I enjoy these year-end moments to showcase some photos that didn’t make the cut or align with our themes. This year, I’ve taken fewer pictures than usual. My time in Singapore and Australia was when I truly captured a wealth of my images. There are still posts on that journey waiting to be crafted. Health challenges have hindered my enjoyment of photography as I once knew it, leading me to rely more on quick snaps from my phone. Additionally, like Ann-Christine, I’ve been dedicating more time to art projects, reigniting my passion for them. Aquarelle and Graphic Monotype are the art forms I’ve concentrated on, even though they often don’t turn out as I envision. I’ve realized that practice is key—at least it feels that way to me. The same holds true for photography. Hopefully next year will hold more inspiring photography opportunities.
This did not come together as I planned, but as I looked at the photos, this theme rose from the photos I took on our memorable trip. My plan was to share the most beautiful shots I have, ones that showed the beauty we saw, and instead, I give you this collection of people with their phones or posing for a photo, and two with no connection to the theme at all. But here they are, my final glimpses!
I was at the plaza in Marina Bay in Singapore, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and engaging in some casual people watching. As I sat on a bench and listened to the lively sound of chatter and commands about how to pose for the photo, I captured these images of people striking poses for their parents and friends.
The varied gathering, featuring both tourists and locals, brought a blend of languages and cultures to the space; yet, it was hard to ignore that many were absorbed in their phones, scrolling intently and often missing the vibrant life around them. It felt a bit sad, don’t you think? As I witnessed this scene, I found myself thinking about on the connections we make and those we inadvertently let slip away, realizing that while technology helps us stay connected in so many ways, it can also create an invisible wall that distances us from the rich, shared experiences that life has to offer.
In Australia, we traveled extensively through the breathtaking natural spots. Obviously, the beauty of the natural environment drew us in, providing countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, we also noticed some people here with their phones, capturing their experiences on camera—posing against the backdrop of iconic landmarks and sharing their moments. When you look at these photos, it seems everyone has their hand on a phone, me included—or, in many cases, a camera.
Time to say thanks for this year; 2025 has passed so quickly. A big thank you to all the Lens-Artists team for their creativity and dedication. I really enjoy the community that Lens-Artists has created, the unity and kindness people have toward each other, the positivity, and the power of kind and thoughtful words and humor. The world needs it. Photography is a great way to share the beauty around us. I am ever so grateful for the new blog friends I’ve made, as well as those who have been with me for all the fourteen years I’ve been blogging.
As we pause for the final two weeks of December, let’s share kindness and embrace the spirit of the Holiday Season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bless you with joy and good health! We’ll be back with our Favorite Photos of the Year challenge on January 3. Until then, remember to be kind, stay safe, and relish the journey.
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
A lovely bunch pf photos for the year Ritva, I like the idea of tourist photos
Safe this way, no need to try to find the best lol
😂
Ritva, I really enjoyed these photos of tourists posing for pictures and your thoughts about how everyone has a phone in their hand. I have observed that, too. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a very happy 2026!
Same to you Beth, have a lovely Christmas
I enjoyed your thoughtful reflections on the year, the opportunities of travel, our phones, and photos. Thankfully, this Lens Artists group reflects kindness, beauty, connection and more.
I have to admit, I have the phone in my hand way too much
Most of us do, but I also leave it alone or even at home sometimes. 😊
Now, you are brave Brad 😂
😁
Wow, what great portraits and street photography Ritva!
Thanks Anne, glad you liked them
A wonderful theme Ritva! The reality of our times is so virtual 😛.
Sadly yes, I am too addicted to it too
As always your images are wonderful Ritva but your closing paragraphs are SO powerful and wonderful thoughts to carry into the new year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year.
Tina thank you, happy to hear my words resonated with you. Wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year to you heart ♥
I hadn’t quite taken in how very much you’d racvelled this year Ritva. I enjoyed the scenes you show us here, but just as much, those of the people you’ve spotted on the way.
Margaret, it feels like we did nothing, but we did take 5 weeks for the trip to Australia. Wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year to you and your loved ones.
What a wonderful collection and words you shared in this post! Your street/people photography is always inspiring for me. Your closing words are so much needed these days.
Glad you felt my words as intended. Wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year to you Egídio and your loved ones.
Wonderful images and thoughts to wrap up the year. I didn’t realize you had health issues. I hope they’re resolved and you have a healthy and joyful new year. (BTW…I totally agree about the cellphones eclipsing our attention!)
Glad you felt my words as intended. I am going through lots of tests at the moment, so they could give me a diagnosis. At least cancer is ruled out. Wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year to you Patti and your loved ones.
A nice selection – and thanks for co-hosting this challenge. It was fun to take part over the past few months and get to know, at least a little bit, some of the great bloggers in this network.
Thank you Bob, After seeing you images I am very taken by your comment.
Ritva – so many great street captures! I enjoyed your take on and agree about the phones. Everywhere. Sometimes I get crazy with them…Happy Holidays and all the best for the new year!
Thank you! Wonderful holiday and a Joyous New Year to you Ann-Christine and your loved ones.
Not something I expected Ritva, lots of people, you were doing a lot of street photography, people watching. They are really interesting. have a great Christmas and new year and I will see you for Monochrome Madness I hope.
Wonderful captures, Ritva.
Thanks Rupali