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.

Lens-Artists Challenge #334 – Cats and Dogs

animals, lens-artists, Photography

Tina from Travels and Trifles nailed it when she said, “This week our challenge is all about something we all love – cats and dogs!” I mean, who doesn’t adore these furry pals? They’ve got a way of making our lives so much brighter, and they really do feel like part of the family with their quirky little personalities. So, I’m keeping it simple this week. I’m just sharing a bunch of cute pics of my dogs and cats – no need for fancy words or explanations. Honestly, those snapshots say it all and capture the warmth and love we have for these amazing pets better than I ever could. Each photo really brings out the joy of just watching them being themselves.

As the saying goes, “Cats have it all — admiration, an endless sleep, and company only when they want it.” These enigmatic creatures, with their soft purrs and graceful movements, embody a life of luxury that many of us can only dream of. They bask in the sun for hours, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Their independence is a source of fascination; they choose when to interact, offering affection on their terms, which only deepens our appreciation for their mysterious nature.

A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won’t be too bad. Robert Wagner

Hopefully you’ll join us this week to share your own thoughts and images on the subject. Be sure to link to Tina’s post and to include the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.

Thanks Egidio for his Complementary colors it was a lovely challenge and the flowers shots most of us chose were lovely. I am sorry for my limited comments this week, I have had a busy week and even blogging has been a stretch as I have been busy making arrangements for a month long trip. So I am giving a heads-up, I will be mostly absent during February from the blogging community.

Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Patti leads us once again on her always-terrific Pilotfish blog. I know it will a fun one. Until then keep smiling ☺

Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.

Geometric January 31.2.2025

Photography

Thanks for hosting Becky this was fun even though I missed few at the end.

Open doors

Here is my last entry and it is from the archives 🙂 Posted as part of Becky’s Geometric January

Lens-Artists Challenge #333 – Complementary Colors

Flowers, lens-artists

It’s always nice to get a little reminder about how complementary colors work and how to use them in your photography, art, and even fashion choices. As most of us know, complementary colors are those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, and they really make things pop, enhancing the viewer’s experience and helping the subject stand out. Nature does a fantastic job of this on its own, showing off these awesome color combos in landscapes, flowers, and wildlife. As you notice them in nature artists and photographers can find interpretation of how to use it . By understanding the science and feelings behind these colors, you can really step up your artistic game and whip up some eye-catching compositions and get attention and leave a lasting impression.

Please Check out the introduction from Egídios Through Brazilian Eyes lovely blog and join us by linking your post to his and using the Lens- Artists tag so you post can be easily found.

Complementary colors are basically the ones that sit right across from each other on the color wheel. When you use them in your photography, they create awesome color contrast, making your images really stand out. Think of classic combos like red and green, magenta and green, yellow and violet, or orange and blue. You don’t have to stick to colors that are exactly opposite, though. Just like how the color wheel smoothly shifts from one shade to another, you can mix in some nearly opposite colors. But hey, the most stunning results will come from those perfect opposites!

I think the yellow moon against the blue sky works well.

Using complimentary colors in Still life

Noble fly google translation named this Clematis flower

Viola canina against yellow, green hues

That is what we enjoy mostly in Finland ”bilberry” tai ”wild blueberry” Blueberry is apparently from a bush. Well anyway – nature knows it’s complimentary colors

Rowan berries make great contrast blue sky and green leaves.

Thanks for joining me and looking at things out from above; it’s been an a delightful! I appreciate everyone for sharing your amazing macro shots of nature and stunning views from rooftops or hills. The photos were not just pretty; they highlighted the beauty of our world from unique angles. I’m glad if I could inspire you to consider shooting from above, as those viewpoints often reveal little details we might miss on the ground. It’s incredible how changing your perspective can enhance how we see and appreciate our surroundings, encouraging us to explore and find hidden gems nearby.

Next week, Tina returns with her first new challenge for the year. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge.

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

The Struggle Against Winter’s Frozen Hold

Flowers, Photography

Release me from this icy blanket that wraps tightly around me, stifling any warmth and locking me in a relentless chill, the frozen tendrils of winter’s grasp weighing heavily on my spirit, as I long for the gentle embrace of sunlight that offers the hope of comfort and rejuvenation.

Linked to FOTD and Six Word Saturday

Art hall ⬜ square

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

Have posted this image before, but it is so suitable for this so I cropped it into a square

Becky’s Geometric Squares # 23

The Cape Florida Light

Landscapes, Photography, Traveling US

The Cape Florida Light is a historic lighthouse perched on Cape Florida at the south end of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Constructed in 1825, this iconic structure has played a vital role in maritime navigation, guiding mariners safely off the treacherous waters of the Florida Reef, which starts near Key Biscayne and extends southward a few miles offshore of the Florida Keys. Standing tall at 95 feet, the lighthouse is not only an important landmark but also a testament to the engineering prowess of its time, featuring a brick structure with a distinctive black and white spiral pattern. . Today, it stands within the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where visitors can explore its rich history, climb the stairs leading to the lantern room for stunning panoramic views.

Thank you for your votes in the badge competition, much appreciated. I think I am going to use mine 😂

Photos linked Thursday Doors, Press the badge to access it.

Snowy Outings

Captures from Finland, Photography

I spent yesterday totally unplugged from the computer, taking a well-deserved break, and ended up going to see a friend on the wrong day. Even though it was a bit of a hassle, I trudged through a snow blizzard, battling the fluffy chaos, only to realize I showed up two days early for our hangout. Not exactly thrilled about digging my car out from under all that snow twice, but hey, we made the best of it and had a good chat, catching up and cracking jokes. Later that evening, we went with my husband to check out the comedian Russell Howard at the House of Culture in Helsinki, which was super exciting. The cherry on top? We ran into some other friends there by total coincidence, which made the night even cooler. Overall, it was a pretty great night, full of unexpected surprises and good vibes. Good night, all in all!

I didn’t get any great photos yesterday, but since this is a photography blog, I guess I should share some moments from my day, even if they’re not ideal. So, I’m throwing in what I think/ know are some bad shots from tonight. I snagged one pic from the gig that didn’t turn out at all, but it still reminds me of the awesome energy and buzz from the moment. Plus, I snapped a few more shots while driving home from a moving car. The snow that had covered everything earlier in the day had stopped falling, and the snowplows had done their job clearing the roads, making our drive a little smoother. Even if the photos aren’t perfect, they definitely capture the vibe of my evening journey back home.

From Blue Moment to sunset

Captures from Finland

Just now I went to my front door and back to my patio in the backyard to capture these stunning pink clouds of blue moment and sunset. The sky was painted with hues that can only be described as pink .-), transforming the ordinary evening into pastel beauty. I shot them on my iPhone, which is always handy for such spontaneous moments, as seeing the sunset . As I stood there the chill of winter slightly bit my hands and feet as I did not put my winter jacket on, or shoes. these colorful skies pass so quickly, views now saved on my device, I am linking it to John’s Cellpic Sunday to share the beauty that can be found in everyday moments.

numbers – CFFC

Landscapes, Photography

I have never participated in a number challenge before here in CFFC or Numbers game, but today I excitedly played with the number 256, which I picked from an archive of photos I had stored away since 2016. As I explored this collection, I realized that, before posting any of these images, I would need to edit most of them, as I had initially saved them in RAW format. The original sizes were far too large for sharing without some careful enhancement and resizing. It was actually quite fun to see the photos that popped up; each one carried a memory from that year, evoking nostalgia. However, one shot of flowers caught my attention for being in particularly poor quality — I have no idea why I still had it in my collection. The vibrant colors of the blooms were completely dulled, and the focus was all off, making it a rather unfortunate representation of nature’s beauty.

The photos in the gallery can be enlarged, it is even recommended by me 🙂

Posted as part of CFFC

Square opening

Photography

I am having to start digging into my archives now. This square opening framed this view from Chinese garden in Sydney beautifully.

Square opening in Chinese garden in Sydney

Becky’s Geometric Squares #20

Turquoise water movement

Landscapes, Traveling Australia
turquoise sea swirls
turquoise flow

Photos taken at Blue Pool at Bermagui and linked to water, water everywhere and PaW for color Turquoise

Lens-artists challenge #332 – Shoot From Above

lens-artists, Photography

Let’s Shoot From Above this week! Let’s get creative with a top-down perspective. Let’s have fun.

One cool idea for this challenge is to explore the world of flat lays. Arrange everyday objects or your favorite items on a flat surface, shoot from above, and voila! You’ve got yourself a visually stunning photo that tells a story without uttering a single word.

Is there any way I can I invite you to take a picture directly above a flat surface of something that is important to you or reflects you in some way? It would be fun to see. Perhaps you could choose a special object like a book, a piece of art, or even a collection of your favorite items that tell a story about who you are. I believe that capturing it this way could give us a glimpse into your world.

What do the two above still life images tell about me? ? I also added an portrait from directly above, as a last minute addition, took the few hours before posting this. The shot was not as easy to take as I thought. I had my husband lay on the floor, we tried few poses, he is a good sport when it comes to me needing a model to pose. This was fun trying to get an angle that looked good. I had fun trying something new for my own challenge.

 Seek out unique perspectives by climbing a stool, using a staircase, or exploring elevated spots for a fresh viewpoint.

For those who love getting up close and personal, consider diving into the world of macro photography from a high angle. Zoom in on the tiny details that often go unnoticed, and watch as your audience is mesmerized by the beauty of the miniature world you’ve uncovered. It’s like discovering a secret garden right under your nose!

 Keep it focused – choose a central subject and let surrounding elements complement rather than overpower your shot.

Nature – it is good to keep your eyes down sometimes when in nature

Abstract photography enthusiasts, this challenge is tailor-made for you. Experiment with shapes, patterns, and colors by shooting from above. Turn ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions, leaving your audience scratching their heads and marveling at the sheer creativity you bring to the table.

 Experiment with shadows and different lighting conditions to add depth and interest to your photos.

There are tons of ideas and themes for shooting from above – a bustling cityscape, people enjoying the waves, the mesmerizing swirls of a latté art in a coffee cup, the intricate details of a flower, or even portraiture from a height – it’s up to you to get creative with the angles you shoot at.

Discover captivating patterns and symmetry in both urban and natural settings, taking advantage of the overhead view.

Capture vibrant colors and interesting textures to add visual appeal to your photos. Whether it’s food or fabrics, use the top-down perspective to your advantage

Last week we delved into an emotional topic, exploring the many ways to view and photograph resilience. There are countless perspectives on this powerful theme, and the diversity of interpretations was wonderful.. Thank you for that challenge, Anne; it certainly had me thinking. Looking ahead, next week it will be Egídio’s turn to host on Saturday, January 25, at noon EST. Expect to see not only stunning and lovely photos , but also an engaging new theme that invites us all to join in and share our unique viewpoints.

Please remember to link your post on my blog. Additionally, don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag, which plays a crucial role in helping us find your posts easily and allows others to discover your unique perspective and creativity within our collaborative space.

Reeds and Riverside Charm

Captures from Finland, Photography

Snowy reeds stand tall and proud in the frosty winter day, their delicate strands shimmering as they catch the soft light of the pale sun. The biting cold fills the air, crisp atmosphere. Each reed, encased in frost, depicts a picturesque scene in the quiet beauty of nature in its peaceful winter slumber.

By the river
Wintery riverside
Cabin By the river
reeds

Doors from from the late Middle Ages

Captures from Finland, Interiors

Linked to Dans’ Thursday doors

The four-meter-high door leading from the armory to the church hall is the most magnificent of all surviving from the late Middle Ages. The series of images on the door depicts Hubertus’ hunting trip, during which Christ appeared to him in the form of a stag. This vision made him turn around and carry the message of Christianity forward. The wrought-iron door panels of the south portal leading from the armory to the church hall are the finest in Finland.

Hollola is the oldest parish in eastern Häme and was probably founded in the second half of the 13th century. Of the church’s construction phases dating back to the 15th century, the sacristy is older than the main church. The church itself and its vaulting belong to the construction phase that is dated to have taken place between 1475 and 1485.

Monochrome winter

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland
Spruce trees by the wintery road
Branches above
Snow covered branches arched above the road

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Looking in and out

Traveling US

The Hemingway house was built way back in 1851, sporting that cool Spanish Colonial vibe, and it’s made from local rock right from the property. When the Hemingways first got it, the place was quite a mess, but Ernest and Pauline totally saw past the chaos and loved the impressive architecture. They kicked off a huge restoration project in the early 1930s, turning the house into a National Historical Landmark. Check out this sneak peek of the bathroom! 😄

Monday Window January 13th, 2025

Retails – Linen clothing

Cities, street photography

I totally love wearing linen clothes – they’re pretty much my go-to in summer and autumn. The soft feel and natural fibers are super comfy on my skin, plus they give off this elegant, classic vibe. I just dig how linen drapes nicely without feeling too tight, so I’m always grabbing my linen dresses when I’m heading out.

Linked to One Word Sunday at Debbie’s here