Lens Artist Challenge #380: What’s Around the Corner?

Cities, lens-artists

This week it’s Anne’s turn to host, and for that, I took an outing to Helsinki. Well, that is partially true. We went to buy bed linen; one of our sheets had been used so much that it ripped with a big hole. I have, for an unknown reason, very sensitive skin at the moment, so I wanted very soft linen. I am happy to say I found it: bamboo sheets. Luxury. I am way off the point here, but it might explain some of my photos. I took them all with my iPhone. Anne wrote: Look around, and using your imagination, what do you see? Please keep this to the same walk—that’s the challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing what you find. And have fun! This is where my walk began.

A beautifully arranged display of soft, luxurious bed linen featuring patterned blue sheets and plush pillows, perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep. I did not buy these but it was a last minute decision to take photos and this is a lovely set in my opinion.

I did take the one below as I did not know if we were going to go out of the store, I mean it was cold.

We strolled around for a bit, and you know how it is in familiar spots—you hardly notice the little things, right? So, I grabbed some shots of Aleksanterinkatu and the folks bustling about. Then I kicked myself for not paying more attention. In the shots below, you’ll see some doors that normally I’d just breeze past, even though I think they’re gorgeous.

To participate in this challenge, I needed to discover something compelling for a photograph. I captured a close-up of the intricate stone carvings at the entrance of the Pohjola Insurance Company’s building in Helsinki. Designed by architect Eliel Saarinen, the building was completed in 1901 and features a façade embellished with grotesques and mythical creatures from Finnish folklore.
The scowling faces in the picture are crafted by sculptor Hilda Flodin. My husband made a joke about it, and just from their expressions, you can tell which ones are women, as he remarked with a smug grin 😂

Window shopping and checking out the displays is fun, but this time I tried to pay more attention to the details and didn’t really nail it. I could’ve done better, but the cold wind had my fingers feeling like ice sticks!

We did find a restaurant to have lunch.

Please keep it to the same walk—that was the challenge, I did that. My intention was to keep the post shorter, but this is what I found. And I did have fun! It turned out that my photos are not award-winning photos or all that attractive to my photographic eye; but, I did take the risk and found something worth the time.

Thanks Anne for this one, it made go out to the cold and have walk in the city. Next week, Saturday, January 17, at noon EST is my turn to host, hope to see you then.

Please remember to link your post Anne’s original post. Also, remember to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.

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.

23 thoughts on “Lens Artist Challenge #380: What’s Around the Corner?”

  3. Ritva, I enjoyed walking along with you. Looks like a fun day of shopping and I think you captured lots of great details. Lucky you to have a husband who goes shopping with you! My husband hates shopping!

    Reply

  6. Loved this walk, Ritva! I know I have spent too little time in your beautiful country…thank you for the glimpses! So impressed too that your husband went with you! Mine would never have done that…

    Reply

  13. Such a fun choice for the challenge Ritva! I loved the color and variety of your choices, and especially loved the images of the city buildings. I’ve been using bamboo sheets for some time now and find them much more comfortable. They also wear and wash very well. Enjoy them!

    Reply

Leave a reply to photobyjohnbo Cancel reply