be a 🔽 triangle or an ☓ – or maybe a circle or just brave, take a dip into the sea.
Don’t be a square
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.
Red and white Frost covered berries
Debbies Six Word Saturday
Square January
Let’s start with a simple ♥️ heart for this square month.
I could pop in for a photo here and there if I come across something suitable.
Linked to GeometricJanuary at Becky’s here
Last on the card December 2024
Happy New Year 2025 to All!
Thanks for your company during the past year to my old and new blog friends! Your support and engagement have made this year truly special, and I cherish the connections we’ve created. I look forward to sharing not only the adventures that the coming year will bring but also the insights, stories, and experiences that we can exchange together. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with creativity, collaboration, and even more memorable moments!
FOTD – 30.12.24
CFFC – short and tall
A Journey on Vintage Boats on Chapora
I saw Brian’s post and was instantly reminded of the charming old-style boats that gracefully glide along the tranquil waters of the Chapora River in India. We had a truly lovely trip on this boat, soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings as the sun dipped below the horizon. The gentle lapping of the water against the hull created a soothing melody, making it an unforgettable experience sleeping on the boat. The view from our cabin “window” was mostly water .-)
As I looked at these photos, I noticed my trusty red bag; I still travel with it, as its compact design and lightweight nature make it the most convenient for me to carry around, haven’t found a new one more convenient.
For the last Monday Window of the year : 30 December 2024
FOTD
Silent sunday
Silent Sunday
Embracing Indoor Activities
Just before Christmas, we experienced an unusually warm spell of winter weather, with temperatures soaring to a surprising +7°C (43°F) for a couple of days. This unexpected surge caused all the snow to melt away, leaving the landscape in a dull, uninspiring gray hue. The atmosphere has been heavy with drizzle and fog, shrouding everything in an almost melancholic veil, not very inspiring to say the least. the week ahead, it is supposed to get colder, and there’s even a possibility that we might see some snow, which could bring a much-needed touch of light and cheer to our surroundings. With the weather keeping me indoors, I have spent the last few days reading a books I’ve been meaning to get to, binge-watching my favorite TV series, and unfortunately, spending way too much time scrolling through social media. This endless cycle of news updates has so much depressing news, making it even more difficult to shake off the gloomy vibe.
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Soft shimmer on the frosty grass
FOTD – 27.12.24
Christmas eve
Today is the most important day of Christmas, filled with the joyous arrival of Santa on Christmas eve, who brings gifts and cheer for everyone, and we celebrate it surrounded by the warmth and laughter of family and friends, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime, as we gather around the beautifully decorated tree.
Merry Christmas to you all !
Reflective Library windows
You need to get some looks for Christmas – what better place to get them from but a library, where creativity and inspiration abound? These windows, showcasing the elegant architecture and modern design, are from Oodi Library in Helsinki. As you stroll through the space, you’ll find a plethora of stunning styles and ideas.
Monday Window 23 December 2024
CCFFC – Colorful buildings
I liked these colorful houses in this country, or in many other warm climate countries, but they would look so wrong, to me, if they were in Finland. I have seen some, and they are so out of place here; the brightness just does not fit with the natural palette of the Finnish landscape. The hues that might look vibrant and inviting against sunlit coastal backdrops or among lush tropical settings feel jarring against the more muted tones of Finland’s forests and snowy winters. But when I’ve seen these vivid buildings in other countries, they seem to blend in perfectly, as if they were meant to be there among the sun-kissed streets and bustling markets. It’s fascinating how context influences perception—go figure…
I have taken these photographs years ago in Cape Verde, and even in their rundown state—or perhaps in their unfinished state—they still appeal to me in a unique way. There’s a charm in their wear and tear, a story captured in the peeling paint and uneven lines. These structures despite their disrepair, they exude a warmth that resonates with the colors themselves.
CFFC – Colorful Buildings all photos in the gallery can be enlarged.
Home decorated for Christmas
So this is Christmas 🎄 Happy Holidays!
Seasons greetings to you all!
Still life – Just bottle in a row
Just bottle in a row and four edits, do you have a favorite.
This photo was taken in a recycling centre.
Unknown soldier is still very popular
Akateeminen Kirjakauppa was founded in 1893, a time when the love for literature was blossoming in Finland. Right from the start, their vision was to create a welcoming bookstore where book lovers could not only find high-quality service but also connect with one another over a shared passion for reading and the latest literature.
In October 1969, the Academic Bookstore made a significant transition by moving from its original department store premises to a newly constructed building designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto. This move symbolized a new era for the bookstore, allowing it to flourish in a space that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Väinö Linna established himself in literature with two novels depicting Finnish society,
The Unknown Soldier and Here Under the Northern Star . The novels were critical commentaries on the literary tradition – national literature – and perhaps the last products of this tradition. The influence of the works extended to all areas of post-war Finnish society, and they provided material for a new interpretation of the entire recent past. The novels’ lush humor and folk-like speech culture renewed the language of literature; many idioms and proverbs have found their place in collections of flying phrases.
Debbies Six Word Saturday
FOTD – Rhododendron bud
Favorite doors 2024
I have seen this challenge for some time before I started participating in it, and it has sparked a newfound passion for doors. Here are a few doors that really appealed to me; as photography is my thing, I try to capture a shot that conveys a deeper story and also works in that sense. It is the main thing to me, as each photograph has the potential to evoke emotions. Not all my posts have been all that inspired, but these images are a few of the ones I truly like, as they represent me as a photographer but also the beauty and uniqueness of every door I encountered.
A worn-down door, one that has seen time pass gracefully, seems particularly to appeal to me; it invites curiosity about its past and the countless lives it has touched. Each image in this collection is a memory, and I hope these images inspire you to appreciate the small details that surround us every day.
Dan’s Thursday Doors: 2024 Favourite Doors
FOTD – Pink roses
Let pink flowers sprinkle happiness on your day. Pink blooms always make me smile. Whether planted in a garden or gifted in a bouquet, their vibrant shades evoke joy and tenderness, serving as a beautiful reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
The Symbolism of Pink Flowers
The ultimate feminine floral shade, pink flowers represent grace, elegance, love, and joy universally, as well as holding the meaning of good health and fortune in Chinese tradition
For Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Monochrome madness – temple
I took these nine years ago, but as I was going through my archives I edited few more photos I have previously ignored..
The Big Buddha statue
Known among Thais as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, this magnificent statue has garnered significant cultural and spiritual importance. Built in 2004, it stands majestically at a height of 25 meters across at the base, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the region. The body of the statue is constructed from sturdy reinforced concrete, ensuring durability and resilience against the elements it is layered with beautiful Burmese white jade marble, which gives it a radiant shine under the sunlight.
There are several golden monk statues, here are two of them.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
I just read that the Phuket Buddha site ordered closed due to landslide risks. Phuket’s Royal Forest Centre will order a big Buddha site on top of Nak Koet Hill in tambon Karon to be closed due to fears of further landslides after 13 people were killed in the area by landslides on Aug 23.3.9.2024
FOTD – red roses
I am still posting photos of roses. Today the colors is red.
The myth behind red roses??
The story paints a heartbreaking picture: when Aphrodite learned that someone was conspiring to hurt her beloved Adonis, she rushed through a rose bush to warn him, tragically cutting her ankles on the thorns. Her blood staining the white petals red is such a vivid symbol of her pain. Sadly, by the time she arrived, it was already too late—he had been taken from her by a wild boar. In that moment of despair, she was left to grieve, weeping as he took his last breaths in her arms, a profound loss that anyone can feel deeply.
For Cee’s Flower of the Day.
FOTD – yellow rose
Yellow or maybe a pale orange Rose linked to Cee’s FOTD
CFFC – and Monday window
I looked at old photos during the weekend as needed to release some space to my hard drive. I say these and they were fresh in my memory as I saw these two challenges and thought they are so suitable for them even id old photos. Taken in Paris 2006 🙂 I do have to say nowadays I would pay more attention to framing and composition.
To Dan’s and Cee’s CFFC topic this week: Commercial buildings or store fronts and Dan’s Monday Window
Concentration
For Debbies One Word Sunday: Concentration
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 