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.
I found this old blue steel door when visiting the Lammi Church, I have no recollection of what this building was or where it leads to, but if I was to guess, it could be some storage building. That blue on the door is one of my favorite shades of blue, the yellow wall makes nice standout.
The first photo shows the original image, which I started editing in Lightroom Classic, resulting in the displayed outcomes. I know there are four distinct edits, but I had to make a black and white version too, so I couldn’t stick to three as asked. I tried to give the editing a sense of seasonal transition; do you think I pulled it off? ☺
One to Three Photo Processing Challenge: February 2024
At this time I was trying to capture lush, green mossy surface with intricate textures visible. The light was soft anddiffused, highlighting the delicate structures of both the moss and fungi without casting harsh shadows. I like that there is a mix of green hues, ranging from bright lime greens to deeper forest greens in the vegetation. Cup Lichens with slender stems and cup-shaped caps are emerging from the moss, adding diversity to the scene. Most cup lichens grow on the ground but some can also grow on deadwood or as epiphytes on trees.
Visiting old barns and warehouses were most of the available things that are on sale are used is fun, and we often go to these places for fun and finds. We bought our bed head from one of these places – and old solid wood door. When we were fixing our summerhouse that is built in 1938 needed to have it’s windows fixed- these is were we were able find new ones, the old window frames are done with so much better wood. You can find even old nails, fireplace shutters ( I don’t know if that is at right word for them), lumber.
These photos are from Metsänkylän Navetta in Hattula
Last week, Sofia asked us to think about day and night for our weekly challenge. I found it fun to go through my archives to find matching photos.
This week, Egidio of, Through Brazilian Eyes, joins us for his first, official challenge with the Lens-Artists. Visit his site for inspiration and guidance on today’s challenge: Warm Colors.
This week Egídio asked; have you ever thought about your images’ impact on viewers based on your photos’ color schemes? Yes I have :-) He invites us to look at own photo catalog or capture new images showing how warm colors appear in our world and their emotional significance to us, also to share how your images made you feel when you captured them.
the warmth of the fire – in colors and feelings
Now to my thoughts on colors – warm colors – we all know them. BUT, to me me the yellow of the first flowers of spring it is not warm, it blends more to the blue. I know it is but – it is bright and refreshing against the new green that delights us. The coltsfoot ad dandelion are first ones to pop up you look for these pops of yellows, Globeflower blooms also in May, a brightfull joy of spring.
Towards the end of the summer the yellow deepens and to me that is a warm yellow, it blends more to red, I know I am splitting hairs here.
Warm reds and brown take over in the fall and a sense of lost comes with it. It does not demise the beauty of the warm colors of autumn is the festive season for warm colors. I joy for a photographer.
Browns – the end of autumn. Soft muted tones, that slowly shows the way to hibernation. Gets us ready for winter,
Now to the question, about how your images made you feel when you captured them. When I take a photo, I mainly focus on and pay attention to the composition, how to best show of what I see, . My main thoughts are did I get on the”film” what I saw. I want to bring beauty to a shot, no matter what the topic even if the topic itself is not that pleasant. I want to see the beauty around me, even a glimpse of it. Positivity… that’s what I want to see 🙂 and I have very warm thoughts about this little boy :-9
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
I’d give you everything and more and that’s for sure (For your love) I’d bring you diamond rings and things right to your door (For your love) To thrill you with delight I’d give you diamonds bright There’ll be days I will excite They’ll make you dream of me at night
For your love (many times) (For your love) I’d give the moon if it were mine to give (For your love) I’d give the stars and the sun for I live (For your love) To thrill you with delight I’d give you diamonds bright There’ll be days I will excite They’ll make you dream of me at night
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.
The arrival of tulips in stores signifies the start of a vibrant and colorful season. With advertisements promoting their beauty and availability, it’s hard to resist the allure of these elegant flowers. Personally, I can never resist the enchanting appeal of tulips
Their diverse colors and graceful appearance make them a perfect subject , whether you prefer capturing their vivid hues or showcasing their elegance in a minimalist style. Over the years, I’ve collected a delightful array of tulip photos, each one trying to capture the unique charm and beauty of these flower’s. Now is the time to indulge in some color therapy and celebrate the arrival of spring to the store’s.
Here’s to a joyous and vibrant Friday, filled with the enchanting beauty of tulips!
As I was looking for doors, I didn’t go outside, ’cause the roads are so icy at the moment due to the weather we’ve been having lately. Today, for the first time in days, I see sunshine and blue sky. It has been gray, wet, or misty. Yesterday’s storm in Norway brought us winds and rain in the morning,but it also cleared the skies and boy, does it feel good. I feel somewhat uplifted, what a mood changer the sun is. Have a great Thursday. This post is linked to Dans Thursday Doors
So here are some photos from the Lammin Church and yes some doors.
Lammi Church
Middle Ages
According to current research, the medieval church in Lammi was built between 1490 and 1510. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, a learned martyr who died in 307, in whose memory e.g. St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. Before this church, Lammi has had two older churches, possibly built of wood.
Fire
Until 1918, the interior parts of the church were wooden. This wooden church was badly burned during the Finnish Civil War on April 29, 1918.
After the fire, only the gray stone walls remained of the church. In the same fire, the pulpit donated to the church in 1692, part of the church’s archives, and the tabul and its medieval church bell were destroyed. After the fire, the reconstruction of the church and church was planned by the architect Usko Nyström.
This man seated next to table was relaxed, hiding a yawn maybe, selling vintage toys, and other old other miscellaneous objects caught my attention at the Níce market. The atmosphere was relaxed and casual, with other people seated at tables covered with white cloths in the background gave the shot depth.
That’s what I am calling this flower, even though when I googled it could also be Mayweed. It is pretty, that’s enough for me, one of my favorite flowers, it is sunny. Brings summer to mind.
I have often expressed that I have a hard time naming photos or artworks. Today, I spent hours playing with some of my images that I posted on my other site ART BY RITVA. It feels like I spent the same amount of time naming it. I had options like Menopause and Hot Flash, but I ended up with “Magnified Elegance”. This is the final version at this time.
Naming means an extra layer of meaning and context to the piece. The title can give the viewer insight into the intention or create a different emotional response. All in all, naming artworks is an art in itself and can be just as fulfilling as creating the piece, but it is not for me, it is a pain in the butt.
If interested, check the post and see my other color versions of it. It’s truly a delightful process to work color schemers of my artworks that is what I really enjoy.
The photos shows the dogs in the window looking all curious and excited. They bark a welcome as we go by. It’s like they’re our neighbor’s official greeters when we drive towards our summer house. The way the dogs look and the reflection on the window give these photos a nice artistic mood.
I was trying to get shots with theme. Create a movie scene – and as I was at it very late in the challenge this was one idea. I did not end up using these, but since I took and edited them why not share them – I did take them and edit them on my mobile.
Last rays of light fell on to the bed, where the lonely lady had placed her loved childhood toys to rest on the pillows. I hoped to create a different mood by changing the colors and contrast and light. The last one is the most positive, the two first ones I wanted a to create a more sad and lonely mood to to them
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of quotes and poems for Ann- Christine. Selecting only few images was a challenge for me 🙂
This week Sofia gave us a fun challenge to showcase the difference between day and night. As Sofia mentioned, now that we’ve passed the Winter Equinox, the days are gradually getting longer, and we can finally bid farewell to the never-ending nights. We still have a good month or two to truly savor the increasing light, but we’re on the right track. So, here I am, sharing summer photos in the midst of winter… It won’t be long now, summer is on its way! Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night.
Not to be totally biased, I am also showing photos from cities little further away. Only due to that, do I have more than ten photos 😂
Hong Kong – view from Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks.
The day light is still softly around, soft mist in the background, them blue moment arrives to slowly turning the day to night, the lights of the skyscrapers coming more visible changing the mood. Then darkness folds out the dark shield that hides out the scenery leaving the buildings in the lighted glory as main point.
Blue hour at the peakCity lights from the peak
White nights at a cosy Finnish summer house right by the water, relaxing baths at the sauna, skinny dipping in the clear lakes, magical moments in nature glowing in 50 shades of green and many more.
Finnish summer speciality is the fascinating natural phenomenon called Midnight Sun.
When nights are as bright as the day, you can do the same things you would like to do during the day. Go outside the house and enjoy the light and the calm. The purely magical moment is when the sun tries to set, and it paints the horizon from red to yellow and pink to purple. Everything around you is surrounded by beautiful bright light.
The Nordic region is known for its unique light conditions, influenced by drastic weather and daylight changes. The sun’s low position in the northern areas creates long shadows and side-oriented daylight, while the summer evenings are distinguished by a diffuse light. The distinct quality of Nordic daylight lies in its low angles and the gradual, breathtaking transitions of long sunrises, sunsets, and the enchanting “blue hour.”
People have developed a special relationship with light, intricately intertwined with the seasons and the variations in light. The high variability of light throughout the day, and especially between the winter and summer seasons, influences people’s traditions, color preferences, and overall connection to light. I for one, feel guilty in the summer if I spend too much time inside. When you have it you need to be outside.
Day, evening and night image from Sydney Harbour
Night and day in Níce
Key west day and night
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night. Be sure to visit her beautiful examples for the challenge.
Next week,Egidio (Through Brazilian Eyes) will host his first official challenge with the Lens-Artists. His topic is Warm colors .Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more!
I found this image from my archives, it captures a close-up view of a green barley field with individual barley stalks and their grains clearly visible, highlighted by sunlight. The grains are at various stages of maturity, with some appearing golden and others green.
I am rather happy with this, but I’ve never posted it before as I like the softness and movement of it. It shows how you see even your own images differently as time passes and you look at your photos with fresh eyes.
One of my all time favorites is Neil Young’s Harvest record.
I want to live, I want to give, I’ve been a miner, For a heart of gold, It’s these expressions, I never give That keep me searching, For a heart of gold, And I’m getting old, Keep me searching, For a heart of gold. And I’m getting old
I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood, I crossed the ocean, For a heart of gold, I’ve been in my mind, It’s such a fine line, That keeps me searching, For a heart of gold, And I’m getting old
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.
Peach-leaved bellflower is one of Finland’s most handsome wild flowers and has been grown as a perennial since the 17th century for its attractive flowers. Pollinators look to large flowers for nectar and pollen, but also shelter from the wind and rain. Peach-leaved bellflower’s most common pollinators are bumblebees, flies and large honey bees.
The composition of an image can significantly alter the mood it conveys. The door to a Mecca building from Italy I chose demonstrates it , choosing between a landscape and portrait orientation can evoke different emotions. With a landscape orientation, the focus may broaden, capturing more of the surrounding environment, while a portrait orientation can emphasize the details and grandeur of the building itself. This shift in perspective can subtly influence the emotional impact of the image.
It’s intriguing how such a simple adjustment can evoke varied emotional responses, highlighting the powerful role of composition in visual storytelling.
The recent weather has been quite challenging, with the continuous onslaught of snow. Sadly, this time around, the snowfall was accompanied by warmer temperatures, resulting in wet snow that has ultimately turned into a mix of sleet and ice on the ground. It’s a frustrating situation to witness, especially as we brace for the arrival of below freezing temperatures again on Friday. Winter can be enchanting and picturesque, but it also has a darker, more treacherous side, as evidenced by the slippery ice underfoot.
Admittedly, I’m finding it challenging to appreciate the beauty of the season in moments like these. In fact, I didn’t even muster up the motivation to venture outside to capture photos, opting instead to take them from the comfort of my windows. Now, looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my own laziness.
As stated summer is a state of mind and age is just a number.
Usually we are somewhere in warmer weather at this time of the year, away from the cold and dark winter, we usually fly to catch some sun, D- vitamins and new places to be refreshed and relaxed. And when we come you can already notice the increased light that is more visible in February.
Well you need the catch the rays where every you can. 😂