Wordless Wednesday
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.
Monochrome Moods in Portraits
In the absence of a theme for Monochrome Madness, I experimented with one image in three versions, focusing on varying lighting and contrast to bring out different moods and emotions in the monochrome portrayal. The main subject of the monochrome portrait is a young girl who appears immersed in deep contemplation, portrayed in a serene natural setting as she thoughtfully gazes downward, which beautifully highlights her profound connection with the environment around her.
This reflective posture suggests an internal narrative, inviting viewers to interpret her thoughts and feelings, yet it does raise questions about what is truly occurring in the moment. What the photograph suggests may evoke feelings of curiosity and tranquility, but it is a juxtaposition to the reality that, in truth, she was looking at her phone, texting friends, I assume, as many young people often do in their daily lives.
This detail presents an interesting contrast between the serene aesthetic of the image and the typical distractions of modern life. I took this photograph last summer, that is obvious by her clothing, which indicates warmth and leisure, making it clear that it is not a recent one. The sunlight filtering through the leaves further adds to the nostalgic quality of the piece, linking the past moments of carefree summer to the present.
“Still life with apricots”
“Still life with apricots” refers to a genre of painting and photography that depicts a collection of apricots alongside other inanimate objects, often used to explore themes of nature, transience, and the beauty of the everyday.
Tinka the Well-Mannered Cat
For Bushboy’s Last on the card November. I have two from my Iphone as I just had to share how well mannered Tinka is, no feet on the table 😀 as she has drink from her water bowl.
And a nice cup of coffee is always a treat.
The Allure of Vintage Windows
For Monday Window, this week hosted this week by PR
I am always looking for old Windows to photograph; I find them lovely and charming, often reflecting history and the stories of those who once inhabited the spaces behind them. The scene visible through the window is just as important as the window itself, capturing a moment in time that speaks to me. Generally, the view outside these vintage windows reveals a more beautiful and inviting landscape, rich with character, than what you might observe from many modern windows.
An old window frequently opens up to nature, bustling streets, or quaint village life, a vibrancy that seems to be lost in contemporary architecture. There is indeed more lived life to be seen both inside and out, as each weathered frame and faded sill holds fragments of memories. The contrast between the aged window and the world beyond often tells a story.
How to Survive November 2025 – 30
These images ends my this years How to Survive the November journey.
Thanks Lepis for hosting again. We survived 😀
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Decay: One Word Sunday
Decay, shown by the image of a pigeons 😀 on a mossy ledge, really hits home about how time keeps moving and life just keeps rolling on. This image totally highlights the cool beauty of nature while also reminding us that everything eventually falls apart. The soft, green moss is like this stubborn little guy clinging to the old concrete, proving that even in decline, there’s some strength in sticking around. Meanwhile, the pigeons, with their shiny feathers, are a nod to nature and the tough reality of just trying to make it in a world where everything is always changing.
Fleeting Winter Moments
We had some big snowflakes flying around one day, swirling through the air like tiny dancers; it covered the ground for a few days, creating a picturesque winter scene before it once again melted away as rain took over. The transformation of our backyard into a serene white landscape was lovely, and I took advantage of this fleeting moment to capture these shots. So this week, as I show you one of nature’s cycles, this is my contribution to Cellpic Sunday.
November Shadows, A Journey Through Darkness
Thank you, Becky. I have enjoyed your and the others’ company during the month November Shadows. It is one of the darkest months of the year for us, filled with long nights, short days and the chill of autumn settling into winter. This, along with some other challenges has kept me going and provided a much-needed sense of connection.
These are from my archive; we have a dull gray day here, and there are more to come in the foreseeable future, casting a monotonous light over everything. Today, the sunrise was at 8:58, and sunset is already at 15:25, with still 21 days to go until the winter solstice, a time when daylight feels like a distant memory. These images are wishful thinking – it could be, should be like this. As I said, wishful thinking, not a real possibility here in southern Finland, where the reality of winter often envelops us in a chilly embrace and grey dull days, leaving us longing for those bright, sunlit moments.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #376 – Wings
This week it’s Beth’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge. She is asking us to feature anything with wings.
Butterflies are captivating creatures known for their vibrant colors and delicate wings, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of life. Despite living only a short time, they remind us of life’s transient nature and the importance of cherishing moments. They represent transformation, rebirth, and freedom, while also embodying hope, spiritual growth, joy, and endurance across different cultures.
Birds embody a profound sense of freedom as they gracefully soar through the sky, their shimmering feathers reflecting sunlight in a breathtaking array of colors. As they glide on the gentle wind, they evoke feelings of wonder and tranquility, reminding us of the beauty in the world around us. Each bird carries its own symbolic meanings across various cultures, with doves representing peace and love, owls symbolizing wisdom and intuition, and eagles reflecting strength, courage, and boundless freedom. As I am not a good bird photographer, I don’t have the patience for it; my shots are of birds about to fly or landing, and they are none of the mentioned above.
If you believe in angels, it’s beautiful to recognize the myriad of thoughts surrounding them, from deep religious convictions interpreting them as divine messengers to philosophical views that frame them as symbols of protection, compassion, and guidance. Many see angels as gentle messengers of love, hope, and miracles, while others embrace them as reflections of our human potential and the uplifting qualities that define our humanity.
The evil wings I found were on this poster, the idea of devil with wings resonates deeply, often symbolizing the complex nature of a fallen angel—someone who once held a spark of angelic beauty but has now been warped into a representation of evil. This striking contrast between traditional angelic wings and their demonic counterparts, such as the transition from beautiful white wings to unsettling bat-like ones, underlines the tragic transformation and the profound struggle between good and evil.
Beth said she can’t wait to see what we come up with, and I am always surprised about the creative journey we’re on together. Well, Beth, this is what I could muster up after a thoughtful exploration of ideas and inspiration. I’ve done my best, hoping to capture not just the essence of our theme but also the fluttering spirit of this challenge.Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post. Let’s inspire each other and all those who stumble upon our posts!
Last week you showed us some creative, mysterious images in your responses to Patti’s challenge Mysterious, and your unique interpretations were truly captivating. The way you explored different angles, shadows, and light brought a new depth to the theme of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind each image, sparking discussions and inspiring others to delve into their own creative expressions. Your ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through your photography not only enhanced the challenge but also highlighted the diverse ways in which we can perceive and represent the enigmatic elements of our world.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, December 6 at noon eastern time when Ann-Christine will be hosting the challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
How to Survive November 2025 – 29
This round vase is something I added to my vase collection, now I have to buy some flowers to compliment it. Something simple or more full – I read that: The open bowl-shape enables the flowers to sprawl out naturally, creating a full and overflowing display, perfect for full blooms, such as hydrangeas, peonies, or large roses. So now available in shops are roses.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
The contrast of shadows and light
A thoughtful black-and-white portrait of a man shows a ton of emotion and introspection. You can really see the lines on his face and feel the heaviness of his thoughts. The play of shadows and light highlights his furrowed brow and slight frown, hinting at some personal struggles and deep reflections. Every little detail makes you think about the quiet stories behind his gaze, sparking a sense of empathy and a better understanding of what it means to be human.
How to describe this portrait I took was a bit tricky, but this is what I came up with, does it resonate with you?
Posted for #Six Word Saturday and November Shadows
How to Survive November 2025 – 28
How to Survive the November features a photo from last winter’s trip to Singapore. Today’s round features four dark, stylized figures holding a large, reflective chrome orb. The orb distorts the reflection of the hotel entrance and the surrounding area. The statue is located at the entrance to the Atlas Hotel. I’m the red spot 😀
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Gloomy Yet Vibrant, Autumn Reflections
This reflects the mood I’m in, gloomy, but with several bright moments in between. A tranquil lake, its surface smooth like glass, is surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal hues of amber, crimson, and gold. A very slight breeze casts delicate patterns on the water’s surface. This interplay of light birch trees and evergreens creates a mesmerizing mix of gloomy and vibrant colors. I sit quietly, absorbing the beauty of nature’s transition.
How to Survive November 2025 – 27
Today, it’s just this for How to Survive the November. I enjoy candles, and these holders are one of my favorites due to their designs and the warm ambiance they create. There’s something truly magical about lighting a candle on a chilly November evening, making my home feel inviting and warm during this season of hibernation.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Autumn Reflections by the Lakeside
A calm lakeside scene with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors, their oranges, and yellows beautifully reflected in the calm water, creating a stunning mirror effect. The woods in the backdrop, completing this idyllic escape into nature’s splendor.
Posted for NovemberShadows.
The Listener, A Muse in an Artist’s Study
This is a fictional story inspired by this this photograph. For Dans Thursday Doors as he likes stories.
Miriam, the old writer, got her best ideas not from the outside world but from the cozy little sanctuary she created in her study. Her window, framed in pale green and fitted with six panes, was like her own personal lookout, showcasing the seasons as they slowly changed. Right now, that lookout was all lit up by the late afternoon sun dipping down behind the trees, throwing long shadows over the lawn.
Looking through the glass, she spotted the back of this big, white house with dark trim, kinda hidden by all the green leaves of summer. She knew every little thing about that place—the way the afternoon sun hit the peeling paint on the porch, the twisted branches of the old oak tree standing watch next to it, and that stone path leading up to the front door. She’d come up with all sorts of stories about the people she imagined living there, crafting a new tale every day, always a new mystery to figure out.
But she always found herself staring at the windowsill. There, a bunch of funky wire and found-object sculptures hung out like they owned the place. The coolest one, a figure with a big open head and a rusty metal body, was totally her fave. She named it “The Listener.” To her, it wasn’t just some art piece; it was like her muse, her creative buddy, just hanging out while she worked. She’d chat with it about plot twists and character issues, and in the silence of the room, she could almost picture it nodding along, its big head soaking up her ideas like a satellite dish.
So today, the listener was totally quiet. Miriam had been going back and forth with this super annoying protagonist for weeks, a character who just wouldn’t spill her real motivations. The story was basically stuck, like a boat without a sail. She tapped her finger on the chilly glass, the sound cutting through the silence like a little punctuation mark.
Suddenly, a strong burst of wind slammed the old wooden doors on the right side of the window, which were flung wide open and creaked like they were complaining. Outside, the small world was waking up. The trees swayed, their leaves rustling like distant applause. The back of the big house shimmered a bit in the shifting light.
Miriam glanced over at the listener. The afternoon sun hit the wire head just right, making it seem like the figure was really tuned in, not to her, but to everything happening outside. She had been digging for answers in her own thoughts and quiet little bubble. But then it hit her—the real answer was right out there, in the breeze, in the leaves rustling, in all the hidden lives around her. She grabbed her notebook, with her pen already ready to jot down the whispers of the wind. The story was about to kick off again.
Little bits of Everyday Joy
I posted photos on November 7, showcasing the beautiful carnations that I had carefully bought, and yesterday I took these images of the flowers still left, vibrant and resilient. They have proved to give me a little bit of everyday happiness for nearly three weeks, brightening my space and lifting my spirits amidst the usual routine. The simple joys in life, allowing me to pause and appreciate their beauty, as they subtly transform each day.
I did lots of edits so I could get all these challenges into one post; my internet connection is acting up, and it kept breaking up constantly yesterday. I made comments, but they did not show up for me as done, etc. It has cut me off a few times already, so after this post, I am going to paint for the rest of the day. This is too frustrating for me. Wishing everyone a great day.
Oh to continue about frustrations, I learned this morning that out water would be got of for a day, hopefully less. But I found this out after the fact. Great start for the day, no coffee for me,
NovemberShadows and How to Survive November , also Monochrome Madness last but not least The Flower Hour #8 as all the photos are of flowers 😀
How to Survive November 2025 – 25
Today, it’s just this for How to Survive the November
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
The Cat That Stole Our Hearts
Veikka was a lovely and loved cat, a cherished cat whose striking white fur glistened in the sunlight, making her the center of attention wherever she went; you could not miss her, as she was the size of a small dog. Her gentle purring provided a soothing soundtrack to quiet evenings, and her warm presence filled the hearts of her human companions with an unexplainable happiness. Veikka passed away years ago, but the photos pop up so often when I search my archives; her memory lives on through photographs; she was an inspiring model for me.
Nature’s Texture Revealed
Lots of bark, nothing more
Tranquil water landscapes
Here I am once again showing two of my aquarelle paintings. I have spent several hours trying to find my way of using the medium; still lots to learn, but I am improving, or I like to think I am. If interested to see the rest, they are behind the links.
Rowen and an apple tree
I read about this tree and found out this.
Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective color; this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft.
The apple tree symbolizes a wide range of concepts, including immortality, health, love, and temptation. Its symbolism varies across cultures, appearing in mythology as a source of eternal youth (Norse), a representation of divine gifts (Greek), and a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death (Celtic).
Posted for Terri’ s Sunday Stills and How to Survive November
Golden Light Through the Pines
A picturesque autumn scene visible from a window, showcasing tall pine trees standing majestically in the low late Autumn light, their trunks painted in warm hues of golden-brown and fading green. Below, are men by the water’s edge, as they enjoy the beauty of the season. The sun casts a soft, golden glow across the scene, illuminating the crisp air infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
Posted for NovemberShadows and Monday Window
Lens-Artists #375: Where to Find the Mysterious
Patti’s back after a bit of a break, and she’s got an exciting challenge for us! Honestly, when I saw the title, I am going to enjoy the editing process of this, as it is something I really enjoy doing. Maybe create stories around the images. She’s given us some great ideas on where to find the mysterious: think low light, shadows, and all those moody vibes. Make sure to check out her post for awesome photography and all the tips!
Our story begins as we enter the road to mysterious places, A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light. The trees stand tall and ancient, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, while the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss. Wisps of fog curl around the trunks, creating an otherworldly ambiance that seems to whisper secrets of forgotten tales. As the path winds deeper into the wilderness, the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoots of owls add to the enchanting eeriness, inviting intrepid wanderers to uncover the hidden wonders that lie within this enchanting, twilight realm.
We continue to A moody, dimly lit street in, showcasing warm streetlights that cast a golden glow along the cobblestone path, invites evening strollers to explore its hidden corners. The air is filled with a gentle breeze, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from nearby gardens, while shadows dance playfully along the walls of quaint cafés. As the soft murmur of voices blends with the distant sound of laughter, an unmistakable sense of mystery wraps around the scene, hinting at untold stories waiting to be discovered in this enchanting part of the city.
We leave the city. A partially fragmented window, it’s dark frame cradling a view of a tree dressed in fiery red leaves, casts a striking contrast against the swirling backdrop of a moody sky where fleeting glimpses of blue shift like memories. Shards of glass, scattered like forgotten dreams, catch the faint light, creating a mosaic of reflections that whisper of stories shared outside while invoking a chilling sense of solitude. This broken portal frames an autumn scene both haunting and breathtaking, infusing the air with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as though the very walls of this aged structure hold echoes of lives once lived. In the dim, shadowy interior, shadows stretch along shattered walls, and an ajar door beckons with the allure of a vibrant autumn world, deepening the air of mystery. In this forsaken space, remnants of bygone splendor emerge, where peeling paint and cracked plaster weave an unsettling tale that captivates the heart. Beyond the door, an enchanting vista unfolds, filled with amber trees whose leaves shimmer like precious gems kissed by fragile sunlight, concealing untold secrets. The room, engulfed in shadows that sway like memories, carries an eerie stillness—punctuated only by the distant rustling of leaves, urging one to traverse the threshold into the comforting embrace of the season outside, or perhaps to delve into the alluring depths of the unknown.
In the end, we have to enter into the fog once again, feeling the chill envelop us as we navigate through the dense mist that obscures our path and twists our surroundings. Each step takes us deeper into the unknown, where the air is thick and heavy, and our sense of direction seems to falter. With every heartbeat, we remind ourselves that this journey is essential to find our way back home, pushing through the uncertainty and fear that the fog brings. It wraps around us like a thick blanket, muffling sounds and blurring the world, yet we carry on, driven by the hope of discovering familiar landmarks that will guide us back to safety.
I’ll leave you with a mystery to solve; add this to the story somehow. Let me know in the comments.
I just want to wrap up by expressing my heartfelt thanks to Patti for inviting us to dive into the mysterious together. I can’t wait to see how each of you interprets this theme! Don’t forget to check out Patti’s lovely post here, and remember to tag your posts with Lens-Artists so we can easily find them.
A thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s On The Move challenge—there was lots of travels in various vehicles. to I really hope you’ll join us again next week when Beth will be posting her challenge on Saturday, November 29th at noon ET on her site Wandering Dawgs. Be sure to stop by her site and join in, if you can.
Until then, stay positive and keep smiling ☺
Nature’s Evening Palette
This is where I was at 4 PM, and it looked like this in Espoo, Finland. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, just a moment after some rain had fallen. The clouds hung low, creating a dramatic backdrop against the richly colored sky. It was a moment quickly passed, capturing the beauty of nature as the day transitioned to night. Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 