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 #404 – Begins with B

lens-artists, Photography

B is for Beth’s Lens-Artists Challenge

Beads, beach, bike, birds, book, bouquet, bugs, bees, bubbles, baby, birch trees, bottle, boy in some order

B is the theme this Week from Beth, she would pick a letter her name starts with 😂 It us a good thing I write my blog in english as there are not that many words starting with B in Finnish language.

A vast sandy beach stretches across the image, with gentle waves lapping at the shoreline under a partly cloudy blue sky. The ocean appears slightly choppy, with white-capped waves rolling in from the horizon. Several groups of people are scattered along the beach, standing near the water’s edge, while small seabirds are seen foraging in the shallow tidal pools. The mood is calm and serene, showcasing a peaceful coastal scene with natural earthy tones of sand contrasting against the vibrant **blues** of the sea and sky.

A baby boy with blonde hair wearing a striped long-sleeve shirt with green cuffs, red pants, and white sneakers is squatting down on a wet surface, possibly a shallow beach. The child is intently looking at and reaching towards a small object on the ground. The calm water creates a clear reflection of the child, enhancing the visual symmetry.

Birds… I do know they are seagulls, but general word like Birds is more suitable for this purpose

A summer bouquet -3-2 — A vibrant **bouquet** of flowers rests on a dark wooden surface, possibly an outdoor **bench**. The arrangement features a mix of pink trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent striped veins, blue cornflowers, and small yellowish seed pods interspersed with green leaves. The **background** is softly blurred, with areas of light and shadow suggesting sunlight filtering in from the side.

A book-1 — An old, large **book** is open and placed on a worn stone pedestal against a plain wall. The pages are yellowed with age and filled with evenly spaced, typed text in a language that appears to be historical or archaic. Resting on the open book is a pair of small, round, antique eyeglasses with thin, dark frames, adding a sense of scholarly or historical significance. The lighting is soft and natural, casting gentle shadows that enhance the texture of the stone and the paper, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Macro shots of nature (15 of 32) — A vibrant orange and black **butterfly** perched delicately on blooming purple flowers against a lush green background is **Small Tortoiseshell** , most common butterflies in Europe

macro august-59 — The image shows the garden **bumblebee** (**Bombus** hortorum) feeding on a flowering plant. The species is easy to identify by its long head and distinct yellow-black-yellow coloring.

**A bug,** The insect in the picture, the Cimbex femoratus, commonly known as the hammer wasp, is harmless and approximately 2.5 centimeters long. It is not toxic and does not sting humans, but it may pinch with its strong jaws if it comes into contact with skin. This species is common in Finland, and its larvae feed on birch leaves.

Stromfors ruukki-04025 — A charming vintage **bicycle** with a colorful seat and flower-filled basket is parked against a rustic wooden wall on a cobblestone street.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — A dense **birch** forest filled with tall, slender birch trees characterized by their distinctive white **bark** marked with black patterns. The sunlight filters softly through the vibrant green leaves, casting dappled light and shadows on the lush undergrowth below. The forest floor is covered with various grasses and low shrubs, giving the scene a fresh and tranquil atmosphere. The composition draws the eye deep into the forest, creating a sense of depth and calm within a natural setting.

That is what I have for you this week; this was easier as I am using photos that I have shared before at some point. I find it quite convenient to revisit these images, This week, I aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the context behind each image, enhancing your appreciation for the homework I’ve done to get appropriate information of the subject.

Thanks a lot, John, for last week’s great challenge! It really made me think and pushed my creative limits. I saw many cool takes on the theme that sparked my imagination, and I found new perspectives I hadn’t considered before. The range of responses showed how great it is to collaborate and share ideas. Now, Beth has created a fun challenge this week with an exciting B theme that will surely inspire us all. I can’t wait to see how everyone approaches this new challenge and the fresh ideas we’ll contribute! If you would like to join the challenge, please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #404: THINGS THAT BEGIN WITH B. We invite everyone to share their creative interpretations and explore the theme together.

I think we are all ready for a small blogging break. So we, the Lens-Artists, are on a short summer break to recharge our creative spirits, reflect on our experiences, and gather inspiration for future challenges. Next challenge will be hosted by Ann-Christine, Saturday 18th July. Until then, enjoy the summer and take care.

You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,

For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Blooms of Pink Peonies

Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

pink peony and droplets — A delicate pink peony bud with morning dew drops stands out against a soft green blurred background.

I love peonies, and I have a hard time getting my peonies to expand as I would like. Usually, I only have a few blooms, but this year, I am thrilled to have five, and that feels like a significant improvement for me. Despite my efforts, I suspect that I might be using the wrong soil, and I’m unsure about the best placement for them in my garden, which makes it a bit challenging. Nevertheless, I do enjoy watching them bloom and flourish, and each flower brings me immense joy as it displays its vibrant colors and lovely fragrance, reminding me of the beauty and resilience of nature.

image_0919bb44-49c7-4742-8fef-f9a5c0ff98c0 — A delicate pale pink peony bud covered in dewdrops against a soft green garden background

A close-up of a delicate pink peony bud adorned with fresh water droplets against a lush green background

The phone is handy and with me most of the time, so I took these with my IPhone 17 PRO for The Flower Hour

The Charm of Norwegian Turf Roofs

Landscapes, Nature, Photography, Traveling North Norway

The image shows a traditional Norwegian log house with that classic sod roof. These buildings are an important part of Scandinavia’s architectural history. You know, those sod roofs (Torvtak) have been around since the Viking days and throughout the Middle Ages. They’ve got some great practical perks: for one, that thick layer of turf keeps the place cozy in winter and nice and cool in summer. Plus, the weight of the roof tightens up the log structure and helps stabilize the whole building. Usually, the roof is made up of a few layers of birch bark, and then they add two layers of turf on top.

Northern Norway-419 — A charming rustic cabin with a grass-covered roof nestled in a vibrant meadow filled with wildflowers, surrounded by lush trees and distant snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.

For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday. with few added words.

Lens-Artists Challenge – 403 Perspective-Scale-Depth

lens-artists, Photography, Traveling North Norway

I have a tendency to overthink these challenges and am stuck with choosing the photos for them. Here I am once again caught in this mental spiral, feeling paralyzed by my own expectations. To be honest, it is suitably annoying every time, as I find myself questioning every little detail. I start to analyze the colors, the composition, and even how well the images resonate with the theme I’m trying to convey. This self-imposed pressure makes the task feel more daunting than it really is, which only adds to my frustration. I know I just need to pick something and move on, but the fear of making the wrong choice keeps pulling me back into this cycle of indecision. And all this over a weekly photo challenge 😂 I am totally aware no one looks at them that closely.

North Sweden countryside-12 — Delicate white wildflowers bloom in the foreground against a soft, blurred landscape under a cloudy sky.

Lappi - Finland-49 — A long, winding road cuts through lush green hills under a cloudy sky, with a few vehicles traveling along it.

A scenic Hatteng,mountain road lined with green trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds where the impressive Otertinden mountain, rising to 1356 meters, dominates the background.

I fell in love with North Norway, especially for its breathtaking mountains. The scale of the mountains is impossible to capture. The images captures Hatteng, located along the E6 road in the municipality of Storfjorden, where the impressive Otertinden mountain, rising to 1356 meters, dominates the background. This photo showcases a scenic highway, with the E6 winding through the verdant landscapes of the Lyngenfjord and Signaldalen valleys, flanked by dense trees. In the foreground, a black car drives away from the viewer, with a few caravans visible further ahead. Towering mountains with rugged, rocky peaks, some adorned with patches of snow, rise majestically under a bright blue sky dappled with clouds.

Standing on the Skibotn pier by the Lyngenfjord, you’ll be captivated by the incredible perspective offered by the vast landscape around you. The majestic Lyngen Alps loom impressively, their jagged peaks soaring over 1,800 meters, giving you a real sense of depth and scale that is simply breathtaking. As you take in the view, you can spot specific formations: Lyngen Alps (Lyngsalpene) dramatically lining the fjord’s western side, Nallagais, a notable local peak, and Imagais, the massif that rises directly above the scenery. Don’t forget Balggesvarr, which frames the area beautifully, along with Storfjellet, the “Great Mountain” that stands proud in Storfjord municipality, and the peaks around Steindalsbreen, bordering the nearby glacier valley, all enhancing the impressive scale of this stunning region.

A wide landscape photo showcases a serene coastal scene with shallow water and patches of exposed ground in the foreground, emphasizing the vastness of the beach. In the distance, a calm body of water stretches towards a majestic range of misty Lyngenfjord mountains partially covered in snow, which loom high above and are shrouded by low clouds, enhancing the sense of scale. Small boats dot the water, illustrating the scale of the landscape and providing perspective against the imposing mountains. Soft rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, casting gentle illumination on the rugged terrain and creating a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere. The sky above is mostly clear with scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil and expansive feeling of the scene.

Last week, your replies to Sofia’s challenge showcased some awesome wonders from all over the globe, highlighting the incredible variety of natural and man-made marvels that our planet has to offer. Big thanks to everyone who jumped in on the challenge and shared their unique perspectives! I am still continuing the theme here, as the views were so wondrous that I felt compelled to explore even more aspects of these remarkable sights. The majestic mountains, the beauty of our world.

Thanks to John for this week’s great challenge. I have to say I struggled with this one. I have worked on it for days, mostly trying to find new photos for it, and that meant editing my raw files. If you would like to join the challenge, please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #403: Perspective, Depth, and Scale.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, June 27 at noon eastern time when Beth will be hosting the challenge.

You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,

For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

Blue door

Captures from Finland, iPhone photography, Photography

For Dan’s Thursday Doors

Wordless Wednesday

iPhone photography, Photography

Food is served

iPhone photography, Photography, Still life

I am sharing some food pictures for John’s, Cellpic Sunday enjoying a beautifully set meal is a always a pleasure and good opportunity to practice food photography

Lens-artists Challenge #402 Wonders

iPhone photography, Landscapes, lens-artists, Photography

I just got back from north Norway, and I was in awe all of the time there. I have not had time to edit my photos from my camera, and I took most of them with it. I am now making a quick post from some of the wonderful wonders that I have just seen. Most are unedited taken with my iPhone.

The photos do not show the grandeur of it all

These are from our first stop in Yykeänperä translates to Skibotn in English (Norwegian). It is a village located in the Storfjord Municipality in Troms county, Northern Norway, situated on the southeastern shore of the Lyngenfjord.

It is also known as Ivgobahta in Northern Sami and occasionally Markkina in Kven. The village sits roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Kilpisjärvi, Finland, making it a popular destination for cross-border day trips and that is why we are there.

This view was about 100 meters away from our room

I am sorry Sofia I did not have the time to do more well thought out post, but I did want to participate

Liked to Lens Artists at Sofia’s here

It was beautiful but so windy, and to be honest cold this evening

When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Today At midsummer Saturday John will post a new challenge be sure to check it out.

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Pikisaari: Nature and Culture in Oulu

Captures from Finland, Cities, iPhone photography

Still in Oulu, late afternoon 17:30, not that you would know that this time of the year it is so light. Our son is showing us places in in his hometown. Just a little fact about summer nights; last night the sunset was at 00:15 and sunrise at 2:21, creating almost a continuous twilight that casts a magical glow over the landscape.

Back to the topic of this post, I am sharing a few window shots from Pikisaari, located right next to the center of Oulu, which is a real gem! This charming area boasts lots of fascinating architecture, ranging from historical buildings to modern designs that harmonize beautifully with the surroundings. The beautiful nature surrounding Pikisaari, with its lush greenery and serene waters, creates a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the vibrant arts and culture scene here is truly inspiring, with local artists often showcasing their talents through various exhibitions and events, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to experience the rich cultural fabric of the city.

Bright red animal and abstract shapes decorate the exterior brick wall of a building surrounded by greenery.

The area around the Old Wool Factory is turning into such a cool cultural hub, and honestly, this little island is just so pretty! Pikisaari has such beautiful nature; almost half of the island is untouched, so there’s plenty of space to kick back and soak in the scenery and art you find along the trails. The running paths here in Oulu are honestly the best and they weave through this stunning island! We didn’t feel like running, i never do though, so we just strolled slowly along the river path instead, but I’ll save those picture for another post!

How do you feel about those chair legs, kind of cute?

Pikisaari - Oulu 8 — My husband standing next to a large rusty metal sculpture that has art inside in front of a brick building

I hope this post has enough windows for Monday Window.

The Atmosphere of Nallikari Beach in Summer

Captures from Finland, Photography

So, it wasn’t exactly sunny at first, but then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting this gorgeous warm glow over the sand. We swung by Nallikari beach in Oulu— it’s such a picturesque spot with stunning scenery and a super lively vibe! The beach has this Blue Flag certification, which basically means it’s well taken care off.. The gentle slope and fine sand make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, especially for little kids and brave adults. In summer, it’s packed with beach lovers and sports junkies, while winter? That’s when the ice fishers, skiers, and Northern Lights fans show up! As we strolled along the shore, we caught sight of groups playing beach volleyball—talk about a blast, every group had different music and in my mind the ssome of the lyrics were too much for me.! Their laughter and cheers filled the air, making it so lively. Families gathered on the lush green lawn, chatting away and enjoying picnic lunches. Someone even hung up a hammock between two trees—it looked so inviting, and you could just kick back and soak in the sunshine! Not far away, couples and friends were happily savoring ice cream, while everyone seemed glued to their phones. It was such a lively scene!

Nallikari Beach - Oulu — A lifeguard tower on a sandy beach overlooks a calm sea with Nallikari Observation Tower, better known as Nallikari Lighthouse, on the top of the breakwater at the northern end of the beach in the background.

iNallikari Beach - Oulu 3 — Children and adults enjoying a sandy beach with a unique rope climbing structure under a cloudy sky

Nallikari Beach - Oulu 4 — A group of friends enjoying a sunny day playing beach volleyball by the water’s edge

Nallikari Beach - Oulu 2 — Groups of people enjoying a sunny day picnicking and relaxing under tall green birch trees in a park

Time to enjoy Ice cream, it is a summer must.

Lunch at Oulu’s Charming Yacht Club

Captures from Finland, Photography

I am in Oulu, visiting my son, and we had lunch at this lovely Yacht club, which offered a delightful atmosphere that made our lunch experience so relaxing. The location was stunning, providing us with picturesque views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The deck we ate at was beautifully adorned in shades of pink and red, as the vibrant geraniums blossomed all around, adding a cheerful splash of color to our table setting. We took our time savoring the meal, enjoying heartfelt conversations while being caressed by the gentle breeze. It was a perfect way to spend quality time together, surrounded by such natural beauty and tranquility.

For John’s CellPic Sunday All images shot with IPhone 17 Pro and edited in LrC

view from Seelari Yacht club — A serene wooden dock nestled among lush green trees along a calm riverbank

image_09e11ab9-612b-4538-b9db-0ea0bfc155c7 — A serene river gently flows through a lush, green forest on a calm summer day.

You can see thousing on the other side of the Oulu river.

image_1adebf5e-c188-44c7-9751-112a6722cb29 — Two men fishing peacefully from a small boat on a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery

a closer look, capturing the reflection on the water

Bridges: In the background, the bridges of the Oulu River estuary connect different islands and districts. The view is directed towards Tuira and its bridges. Oulu is known as the “bicycle capital,” and the image reflects the local lifestyle where cycling is a popular way to get around the waterfront areas.

Murals

Cities

One Word Sunday: mural

wynwood-walls-59 — A woman with vibrant red hair stands in front of a large, detailed mural depicting an urban city street at night, with tall buildings and bright yellow and blue lighting effects. The mural shows a Broadway street sign and a stylized, almost graphic-novel-like rendering of city architecture bathed in dramatic light and shadow. The woman is dressed in dark clothing and appears engrossed in her phone or camera, casting a shadow on the textured ground. The energy of a bustling cityscape with a contemplative, intimate moment ,maybe that is the mood of this one.

The tiniest flower, but so beautiful

Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

Debbies Six Word Saturday

Tired

Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

If you’re not in the mood for self pity, skip the text and enjoy the photo 😌

I had one of the worst nights in a long time. My sleep was in shambles, I couldn’t get a comfortable position in my bed, my feet were cold… from within, I was in and out of sleep. Yes I am whining about it… sorry for that. But on a a positive note, I am doing my best so I don’t fall asleep by sitting in my garden/ backyard enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the rhododendrons.

Continue reading →

Timeless Café Atmosphere

Black and White photos, Photography

This sight just screamed at me to take a shot. An old man and a cane caught my eye. The moment is best presented in sepia, as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness that truly complements the scene. This is my entry this week to Monochrome Madness – I like the mood this photo has captured, as it resonates with emotions that are often left unspoken. I felt lucky to capture this fleeting moment, where light and shadow together in perfect harmony, creating a visual symphony that tells a story all on its own. Every detail, from the textures to the contrasts, draws the viewer in, inviting them to experience the atmosphere that engulfed me while I was there.

old man sitting in a cafe -1 — A quiet moment outside a rustic café named ‘Kafe Grill House Dhmhtra.’ An old man wearing a dark jacket and a black beanie sits alone at a wooden table under a white textured staircase, with a glass water on the table and seemingly lost in thought. The scene is framed by a large tree with a whitewashed trunk and an assortment of leafy plants in pots, adding a natural, cozy touch. A weathered menu board stands prominently in the foreground, evoking a sense of a quaint, welcoming outdoor setting in warm, sepia-toned colors that give the photo a nostalgic, timeless mood.

old man sitting in a cafe -2 — An old man with a cane sits peacefully sipping a drink at a rustic café surrounded by plants and simple wooden furniture.

Lens-Artists Challenge # 401: Focus on the Subject

lens-artists, Photography

Have you ever looked at a photograph or piece of art and wondered what its focal point is? This week, Patti invites us to focus on what draws our attention in an image. She shares five effective techniques to help direct your viewer’s gaze to the focal point, highlighting the artistic decisions that influenced your capture of that moment. By grasping these methods, you can enrich the storytelling of your visuals and provide a more captivating experience for your audience.

Deep Depth of Field (High f-stops like f/11): When you set your camera to a high f-stop like f/11, you can keep everything in focus—from the blades of grass right in front of you to the mountains way off in the distance. It creates this beautiful, detailed scene that’s perfect for landscapes! With this technique, you can capture the fine textures of what’s close while also showing off the stunning views far away. It’s a great way to get that amazing clarity across everything in your shot, making it just right for those scenic moments where both near and far elements tell a complete story. Plus, it helps to highlight how different layers in your image interact, guiding the viewer’s eye through the gorgeous landscape and giving that feeling of depth and immersion.

More than 15000 German soldiers lost their lives during the Second World War in the Greek territory. The German military cemetery in Maleme (Deutschen Soldatenfriedhof in Maleme) is one of the two cemeteries in Greece where the graves of German soldiers are.

Here are images captured at the German War Cemetery in Maleme, showcasing the effective use of leading lines and negative space. The photographs emphasize the importance of varying perspectives by getting closer to the subjects and exploring different angles. This approach not only enhances the visual storytelling but also invites us to reflect on the solemnity and significance of the memorial site. It’s a journey of discovering diverse methods to portray the emotions and narratives contained within the landscape.

In this photo, I’ve placed the horizon roughly along the bottom third of the frame and the biggest and closest trees along the line to the right. The photo wouldn’t have the same impact if the larger trees had been placed in the center of the frame.

Selective Focus is one of the reasons I love macro photography. It let’s me concentrate on one place and find miracles close to home from the nature around me. and it is a great opportunity to Simplify Your Background with the Shallow Depth of Field (Low f-stops like f/1.8): The subject is crystal clear, but the background is beautifully blurred. Perfect for portraits and close-ups. Also the when you use the lines on your camera you can easily use one of the most used composition rules. The Rule of Thirds in your Subject Placement. The idea is to place the important element(s) of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect. We have a natural tendency to want to place the main subject in the middle. Placing it off-center using the rule of thirds will more often than not lead to a more attractive composition.

In this photo I used Selective focus, subject placement, and I simplified the background

Where you decide to focus in a photo can really change the whole vibe and atmosphere. Just the other weekend, I snapped some shots of these beautiful lupins blooming by the roadside. It’s pretty neat because even though I used an aperture of f5.6 for all of them, the way I shifted the focus altered the composition and how the flowers looked. It’s so interesting to see how switching up focal points can completely transform the feel of a shot, right? When you’re out there taking pictures, experimenting with focus can add a whole new layer of depth and emotion to your images.

Lupine — Get closer to the subject…. no here the aperture is smaller f 2.8

Simplify Your Background, think about where you focus and gradually move closer, that is something I have been doing for years. These daisies are taken few years ago.

Returning to the basics of composition has me thinking! The next time I take my camera out, I’m excited to play around with some selective focus techniques—I really believe they can elevate the storytelling in photography in some intriguing ways. Huge thanks to you, Patti, for igniting this spark! I’m definitely going to keep this inspiration in mind as we head North to Finland and Norway next week. When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Just last week, Tina encouraged us to explore the Rule of Three, and it was awesome to see how much everyone enjoyed crafting their posts, really showing off your strong grasp of composition in photography!

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

It’s all in the eyes

Photography

Monday macro and Monday portrait

Sticky Catchfly is a Nature’s Survivor

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly

Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.

At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.

Too hot to handle

Captures from Finland, Photography

Shared with John’s Cellpic Sunday

A Summer Tale of Friendship – A Short Story

Captures from Finland, Photography, Short Stories and Poems

The mid-summer sun beat down warmly over the small dirt roads as Leo and Olivia ran toward the edge of the woods, their excitement palpable in the golden rays of the sun. They were neighbors who shared the same summer place, but only for the short, intense duration of the summer holidays, which made their fleeting time together all the more precious.

Once autumn arrived and school started, daily routines and different hobbies would pull them into their own separate worlds, like two stars drifting apart in the vast sky. That was why every warm June day had to be treasured, for it held the promise of adventure and the magic of unbreakable bonds. They ventured along a narrow, sunlit path in a lush forest, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered the delights of summer friendship—moments filled with innocent secrets, whispered dreams, and shared aspirations. The sounds of the people quickly faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of pines and nature’s own calming silence, a serene orchestra that accompanied their journey.

Olivia walked ahead, her long hair swaying like golden waves, carrying her old fabric-clothed doll, whose sewn smile seemed almost to share in their joy. In her imagination, the ordinary forest transformed instantly into an uncharted jungle where they were brave explorers searching for lost temples and hidden treasures, her adventurous spirit breathing life into the woods around them.

Leo, on the other hand, was in no hurry, delighting in the small wonders that nature offered. He moved more slowly, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, utterly captivated by the artistry of the forest floor. He was kneeling in curiosity, marveling at the tiny wonders of the woodland floor, each leaf and pebble telling its own story. Leo pointed his finger at the bright green moss growing on the side of a fallen birch trunk and a shiny sugar ant climbing across it, diligently carrying crumbs to its hidden home. To him, the real world and its tiny details were just as big an adventure as Olivia’s elaborate stories.

“If we come back tomorrow,” Leo said, his eyes still scanning the brush, “we need to bring a jar. A big glass one. I saw a beetle back there that looked like it was made of green metal.”

Olivia turned around, cradling her doll securely against her shoulder. “A jar? No way, Leo. Explorers don’t lock things in glass. We need to build a proper base camp first. Did you see that massive oak tree near the bend? The roots make a perfect secret cave.”

“Caves are damp,” Leo countered, though a grin tugged at his mouth. “And what if it rains tomorrow?”

“Then the leaves will block it! Plus, my doll needs a safe place to stay while we hunt for the lost temple ruins,” she insisted, gesturing toward the thicker part of the woods ahead. “We can gather those large pine branches to make a roof.”

Leo thought about it for a second, looking back down at the mossy ground. “Okay, fine. We build the camp first. But only if we can make a tiny moss bed inside it for the beetles to visit.”

The vibrant green foliage enveloped them, with tall trees standing like guardians and cheerful shrubs dancing in the gentle breeze, as warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows around us, like fleeting moments captured in time. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, enhancing their joyful atmosphere, as butterflies flitted by, their delicate wings a kaleidoscope of colors. In that peaceful oasis, unforgettable memories were made, capturing a beautiful moment of exploration and wonder that forever bound their hearts in innocent joy. As the evening began to cool and it was time to head home for dinner, they both knew without words that this day would leave a mark lasting through the coming winter, all the way until the next summer—a beautiful reminder of fun and companionship.

Young Photographer, Lilacs Through the Lens

Photography

A young boy in a red plaid shirt and black cap takes photos of blooming white lilacs with a DSLR camera.

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Water Avens A Resilient Summer Flower

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

Summer flowers that keep up showing every year, this is so pretty and useful too. Water avens has these big, drooping reddish-brown flowers that really catch your eye and make it easy to recognize. It’s got a bunch of local Finnish names, showing how long it’s been part of Finnish life. If you’ve ever noticed honey bees and bumblebees buzzing around it, that’s where its name comes from! Interestingly, wasps also come by, but they don’t help with pollination.

Summer flowers (66 of 118) — The image features a close-up view of a delicate yellow water Avens bud, partially open, revealing intricate details of its central green and yellow reproductive parts. The flower and its hairy stems are sharply focused, while the background is a soft, blurred bokeh of greens and yellows, the natural outdoor setting with sunlight filtering through foliage. Other buds and leaves are visible but out of focus, adding depth and texture to the composition.

If you are looking at these on a computer, click the gallery to have a better look.

This plant is native to almost all of Finland, except for the fell Lapland areas, and you’ll mostly find it in the southern parts of the country, from the Bay of Bothnia all the way south. In the wild, water avens thrives in all sorts of damp and rich spots like hedgerows by the shore, streambanks, springs, and particularly in the lush swamps of the north. It’s also quite happy in human-made areas, often seen thriving along the sides of ditches. One fun fact is that its achenes have these hooked tips and stiff hairs that let them latch onto people and animals, helping it spread even more!

Wood Horsetail: A Living Fossil in Your Yard

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Every year, I notice the same things in my yard: how different plants pop up, showcasing vibrant colors and unique textures. I end up taking photos, even though I have so many already in my archive. It’s a delightful ritual, as I love capturing the changing seasons and the various stages of growth; each snapshot reflects nature’s resilience and beauty. But that’s how it usually works: every bloom is a fleeting moment that deserves to be immortalized. Now, I have edited some of my old images to highlight the intricate details that my eyes may have overlooked previously, breathing new life into them and allowing me to appreciate the wild plants in my yard in a fresh light.

The picture shows a cool shoot of Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), which people in Finland call metsäkorte.

A close-up of a horsetail plant featuring its segmented, cone-like spore-producing structure against a soft green background.

This plant is like a “living fossil” since it spreads by spores rather than seeds. You can spot Wood Horsetail by a few notable features: Branching: It has delicate green branches that form a whorl, unlike the upright Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Cone (Strobilus): At the top, there’s a structure resembling a pinecone, which holds the spore sacs. Growth Habit: It starts off tan and without leaves, but the shoots eventually turn green and sprout feathery branches. Sheaths: The stem is adorned with reddish-brown leaf sheaths that are fused into lobes. You’ll often find Wood Horsetail in moist areas such as peaty soils, damp woods, and marshes.

A close-up of a horsetail plants

A close-up of horsetail plant with a single water droplet resting on its leaves against a blurred natural background.

I have no last words for this post, other than have a great weekend, and I truly hope it is a sunny one. Embrace the little things constantly changing weather and the surprises it brings.