Debbies One Word Sunday: Above
Flying above
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.
essential factors in a joyous life
Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. I also did this, and in the end decided to enter my other take as an entry to Lens-Artists Challenge, but since I had already done this I decided to post it separately
I selected this quote to convey positivity. We all need a little bit of that in our lives. I added few more smiles than requested, but it is a smile ☺ of joy.
“Laughter and smiles are essential factors in a joyous life”
~Maya Angelou
Happy faces and lovely smiles are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, illuminating the world with their warmth and brightness. The simple act of smiling has the power to uplift spirits, spread joy, and create a ripple of positivity. When we encounter a genuine smile, it’s as if a little piece of happiness has been shared with us, making the day feel a little brighter and the heart a little lighter.
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #283 – Illustrate a favourite quote or poem
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of dramatic photography for Patti. Selecting the most fitting images for the challenge presented quite a delightful yet daunting task.
And as I reflect on it, this week does not appear to be any easier, given that Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. The abundance of choices certainly makes this a captivating yet challenging endeavor. This week’s challenge offers an opportunity to delve into the profound world of words and capture their essence through artistry.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Ultima Thule: The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls
The tide rises, the tide falls,
The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveller to the shore,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
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.
Here is the link link to Ann-Christine’s original post
Next week Saturday Sofia will be hosting the challenge, so please visit her inspirational site for more!
Saturday Classics – 20012024
Anna Järvinen - Nuori Ja Kaunis ft. Olavi Uusivirta
I was watching Bodies on Netflix and this song was playing in the background here and there played
Some Finnish 🎶 music. I like this song. Young and beautiful.
These are the opening lines of this song:
Bite your lips together, get that expression again
As if I owe something, shall I pay it off now
I’m happy, what did you think
I’m happy, what did you think
Press the gas again, let life go
Scream your vocal cords apart
I’m happy, what did you think
Photo reference is to this line in the lyrics.
A birch branch quietly knocks on the window
Is it the wind shouting or is it someone else
You are young and beautiful, but who is it shouting
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.
untouched snow sparkles in the light
golden light of sunrise
I don’t know how you start you posts, but what I do is, I open a new blank post. I choose an image, them I start to think of a title and maybe some text to it. I always start with an photo. I mainly posts photos, lately I have started add some more words to my posts, but I am a strong believer that the photo should convey the message – I don’t know if it true, but it is what I want to believe.
This photo I took years ago in Koh Lanta in Thailand, this is the first time I’ve edited it. I don’t know why I haven’t shared it before.
The beautiful beach, the tall palm trees, and the serene waters all bathed in the golden light of sunrise created a truly lovely scene that morning. The untouched sandy beach and scattered rocks add the feeling of untouched natural charm, while the sky’s gradient from blue to golden yellow is uplighting the spirit. I still remember to calmness and peaceful atmosphere as I had the beach to myself, just me and the tranquility of the lovely morning. I wish I was there now 🙂
Just out of curiosity, do the words add value to the post?
French doors
This week, I have edited an image featuring French doors and Juliet balconies for Dan’s Thursdays Doors challenge.
After weeks of seeing only white around me, I needed some color.
Instead of simply applying the conventional technique of converting the imagery to monochrome, I took a different approach by emphasizing the composition of each photograph. Each composition offers a slightly different perspective on the same scene: a charming old yellow building in the picturesque city of Nice, adorned with elegant French doors, adorned with green shutters, and complemented by Juliet balconies. One of the balconies charmingly displays an array of flower pots, while the other serves as a picturesque backdrop for laundry drying in the gentle breeze. .
Monochrome – flower bouquet
Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Street Photography – walking street
A pedestrian area in the shopping area in Níce some years back. It was early October, but the weather was still nice and warm, and there were lots of people on the move. The shops were situated in lovely old buildings with Juliet balconies and green and white shutters in front of the windows. The atmosphere in the area was energetic and vibrant, as locals and tourists alike meandered through the charming streets, and the sight of colorful displays in the shop windows. The gentle warmth of the sun added to the allure of the scene, casting a soft golden glow over the picturesque architecture and creating a captivating ambiance.
Well, I do like playing with my images, so once again I did a monochrome version, but this time I am more inclined to go with the color version as my favorite, go figure :-) The golden glow more obvious in it.
Flower of the day
little bit of red
Red berries on a snowy day, that’s it.
Winter landscapes from Kirkkonummi #6
Pine trees basking in the sunshine on a rocky hill covered with white snow.
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
Fire
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Beneath
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #282 – Dramatic
This week, Patti from is asking this question: what makes a photo dramatic? Maybe it is processed in black and white, or it has vivid colors. Maybe a person, place, or object is captured from a unique perspective or it is a macro shot.
I took this from the plane, the mountains make a dramatic scene behind the clouds.
The word “dramatic” holds immense significance for me – it encapsulates the sense of grandeur and intensity that is ever-present. It’s remarkable how the play of light in photographs can be so distinctive and impactful. In contrast, everyday life may not exude the same overt drama; seemingly mundane events can often hold hidden depths of emotion and sentiment beneath a tranquil facade. Being of Finn, I acknowledge that we may not be the most openly expressive people, yet our emotions are profoundly felt and deeply rooted.
These I took In Níce, France
For me, the sea stands as one of the most profoundly dramatic elements, alongside the ever-changing canvas of clouds. Nature, or rather the weather, serves as the catalyst for many of these breathtaking phenomena.
Furthermore, the architectural details has the potential to evoke a dramatic impact through the interplay of light, shadow, and contours.
This is detail of the roof Monte Carlo Casino. The interplay of dark skies and beautiful old architecture creates a mesmerizing contrast that captivates the senses. The looming presence of the dark skies serves as a backdrop, intensifying the timeless allure of the architectural marvels.
Skyline from Monte Carlo some years back.
“An event or circumstance sudden and striking,”
I sometimes capture documentary shots, sometimes I see people who are down on their luck. Even though I don’t know their stories, seeing these homeless men sitting on the streets of Las Vegas was truly a poignant and sad sight. They are not sharp images on purpose…
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.
pristine blanket of white
Yesterday it snowed once again, covering the landscape in a pristine blanket of white. As I gazed out of my window, I found myself without any desire to step out into the chilly weather. The snowflakes gracefully descended, gradually accumulating into a soft, glistening snow bank.
Readin’ the books your father read
For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.
Saturday Classics – 13012024
Des’Ree – You Gotta Be from 1994
In the last few weeks, I’ve been revisiting the timeless classics .However, as the winds of nostalgia carry me towards more recent times, I find myself drawn to the music of 1994. It’s hard to believe that it has already been thirty years since the release of a song that carries such a powerful message.
As I delve into the music , lyrics and melodia. They offer a window into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a generation, connecting us to a moment in history that continues to resonate with us today.
Listen as your day unfolds Challenge what the future holds Try and keep your head up to the sky Lovers, they may ’cause you tears Go ahead release your fears Stand up and be counted Don’t be ashamed to cry
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.
Street Photography – at the mall
I don’t know if this is really street photography, but let’s pretend so.
I took this yesterday at the mall. I needed to get out of the house. I was really proud, I didn’t buy anything, nearly did, but I reasoned with myself, I don’t need this, put it back to the rack.
Glass Doors
Glass door at the top of the stairs in Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. I did too edits of just because, no other reason, which one resonates with you? The color or the black, white and red one – with a touch of blue ?
I have to admit, for a door photo the door doesn’t look like the main point. Well, that what it is a glass door at the stop of the stair that has blue light behind it.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Sunset behind the hilltop
Today I caught a beautiful sunset from my patio, we had huge rise in temperature in the past two days and the snow covered trees are now gone. The trees still gave a beautiful contrast against the colorful sky
Flower of the day – 08/01/2024
For Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Winter landscapes from Kirkkonummi #5
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
it’s just me
Trying to keep up with appearances. For a challenge I took a different kind of selfie with my mobile and now chose it for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Silent Sunday
I know should silent, but these are the first sunray’s that touched our backyard in ages. What a joy!
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #281—Favorite Images of 2023
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Lens-Artists team for extending an invitation to join them. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised and deeply happy to become a part of this esteemed group of talented photographers, who not only capture mesmerizing images but also possess a remarkable gift for storytelling through words. As for me, I tend to adopt a more direct approach; I believe that a photograph should inherently narrate a compelling story. Perhaps it’s just my inclination towards visual expression, or maybe it’s due to my perceived lack of proficiency in conveying narratives with words. Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciate the invitation and am genuinely honored to be included as a member of this distinguished group.
One year has come and gone and I looked at all the photos I’ve posted, SO, SO many. I will make a point of not posting more than 10 photos a post from now on in these challenges. I could even do less, who knows. By doing so, it becomes possible to maintain a better overview of the content that I have shared, allowing for more deliberate, meaningful engagement.
As I reflected on my photography journey, I found that the simplicity in composition has a unique way of drawing the eye and establishing a sense of balance within the frame. Black and white photography, in particular, has a timeless elegance that captivates the essence of the subjects captured.
The prevailing themes of sea, lakes, forest, and clouds underscore my deep appreciation for the marvels of nature, each holding a special place in my heart.
These ten photos I chose I like, they may not the best ones, but they summarize what what I like to photograph and what style of photography I do.
Furthermore, the vibrant beauty of flowers has consistently been a compelling subject, offering an ever-present source of joy and inspiration. Additionally, capturing the diverse range of people and their myriad of moods has allowed me to encapsulate the essence of life that surrounds me. Odd and unexpected things draw my attention and keeps me alert – look closely that is my motto.
By embracing these elements, I have discovered a profound connection to the world around me through my photography. The world as I see it (through my camera)
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 