Author: Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

I am an avid, self-taught photographer from southern Finland, currently living in Kirkkonummi. I have also lived in Australia and the USA, which has given me a wider perspective of the world. Professionally, I am an all-round office worker with ten years of administrative experience. I am happily married and have three sons and four grandsons, who are very dear to me. I love to travel and enjoy calm days at my summer house observing the changing seasons in nature. Additionally, I am passionate about arts, including sculpture, painting, and digital art. As a photographer, I find inspiration in the rich landscapes of Finland, capturing the ethereal beauty of its forests, lakes, and the four seasons. I am an atmospheric landscape, travel, and macro photographer with a deep appreciation for the passage of time and the quiet beauty found in nature’s micro-details. Rooted in both Nordic landscapes and global travels, my work is defined by a tactile focus on physical textures, moody weather, and rustic charm—frequently finding beauty in weathered imperfections, peeling paint, and decaying architecture. Experimenting seamlessly with dreamlike bokeh, soft pastel tones, and high-contrast, cinematic black-and-white film styles, I capture evocative moments that favor raw emotional resonance and comfort over clinical precision. If you need to describe my work succinctly to a fellow photographer, you can use these terms: Rustic Decay, Nordic Atmospheric, Textured Macro, Dreamlike Bokeh, and Introspective Monochrome. My time in Australia and the USA and travels has influenced my photography, allowing me to blend diverse cultural influences into my artistic vision. My work as an office worker has instilled in me a sense of precision and organization that carries over into my photographic work, ensuring attention to detail and thoughtful composition. In my free time, I often venture into the serene Finnish countryside with my camera, continually honing my craft and expanding my portfolio. Whether it’s a quaint village nestled beside a tranquil lake or the bustling energy of city life, I strive to encapsulate the essence of the moment through my photography. 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.