Finnish Photographer Captures The Most Otherworldly Night Pictures You'll Ever See On Instagram

Many amateur photographers find managing lighting to be problematic, but not self-taught Mikko Lagerstedt, who taked his stunning photographs at night. Popular on Instagram, his breathtaking photographs of star-strewn skies, fantastically lit trees, and beautiful landscape shots, are all taken later than your bed time. You wouldn't believe that a 640x640 picture could be that impressive, but Mikko is here to prove you wrong. This nightly photo routine not only lets him capture the Milky Way (which, he says, is a lot easier to see in Greece), but also have some adventures.

"I have run into a moose and a deer, it was quite scary and funny at the same time." He told Aplus. "I also saw a lynx crossing a road. It was one of those moments that make you really appreciate what you do."

Mikko, who lives in Kareva, Finland (30 km to Helsinki), started taking pictures in 2008. It was a chance encounter that started it: "My very first inspiration towards photography came to me when I was driving on a summer’s eve to my relative’s cabin. After a rainy day, the sun started shining, and the fog was rising in the fields. I just had to stop and watch this beautiful moment and then I realized that I want to start capturing these kinds of moments." Since then, he’s been snapping atmospheric photos left and right. Lagerstedt states on his website that losing a friend at 20 was one factor that pushed him towards a more atmospheric angle. Other than that, he's entirely self-taught. That doesn't mean he just uses a simple camera, though: Lagerstedt’s list of equipment and computer rig is quite impressive.

Almost as impressive as his pictures!

More info: mikkolagerstedt.com | Instagram | Facebook | flickr (h/t: aplus)