One of our new additions to the HC Helsinki team from last autumn is Maija Huitu, an English Translation major with an artistic soul, and a natural talent both behind the camera lens and while working her magic on paper. Having acted as the photographer in our successful Head Shot Day and much-loved Winter Campus Fashion article, Maija reveals her dream travel destinations and some of the inspirations behind her work.
What do you study and what are the most interesting aspects about your study so far?
I’m majoring in English Translation. I can’t say much about it yet, as the courses started only a week ago. I actually started my studies last January, and greatly enjoyed the English Philology courses I had. I’m still not quite sure if translation is ‘my thing’, but learning is always positive, especially when it comes to languages. I find the cultural aspects most interesting; cultures in English-speaking countries are something I’d like to study further.
What are your passions in life? How do you make time to do what you enjoy?
I love all forms of visual arts. I’ve been into drawing since I was little, and my newest obsession is photography. I got to borrow my aunt’s DSLR camera last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Drawing and photography go well together, as both of them allow you to capture the world as you experience it. Whenever I’m out there with a camera, I see things I wouldn’t normally notice. As much as I love to see the final product, my favourite part is the process itself.
Making time to do what you love is extremely important. Photography is my way of relaxing. Summer time is amazing as you have time to go out in the evening and there would still be enough light to shoot, but on the other hand, getting creative indoors is another challenge. I try to be done with studying by 5 o’clock every evening and keep weekends free of uni things to have enough time to enjoy things and time with people that I love.
© Maija Huitu
Who or what are your biggest inspirations?
I spend way too much time on Instagram, soaking up inspiration from all those amazing photography accounts I follow. Rosie Hardy (@georgiarosehardy) and Max Leo (@vaguevacancy), among many others, inspire me greatly when it comes to photography.
Other than that, I find everyone who have found their passion and are following that, inspirational. Wether it’s something academical, artistic or something totally different, being true to yourself is something that I hold in high esteem.
If you could travel to any place in the world, where would it be and why?
London London London! I spend the autumn 2014 au pairing in London, and totally fell in love with the city. I would happily spend every other week there if it was possible. The energy of the city and how well the historical parts and modern life merge together is unique. It was such an adventure.
If I could go anywhere I haven’t been before… I’d love to see Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and a Norwegian fjord, mainly because of the incredible scenery. I would like to try hiking, too. On the other hand, a long weekend getaway in a European city, such as Amsterdam or Wien, is something I’d like to do right now. Getting lost in a foreign city is one of the most liberating feelings I know. I love travelling and have been fortunate enough to have travelled a lot, mainly in Europe with my family.
Why did you join HC Helsinki and how have you liked it?
I joined HC Helsinki last September because I wanted to be a part of something, and HC Helsinki looked like the perfect opportunity for me to try my wings in both photography and writing. I soon realised I’m not a writer, but luckily there were other things to do in the team. I run our Instagram with a couple of other girls, and take photos for some of our articles. It’s been so nice to meet new creative and lovely people.
© Maija Huitu
Check out Maija’s beautiful instagram account here (@maijairma). Profile photo © Pinja Lehtiheimo.