in —

Camera obscura: From the outside in —

Eetu's room in Tervo, Finland (1999).

Paula's room in Oulu, Finland (1996).

Leevi in Tampere (2002).

Iris in Tampere (2002).

Don Italo in Mazzano Romano, Italy (1999).

Mariana in Mazzano Romano (1999).

Tiina's room in Tampere (2002).

Ella in Rovaniemi, Finland (2013).



