The Jouko Lehtola Foundation has awarded the Young Hero Grant, dedicated to supporting documentary photography, to Antti Sepponen from Lahti. This year’s recipient was chosen from among ten nominees by film director Virpi Suutari.

Now presented for the third time, the grant is awarded to a promising documentary photographer under the age of 36 who demonstrates an “enthusiastic approach” to photography. On this occasion, the Young Hero Grant was awarded in collaboration with the Association of Photographic Artists. The grant carries a value of 5,000 euros. Sepponen’s exhibition will be presented at Photographic Gallery Hippolyte in Helsinki from 28 November to 21 December, 2025.

The other finalists are: Joshua Cockroft, Venla Kaasinen, Minna Karhunen, Sylvester Kivelä, Anni Porrasmäki, Mortti Saarnia, Henrietta Soininen, Niko Tampio, and Atte Tolonen.

The Jouko Lehtola Foundation was established in 2011. Its purpose is to support young creators engaged in documentary photography, as well as to preserve and promote awareness of the artistic work of its founder. The foundation organises exhibitions, participates in their realisation, and produces publications.

The Association of Photographic Artists warmly congratulates the recipient of the grant!

More information:
https://joukolehtola.com/
https://www.anttisepponen.com/