Lens-Artists Challenge #354 – reflections

A reflection of boats and masts on calm water, hopefully showcasing the beauty and artistry of reflections in photography.

Lens-Artists Challenge this week is hosted by Anne, and the theme is reflections, please visit her lovely post for inspiration and guidance. I for one often find myself searching for a beautiful reflection. I believe many of us photographers are. “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.” 

Lake Kukkanen reflection in autumn colors and rustic cottages in Nastola Finland.

“Water’s mirror., “Reflection perfection., “Stillness captured., “Nature’s looking glass., and “Water’s silent poetry.

Shots below I took at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi, a stunning location known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene landscapes. The area is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Finland, which reflect the vibrant colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset. As I wandered along the rocky coastline, I was captivated by in this environment, this picturesque region.


Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a stunning nature preserve located in Delray Beach, Florida, celebrated for its rich diversity of wildlife and picturesque walking trails. Spanning over 50 acres, it boasts a charming boardwalk that invites visitors to explore the wetlands and delight in observing a variety of species, including playful alligators, curious turtles, and a vibrant array of birds, such as graceful herons and elegant egrets. The preserve not only serves as a vital habitat for wildlife but also offers excellent educational resources about the local ecosystem, making it a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers eager to connect with the beauty of the natural world. That is were the shots below have been taken, while searching for birds and reflections.

Reflections in photography frequently introduce an element of depth, curiosity, and artistic nuance to an image. They can signify duality, uncover concealed angles, or merely elevate the visual allure of a scene. Numerous photographers and viewers have noted the potency of reflections, employing expressions that convey their capacity to turn the mundane into something enchanting or intellectually stimulating.

A contemplative moment captured through reflective surfaces, showcasing the interplay of light and color.
A vibrant reflection of urban life captured in glass, showcasing the interplay of architecture in Helsinki.

Below you can see reflections from from different locations.


Thanks for last week’s challenge Beth and everyone who participated in last week’s challenge; it was a tumultuous end to the week with the stormy moments you all contributed. Lastly, we invite you to join us next week as Ann-Christine leads us with something new next Saturday, June 28 at noon Eastern Time . Until then, keep on smiling.

For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

66 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #354 – reflections

  1. Ritva, I love all of your beautiful reflections! The gallery from Wakodahatchee Wetlands is amazing! I love all the birds you captured there.

  2. Oh Ritva, these have taken my breath away. Superb photos. I kept saying this is my favourite until I gave up as I love them all 😁

  3. Wonderful examples of reflections. Windows and buildings are just are interesting as birds and plants.

  4. Ritva Sillanmaki, a visual feast across continents — from Finland’s quiet lakes to Florida’s wetlands and Helsinki’s glass tales! Every frame feels like nature whispering poetry to your lens. Reflection hunting at its best!
    Boats reflection, my favourite!

  5. A wonderful gallery, Ritva! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the first three images are hardest to choose from. I like #3 the best.

  6. ‘Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like’ – YES! And that’s something you do so well 🙂 I always get a feeling of some sort, often of calm, when I look at your photos. In this post I especially loved your bird reflections – two birds for the price of one!

  7. Wonderful post as always Ritva. Especially loved that boat reflection and the image that follows it. I’ve not really thought about capturing the reflection without its subject but love the way you captured that boat!

  8. Oh, my! So many splendid images! You’ve done so well! I can’t pick a favorite, though I do especially like the landscape reflections. They’re perfect.

  9. You have some great images here Ritva. That girl on her mobile is one of those images you look at and think ‘I wish I’d taken that’ – Brilliant 🙂

  10. Interestingly, I usually prefer your nature shots and I was taken by all of them, but once I got to your cityscapes… Your eye captured beautiful everyday life reflections and those are my favourites.

  11. Hi,

    I visited your site. Wonderful you have to knowledge. Wonderful you sharing photography. So beautiful reflection nature Beauty photos. I like.

  12. Fabulous collection, Ritva – I knew you would have! All gorgeous captures and very varied. I kept thinking – how on earth did you manage the weather? Or am I just so used to the hopeless winds now that I have forgotten how calm and still it CAN be? Loved the ones with people close by the water. Special.

    1. Thanks Ann- Christine. The weather has been so cold and rainy lately – this summer has not felt like summer at all. Hopefully we will get it in July. But we can always look back in reflection and remember how cool it was this summer was this year in our neck of the woods.

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