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.
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.
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.
A serene countryside in Mankala, Finland featuring traditional red farm houses surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting the simple joys of rural life. A bit too rural now and then…
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.
the Bondi Beach area, showcasing its iconic colorful mural and beachfront residences. This was my dream at one point of my life. Still is really, but it is an unreachable one in reality.
A sunny view of a charming yellow apartment building in Helsinki, surrounded by bare trees, reflecting the serene atmosphere of smaller city life. This I might have as a single woman considered
A vibrant Hong Kong skyline showcasing a mix of modern high-rise buildings and colorful facades, reflecting the hustle and bustle of urban life. This kind of living never appealed to me.
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.
A view of a Singapore cityscape highlighting a blend of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, reflecting the contrast between urban and traditional lifestyles.
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 originalhere, 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.
There is a certain melancholy in the air when the midnight ladies bloom. They begin to be the last blooming flowers of summer.
Close-up of a vibrant yellow 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.
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.”
A close-up of a sunflower bud showcasing its golden petals and vibrant greenery.A sunflower bud, its vibrant yellow petals and green leaves, symbolizing positivity and warmth.A close-up of a vibrant sunflower with a butterfly resting on its petals
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.
Visitors exploring Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
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.
The symmetrical architecture , capturing its grandeur and solemnity.
The architectural symmetry of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, showcasing its grand design and serene atmosphere.
Stunning stained glass windows
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.
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.
Vibrant yellow and orange flowers showcasing nature’s artistry
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.
A woman in gazes thoughtfully amidst vibrant orange flowers, capturing the essence of summer at the Rhododendron park.
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!
a colorful bouquet featuring vibrant flowers, perfect
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.
Tinka lounging on a couch
Tinka on the couch, I was too tired to get the focus correct.
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.
Visitors in front of an Alvar Aalto-designed building in Helsinki, showcasing modern architecture.
A closer look at windows and People walking in front of a building
Facade of a modern building designed by Alvar Aalto, showcasing distinct window patterns and materials.
Allas Pool showcasing modern wood architectural elements and windows against a scenic backdrop.
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.
A tender moment between a mother and her newborn, capturing the deep connection and love that defines the bond of family.
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.
Time to go to sleep – watching the moon from my bedroom window
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.
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.
A couple enjoying a scenic view, embodying the theme of togetherness and connection.
A group of musicians walking together on a city street, carrying instruments and gear.A group of sailors on a boat enjoying a sunny day on the water.A couple enjoying a moment of connection and togetherness.Two riders on horseback casually stroll through a historic street.A couple sharing a tender kiss on a park bench
I had these photos and this add came to mind, even though I took these photos because the sky and mood of the day.
A wind turbine near a calm body of water under a cloudy sky, representing renewable energy.
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.
of a wind turbine
a wind turbine base t, highlighting renewable energy installations.
What can I say, I am not good at following orders and tend to over share photos quite often, which reflects my creative side and love for editing. So, instead of limiting myself to just three, I chose to do five, as I was having so much fun while processing them. Each photo has different colors or at least tones. I wanted to express my artistic vision through a greater number of images. The beauty of flower bouquet that can give everyday life a bit of joy. All adjustments were done in Lightroom
Close-up of delicate purple flowers against a softly blurred background – original , no edits
Click on the images to check them out up close and really soak in the details. I had some fun playing with colors and cropping the pics to make them look more appealing, making certain elements pop while keeping everything looking good together. Each tweak is all about grabbing your attention and getting you to take a closer look at the photo’s little details, making sure every shade and curve stands out just right. Did I succeed?
These two almost same shots are from our trip to Australia, the doors are from the area known as The Rocks in Sydney. This historic neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and charming colonial buildings.
A vibrant alleyway featuring a blue door and yellow walls, leading to a glimpse of greenery at the end.A narrow passageway leading to a bright exit.
Sharing soothing images in line with my week’s theme – Quiet Moments. These visuals capture the tranquility and serenity that come from the simplest things in life, calm waters to serene landscapes that inspire peace, a feeling of stillness and relaxation. As we navigate through our busy lives, take time to pause, appreciate these quiet moments, and find comfort in the beauty that surrounds us.
Emerging green shoots reflect in tranquil waterYellow water lilies bloom amidst green lily pads on a serene blue lake.Serene view of water lilies floating on a tranquil lake, framed by black alder
How to describe images of misty landscapes in monochrome, that was my question to myself, this is what I ended up writing . The ethereal quality of a misty landscape can be nicely illustrated in monochrome, where shades of gray evoke a sense of mystery.. The soft blur of the mist envelops trees and fields, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. This lack of color draws attention to light and contrasts; the stark silhouettes of branches, almost as if they are attempting to pierce the blanket of fog. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, revealing the contours of the terrain while preserving an enchanting ambiguity.
A haunting monochrome night scene with a full moon partially obscured by clouds and silhouetted trees, framed by wooden stakes.
A landscape featuring silhouettes of trees and a rustic fence, shrouded in fog.
A misty landscape featuring silhouettes of trees and a rustic wooden fence, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.
Once again as I sit in my living room and watch the sun light up the leaves, casting a warm golden hue upon them, it brings immense joy to look at these short moments of beauty that give me joy. Not much is needed, if you take the time to see the little wonders that happen around you, like the gentle rustle of the leaves in the breeze or the light causing the background to appear like colorful balls dancing in the air. These simple experiences are treasures, offering moments wonder into our everyday lives, reminding us to cherish each fleeting moment.
A intricately woven twig ball and surrounded by vibrant green leaves, catching the sunlight with a lovely bokeh in the background.Backlight and bokeh, make this shot.
My last window and shots from Serlachius Museum. It had so many great big glass windows, so many photos had to to be taken. Sharing them with Monday Window: September 2025
Visitors relaxing in deck chairs in front of the Serlachius Museum, surrounded by lush greenery and modern architecture.
A field with a foggy backdrop framed by trees and a rustic fence.
In the field where whispers weave, fog blankets the morn,
Trees stand guard, their silhouettes adorned,
A rustic fence, weathered and worn,
Holds secrets of nature, in silence reborn.
Straight from the camera – Moon from last night, I learned how to get a moon shot that truly captures its ethereal beauty. During my attempts, I discovered techniques that allowed me to showcase the moon’s craters and surface details in a striking way. However, in the shots where you could see some of the atmosphere with the misty field below, I had some trouble with lighting, which made it challenging to strike the right balance between the brightness of the moon and the subtle shadows in the landscape. Despite these challenges, every photo is a new learning experience – straight from my editing table, I carefully adjusted contrasts and color balances to enhance the final images, hopefully resulting in a collection that reflects my best attempts with my new camera.
What do you think? Do you have a preference.
A close-up view of a glowing full moon against a dark sky.A captivating silhouette of branches against the glowing moon, showcasing the ethereal beauty of nature at night.A mesmerizing moonlit night, showcasing the moon’s ethereal beauty against a misty landscape.
Where is your serene sanctuary? Is it the warm comfort of sipping your morning coffee as the world gently comes to life around you? Perhaps it’s the peaceful moments spent doing yoga by yourself. This week’s challenge is “story-driven” adventure, encouraging you to explore and connect with your own experiences and emotions – “quiet moment”.
A person meditating on rocky terrain, enjoying tranquility and connection with nature.
This challenge invites you to hit the pause button. It’s like giving your inner self a little nudge to relax and savor each moment. By slowing down, you become aware of the beauty in the details—the gentle swaying of the leaves, the captivating dance of light upon water—that you may otherwise rush past.
A woman strolls along the shoreline, surrounded by misty islands, capturing a moment of solitary by the sea in Ko Yao Noi
Sitting down watching and listening to a serene waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery, with no one else around, doesn’t that spell tranquility a quiet place with natural beauty.
Consider capturing the movement around a still object, like a lighthouse standing tall or a person enjoying the ambiance of a bustling marketplace. You can create a broader scene or zoom in on a specific detail. Remember, your unique style is there to enrich the story you wish to tell.
A tranquil lighthouse standing tall on a rugged cliff, surrounded by colorful coastal vegetation and calm ocean waters.
Freeze that moment and let it resonate, like a serene droplet of water.
A droplet of water resting on a blade of grass
A grandpa enjoying a tranquil moment with his two children on a hammock ( so rare)
Share your images, whether they are old favorites or new captures for this challenge, showcasing the soft, diffused light that contributes to a calm and soothing atmosphere. Focus on portraying subjects in moments of rest or tranquility, as these images evoke feelings of peace and contemplation—steer clear of any motion or action that might disrupt this gentle ambiance. Thoughtfully consider your composition, embracing minimalism to illustrate the essence of quiet and serenity in your scenes. Leave room around your subject to enhance the feeling of solitude, using these spaces to communicate a deeper narrative of reflection and introspection.
A visitor in a pink dress explores an art gallery, some of the art seem to wish for quiet time. The gallery also has a sense of serenity and elegance of a quiet moment.
I cannot leave without sharing a quiet moment from this summer. Few weeks back after a very rain pour the evening fell the sunset colored the mist on the field orange, I saw it as as I sat and watched the sunset from my sofa, I had to get up and capture the lovely moment.
A s sunset casting warm hues over a misty landscape.
Soft shadows can deepen the mood and add layers to your peaceful moments, encouraging viewers to pause and take in the beauty of the scene. Look for those subtle, intimate details that often go unnoticed, like the gentle curve of a leaf or the soft texture of a fabric; these can enrich your narrative and draw viewers into a more immersive experience. Additionally, play with angles and perspectives to create a fresh depiction of tranquility, inviting a beautiful sense of harmony and balance into your work. Enjoy this journey of expression and let your creativity shine!
Last week, thanks to Anne we were led on a Virtual Scavenger Hunt, I found it fun and from what I saw so did you 🙂 Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate Egídio’s leadership next Saturday, September 13th. Until then, say positive and keep on smiling.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 