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 #310: Zigzag

Photography

This week, the Lens-Artists team returns from our July break. A huge thank you to our three very talented guest hosts–Leanne Cole, Elizabeth Jensen and PR–who led the challenges in our absence and provided wonderfully inspiring and creative themes along with their beautiful photos.

This weeks challenge is hosted by P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures, Patti. has created a challenge that has had me little bit desperate, do I have anything for this week.

ZIGZAG. I had to dive deep into my archives for this one, and came up with hardly nothing related to this topic. It seems that the photos I’m looking for is buried beneath layers of forgotten files. I’ve spent some time sifting through these archives, hoping to unearth some suitable one’s.

This road sign – destination as me in always in zigzag.

this road in Valley of Fire, Nevada has the markings of a zigzag.

What a relief, bridge frames 🙂 here to save me. First two from Australia, the other three from USA

A maze in Hua Hin in Thailand, not a great photo, but it is a zigzag.

Be sure your post includes the “Lens-Artists” tag and a link to Patti’s challenge post.

Next week, Ann-Christine will take the lead for LAC #311, so be sure to visit Leya next Saturday at noon EDT. You can be sure to find inspiration photos there.. Until then, keep smiling.

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenges? Click here for more information…..

Oh, nature sometimes provides surprises.

Lakeshores at Vesijärvi, Lahti The sky and water created lovely patterns resembling zigzag.

Framed

Captures from Finland

Framed view from a Cafe in Mankala, Iitti. The Brita cake alone made the drive there worth it. So delicious. The picturesque surroundings, the warm, inviting atmosphere of the cafe enhanced the visit, making it a delightful escape.

For Debbie’s One Word Sunday.

For John’s Cellpic Sunday. I took these with a mobile phone

Recipe ingredients
12 servings
The bottom of Brita cake
125 g margarine or butter (80% fat)
1 DL sugar
3 yolk
1 ½ dl wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 DL low-fat milk
On top of Britankaku
3 of egg protein
1 ½ dl sugar
Brita cake filling
3 dl whipped cream
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla sugar
200 g raspberries
To decorate Britankaku
3 dl raspberries and blueberries
½ dl lemon balm or mint leaves

Brita cake – instructions:
Beat the fat and sugar. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time.
Combine wheat flour and baking powder. Mix them into the dough alternately with the milk.
Grease the baking paper. Spread the dough over it in a sheet the size of a baking pan.
Wash and dry the beaters. Whip the egg whites until stiff and gradually beat in the sugar. When the mixture is stiff and shiny, spread it over the base dough. (If you want, add almond flakes on top.)
Bake the brita cake in the oven at 175 degrees for 20-30 minutes until the meringue is beautifully light brown. Let it cool.
Whip the cream until foamy and season with sugar and vanilla sugar.
Halve the cooled cake plate. Place the other half on a serving platter. Spread the whipped cream and raspberries on top. Place the second cake plate on top.
Decorate the brita cake with raspberries and blueberries and lemon balm or mint leaves.
Tips!
Britakaku combines a thick cake base and a light meringue. The crunchy base tastes suitably almondy and toasted. Part of the cake’s charm is its carefree appearance. Spread the meringue dough with a clean spatula. If fatty cake batter is mixed with the meringue batter, the foam may settle.
A traditional brita is usually made on a baking sheet, cut into two parts and filled with whipped cream and fresh raspberries, strawberries or other summer berries. If you use frozen raspberries, choose Finnish ones and use them plump. Thawed frozen raspberries color the filling and crumble.
Vary the brita cake filling according to your taste. As an addition to the whipped cream, you can use cream cheese or curd, you can replace the raspberries with other berries or fruits. You can put, for example, cherries, lingonberries, strawberries or rhubarb between Britakaku. Also try the wonderful apple brita, chocolate brita and charming Christmas brita!
You can bake the bottom of Britakaku the day before, but you should only fill the cake right before serving. This keeps the meringue crispy.

Baseball

Captures from Finland, Photography

I’m not a fan of baseball but I think there are few among my followers in USA, follow the link to know about Finnish baseball, which I am not a fan of either 😀 but I more action is in our version.

Link to MLB page:

⚾️ Baseball / pesäpallo

Photo is not related to this post in no way other than it is more popular outside the metropolitan area 😂

Tranquil Waters, Rocks, Reflections,

Captures from Finland

Photos taken at Pulkkilanharju by the lake Päijänne.

Pulkkilanharju, which serves as the southeast gateway to the National park, is a truly captivating natural wonder that beckons visitors with its stunning vistas. The highest point on the island offers panoramic views over Lake Päijänne’s largest expanse, Tehinselkä, creating a mesmerizing sight that never fails to leave a lasting impression on all who behold it.

As for Lake Päijänne itself, it is truly a marvel of nature. Spanning an area of approximately 23,204 hectares, or 232 square kilometers, this vast expanse is dotted with around 2,690 picturesque islands, each adding to the lake’s allure. The remarkable expanse of Päijänne forms part of the Kymijoki watershed and ranks as Finland’s deepest lake, with an astounding maximum depth of 95 meters. Furthermore, the lake boasts an extensive coastline that stretches for 2,200 kilometers, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and providing ample opportunities for exploration and recreation.

Päijänne’s status as the second largest lake in Finland only adds to its significance, drawing in locals and tourists alike to marvel at the awe-inspiring splendor of this natural gem. Whether it’s the tranquil shores, the diverse flora and fauna, or the potential for water-based activities, Lake Päijänne stands as a testament to the incomparable beauty of the Finnish landscape.

For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday. So many more words this week.

Wine and Café Jokiranta

Captures from Finland

A lovely place by the river to stop for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee at Riverside (jokiranta) in Vääksy is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a summer day. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil setting to sip on a fine glass of wine, or simply craving a hot cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful riverside views, Riverside in Vääksy offers a escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sit back and relax as you watch the gentle flow of the river, feeling the soothing ambiance that only nature can provide. This charming spot to enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a picturesque setting by the water’s edge.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Monochrome Madness: 31 July

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

When you drive in Finland on small dirt roads, you can come across this kind of old-time milieu, with the gravel crunching under your tires and the scent of pine trees filling the air. As you navigate the winding paths, you can imagine that the picture was taken years ago, before the modern advancements reached this corner of the world. The old log houses stand as witnesses to the passage of time, surrounded by many different outbuildings in the yard. Electricity pylons, a striking contrast to the rustic scenery, bring it into modern times, emphasizing the coexistence of tradition and progress. When presented in black and white, the atmosphere is further enhanced, allowing in the timeless vibes of the past.

Monochrome Madness: 31 July

Last on the Card – July 2024

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

The last photo on the card of my mobile phone was taken around 10PM in Helsinki, right at the quiet marketplace as we were casually strolling home from listening to a live performance by one of my favorite artists. The night air was filled with a sense of excitement and contentment, as the vibrant melodies still played in my head. The colorful sky making it a perfect end to a great evening.

I took this with my Olympus camera with a 14-150mm lens as we were driving in the backroads in Mankala in southern Finland. It always amazes me how the trees can grow in so little soil as they do on these rocky hills. The natural beauty of this region is truly captivating, lush green forests, and stunning rocky terrain. As we meandered through the narrow winding roads, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant shades of green that adorned the landscape. The tranquility of the surroundings is touchable. It’s incredible how such an unassuming location can hold such enchanting allure.

My last photo on my Sony 2.8/50 MACRO lens. As I reviewed the close-up photos of the day’s flowers previously taken with my phone, I couldn’t help but feel very disappointed by the quality. It’s clear that attempting to edit and post-process images on the small screen of a phone can often fall short of expectations. I think I am going to delete the post, it is so bad. Eager to elevate the quality of my floral photography, I decided to switch back to my trusty camera. Although the flowers were not as fresh as before, the images I captured with the camera were undeniably better in every way. The colors were more vibrant, the details were clearer, and the overall composition was more to my liking.

This was the last one, but not the best one, but as requested, the last 🙂

this is for The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard

Flower of the day

Flowers, Photography

Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day

One word Sunday – Monotone

Captures from Finland

Linked to one word Sunday at Debbie’s here

Lens-Artist challenge #309: Balconies

Cities, lens-artists, Photography

So today’s topic is balconies. PR has presented us with this topic and has provided lovely shots to be inspired by. I have a few balcony shots myself, although I’m sure I’ve posted them before. My focus is mainly on nature photography, so I have fewer shots from cities. However, I must admit that balconies make for a nice photography topic. There’s something charming and delightful about capturing the unique character of different balconies, each telling its own story. Whether it’s the intricate designs of wrought-iron railings, the colorful array of potted plants, or the cozy nooks for outdoor seating, balconies offer a myriad of photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on a balcony can create captivating compositions, while the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces adds depth and interest to the photographs. Overall, exploring the world of balconies through photography provides an exciting visual journey, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of these architectural features.

This above shot is from Amalfi. The gallery below is balconies from Savannah (click to enlarge)

Charleston balconies

Above we are back in Italy and the below shot is from Nice.

Lens-Artist challenge #309: Balconies

I reallythought I wouldn’t be able to find that many balconies, I,m happy to have found some interesting and colorful balconies . Please go discover your set of balconies and be sure to link them to PR’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Elizabeth for last week’s Pairs challenge. It was great seeing the many variations of the theme and creative approaches to her subject.

Next week we return to our normal schedule with Patti leading the challenge on her Pilotfish post. We hope you’ll join us then. Until then, keep on smiling.

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

Simple and peaceful interior at Asikkala Church

Captures from Finland, Photography

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Monochrome Madness #13 – Trees

Black and White photos, Photography

This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Sarah at Travel With Me is hosting with the theme “Trees”.

Trees yes, here are some trees for you that have caught my attention. The first and the last one is from few nights ago…trees are a great choice for monochrome images.

I have shared this before, but I do like…So here it is again.

All images in the gallery can be enlarged with a click.

Mukkula manor

Captures from Finland, Photography

Monday window

I spent an afternoon at this manor in Lahti celebrating my father in law’s 90th birthday.

More about the history of Manor One cannot describe the history of the Manor, without giving a special mention to the mysterious ghost of Mukkula, which sometimes makes an appearance around the estate. This is what Helli Jalas, a senior guide at Mukkula tells us: “It is said that a female figure sometimes descends the Manor’s stairs and enters the drawing room. It is believed that she is a former Lady of the Manor, wanting to check that everything in the drawing room is still in order – as it should be.”

Lens-Artists Challenge #308 – Perfect Pairs

lens-artists, Photography

Our guest host this week is Elizabeth of Albatz Travels – and she has got a great challenge for for us! Please visit her site for guiding to diptychs:

A diptych is two images placed in proximity to one another, forming a pair. To make a successful pairing there should be several things in common, and something very different, contrasting.

I will do my best to get this right.

First one: young / older, Father / son, back / front, stillness/ on the move

Near and far – same subject

generated image – old style, newer style and the same old face

close and far – shot at twelve apostles in Victoria.

One more and then I am back into my vacation mode. I took this few minutes ago for this challenge. It did not turn out just as I wanted, but as I stated earlier, I,m in the holiday mode. I wasn’t my sharpest, this week…but

Thank you, Elizabeth for a great challenge!

Last week, Leanne lead us through wonderful and different “Tourist Attractions”, capturing the essence of a place, what a journey. Next week, PR will explore “Balconies,” so be sure to visit Flights of the Soul next Saturday.

Bright

Captures from Finland, Photography

One word on this Sunday for OWS -Bright.

Cellpic Sunday

Captures from Finland, Photography

Lahti Radio mast is a local landmark, here it is seen from Mukkulan kartano on the other side of the lake Vesijärvi.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Thunder, And then it rained hard

Captures from Finland, Photography

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Monochrome madness – under the clouds

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

The weather has been rather unpredictable over the past week, with a mix of rain, clouds, and sunshine. It’s one of the hallmarks of summer, especially in July, when the weather can fluctuate dramatically from one day to the next. This kind of variability keeps everyone on their toes, as you never quite know what to expect when you step outside.

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.

Thursday doors

Cities, Interiors, Photography

I know there is several doors to be found in these areas, though not easily seen. Dan’s Thursday Doors

I’m a big fan of looking out for shadows and light patterns

Lens-Artist Challenge #307 – Tourist Attractions Near and Far

lens-artists, Photography, Traveling Crete

A massive thank you to Leanne for being our Guest Host this week. I have admired Leanne’s photography for years, when she first started to do Monochrome Madness I participated, so for a long time I have been a fan of her style. Her post is full of beautiful destinations and they are absolutely gorgeous images. Please go and visit her blog for inspiration.

Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that while I haven’t been able to indulge in much traveling lately or pursued photography actively, there is no shortage of remarkable places I’ve had the privilege to visit. Each location has left an indelible impression on me, and the memories I’ve collected continue to offer a source of joy and introspection. The difficulty lies in singling out just one favorite, as each destination holds its own unique charm.

I have not posted these photos taken on the beach in Stavros yet, but I am I sharing them with you now. Stavros, a very small town on the peninsula of Arkotiri on the island of Crete in Greece, nothing special in the town itself. Stavros is world famous because the film “Zorba the Greek” with Anthony Quinn was shot here in 1964 .The beach itself may not be the most visually stunning one we have visited, but the allure of its cinematic history enticed us to explore its shores and take these few photos further down the beach

The place itself is hardly worth a mention but the beach, the Bay of Stavros, is a bathing paradise for swimming. The fine sand slopes gently to the sea and the bay is protected here from strong waves by a small promontory. There is not a lot of shade… unless you hire an umbrella and beach chair. Lying on the beach there is always something different to focus on when viewing the mountains opposite.

This dog was having a great time at the beach

Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to her original post.

Next week Elizabeth of Albatz Travel Adventures will lead us with PAIRS, and on the 27^th July, PR of Flights of the Soul will present BALCONIES.

Keep on smiling.

Posted for Leanne’s Lens-Artists Challenge

One word Sunday ~ yellow

Photography, Still life

Debbies One Word Sunday: Yellow

At the Saturday market

Captures from Finland, People, Photography

Had a nice morning by the lakeside summer market at Vuolenkoski.

Johns Cellpic Sunday

Folks from their summer homes came to the market on boats, the marina was so full some people had to wait for open spots on the docks

A busy morning at the marina

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Monochrome Sculptures

Black and White photos, Photography

PR‘s Monochrome madness asked for statue photos, and it turns out that I don’t have all that many. The first one is from Oulu. The others are from Italy. And I don’t know anything about them other than for some reason I took photos of them many of them have wings 🙂

A special feature in Oulu’s police history were the market police, whose task was to monitor the discipline and order of the market. It was through them that a large part of the townspeople and the population of the province also got to know law enforcement and the police.

The time of market police lasted in Oulu from 1934 to 1979. From those times, the sayings ‘Are you from Oulu, are you afraid of the police’ and ‘Gents are good and go their separate ways’ have survived in Oulu. After the end of the market patrol, as a tribute to these policemen, a bronze statue, Toripolliisi, designed by Kaarlo Mikkonen, was erected in front of the Market Hall in 1987 as a result of a public gathering.
This 220-centimeter-tall, standing policeman from Oulu has over time become one of the sights and subjects that most reflect the Oulu community.

All photos in this gallery can be enlarged by a click

also posted to Leanne Cole

These two last one’s are of a sculpture I have made, these are taken when it was still a work in progress.

Doors – Hakaniemi, Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

This is stretching it a bit, first I noticed the woman with the orange scarf, she was sitting on the edge of the window – facing me and the sun having a smoke. Before I could get the shot she turned. The restaurant is out of business, well by the looks f the door. There is a lady coming out through the gate in the corner. So there is a door in this shot 🙂

Dans Thursday Doors

Arena talo is a commercial and residential building located in Hakaniemi, Helsinki, which completely covers a triangular block on the north side of Hakaniemi market. The Danish-style red brick building was designed by architect Lars Sonck and was completed in two stages in 1924 and 1929. There is an Oxygenol light advertisement on the roof. And lots of doors on the street level.

Oxygenol has also been a part of Helsinki’s street scene for decades: the brand name can be read in two meters high letters on the roof of the Arena building near the Hakaniemi metro station from the direction of the Hakaniemi square. In these you can see it from the back 🙂

Summer sunset

Photography

I was going to leave it to one photo, but I couldn’t resist capturing more of the breathtaking scenery. The misty sunset painted the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. Surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, there were no neighbors in sight, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. The absence of gnats or mosquitoes was a welcome surprise, and as the clock neared 11pm, the lingering light of the sunset filled me with a sense of contentment. It was a perfect ending to a busy day, leaving me feeling truly happy. 😃

I took photos to all directions but east, I was too lazy to go and walk to the road. Instead, I found a myself staying on our own plot of land , It ialways nice to see how the colors and light varies depending which direction I am looking at.