the weather is not promising spring for us, no, winter still has a strong grip on us even though it is middle of March.
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.
March 14
March 13
March 12
March 11
March 10
March 8
I am a bit lost at the moment, so direction or focus in my posts. So Until I get that sorted out, and I get my focus on again, I will be hopping and popping from mood to mood, season to season and country to country. So having said that. Here is a winter detail in white and blue 🙂
March 6
Stairway at Villa Vizcaya, trying to capture a moment when no one was on the stairway…nearly impossible.
February 28
we have had some of the colder days of this winter past week ans it continues. We went for a walk on the ice roads some local island user had done, so cold and windy, but sunny.
At this occasion I took photos of frost flowers on an empty house by the sea. I found them rather amazing, haven’t seen similar before, they are like berries.
February 28
February 23
February 21
Waiting for the clouds to pass by, beach life.
February 20
Sunset witnessed from behind the cruise ships blogging most of it view at Key West in Florida.
February 19
it is a cols sunny winter day here in the north, so it is nice to remember the warm, windy and cloudy days from the holiday. It makes a good photo. At the dock near Key West.
February 17
Boy, life has given some blows this week and also some awesome news. This is a post from a three time grandma, by grandson number three was born two days ago. So I have been some what preoccupied this week. But, here is a palm tree, the original or the edited one, which do you like better? 
February 13
February 12
I love lighthouses, we visited this one on a very windy day. I was totally worth the drive. Beautiful beach and views. Standing tall and majestically along the south end of the Key Biscayne shoreline, the Cape Florida lighthouse is a staggering sight.
It’s not hard to imagine the towering structure once guiding mariners and fisherman in the 1800s, back before LED navigation lights and other standard lighting fixtures found on modern-day boats.
It’s a beautiful piece of history, left over from a not-so-kind history of Indian attacks, Civil War battles, hurricanes and other harrowing and heroic times in Florida history, and it’s a treasure that has withstood more than its share of wear and tear over the decades.
“It’s very peaceful there, very breezy and the water is extremely clear and clean
In fact, the Cape Florida Light – which sits as a stately landmark within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, though it has been reinforced and refurbished several times since its original build in 1825. the keeper’s cottage is there also, It’s a replica, of course, as are the antiques and artifacts inside, which give a glimpse of life as a secluded keeper’s family before Indians chased them away.
Boynton Beach, FL, February 11
I’ve been home for a week, trying to recover from the time difference. Catching up with work and all the normal stuff at home. I am trying to go through my photos, all 2035 + of them. This photo has all the elements I enjoy, sea, sand, clouds and sun. 
I sat on one of these rocks for a long time watching the waves hit the rocks. Meditating to me. Then I started taking photos of it…these are from Boynton Beach, FL.
January 31
Last day of my vacation. Time to return to the snow and winter. Next I will be posting photos I took with my camera. Hopefully they turned out good.
January 29
January 30
Naples Pier in Florida
January 28
Imagine a historic Italian estate in a spectacular subtropical setting and you’ll begin to imagine Vizcaya! Built as the private winter home of American businessman James Deering in the early 1900s. Sneak peek of this gorgeous place.
January 27
Key Biscayne lighthouse 
January 26
Bahia Honda Bridge 
January 25
January 24
Some history, we visited Hemingway’s house. Here’s few shots from there. 
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 