2025: The Year I Realised This Is Actually Happening
Happy New Year!!
If I had to sum up 2025 in one sentence, it would be this: it was the biggest year of my life, and somehow also the most emotionally confusing one. The kind of year where everything works on paper, yet your brain keeps whispering, “But is it good enough?”
My bookings hit an all-time high. Truly, a “what is even happening right now?” kind of high. My calendar was full, my inbox was overflowing, and for the first time ever I had to say no… a lot. Saying no is empowering in theory. In reality, it feels strange, uncomfortable, and slightly illegal at first. Still, it was necessary. I wanted to protect the work, the experience, and honestly, my nervous system.
And yet, despite the success, I spent a good chunk of the year quietly battling with my own expectations. I questioned my work constantly. I zoomed in too much. I re-edited things that didn’t need re-editing. I chased a feeling more than perfection. There were moments when I thought, “Surely by now I should feel more confident?” Turns out growth doesn’t come with a calm inner monologue. Rude, but noted.
At the same time, 2025 gave me something I had dreamed about for years: dream clients and dream shoots. The kind of sessions where trust is instant, creativity flows, and I walk away thinking, “This is exactly why I do this.” These weren’t just beautiful images. They were moments that felt aligned, intentional, and deeply human. Past-me would not believe this was real life.
This year was also when underwater photography quietly became a turning point for me. Somewhere between holding my breath and floating in silence, I had this unexpected realization: my work was starting to feel good to me. Not perfect. Not finished. But honest. I found pools and hidden places where I could create when Finnish waters were too cold, frozen, or completely unreachable. Which, let’s be honest, is most of the year. Adaptation became part of the art. And underwater, everything softened. The noise stopped. The self-doubt went quiet for a moment. That alone was worth it.
Another huge shift in 2025 was finally feeling settled in Finland. After three years since moving from Australia, I can say I’ve found my footing. And yes, it took time. A lot of time. Working across Espoo and Helsinki, building trust, learning the rhythm, surviving the darkness (emotionally and literally), it all finally clicked. This place feels like home now. I love this life. I love this work. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Creatively, my heart stayed where it belongs: maternity and motherhood. That is my core. That is where I feel most connected. Newborns and families naturally wove their way in too, along with branding and artistic collaboration work that allowed me to stretch and experiment. It all felt intentional, not forced.
There were also glimpses of what’s next. Last year I was lucky to create magic in Greece, Spain and back in Australia. For next year I hope to expand internationl work even more. Photography has always been my way of moving through the world, and in 2025 that door cracked open just enough to show me what’s possible.
Looking into 2026, my intentions are simple but strong. I want to continue exactly like this, just more refined. More overseas work. More dream clients. More clarity in my style. More underwater moments where I forget to overthink. And most importantly, continuing to become the person and artist I know I’m meant to be.
2025 wasn’t perfect. I doubted myself more than I’d like to admit. But it was real. And it was mine. And honestly, that feels like everything.
Enjoy these underwater maternity photos taken in Crete Island, Greece.
xx Sanna
