Many thanks to Tina for this challenge Lens-Artists #358 – Live and Learn. The first quote she posted was “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Ben Franklin . I can relate to that. I was a lazy student in school, I hardly never read for homework at home, I quickly did it by memory of what i heard in the class. I was a student who told other to shut up, so I could listen what the teacher taught. I did OK with this technique of study.
Well, photography – I looked at other photographers’ images and learned from paintings about composition, as art was my first love. Composition is the key to my images. For years, I didn’t edit any of my photos. I started blogging in 2011, but it was only in 2013 when I started to edit with free editing programs. Mostly, I did cropping and exposure and contrast adjustments. I got my first version of Lightroom in 2016, and I bought some presets – I opened them to see what they kept in them, and that is how I started to learn how to use the program. I never was a guidebook reader. Trial and error, that is the way to go.
Different styles I picked up on the way, bokeh, macro, close-ups, black and white edits… You get the idea.
At this point, I had learned a few more things about the camera settings, and I started following a few photographers, watching them showcase all the new improvements that Lightroom offered.
I found myself fascinated by the way they meticulously adjusted each setting to create stunning visuals that spoke to their unique vision. How they used these tools effectively inspired me deeply, and I copied them, adjusting their techniques to suit my own style. With each photo I took, I experimented with different approaches, trying to find that sweet spot where technical skill met personal expression. I was very taken when someone told me they could recognize my photos from their style. It was a moment of pride for me because it meant I was starting to carve out my own niche in the photography world. I was so flattered and encouraged to keep pursuing this passion.
I chose these photos I searched for photos from the earlier years. I redid the post as It was a disaster in so many levels to start with and reposted it. The photos weren’t the worst, but I realized I could show much more depth and tones by revisiting the editing process with these three new versions. Each edit allowed me to experiment with different filters and adjustments, bringing out the vibrant colors and intricate details in a way that truly showcases the beauty I initially hoped to express. As for the flowers photo I took this week, i soft petals and rich colors that evoke warmth and happiness, reminding me of the fleeting essence of summer and the joy it brings. Even in monochrome, yes?, No?
Last week Egidio took us Into the Woods for some Forest Bathing. It is obvious that Forest are great inspiration to many of us. Be sure to check back on Saturday, August 2 at noon Eastern Time when John will be hosting our next challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Involve me and I learn, very wise words. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photographs.
A very interesting phoographic journey. I can’t find any enthusiasm for post-processing, and in fact dislike many of the results I see, which have taken the whole thing far too far for my taste. You’ve definitely found your ‘sweet spot’ where the original image you saw in your head as you pressed the shutter still shines through, without pushing it so far it becomes artificial.
💚
I love those photos, so beautifully green and colorful, and the bridge ones a bit scary.
Your edits on these photos certainly make the images pop! Experience is the best teacher.
Great examples for a learning lesson Ritva. I still only use free light editing tools. I admire you, John, Tina and others in the group who are willing to learn and work hard at photography and editing. I like to keep it simple and easy.
I agree on everything…and your results are breathtakingly beautiful. Love the summer flowers so –
Ritva, your trial and error certainly paid off. Your final images after editing are all stunning. I love them all.
As always, beautiful image Ritva, and I enjoyed your story about how you’ve arrived at today’s skill level, which is of course amazing. Especially loved your 3 floral images.
It’s wonderful to witness the progress we make in our photography journey. Your images are stunning.
These are so good Ritva. The slider was a brilliant idea 😀
Yes, I do think you have a definite style. While I don’t like oversaturated colours that betray the subject, I love your use of editing to bring out the best and define your subject.
I love the use of sliders to show the before and after.
I do love your style – you have a way of bringing light into the photo!
Interesting blog Ritva. I’ve followed your path in lots of ways. Modern software has changed my approach in recent years. For a long time I was really wary about opening shadows or bringing down highlights in sky’s because I’d been told this would increase noise in my images. I use topaz to deal with that now and it’s made a huge improvement in my images. Lightroom and PS have a similar noise reduction feature, I’ve just grown with Topaz and know it well.
Nice post. One does learn a lot by doing
Ritva, your style is truly yours, and it brings out your photographic vision. I find it worthwhile to reprocess some photos for challenge posts as they can be improved by new skills and new software.
Great photos. I definitely like the lighter versions.
I’ve been thinking because of this challenge to go back to some older photos and edit them again, with the knowledge and sensitivity I have now. How different would they be?
It’s not the first time I’ve said this but I recognise your photos as they have such a personal style, not everyone can do that. Your edits are effective, the details nice and crisp. Your flowers are spot on, even in monochrome the feeling is there.
Beautiful photos! When I was learning I LOVED looking on Flickr at photos and seeing the settings various people used to then play around and set up my camera!