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.
Our end-of-the-year challenge is this week. There is no specific Lens-Artist host for this challenge, as the team is acting as joint hosts for the week you can link any team member’s post in your response. You can also link to your post in any team member’s comment section.
Simple: The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2024 challenges.
One photo from every month, that is my approach to this one. No explanation 🙂
I have not photographed much in this December, instead I have been painting. I took photos of the them, as this year I painted all my Christmas cards. This is one of them, thought I did not send this one as I forgot to leave the white frames around it.
Beginning of this year in January I joined the Lens-Artists team. I must admit that I was pleasantly and deeply happy to become a part of this esteemed group of talented photographers, who not only capture mesmerizing images but also possess a remarkable gift for storytelling through words. It has been great to be part of this group. Thank you.
As we approach the close of 2024, the Lens-Artists team will be on hiatus, returning on Saturday, January 4. As is our tradition, we will open the New Year with our Favorite Photos of 2024 challenge.
Some sunshine and warm vibes can truly uplift our spirits and brighten our day. Sending these vibes to Cee’s Flower of the Day. The colors and fragrances of flowers remind us of nature’s incredible artistry and the joy they bring to us. Taking a moment to pause and soak in the beauty of them can bring us small moments of happiness, even if only in a bouquet.
The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket is Wat Chalong, located in the Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District seen from the temple building opposite it for Thursday Doors
This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Brian is hosting. He chose clouds for a theme.
I love clouds; there’s something so captivating about their ever-changing forms and colors. Mostly, I take photos of them over water or a field, as the reflections and open spaces amplify their beauty. Ever so many of my favorites come from moments spent on the road, where the sky seems to stretch infinitely above. I can spend hours gazing at the clouds while traveling by car, —sometimes they look like soft animals, at other times like in the last shot – people. I find joy and inspiration in the simple act of observing the sky.
In Finland many could associate this cloud to a band …Leningrad Cowboys have listen and look at the hairdos 🙂
for some reason I could not find my “best” on the road cloud shots so I went with these..
Yesterday – finally we hanged some seasonal lights to our backyard to brighten the dark nights. Tinka enjoy the sight too 🙂 Two of them are from my bedroom and other through the window in my living room.
Winter will be upon those living in the northern hemisphere in only two weeks, well in my opinion it is already here .
For those who know me, know that winter is not my season, but you have to endure it. While I can appreciate the beautiful winter landscapes, with their pristine white snow and glistening icicles hanging from the eaves, and the seasonal lights that illuminate the dark nights, the cold weather is something I struggle with. The crisp air can feel invigorating at first, but it quickly turns into an unwelcome chill that seeps through even the warmest of layers. I know it is a matter of dressing accordingly, but the layer after layer can become cumbersome and stifling; not to mention the effort it takes to bundle up before stepping outside.
Winter season
I will give you a few facts below about the beloved season if you are interested, or you can just enjoy the photos I’ve taken of the beauty of the snow-filled landscape, which captures the serene essence of winter perfectly. There is something magical about how snow blankets the ground, transforming ordinary scenes into picturesque winter wonderlands that take your breath away. I enjoy it too—in the photos, where each pristine flake seems to reflect the beauty of nature and the quiet stillness that accompanies this season, inviting you to pause and admire the frosty charm that surrounds us.
FEW facts about Finland In winter, the mean temperature remains below 0°C, but warm airflows can raise the daily high above 0°C at times. Winter usually begins in mid-October in Lapland and during November in the rest of Finland, though not until December in the southwestern archipelago. It thus takes about two months for winter to proceed from Lapland to Åland. The sea and large lakes slow down the progress of winter. Winter is the longest season in Finland, lasting for about 100 days in southwestern Finland and 200 days in Lapland.
Arctic Circle, part of winter is the period known as the “polar night”, when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. In the northernmost corner of Finland, the polar night lasts for 51 days. In southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.
Permanent snow covers the ground about two weeks after winter begins, reaching its deepest around mid-March with 60 to 90 cm in eastern and northern Finland, and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland. Lakes freeze in late November and early December, with ice thickest in early April at about 50 to 65 cm. In severe winters, the Baltic Sea may ice over almost completely, while mild winters keep it open except for the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland’s far ends.
The coldest day of winter typically occurs after the winter solstice, at the end of January in most places, except for maritime islands and coastal areas, where it is delayed until early February. Coldest temperatures range from -45°C to -50°C in Lapland and eastern Finland, from -35°C to -45°C elsewhere, and from -25°C to -35°C in islands and coastal regions.
snowingA quick dip to the sea?Frost covered treesWinter gray day ny the sea.
Please join and remember to link to John’s challenge when you post your response, and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, Sofia’s challenge focused on the Five Elements in her lovely post, and the responses were interesting to see. How we all interpreted it in our own way .
Next week, it is time for our annual year-end challenge. In December 2022, the Lens-Artists team introduced a “Last-Chance” challenge. The idea was to review the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. Go through your gallery and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.
It has been a long time since I participated in Lepis Saturday Classics, but I genuinely hope you enjoy the mellow mood I share with you today. I have been deeply immersed in soul music lately, and one artist who has captured my attention is Melody, whose unique sound has managed to find its way into my playlist on numerous occasions. This blend of soulful melodies and smooth jazz rhythms truly appeals to my musical taste, creating a soothing atmosphere that transports me to a carefree state of mind.
“Baby I’m a Fool” is a beautifully crafted song written and composed by American jazz singer-songwriter Melody Gardot. It was released as the second single from her second full-length album, My One and Only Thrill, which showcases her unique blend of jazz, blues, and pop influences. According to Gardot, the lyrics are about “two coquette people who won’t admit they are in love with each other,” capturing the essence of longing and the complexities of love in a playful yet poignant manner. The song resonates with listeners with its lush instrumentation and Gardot’s sultry vocals. .
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.
chrysanthemums – MUMS – Known for their vibrant colors and diverse forms. Their stunning blooms can range from soft pastels to brilliant hues My choice For Cee’s Flower of the Day. In addition to their beauty, chrysanthemums hold significant cultural importance in many parts of the world, symbolizing joy and optimism.
I took a trip down memory lanes, dreaming of warm places while watching the snow fall outside my window. The cold outside contrasted with my warm memories, making me yearn for warmth while the winter’s chill wrapped around me.
These photos were taken several years ago, ten years ago during a memorable trip where we drove a bit inland in Sal, Cape Verde. The area we explored is likely more developed now. I would say this is an area where many locals live. As we ventured further, we marveled at flat desert are dotted with colorful houses. These particular photographs were captured on the way to Salinas de Pedra de Lume, an extraordinary salt mine, which certainly left a lasting impression on our journey.
In its own way, frost may be one of the most beautiful things to happen in your garden all year . . . Don’t miss it. Like all true beauty, it is fleeting. It will grace your garden for but a short while this morning. . . . For this moment, embrace frost as the beautiful gift that it is.–Philip Harnden
In the end, this may be the most important thing about frost: Frost slows us down. In spring, it tempers our eagerness. In fall, it brings closure and rest. In our gotta-go world–where every nanosecond seems to count–slowness can be a great gift. So rather than see Jack Frost as an adversary, you could choose to greet him as a friend.–Philip Harnden,
Artifacts from Pompeii, including intricately designed pots, beautifully crafted vases, and detailed statues, serve as a breathtaking window into the lives of the ancient Romans who thrived in this bustling city before the catastrophic earthquake.
Ancient Indian philosophy states that we are made up of five fundamental elements – earth, water, fire, sky, and air, and upon death, we return to these essential components of the universe. This cycle emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings with nature. On the other hand, Chinese philosophy presents a different perspective by omitting sky and air, choosing instead to include wood and metal, which highlights the importance of transformation and balance in the natural world. Each element plays a crucial role in sustaining life and maintaining harmony within our surroundings.
This week, Sofia challenges us to creatively represent these five elements, encouraging us to explore their significance and relationships in our lives through art, discussion, or personal reflection.
Blacksmith works with lots of elements
You need to work on a grovel ground – (earth?) This foundation is essential for any blacksmith’s operations. You also need wood to make fire, which is the lifeblood of metalworking; the flames provide the necessary heat to transform raw materials into usable tools. Air is crucial to keep the fire going, as it feeds the flames, allowing them to reach the high temperatures required for forging. Moreover, metal is indispensable, as it is the core element that you are shaping and transforming with fire, bringing life through careful manipulation. Finally, you require water to cool it down, allowing you to temper the metal and enhance its durability and strength, making the end products robust and functional. I think the sky is missing in this one 🙂 Blacksmiths work with lots of elements, combining them in a harmonious dance to create incredible artifacts, often reflecting the beautiful interplay between earth, fire, air, metal, and water.
Water and wood
🔥
Glorious sky in the color of fire, the small touch of blue when you light it, casting a radiant glow over the horizon as day transitions into night. This mesmerizing view serves as water to our soul, nurturing our spirit and inviting serenity. The sand beneath our feet keeps us grounded, offering a soft embrace that reminds us of our connection to the Earth. Trees surround us, standing tall and majestic, providing shelter and warmth, acting as the lungs of our air, purifying every breath we take.
💦
Please join us and link your post to Sofia’s post, showcasing your unique perspective and creativity. Don’t forget to tag your work with Lens-Artists so we can easily find your contributions on the Reader.
Last week was full of awesome smiles and tons of laughs thanks to Ann-Christine’s challenge! Big shoutout to you, Ann-Christine, for the cool theme, and thanks to everyone who joined in—we really loved the positive photos you all shared!
Next week is John’s turn to lead us, Saturday 7th December. Until then, keep on smiling ☺
This month, the time of the year is particularly challenging for many of us living between 60-70 degrees north latitude. A third of Finland is north of the Arctic Circle, where long, dark winters can take a toll on mental well-being. Although I live further south and experience slightly more daylight, this period is difficult when we lack snow and the days grow darker as we approach Christmas. The absence of light drains the essence of life from me and countless others. As the years go by, I become more sensitive to the biting chill and gloom that blankets the landscape. I long for the vibrant hues of spring and the warmth of the sun, as the darkness of winter casts a long shadow over my spirit, reminding me of the fleeting nature of light and joy.
Lepis has hosted this challenge for many years, and I truly appreciate it as it not only keeps me active but also encourages creativity in my daily routine. I need to post something —whether it’s a photo or a artwork—at least once a day, which helps maintain a sense of accountability. Thank you to Lepis and my fellow survivors for the company. This was my only source of motivation before; however, now that I’ve joined Len-Artists, I also have another avenue that continually inspires me to do something creative and engaging. Being part of this community invigorates my passion for photography and expression, pushing me to explore new ideas and challenges, even though I acknowledge that I haven’t always been at my best.
There is light behind all this slush.
LIGHT behind the slush
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Å – Åbo map from 1828 / swedish O 🙂 / Ä – Äyriäinen – Shellfish / Ö – Öljy – Oil
The last two are in the same photo 😀
I do not think will make the collage for tomorrow, but something for sure.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
I have taken this shot several years ago, and ignored the possibilities of it to be anything more than a simple snap I took in a moment of spontaneity. Now, as I was looking for something else, I find myself wondering why I had dismissed its potential. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that this shot is truly hopeful; the light is pouring in, illuminating the intricate details of this piece of art in a way that breathes life into it. The way the shadows dance around , the dialogue between light and dark, urging to pause and reflect. It makes me realize that sometimes, in our rush to capture the moment, we overlook the beauty and stories waiting to be told in the simplest of images.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 