[1][2] Lönnqvist started his career as an atelier photographer, but soon turned into amateur photography.

[1][2] He photographed his home city Helsinki and the surrounding countryside's landscapes and people.

After he finished school he started working in 1904 at photographer Daniel Nyblin's camera accessories shop Suomen Valokuvaustarvikekauppa (Ab Finska Fotografiska Magasinet in Swedish).

[1] In 1933 Lönnqvist founded the company Oy Valovarjo Ab[1][2][3] and was engaged as the managing director until the age of 75.

[1][2][3] Beginning from the year 1909 Lönnqvist was actively involved in the Amatörfotografklubben photograph club.