Silent sunday
Author: Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
My name is Ritva. I am an avid, self-taught photographer from southern Finland, currently living in Kirkkonummi. Interest in life is evident in my diverse subjects, capturing anything that catches my eye. Whether it’s the delicate intricacies of a plant, the breathtaking beauty of a landscape, or the compelling energy of urban life, My lens finds and celebrates beauty in all its forms. Nature serves as an enduring wellspring of inspiration for me, as I seek out and immortalize its enchanting moments. Additionally, in portrait photography I try to capture human emotion and connection , as I aim to encapsulate the very essence of each fleeting moment.
I totally enjoy playing with photos and immersing oneself in the editing process. It’s truly satisfying to have the flexibility that shooting in RAW provides, opening up a world of possibilities for editing. I’m of the same mindset when it comes to photo editing; I prefer to maintain the authenticity of the moment captured, striving to avoid over-editing and keeping the essence of the shot true to life. However, I also appreciate the occasional opportunity to explore artistic expressions through my edits, transforming images into minimalist monochrome representations that beautifully convey the essence and emotion of the scene. Or using colors to enhance the mood of the image. This delicate balance between realism and artistic expression is what makes photo editing such a captivating endeavor for me.
Inspiration and ideas change. My knowledge changes and grows. Each piece I create is simultaneously an extension from the past, where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned, as well as a preview of the future, where I’m going.
I do not classify myself as just a photographer, as some might think from looking at my work. I am a sculptor, a painter, a photographer, an artist.
If a viewer stops for just a moment to view and reflect on a photograph, a photo collage or a painting I have created, then I have succeeded in my work.
home in Modern Apartments with Balconies
These apartments are located in Tapiola, one of the suburbs of Espoo, Finland. These are some of the more modern apartment buildings. Just a block away from here, my grandmother lived for over thirty years.
Debbies One Word Sunday: Home and Cellpic Sunday also to Monday Windows
under the dark clouds
I drove back to my summer house under these dark, very impressive clouds that loomed ominously over the horizon. A huge rain pour had just passed the area, leaving behind a fresh, earthy scent that filled the air, as the remnants of the storm clung to the landscape. All that was left to see were the swirling clouds and the distant rumble of thunder, echoing like a memory of the storm’s fury. As I navigated the winding road, I could feel the anticipation of the cool, refreshing breeze seeping through the open windows, mingling with the scent of wet pine trees and damp earth.
Stormy clouds gather thick,
veiling the winding road in a dark embrace,
their swirling forms whispering fervent secrets of August skies.
The air crackles with electric anticipation,
as nature’s breath draws in,
a symphony of windsong
passionately dances through the fields,
while the horizon sighs deeply,
cradled beneath the weight of rain,
painting the countryside
in lush hues of deep gray and fleeting light.
Nature’s stunning Canvas
We have had two beautiful sunsets this weekend, each more captivating than the last. The colors have been really intense, creating a display that left us in awe. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a vibrant canvas, splashed with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Nature truly does provide the best art with big and bold strokes, reminding us of its incredible power and beauty..
This first set is me facing the camera to the west sky. The photos in can be enlarges by clicking the photos, I even recommend you to do so 😀
Now facing north ern sky the colors were pink and blue, usually the colors are not so strong.
The same was at the south looking sky.
The sky was on fire yesterday
Nature’s Colorful Transformation
Dawn of ‘The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere and would love you to share what autumn is like in your part of the world.
Festival of leaves… I took these today September 26th
Leaves are scattered on the ground in shades of yellow and brown, making a soft, colorful carpet that crunches when you step on it. The tree still hangs on to a bit of green in its leaves, a little nod to the summer that just zoomed by. The wind tosses them around, sending some whispers through the air, while the sun shines warmly on the scene, giving those fallen leaves a golden glow that sways gently in the light.
Waiting Room Photography
I took my son to the dentist yesterday, bracing myself for what was about to unfold. I was originally supposed to drop him off and pick him up after the surgery to remove his wisdom tooth, but instead, I was ordered back to sit with him during the premedication process, as they insisted he should not be alone. Despite him being 30 years old, the staff felt it was essential for him to have some support during this time. So much for y morning coffee in a nice cafe. I had tried to avoid this scenario, especially considering the multitude of viruses going around at the moment. Nonetheless, I did as instructed, drove back center and walked to the waiting area, and settled in to be with him. Since I was required to be there with seemingly nothing useful to occupy my time, I decided to make the most of the situation by taking a few shots from the health center with my phone. The light of the waiting area and the glass ceiling and the sterile efficiency of the dental area inspired me, providing a contrast that made for interesting photographs. I even took the opportunity to edit them right there on my phone, to enhance the images as I waited for the surgery to commence.
For Dans Thursday Doors
Monochrome Textures in Ropes
Ropes that bind and secure ; they provide strength, reliability, and versatility, those we need in our everyday life.
for Monochrome Madness and Tuesday Textures
wordless Wednesday
Juveninkoski Waterfall A Hidden Gem
I am going to share these images from the summer in Juveninkoski, Finland for Sunday Stills: Fountains and Falls. The cascading water, while not enormous in size, offers a charm that captures the essence of nature’s beauty. There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of flowing water as it dances over the rocks, that appeals to all our senses. This place, surrounded by lush greenery makes you appreciate the simple joys that nature provides.
Juveninkoski is an almost vertical waterfall in the village of Partala, in the town of Jämsä. It gets its water from the small Nytkymenjoki river in the area. The water plunges down a rocky cliff for almost 7 metres, but the total drop height of the rapid is even more than that. After the fall, the flow of the river slows down.
Click to enlarge photos.
Juveninkoski is reportedly the highest and steepest free-flowing waterfall in Central Finland, which is why it is one of the most famous nature sights in Jämsä today. Especially during the spring. Later in the summer, too, the rapid is a pleasant attraction as one can see the rapid in the green embrace of the surrounding trees and bushes that is when we drove to see it in August.
There used to be a mill and a ski factory at the river and, in addition, the river has been used for log floating. The fall has been named after Heikki Juvén, a ski factory owner born in Partala on January 10th 1907. Some remains from these past times, such as blocks of concrete, can still be seen in the rapid.
The descent is quite steep on one side, but on the opposite side of the rapid, there is a path that offers an easier way down.
The village association in Partala has worked to refurbish the surroundings of the waterfall. They built an observation platform along with flower beds and a sign with information of the history of the rapid. There are also two millstones on the observation platform. Downstream of the fall there is also a small pond, where you can go to swim during summertime.
All in all, Juveninkoski is a beautiful waterfall, with perhaps one of its best qualities being its steepness: “traditional” waterfalls falling free like this are rare in Finland.
The Intricate Beauty of dahlia
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the Serenity of September Rain
September rain, it came down heavily and slowly and heavily again, drenching the earth in a soothing rhythm that seemed to echo the heartbeat of the world. The wind, both gentle and powerful, swirled through the yard, frolicking amid the vibrant green leaves and twirling branches of the trees that swayed almost rhythmically, while droplets moving fast in the dim light, creating a serene but moody atmosphere. That is the feeling of the day at my house.
Amidst the gentle rustle of tree branches, each drop a note that dances through the leaves. The air is fragrant with the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen petals, as nature sighs. Sunlight filters softly through the splattered droplets, creating a mosaic of light and shadow, while the world stands still, cradled in the embrace of autumn’s first whispers. Grateful, the trees sway gently, their limbs catching the rhythm of the rain, celebrating the transition to a season rich with change and renewal.
Modern Building Facade in Lahti
For Monday Window: 22 September 2025
Keeping it simple this week, this is a building from Hämeenkatu, Lahti, Finland
Lens-Artists Challenge #366– City Mouse/Country Mouse
Tina takes us to a theme inspired by “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,” also known as “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,” is a heartfelt Aesop fable that tells the story of a country mouse and a city mouse who venture into each other’s worlds.
I have lived in three continents – I have moved many times and the really important thing is that you are where you are with the ones you love. Home is where your heart is.
This tale gently reminds us of the stark contrast between the glamorous yet sometimes perilous hustle of city life and the comforting, simple joys of the countryside. Ultimately, it reflects a profound truth: that true happiness lies in finding joy in the place where we truly belong, even if it means letting go of some of the city’s flash and excitement.
I do not know which you prefer a more quiet life or the hustle and bustle of city life, but as I am getting older I am leaning more and more towards the countryside. I have never lived in the city, only the suburbs with 15 minutes commute to Helsinki and that not is considered a big city. But I used to spend lots of time in café’s and bookstores. Walk in the park and marketplace. As I wrote this it came to me I lived in San Diego, and Las Vegas, those are rather big cities even back then. Memory what it does to you…. Nowadays I am happy to retreat to my summerhouse in the summer to listen to birds and watch the leaves above my hammock move against the blue sky. In the winter it’s suburbia 😀 with nature at my doorway. I am a happy country mouse 😀
I am just happy to visit the cities for a day or two and to return the more relaxed small towns.
That it for me this week. I’m sure others have much more intriguing takes, and I eagerly anticipate reading their thoughts. Please make sure to connect your responses to Tinas’s lovely original here, and tag the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in Edígios’s Longing challenge last week, which led to so many emotions.
We are excited to announce that next week Lens-Artists will be guest-hosted by Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography, we hope you’ll join us again next Saturday, so be sure to check her post at noon EST. In the meantime, as always, keep on smiling.
Interested in joining our challenge? Click here .
There is melancholy in the air
There is a certain melancholy in the air when the midnight ladies bloom. They begin to be the last blooming flowers of summer.
budding amidst green leaves.
Ligularia dentata a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family and the genus Ligularia . It is native to China and Japan. Ligularia is a vigorous grower with kidney-shaped leaves that are very toothed. The leaf petioles can be over 30 centimeters long. Midnight Lady is also an excellent plant for butterflies and pollinators.
For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.
Sunflowers symbol of Positivity and Joy
Sunflowers are a vibrant symbol of positivity and warmth, their golden petals radiating joy and bringing light to everyone to see. They turn their heads to follow the sun, reminding us to seek the brighter side of life. As Vincent van Gogh once said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”
The Art of Urban Exploration
Singapore had lots of people walking this way, and that way and wondering which way … occasionally they’d stumble upon a door to pop into.
For Dans Thursday Doors and Deb’s challenge this week called for “Which Way with People”
Monochrome-Madness: Symmetry
Our host this week is Dawn from The Day After, and her theme this week is SYMMETRY
Instead of finding symmetry in many places I am taking you back to our trip to Australia. These I took from the war memorial in Canberra. Architecture does often provide us with symmetry and I think it is captured here without no doubt.
The architecture of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is both striking and symbolic, designed to reflect the solemnity and significance of its purpose. The memorial features a grand sandstone façade and an iconic dome, which is inspired by the design of traditional war memorials around the world.
ANZAC Parade is a street in Canberra, Australia. Along the street, there are memorials dedicated to the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fell in battles. Eucalyptus trees grow along the edges of the street. The red central median of the area is made of crushed brick.
Vibrant Yellow and Orange Floral Photography
I took these photos this summer. As I mentioned in my previous post, I enjoy taking pictures of flowers, but I have been posting them sparingly . Recently, as I have been seeing these vibrant yellow and orange posts filling my feed, I couldn’t help but look back to my visit at the Rhododendron park in Helsinki, where these beautiful colors captured my attention. The vivid colors of the flowers the joy of a summer day spent wandering through the park, admiring nature’s artistry. Now seems like the perfect opportunity to share these images with all of you. I have lots of shots of the pink flowers – added two as the backdrop in yellow. Here are my Vibrant Yellow and Orange Hues.
Many thanks to Terri for her Sunday Stills challenge Yellow and Burnt Orange
Get a better look by clicking the images to explore the intricate details and vibrant colors that may not be visible at first glance. Each click will provide you with a closer inspection, unveiling the beauty of the flowers
and one portrait with a perfect background for this challenge.
Birthday bouquet
I take photos of flowers, but lately I’ve been in a bit of a flower-photo hibernation for reasons even I can’t understand. I got this bouquet for my husband’s birthday – he was less “ooh” and more “ahh, what is this?” But hey, I reminded him that men deserve flowers too! It’s not like they sprout from the ground solely for the enjoyment of women, right? Well, I just really wanted some flowers, and his birthday was a fabulous excuse to bring a little floral cheer into our lives!
Click to enlarge – recommend 😀
Cellpic sunday – tired
We had our youngest grandson (15mo) stay with us for a night so his parents got so time to themselves. This little fella was on the move all the time, so when he went back home we all felt like Tinka. He is the cutest and most lovable little boy, the amount of energy they have is unbelievable 😀 . There is a reason why you have kids when you are young. Yes Tinka is cute too.
For Cellpic Sunday
Monday window – designed by Alvar Aalto.
The image shows a building designed by Alvar Aalto. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, renowned as a master of modern architecture. This building is in my opinion is in a totally wrong place in Helsinki.
Monday Window: 15th September 2025
Lens-Artists Challenge #365: Longing
Thank you so much to Egídio for bringing this feeling as a challenge, which has prompted me to reflect more deeply on the concept of longing and its various nuances. I invite you to visit Egídio’s site and be marveled by his wonderful post, as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of this emotion. Longing is such a personal and abstract thing, often intertwined with memories and experiences, and the object, thing—feeling changes as you age, evolving with each chapter of our lives. I think this is going to be a personal post, and as I delve into my own thoughts and memories, I find myself at a loss regarding how to pick the images for this one that will truly convey the depth of these feelings.
Let’s start with this: every winter I long for spring. Every spring I long for a warm summer. Every summer I long for it to continue for long. Every fall I long for beautiful colors and for the winter to bring us some snow that stays so the days are brighter. Always something…
When I was twenty years younger, in late autumn, I would say to my husband, “Where should we move?” I had this urge to go to places warmer and brighter than Finnish winters. It was not a certain place; it was a feeling of longing for something different, not anything specific—a restlessness that I had in me. Usually, the response to it was, “Send me a postcard when you get there.” I did not go, that is obvious. Longing at that moment in time.
A time before that when my boys were young… I will start with a short backstory. I was daddy’s girl; he was the one I spoke to when I had something in my heart that needed to be discussed or I needed support in any matter, really. He had this unique ability to understand me, offering advice that came from a place of love and wisdom. Sadly, he passed when I was nineteen, leaving a void that I still feel to this day. I got along with my mum fine, but we weren’t that close emotionally. We spoke about what was happening in my life, but those deeper conversations were missing, leaving me yearning for a connection that was meant to be there. Now for the longing part. My mother passed away six years after my dad, a little over a month after my wedding, and that was a time filled with both joy and sorrow. She never got to see my children, and I never got to talk to her as a mom, sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood. I often thought, would that have gotten us closer together, the shared experience of being mothers? Would we have bonded differently through the sleepless nights and the laughter of little ones? When the boys were young, I longed for my parents to have known them and vice versa, imagining family gatherings, the stories they would tell, and the love that would have surrounded all of us. That is a big longing that shadows my memories, a beautiful yet painful dream of what could have been.
I have had a lot of pain-related issues in my life since I was a teenager, and I have learned to live with them; you deal with what you’ve got. Now the pains and aches are slightly different, more frequent, and I long for a good night’s sleep; they are not a given, so after a good night’s sleep, I am so happy. So, that is one of the things I long for. After hours of trying to fall asleep, I often say a prayer: Please let me sleep. I usually do not get a reply or help. I so long for a good night of sleep.
Sometimes I just longing for a nice glass of wine in front of the fireplace or a nice dinner at a restaurant, small mundane longings like someone preparing your meal…
Lastly, I want to thank you all for the warm response I got for my last week’s challenge. During this wonderful journey, I saw beautiful places that took my breath away and shared heartfelt stories about where to appreciate a moment of quiet. It was a delightful experience to connect with all of you and witness how we each find peace and reflection in our surroundings, whether it’s in nature, a cozy nook at home, or even a bustling café. Thank you for inspiring me to look deeper and cherish the little things that often go unnoticed.
Next week is Tina’s turn to host, Saturday 20th September. We can all look forward to her always inspiring post, which never fails to ignite our creativity. Tina has a unique way of sharing her thoughts that resonates with everyone, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences. Until then, keep smiling and remember that each day is an opportunity to spread positivity and uplift one another .
Remember to link back to the original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Together
There is all kinds of together – love, friendships, hobbies, and shared moments that create lasting memories, each nurturing our souls in their own special way. Love can blossom in the warm glow of affection, reminding us how deeply we can care for one another. Friendships, filled with laughter and warmth, are life’s treasures, providing support and joy through our shared experiences. Hobbies, whether enjoyed in solitude or as a part of a group, present beautiful opportunities for connection, allowing us to come together and explore our passions side by side. Ultimately, these forms of togetherness weave a rich tapestry of life, illustrating the profound importance of connection and understanding in our daily existence.
you want me to move – NO!
For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday.
Windmill
I had these photos and this add came to mind, even though I took these photos because the sky and mood of the day.
The expression “Vattenfall – motherfucking windmills” alludes to a contemporary advertising campaign by the Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, showcasing actor Samuel L. Jackson as he highlights the benefits of offshore wind farms and the restoration of marine ecosystems via integrated seaweed farming.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 