Debbies Six Word Saturday
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.
Exploring Artistic Variations of a South Australian Landscape
I played with this image of a gnarled tree on the hills in South Australia, capturing the rugged beauty and unique character of the landscape. The first photo is the edited original, which tell a story of resilience against the elements. Following this are three distinct color variations; one is a monochrome that emphasizes the stark contrasts and shadows, allowing the viewer to focus on the shape and form of the tree, while the others offer vibrant hues that breathe life into the scene, both highlighting different aspects of the surrounding environment. Or just having fun with artistic liberties 🙂
This is my contrubution for One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: April 2025
Monochrome Madness- night time
These are my contribution to Monochrome Madness Night-time the first two are from our latest trip.
Last one is from Helsinki in December
Henley Beach: Sunset Views and beach rave
Last stop was as mentioned before Henley Beach, where Ritva had lived as a small child. The duplex
was still there and that house was only about 200 meters from the ocean. The value of the property
might have gone up since the late 60’s when they lived there.
At the beach I heard techno music and I saw people dancing on the grass. I got closer and noticed
that most of the dancers weren’t young as I expected. They must have members of the original rave
era, them being in their fifties and sixties. There was a lady mixing and a MC hyping the crowd. It
sounded really good and I even sent some video clips to our son, who is a DJ. He liked them too.
Henley was much busier than Glenelg and a fun beach. For lunch we had fish fry for two that was
more like for four people. Couldn’t finish all that batter and grease. Too hungry to take photos of the food and also it was so hot as we could not find a spot in the shade and had no wish to inside the restaurant.
To be on a beach and not take sunset photos would be a crime. The beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking canvas that seems almost surreal. Time passed quickly while watching people and the ever changing colors of the sky, each moment providing a new angle of light and shadow, a new opportunity for capturing the perfect shot. A local had kindly told us on which side of the pier the sunset was better photographed, with less people in the way.
Text credit Mara Sillanmäki
Lens-Artists Challenge #342 – It’s a Wild Life!
First many thanks to Egidio for this challenge Lens-Artists #341 – It’s a Wild Life
I was totally lost at first with this theme, feeling like I had nothing wild or exciting in my photo archive to contribute. It was a bit disheartening to think that at first. However, after seeing several impressive posts from those who have already joined the community, I found that I actually do have some unique photos that capture wildlife that are meaningful to me.
Here are some animals that I have been able to capture with my camera over the years. Observing a koala in its natural habitat was truly a joy to see, as they seem to embody the essence of Australia with their gentle demeanor and tree-hugging ways. A penguin waddling through its natural habitat was something I never thought I would witness, as it brought a sense of whimsy and curiosity. Kangaroos, for us Australian visitors, are undoubtedly a treat, hopping gracefully across the landscape and reminding us of the unique wildlife Australia has to offer. Watching monkeys nurturing and feeding their young was heartwarming during my travels in Thailand, where their familial bonds were on vivid display. Encountering a giant grizzled squirrel in Sri Lanka was a new acquaintance, and seeing it scurrying through the lush greenery was also a memorable moment that stands out in my mind. Additionally, capturing a glimpse of an alligator in the Everglades of Florida with her baby was an experience I hadn’t anticipated, amplifying the thrill of wildlife encounters. Lastly, lizards, with their vibrant colors and quick movements, are always a delightful treat to observe, adding a splash of life to the environments I explore.
I found out I had seen more wild animals than I thought, and reflecting on those experiences brought a wave of nostalgia. I always tend to overshare, so I will stop here for now. Thanks, Egídio, for this challenge; it really had me thinking about the concept of ‘wild’ in more than one context. Even if I ended up remembering some of my encounters with the animals in their natural habitats, it made me appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of the wilderness. I could have chosen flowers, birds, or bugs, but instead, I focused on the captivating interactions I’ve had with these creatures, each unique and memorable in its own way.
Please remember to link to Egidio’s beautiful post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. I was happy to see that most all of us had a hard time choosing our images last week in Tina’s challenge! Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine leads us once again on her always-wonderful Leya post. Until then keep on smiling ☺
Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Unforgettable Views at Barossa Valley
It was too early to go to our final destination of the day, Henley Beach, so drove to famous Barrossa Valley for wine tasting at Seppelfield Wines. Ritva had wine and I had water, as always. Seppelfield is one of the oldest wineries in the region and they had a mausoleum up on a hill for the founders, but it was too hot to go up there. It was 41 degrees, which tells us that autumn is just around the corner for South Australia. Barrossa has Jacob’s Creek vineyards and many more that were familiar to us. There are many small vineyards, but most of the area is owned by big companies, even though they don’t always use the name of their main brand.
Seppeltsfield Road is just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide in South Australia .The palm trees along the road look out of place, I looked up the history of the the western entrance to that starts off with this awesome Avenue of Palms – a five-kilometre stretch of Canary Island Date Palms, planted by the Seppeltsfield workers back during the Great Depression. Now, there are over 2000 heritage-listed palms lining the sides of Seppeltsfield Road, and it was worth seeing.
Most of the time we enjoyed the rolling hills, which offered breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility that was hard to match. The waterlines above the ground are something we don’t have in Finland for the obvious reasons, such as climate and geography, but their unique presence here did get our attention and the cows 🙂
On the way we passed, Millbrook reservoir, the deep blue water caused us to stop. I found out that the reservoir got its name from the little town of Millbrook that used to sit right above the dam. They tore Millbrook down when they were building the reservoir, but it used to be a lively spot along the main road from Adelaide to Mount Pleasant.
Once again so many images that I am going to do a separate post on Henley Beach.
Text credit Mara Sillanmäki
Escaping the heat of Adelaide
Tuesday’s schedule was decided the night before because the weather forecast promised 43 degrees Celsius for Adelaide. It was going to be driving day for us. Staying and walking around city would be murder. First stop Mount Lofty’s Summit. You got a real nice view of the city from there, but getting really good photos was not that easy. This girl from Fidzi it was her first time traveling aboard, she was so excited to be there that she had her photo taken with a flag. I had to capture her joy. The color coordinated couple, no other reason than that.
From there you got a good overview of the city. Next stop historical German city of Hahndorf. Hahndorf was picturesque but it’s hard to get good pics because the parked cars ruin the view, ours included. We did manage to get a few.
Being off-season Hahndorf was quiet besides the lunch hour, when it was hard to find parking. And it was so damn hot that we didn’t walk around as much as we would have wanted. Instead we parked ourselves to a small café for strawberry smoothies and shared a piece of cake. As you can see from the photographs it was an old town with nice historic details all around. Antique stores were fun to go through.
Text credit Mara Sillanmäki
The reflection is invariably a discovery
Adelaide arrival and Glenelg Beach
Monday morning, we had to get up early to make the flight to Adelaide. The flight was 2 hours, and the time distance was 30 minutes. The scenery from the airplane was fascinating when we got closer to Adelaide. Sometimes it looked like they had made crop circles. We had reserved a car from Hertz for the next three weeks. We were told that they had a high-end Corolla for us 😊I never found out what high-end in this case means. Maybe it had good cruise control, because it was the only thing I thought was above normal. And the rent-a-car places never disappoint. You always go the counter expecting you have paid all expenses beforehand, but NO! This time they blamed a third party, Finnair, that we hadn’t paid the return fee. Return fee was returning the car with New South Wales plates to Sydney in NSW. What can you do. We had to pay 250 euros extra.
First few kilometers were exciting hence, to driving on the wrong side of the road but I got into the groove fast. It is much easier driving nowadays because of the navigation systems. You can mostly concentrate on driving and not reading a map.
Boutique Hotel Adabco close to the center of the city proved to really nice and the room was really large. Only negative thing was that there is no free parking. You had to park on the street for maximum of two hours between hours of 8 am to 6 pm. Naturally I ended up with a parking ticket for 66 AUD. Breakfast was included but not on the premises but in Greek café Diaspora. We had walk for about 400 meters but the choices for breakfast were good.
We spent the afternoon and the sunset at Glenelg Beach. We got there around 4 pm and found deckchairs for us at the Moseley Beach Club. Luckily it was off-season so were able to keep the chairs until past sunset at 8 pm. Of course, we bought lunch and couple cool drinks to justify our stay. Temperature was close to 40 degrees Celsius so it was also good to have umbrellas to cover us. Later during the day bar had a skilled guitar player/singer. He played suitable mellow songs for us: Bob Marley, the Eagles, CCR, etc.
A funny Welsh guy came to talk to us few times. He was getting more drunk and louder each time but he was a lot of fun. I sure he had a rough morning because they had on early flight waiting for them. His son was getting married in Sydney in few days and a group of 19 people from the same Welsh village had been travelling for few days before the wedding. The rest of the group is going to be pleasantly surprised at the wedding because a guy from the village, who emigrated to Australia 30 years ago, is going to show up.
Sunset was beautiful and the lighted Glenelg ferris wheel was great too. Check out the pics!
Exploring Monochrome Magic at Glenelg Beach
This week I have been very busy editing photos, and as I love monochrome and black and white images, I took some time to try different styles from our wonderful visit to Glenelg Beach in South Australia.
The Pier there provided great opportunities for photography, largely due to the striking contrasts between light and shadow, which are essential in monochrome photography. I experimented with various angles and compositions to capture the essence of the scene, highlighting the elegant lines of the architecture against the raw natural beauty of the beach.
These images reflect not only the stunning vistas but also the unique atmosphere of the location. These are my contributions this week for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
Australia – Sydney
Please note that paragraphs and spacing is all messed up, I have redone this several times, in the edit mode it looks good. After publish, not. WP is the problem this time at least.
We took a taxi from the airport to Yehs Hotel for obvious reasons. Naturally we couldn’t check in at
9 am. So, we left our luggage and headed to gorgeous Queen Victoria Building (QVB) which was just
next door. I headed to nearest medical clinic recommended by our travel insurance provider. The
first one refused me because they only took Japanese tourists. The receptionist at the next clinic had
a fit when she heard I had a flu. She handed me a mask and told me to get out and buy a influenza
test from a pharmacy and then call them back. Going to the doctor’s office while sick seemed to be
forbidden in Australia.
Eventually I got the test for Covid, RSV, influenza A and B and took it, I had influenza A, Ritva didn’t.
The medical clinic had already closed, and it was closed the next day, Saturday, as well. I called my
travel insurance helpline, and they told me that getting a doctor’s appointment in Australia is next to
impossible and I would have to go to hospital and wait in line. I called a hospital and luckily, they
recommended me to an online doctor, Medmate.
Medmate doctor called me back and said there was nothing they could do to save.., no, to help me,
besides rest, drink lots of fluids and eat painkillers. However, he wrote Ritva a prescription for
Tamiflu to hopefully prevent her from getting the A-word. The prescription probably helped because
Ritva didn’t get the influenza, just common flu. But we had to cancel a dinner for the next evening
with our local mates, Kylie and Damian.
For some reason, Yehs Hotel had upgraded us to a larger room, which was nice. Big room next door
to QVB. Can’t go wrong with that.
I must admit we didn’t stay in our room after the diagnosis, but I was wearing a mask. Hopefully I
wasn’t a super spreader, and I would like to say I’m sorry. We had saved our Opal cards for the
public transport from our last visit to Sydney 6 years ago and we had nearly 20 AUD left in them. You
could travel by tapping your credit card at the tram stops. It made us wonder why we can’t make
that method of payment to work in Finland. We are supposed to be very advanced nation in
technology. As it turns out, in few days I read online that city of Helsinki, Finland, was introducing
this method of payment. Oh, happy day!
So off we went to Circle Quay and to the Rocks. We had dinner at Italian restaurant at the Rocks. At
the table next to us was an American couple from the state of Georgia. They were not your typical
American middle-aged couple because they had travelled extensively around the world, and they
knew other countries existed and mattered. Let’s just say they were not MAGA.
After a pleasant dinner, Manly Pale Ale and good conversation with the Yanks, or is it just convo
Down Under, we walked slowly to the Opera House for few snapshots. I even managed to climb the
stairs and take some artistic pictures. The place was packed. No surprise there it being Friday.
I nearly forgot, Ritva bought a lovely hat from a “salesperson” who wasn’t interested in doing his job.
However, she was able to complete the transaction only to leave the hat into our hotel lobby after
the checkout.
Saturday afternoon we finally had to go and eat again. We found something online, called the Rook.
We chose the place close by and it promised to have Aussie bar food. It was a roof top place and
when we got of the elevator, I was ready to leave right away. The music volume from the restaurant was deafening. Not willing to walk further we decided to give it a shot anyway. We talked to the
server, and she told us that they have a drag show every Saturday afternoon and the drag queens
would take a break soon and turn down the volume.
Staying was a great choice. The restaurant was packed with exuberant birthday party, hen party and
coming out party people. Other people obviously knew that there would drags shows at 2 and 3 pm.
We had so much fun just enjoying the shows and the happy people around us. Drag queens had
dance competitions, etc. for the patrons. Luckily, they didn’t pick us from the crowd. Instead, they
chose birthday queens, brides to be and the guy who was celebrating his coming out of the closet. I
must say Aussie people are much less reserved compared to us Finns. I can’t imagine having an
afternoon show like that in Finland without having people falling over drunk. How does a Finn
recognize another Finn abroad. The other Finn is staring at your shoes.
For food we had chicken burger, prawn rolls and we split donut fries for dessert. Delish!
After the meal I went to pharmacy the get the meds. The street corners next to QVB and Town Hall
were really lively with buskers, winos and people praising some guy called Jesus. I wish I’d had the
strength to stay longer to enjoy the big city vibes.
On Sunday we pulled ourselves together and headed to Circle Quay again and plan was to take the
fast ferry to Manly Beach and observe manly men doing manly things at the Manly Beach. Fast ferry
took only 20 minutes to reach the destination, and it was only a 500 meter walk to the beach. On the
way the beach we saw a couple with a sign – Free discussions, about anything for free. The sign
didn’t say JW.org so probably they were not Jehova’s Witnesses, but I was afraid to ask anyway.
They didn’t have any clients at the moment, but I didn’t have the courage find out what the deal
was.
Manly Beach is an old and beautiful beach with people just walking, jogging, surfing, suntanning,
barbecuing and sitting in shade leisurely. We just sat in the shade and enjoyed peoplewatching.
Lunch we had in a Mexican restaurant. We both had nachos, with beef and prawns. On they way
back to the ferry we walked along Market Street that had a lively Sunday Market going on. To my
great surprise and horror, Ritva was not able to walk through the market without buying anything.
Scarf it was.
The scenery from the Manly ferry is just georgeous: Sydney Harbor Bridge from a different angle, the
Opera House, navy ships, Darling Point, Bradleys Head, Syndey Harbor National Park, Hornby
Lighthouse, etc. On the way back we saw coast guard with flashing lights, and we thought that there
might have been an accident. Luckily, it was only the catamarans competing in SailGP and coast
guard directing traffic. There were many big motorboats in the harbor with spectators on board to
follow the race. Later on, we saw those catamarans racing underneath the Harbor Bridge.
From the ferry, we went to a café in Circle Quay to rest some. Quay was filled with people because
Caribbean Cruiseline’s Ovation of the Seas was docked in the harbor. What a huge ship. While sitting
in the café we saw indigenous people playing, jugglers and a guru floating in the air.
Rest of the evening we spent at the Opera House people watching and waiting for the sunset.
Good night
The window from the backyard brings the warm light into the room, from the other side the street light is much more harsh . Nice contrast
Lens-Artists Challenge #341 – Personal Favorites
So this week your challenge is to choose no more than 5 images as your all-time personal favorites, which can be quite a daunting task when you have so many cherished memories captured through the lens. That is Tina’s request, and not an easy one as it is.
I have in my side panel of my blog many of my all-time favorite images, each one telling a unique story that resonates deeply with me. I my end up posting few from there. They are there for a reason. As I sift through the galleries, I find myself reminiscing about the experiences associated with each photograph I am posting, recalling the emotions tied to those moments.
This is taken in Florida, where we had the idea of enjoying a beach day, but it turned out to be a cool day, filled with gusty winds and swirling clouds, which created a captivating atmosphere. I did not have my camera with me as I was not planning on taking photos; my intention was solely to relax and unwind. Instead, I got this moody shot of the sea, which, despite the absence of bright sunshine, reflects a beauty all its own. The sea, or ocean, truly is my element—I feel a profound connection to it. I love everything about it, from the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore to the salty breeze that brushes against my skin. It is not a perfect shot by any standards, but it captures something I really like: the unique interplay of mood, movement, and indeed, the vast, ever-changing sea. Each time I look at this photo, I am reminded of the tranquil yet powerful essence of the ocean and how it resonates with my spirit.
The second picture also happens to be from Florida, specifically from the vibrant and beautiful Key West. The pelican, with its graceful wings spread wide, just came to be in the right place at the right time before the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and yellow. The pier extends into the water, while the silhouettes of satellites and palm trees suggest the tropical location. This backdrop scene, with its modern technology says something about the world we live in. Indeed, capturing the moment is the thing here, as it immortalizes not only a fleeting glimpse of nature but also the serenity and charm that Key West offers.
This is taken from my backyard looking at the forest on a misty autumn morning. The atmosphere is so intense, a little bit creepy, but so real and gloomy. The fog wraps around the trees like a delicate curtain, obscuring their forms and creating an air of mystery. It feels as though nature herself is holding her breath, waiting for something to unfold. That is the state of mind in the late autumn, where the beauty of decay intertwines with a haunting stillness.
I go to the Mustio Mansion grounds every summer to capture waterlilies there, because it’s become a cherished tradition for me. There are red, pink, and white ones, each adding a unique charm to the tranquil setting. This image I captured showcases the reflections in the water, while the texture and colors are as vivid as I remember them being. It is also a nicely focused shot, a detail I meticulously strive to achieve each time a click the button. One thing that I always try to get is the perfect angle that not only highlights the exquisite beauty of the waterlilies and serenity of the surrounding.
This was taken at the Blue Mountains from our trip to Australia, and while I cannot say it is my all-time favorite, it might end up being one. The cloudy day gave the mountains and the forest much better light – more vibrant in a way, as the light was gentle and diffused, not harsh like it often is on sunny days. I am so happy with how I was able to capture the rolling forest and the various shades of green . The beautiful mountains cradled them in warm embrace, standing tall and regal against the moody sky. The delicate yellow flowers on the edge added the perfect pop of color, giving the scene a little more frame and depth, as if nature had intentionally painted this moment for us to enjoy.
Last week I challenged us to focus on portraiture. As usual your responses were wonderful and varied. Many of you, went into it with trepidation from what I read and came out of it lovely images and with more of them than you expected.
Now, Do join us and share with us your five favorite images. Please make sure to link them to Tina’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.
Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week at noon EST when Egidio once again leads us on his Through Brazilian Eyes post. Until then as always please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the adventure.
See more info about the challenge here
Pets
I’m laying on my bed, having a rest with Tinka. She purring so loudly and soothingly. This taken just now for this post.
Linked to One Word Sunday at Janet’s here
Under the green leaves 🍃
While sitting by the pool on our last day in Singapore I looked up to see these leaves against the blue sky.
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Chairs Amidst Nature
Not really a bench, but you still can sit on them. I took this shot as the chairs looked so right in their place, the colors on the chairs match so well to the foliage in the background.
Someone needs to start cleaning fast
Debbies Six Word Saturday
An evening in Singapore
The modern architecture in Singapore is really fascinating and to some extent they are trying to be environmentally conscious. You can see plenty of parks and trees just about everywhere and many buildings have gardens inside, on rooftops or balconies. Also because of high functioning public transport, they proudly say it’s the best in the world, the traffic wasn’t bad and air quality seemed fine.
We spent the only evening of our visit basically in front of the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes and Expo. However I had enough stamina to walk to The Gardens by the Bay to see the Supertree Grove and take pictures of the beautiful ArtScience Museum, shaped like a flower, and, of course, Marina Bay Sands hotel. Everything seemed to be close by, even the Flyer, even though you would have to walk a bit from destination to another destination.
The Shoppes included every imaginable high end fashion shop and the canal of the casino. Being so huge it was hard to capture good photos from the Shoppes, but hopefully were able to document the essence of the area.
To capture the Water and Light Show in Marina Bay was also hard. The lit skyscrapers as a backdrop were obviously nice but documenting the show proved to be challenging. What was really fun however was that the show was so close to the event area that you got wet by the showers from the fountains. People in the know were prepared with raincoats and umbrellas but I wasn’t wise enough. Fortunately, it was a warm night. It goes without saying that the area was a really popular spot for photographers. We saw wedding and fashion pictures taken by the bay.
No sight of infinity pool or Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck for us because the Deck was reserved for private function. But the hotel offers a magnificent sight itself.
Text credit: Mara Sillanmäki
Thursday doors
Photos linked Thursday Doors, Press the badge to access it.
A Luxurious Afternoon at Singapore’s ATLAS Bar
Atlas Bar
Before flying off to Singapore I asked for recommendations of what to see and do from an old workmate, who had visited the country a couple times before. Without her advice we would have most likely missed the highlight of our visit to Singapore – ATLAS Bar. So, thank you, Saila!
We even passed on Raffles Bar, the famous home of the drink called Singapore Sling, because of my friend’s recommendation and we don’t regret it at all. Anyway, to the ATLAS Bar. Bar is located in Parkview Square in one of the grandest and most expensive office buildings in Singapore. I didn’t check any details beforehand about the bar or the building so the whole time we thought the building was built in the 1920’s when Art Deco style was in fashion. But no, this impressive building was finished only in 2002. Not being an architecture buff, I could not tell the difference.
The money they must have spent to let’s say recreate a building like that and even the courtyard in front of the building was like an art gallery. The gigantic statues of men holding balls in their hands and other impressive statues, the gargoyles guarding the building and overall décor just spoke volumes of how much time and resources were used to create this marvel. The exterior surface of the building is clad in brown granite, bronze, lacquer, and glass, so I’ve been told by the internet. The building is sometimes referred to as the Batman building by locals because it reminds of Gotham City. The interiors drew HBO’s “Westworld” to use it as a filming location in season three of the dystopian science fiction series.
We had reserved an afternoon tea at 3 pm, so in we go. Reservations for the afternoon tea are always recommended because the bar can be fully booked. Inside of the ATLAS Bar was even more stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off the centerpiece bar, the magnificent tower of gin, located at the far end of the area. The tower holds over 1300 gins and is two stories high. I can only guess how they get the bottles down from the tower. When we were present, I didn’t see any acrobats climbing the structure and flinging down bottles to bartenders.
We are not used to dining or drinking in opulent surroundings like this, but the staff made us feel very comfortable from the beginning. We had reserved afternoon tea, so tea we had. The 68 SGD order included a welcome drink, two types of tea or other soft beverages and a collection of savory and sweet bites. For a while we didn’t touch the food because we just wanted to look at the beautiful set up. We felt like king and queen for two hours with the service and everything we consumed. I haven’t googled yet what were the dishes we ate, for example vol-au-vent is not in my vocabulary, but they were delicious. Here is a list of them to those of you who are in the know.
Savory: coronation egg, brioche / lobster on crystal bread / smoked salmon rillette, vol-au-vent, kaluga caviar / tomato basil arancini / gougère, farmers bacon, comté / shrimp, rosatella espuma
Sweet: scones, jam and clotted cream / canelé de Bordeaux /popcorn cream cone | rhubarb tartlet, cinnamon streusel / blueberry choux /rhum baba | pistachio amaretti bonbon
There is also a picture of the page from the drink list – ATLAS Vintage – that listed different gins from 1910’s to present. I even passed my decade, the 60’s, because martini from that era would have been 125 SGD. Martini from 1910’s was 275 SGD. I have no idea if they would have made a difference. Does gin age like whiskey or cognac?
Stepping into ATLAS bar was like stepping back to the roaring twenties. Words can’t really express the experience we had at ATLAS Bar. So luckily, we have a few pictures to explain. Even though it felt like a crime to gawk and take pictures because of the serene and affluent atmosphere. But being layman/layperson, we got over the feeling really fast.
P.S. I never figured out what the Coke ad was doing in the building with its Chinese(?) motif but somehow it fit into the décor as well.
Text credit: Mara Sillanmäki
Monochrome Madness: 3 Ways to Crop Images
Leanne from Monochrome Madness thought it would be fun to see how images can change if you crop them. She asked for 3 crops. It would be interesting to see how the story of the image could change using these methods.
I’ve been super busy editing my travel photos lately. Because of that, I haven’t jumped into any of the usual challenges I love. It’s kinda made me feel out of the loop with my creative stuff. But hey, I’m all about editing. I love the art of making photos pop. So, I figured, why not give this challenge a shot? Let’s see how my creativity holds up!
I tried with two images. To be honest, I am not all that happy with them. However, they will have to do for now. I can’t shake off the nagging feeling that these images fall short of my own expectations. This is not that serious, or is it? My stories did not change all that much, so much is actually about the original photo, My choices were not spot on 🙂
Let’s take a look at mine. I have done 3 different images to see how each would come up.
Monochrome image of a beach with rock formations and four figures walking along the water’s edge, reflecting on the wet sand. Then to just have the beach walkers. 16:9 is my favorite crop although it came out slightly too dark in the edit-
A small capture of Sydney skyline captured from the ferry on our way to Manly Beach
Haji Lane: A Hidden Gem in Singapore
Like Monty Python used to say… And now for something completely different. From the Flyer we walked slowly to Haji Lane, a colorful and lively area filled with artisan shops, restaurants and small cafes. Very eye-catching were the murals along the area. The area is quite small but so different from the rest of Singapore that it is worth visiting. We stopped at a Mexican restaurant/café for relaxing and cooling drinks while waiting for the afternoon tea at Atlas Bar.
Text credit: Mara
Exploring Singapore: A Rainy Day at the Flyer
Unfortunately, our stay in Singapore was hampered by a flu. We managed to experience some of the sights but so much more was left to uncover maybe some other time. The only full day in the city started with a visit to Singapore Flyer which is now only the second highest ferris wheel in the world with 165 meters. Folks in Las Vegas had to have bigger and better one, so they built a wheel that is 168 meters. The day was cloudy and drizzly but the view to the Marina Bay and all over the city was obviously quite breathtaking.
As mentioned above, insult to injury, it was raining most of the day. However, rain always brings more opportunities for photographers – reflections and watery filters. It was easy taking pictures because we got to Flyer early and there was hardly anybody there besides us. We had one cabin for just the two of us. Maybe other people talking would have made the experience more enjoyable because the elevator music in the cabin was so damn annoying. The music loop lasted 15 -30 seconds and it was looping the whole time. Like waiting on the phone for your sales rep, who never answers. Very annoying. Hopefully they do something about it, otherwise we are never going back 
Also we were kind of forced to go through “immersive adventure at the Time Capsule that takes you on a thrilling journey through Singapore’s past, present and future.” Might have been thrilling but unfortunately, we were not in the mood due to ill health. This picture captures the only thing that caught our attention.
Singapore has a long history, but the present dominates the skyline. Fortunately, some of the old world still remains standing and you are able to see it even from the Flyer. What the buildings actually were, remains a mystery to us. The modern architecture really stands out, like the flower of ArtScience Museum, Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay and everything in the Gardens by the Bay. Skyscrapers are just skyscrapers and can be seen in every big city.
What can I say about the Gardens by the Bay! Not much besides us both seeing the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in the distance. We were planning on seeing the Gardens by the Bay Light Show from the Observation Deck of Marina Bay Sands but somebody with some extra pocket money had reserved the deck for a private function and spoiled the evening for us common people. So, we can only imagine what the Supertree Grove, pictured below, would have looked like all lit up.
This is the first of my Singapore posts! The text is written by my husband, Mara, who has a knack for capturing the little details and telling them in a way that makes our adventures come alive. I’ve been trying to nudge him into start his own blog because he’d be really good at it—his friends and family love how he paints pictures with his words. It is where he can let his creativity run wild and connect with more people who dig his take on and life. By getting him involved in this project, I’m hoping he’ll feel inspired to spill his thoughts and experiences more often.
Lens-artists challenge # 340 – Portraits
This week, you have the opportunity to capture the essence and personality of your subjects. Whether you choose to ask a stranger, do a self-portrait, take the portrait of a friend, family member, or acquaintance, or photograph animals and birds, the goal is to connect with another person or subject and tell their story through your image.
I thought I would start with a black and white image—a self-portrait to get things started. I was on vacation, and for some reason, I received a few comments on how I gave a positive and happy vibe. Such a nice compliment; I hope it comes across in this image.
I know I am asking a lot; many shy away from portraits, but we all take photos of people, so why not take a moment to think about how to get more out of them? Just a little consideration on how to show your subject in a more favorable light. I encourage you to join; I’m not looking for professional results, but I hope you have fun trying to get the portrait to tell a story. Hopefully, you will take a new photo or use an old one, maybe edit with some of the tips I have gathered here.
I had a bunch of detailed info on getting a great portrait, like cool tips on lighting, composition, and how important it is for your subject to express themselves, but in the end, I decided to keep it simple and just summarize everything since it got way too long and messy. I thought it’d be better to give some quick, easy-to-follow insights without drowning you in too much info, so you can really pick up the main points of portrait photography without any hassle.
portrait photography
When it comes to portrait photography, one of the most crucial elements is focusing on the eyes. They truly serve as the focal point in any portrait, so it’s important to ensure they are sharp and expressive. Capturing a clear and vibrant eye can create a powerful connection between the viewer and the subject. I have issues with this one – but practice makes it better.
Natural light is another aspect that can significantly enhance your portraits. Shooting during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can give your images a warm and soft quality. This type of lighting not only reduces harsh shadows but also ensures your subject’s features are beautifully highlighted. I use this always natural light is the best.
Emotions are at the heart of great portraits. Rather than just photographing faces, try to capture genuine emotions that tell a story. Encourage your subjects to relax and be themselves so you can capture those candid moments that truly reflect their personality. Now this is a tricky one, but spending time and chatting at the same time helps.
It’s also essential to be mindful of the background in your portraits. A cluttered or distracting background can steal focus from your subject. By using a wide aperture, you can blur the background, allowing your subject to stand out more prominently. Choose backgrounds that complement your subject without overwhelming the composition. This is when taking photos in a controlled setting, but even in spontaneous shot you can if you are into editing change the background .
Directing your subject is key to achieving the desired expressions or poses. Give them clear directions and encourage them to experiment with different looks. The more comfortable they feel, the more authentic and confident their poses will appear. Many times you get the best shots just by observing with patience and catching the moment.
Lastly, consider the power of black and white photography. This style adds a timeless and dramatic feel to your images, emphasizing shapes, contrasts, and textures while removing the distraction of color. Black and white can beautifully accentuate the emotions and moods in your portraits, making them even more impactful. I just love this style, I use it a lot. Even a not so good image can be saved as a black and white conversion.
What’s a side portrait all about?
People make excellent photography subjects due to their diverse expressions and postures. Side portraits, taken from a profile view, showcase facial features and convey strength, adding an element of mystery. To capture compelling side portraits, it’s important to find the subject’s “good side,” choose a relevant theme, and use supportive backgrounds. Techniques include directing gaze, subtle facial expressions, and dynamic body language, while camera angles and lighting play a crucial role in enhancing visual impact.
This photographic style invites viewers into the subject’s thoughts, utilizing the rule of thirds for depth. Side portraits create a sense of movement and drama, revealing flattering profiles and allowing for various poses, thus heightening the appeal of mystery in the images.
Last week, the topic was Life’s changes; the question was: What has enriched and/or changed yours? Thanks Anne for this meaningful challenge.
Next week, Tina returns to host with a new inspiration. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA.
Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and linking it to original post. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history
watching evening runners from the bar
Posted as part of Six Word Saturday
Reflections on My Month-Long Travel Adventure
I have had an opportunity to travel and see new places for a month, what a trip it has been! Every day was filled with new sights as we explored destinations that I had wanted to visit. I truly got to see some wonderful places. Each had its own unique charm and beauty. I also met family and friends that I have not seen in years. This made the experience even more special. I am ever so happy I got to do this trip . My mind is filled with unforgettable memories. My husband is going to help me word these memories as he kept daily notes on what we saw did in the following posts
The trip back home felt like it took forever, and I was seriously sleep-deprived; it took me a whole week to feel normal again. Even after such a tiring adventure, I am still feeling the aftermath. Honestly, the pressure to catch up on everything is a bit overwhelming. Then I went through my photos, it was a new reason to stress out. I realized I had snapped thousands of pics on my journey. Each one needs a good look; did it really capture what I had in mind? Now, I’ve got to sort through them all. I need to wrap my head around what I shot. Only then can I tackle the job of editing each one. Since I shoot in RAW, the editing is super important and pretty time-consuming. Normally, I love this creative process, and I’m set on enjoying it this time too. I’m ready to dive in, and I’ve already started with our first stop. Now I can bring them to life through editing and figure out which ones are worth keeping.
These I took with my iPhone as we approached our first destination Singapore from above. I am amazed how good photos the phones take these days. We we also rather amazed how many container ships there were.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 