Stairway #2
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.
Stairway
I have taken so many photos of steps, stairways and you are going to see some of them in the near future. I love the idea that they lead you somewhere and you you don’t know what it is. Also the play of light and shadows, it makes a good photo in my opinion. Texture…
MM 2-48: Monochrome Madness
This is my entry to MM2-48, church towers. To see the othe entries to this inspirational challenge visit Leanne Cole PHOTOGRAPHY art and practice
Up on the hill
Mountain of mist
Towards the light
House on a hill
fleur délicate
Belle Fleur
Rust
White Tulip
Pinki Peony
Silent Sunday – Bell
Herculaneum #3
The Central Thermae were bath houses built around the first century AD. Bath houses were very common at that time, especially in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Per common practice, there were two different bath areas, one for men and the other for women. These houses were extremely popular, attracting many visitors daily. This cultural hub was also home to several works of art, which can be found in various areas of the Central Thermae site.
Details from the floor and walls…so amazing
Herculaneum #2
Herculaneum #1
Herculaneum was an ancient Roman town destroyed by volcanic pyroclastic flows in 79 AD. Its ruins are located in the commune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy.s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous as one of the few ancient cities that can now be seen in much of its original splendour, as well as for having been lost, along with Pompeii, in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that buried it. Unlike Pompeii, the deep pyroclastic material which covered it preserved wooden and other organic-based objects such as roofs, beds, doors, food and even some 300 skeletons which were surprisingly discovered in recent years along the seashore.
Here are few shots seen when entering the the site and The “Boat houses” where skeletons were found.
Playful light on a porch
The Weekend in Black and White
Gentleman’s club in Pompei
As we walked on the pebble roads, you could find signs carved in to the stoens showing the way to the gentlemans club…on the wall tou could see pictures of services provided. Conveniently next to the brothel was a doctor’s office
Details of wall murals in Pompei
I was so in awe of the colors and details that had remained in the houses in Pompei. The beauty of it all. The interiors and the wall murals in earthy colors, the details of which are found in them, which had stood the test of time. Quite amazing are they not?
Pompei – Italy
I visited Pompei last summer and I then posted few photos, but as I am on a roll with travel photos I will post few post of how I saw the place, what caught my attention. These are over all photos, the place is huge and it is quite amazing how it has persevered time.
Portugese fort
This is going to be my last post about my trip, most like all are bored of them by now. BUT every now and them there might be a picture from here and there.
This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.
Strategically located at the estuary of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this fort are 5 metres high and 1.3 metres wide. Little surprise then that this remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.
Street Photography Goa
Panjim , Goa
Most of my photos are about the locals, the way of life there. I found that there were not so many sights to see there. The difference is so vast that it left an impression. The colors, the strong sun, poverty and skooters and cars and that there was so many people everywhere.
Kingfisher
2-47: Monochrome Madness :Straight
This weeks theme is straight – well these are straight lines in various shades of black, white and grey. Not the most beautiful photo – but somehow I like it. SO this is my entry to Monochrome Madness this week.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 