Photographer Matti Karppinen dies at 75

Matti Karppinen, a photographer known for his work with the church publication Kotimaa, died on May 16, 2026, at the age of 75. Born in Utajärvi, Karppinen's path to photography was unconventional, beginning after he pursued theology studies in Helsinki.

Karppinen took on a part-time caretaker role at the Kallio parish, becoming involved in its activities, particularly youth work. His interest in photography grew, leading to his images appearing in the parish's Kirkonkello magazine, then Kirkko ja kaupunki, and eventually the national publication Kotimaa, where he became a photographer in 1989. He also briefly taught photography at the HEO folk high school.

Throughout his career, Karppinen traveled extensively across Finland, documenting the life of congregations. He was noted for his discreet and natural ability to move within church spaces during services, skillfully reading situations. While he undertook various assignments, including product photography, he found portraiture most fulfilling. His work also took him abroad, notably to Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the late 1990s to cover the work of Church Aid.

Karppinen is remembered as a calm, fair, kind, and helpful individual. In his personal life, he enjoyed fishing and hunting in his home region of Vaala. He married his colleague Irja in 1995. After retiring in 2016, he faced health challenges, including rheumatism, lung disease, and heart failure, which limited his mobility. His dog provided companionship and encouraged him to continue outdoor activities. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.