Mia-Alexandra: From Military Uniform to Studio Portraits
It's not every day that someone walks into your photo studio wearing a military uniform.
In August 2021, I photographed Mia-Alexandra at the Walgus studio in Tallinn. She had recently completed her military service in the Estonian Defence Forces, and we wanted to capture her both in uniform and in civilian clothes.
When Mia-Alexandra arrived at the studio in uniform, I wasn't quite sure whether to salute her or shake her hand. As it turned out, she'd served in the same battalion as I had, exactly ten years earlier. Small world!
We started with formal portraits in her military uniform, using a dark background and fairly traditional compositions. I had brought a full-size Estonian flag from my home in Saue to use as a backdrop, which added a fitting detail to the photographs.
After changing into civilian clothes, we experimented with different poses and lighting. We then moved to a dark background for a series of contrasting black-and-white portraits.
We finished the session with a lighter background, giving the final photographs a different atmosphere.
Since Mia-Alexandra had recently completed her military service, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to add a story to the photographs for the Walgus blog. So, alongside the portrait session, I asked her a few questions about her experiences.
A CONVERSATION WITH MIA-ALEXANDRA
What motivated you to join the military?
On one hand, I had a strong desire to learn how to defend both my family and my country. At the same time, I felt it could be a place where I would better understand myself and what I wanted to achieve in life.
I had heard different stories about military service from male acquaintances, and deep down, I found it intriguing.
How did you prepare before starting your service?
Before joining, I regularly went on hikes carrying a heavy backpack and trained my endurance at the gym.
Mentally, I tried to prepare myself for the various challenges that lay ahead.
How did your military service go, and what were the most memorable moments?
I completed my military service in the Artillery Battalion in Tapa.
I wouldn't say it was always easy. There were certainly some low points, but there are also memories that will be nice to look back on.
Some of the most rewarding moments were finishing a long march and receiving my rank of junior sergeant. Good performances during training also gave me a lot of motivation and lifted my spirits.
What has military service taught you that you can use in everyday life?
I'm definitely more realistic and down-to-earth than I was before my service.
In terms of practical skills, I would mention basic leadership knowledge. Most of what we learned is more useful in an actual wartime situation.
There are probably small things I use in everyday life, but perhaps I no longer notice them myself.
What do you enjoy doing outside the military?
I work out at the gym and read books. I also really enjoy going for walks to clear my head.
Since completing my military service, I've mostly been trying to rest, spend time with loved ones and enjoy as much of the summer as possible.
I still see myself being connected to the military in some way in the future, but because of my studies, that world will take a bit of a back seat for now.
