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.
Fort Aguada is a fortress built by the Portuguese, located south of Candolim Beach in Goa. The fortress was constructed in the 17th century to protect Portuguese ships and defend the area against Dutch and Maratha attacks. The fortress’s lighthouse is one of the oldest in Asia, built in 1864. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination, and I visited in 2019
I have had some health issues that has kept me from being very active with my posts and well mostly with comments. I apologize. This was Sarah’s theme last week and I never got to edit my photos for it then, better late…
The historic lighthouse of Fort Aguada, one of the oldest in Asia, offers a glimpse into Goa’s past.
Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!
Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumnhere.
Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.
To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.
Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!
Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.
For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Sea buckthorn is this spiny shrub that gives us some seriously vitamin C-packed berries! They’re also loaded with health perks. We had a conversations with a friend of mine about the bright orange berries that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and good-for-you fatty acids, which can do wonders for your skin, give your immune system a nice boost, and keep your heart happy. Right now is the perfect time to dig into them. My friend eats them directly from the shrub, not me 😀
Close-up of vitamin C-rich sea buckthorn berries on a spiny shrub.
The sunflower whispers softly about the inevitable decay of its vibrant petals, a reminder that beauty is fleeting and even the brightest blooms must fade.
When I think about the ocean, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. It’s this vast expanse that holds so many mysteries and beauty, evoking awe and humility in me. The ocean feels like this incredible force—both calming and powerful at the same time. There’s something magical about standing by the shore, where you can hear the waves crash and feel that deep connection to nature and time itself.
Waves crashing against rocky shores, showcasing the beauty and power of the ocean.
Joanne is this weeks host. Her challenge post is here. Her request is to share some photographs of things/people/places that are inspiring and that you want to share. This is my approach to it. Suggestion: all the images in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.
It’s hard to believe that around 60-70% of people around the world have never seen the ocean in person. That means over 2.5 billion folks haven’t experienced the delight of watching the waves or feeling the sand between their toes! For many, it’s just not possible—living in landlocked areas, dealing with financial constraints, or simply not having the chance to travel can keep them away from those tranquil blue waters. It’s a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone gets a taste of the ocean’s beauty.
I saw this firsthand in India when local people from the countryside came to see the ocean for the first time for the New Year celebration. They had no idea of the power of the water and did not know how to swim, yet the sheer joy radiating from the women, children, but mostly young men was a sight to behold. They were playing on the beach as you usually see children play, building sandcastles and chasing each other in the waves lapping at their feet. The lifeguards were driving up and down the beach giving warnings not to enter if you don’t know how to swim. Also, the amount of selfies and photos 😀 one can guess how many…
The ocean has inspired so many, including some amazing writers. Robert Wyla captures this perfectly when he says, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” That resonates with me! And Rainer Maria Rilke echoes similar feelings, sharing his experience of going to the sea when life gets heavy: “When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.” Doesn’t that just sound soothing?
A serene moment by the ocean, capturing the tranquility and beauty of the shoreline.
I also love Christy Ann Martine’s lines, “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” It speaks to the joy of immersing ourselves in the ocean’s embrace. It reminds me that there’s this beautiful freedom found in the rhythm of the ocean.
Even if some haven’t been able to experience it firsthand, its essence resonates in our hearts and connects us all. The ocean isn’t just about its waves and shores; it’s about healing, inspiration, and that profound sense of belonging we all seek. So here’s to all the adventures waiting at the ocean!
I cannot end this post without sunset from by the ocean
Last week, you were so creative with your responses to Tina’s challenge! I love how different takes were on that theme. For Joanne’s challenge this week, make sure to link your post to hers and don’t forget to throw in the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily spot your post in the Reader.
Next week, John returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
The building depicted in the image is the Finnish Clock and Jewelry Museum, Kruunu, located in Espoo. The museum showcases the history and art of clocks and jewelry. Museo Leikki is a museum specializing in the history of toys, play, and childhood. The museum opened in May 2022. Café Lyrica, which is likely situated in the museum.
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.
Modern architecture featuring homes in residential buildings with balconies in a urban environment.A modern apartment building with balconies is a home to many residents, someone came home with a green scooter and left it parked in front.
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.
A winding road surrounded by lush greenery under an ominous sky.
A scenic view of a road lined with trees beneath a dramatic, cloudy sky.
A winding road leads through a lush landscape with dark clouds rolling in.
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.
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 😀
A stunning sunset with vibrant colors peeking through the trees, a glorious evening sky.
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.
A serene view south facing a sunset showcasing vibrant pink and blue hues, framed by trees and an open field, capturing the beauty of nature.Capturing the serene hues of twilight on the northern sky with delicate branches in the foreground.
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.
A autumn scene with a carpet of yellow and brown leaves scattered across green grass, illuminated by soft sunlight.
autumn leaves scattered on green grass, the essence of the autumn season.
Vibrant maple leaves framing a peaceful pathway, showcasing the beauty of the season.
birch leaves glistening in the sunlight, and vibrant hues of yellow and green against a blurred background.
A serene autumn path lined with colorful leaves, the beauty of the season begin to show
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.
Entrance to room H13 at the health center, showcasing a modern design.
The health center lobby had a a high glass ceiling and stylish pendant lighting and it showed us the lovely blue sky.
The lobby with spacious interiors and large windows, highlighting a well-lit environment. The influenssa vaccinations are about to begin so there seems to be stalls placed for them in the lobby.
Empty waiting chairs at a health center, I waited for a moment when they were empty before taking the shot. I had a few minute window to do it.
I tried to focus more on the windows and seating areas.
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 waterfall in Finland showcasing its natural beauty and steep drop.
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.
A view of the river leading to Juveninkoski waterfall, surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain.
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.
Intricate roots and rocky terrain in the lush surroundings of Juveninkoski waterfall.
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.
A serene swimming spot by the tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery.
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.
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.
Raindrops cascade through lush green leaves, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the forest backdrop.
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.
Raindrops glistening on vibrant green leaves of a September rain.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 