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 was watching Bodies on Netflix and this song was playing in the background here and there played by the piano. So it has been playing in my head also.. and, yes what a difference a day makes.
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.
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.
Winter always evokes a mix of emotions within us. The cold can be daunting, yet it brings about a serene beauty that is captured through the lens of a camera. 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. It’s a time when nature seemingly slows down, allowing us to appreciate the delicate intricacies of our surroundings.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, letting the pictures narrate their own stories without the need for accompanying explanations.
Hard to find red at the moment, but these I did find – still fitting for the season.
This week’s topic on CFFC is “red”. Cee asked us to Use our imagination and see what we can come up with. Be creative … not sure about that. They are red, these apples and berries.
I am going to show how beautiful winter is in photos. I’m not a fan of these damn cold temperatures, but I do enjoy how it brings us blue skies and lovely scenery. That’s what I’m gonna share in the coming days. Not gonna explain the shots; they should speak for themselves without words.
Winter’s here, the cold has settled in and there’s no hope for warmer temperatures in the coming week. Just gonna show how beautiful winter is in photos. I’m not a fan of these damn cold temperatures, but I do enjoy how it brings us blue skies and lovely scenery. That’s what I’m gonna share in the coming days. Not gonna explain the shots; they should speak for themselves without words.
It is the time to look forward, think positively about what the year ahead may bring. Hope for the best, fear the worst. Life does not always happen as one plans, so I have years ago stopped planning. Life throws curveballs and one needs to adjust, go where the road of life leads you. Accept and get on with it. Good things happen and bad things, it’s a balance. I am mainly happy and have many things to look forward to, such as spending time with loved ones, embarking on new adventures, and creating lasting memories.
On the other hand, I recognize that there are some issues that I just need to go with the flow, as there’s nothing I can do to change the situation. Instead of dwelling on them, I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life and the opportunities that lie ahead. By maintaining a positive mindset and embracing the unpredictability of life, I can navigate through both the joys and challenges that come my way.
The passion for photography is just awesome, isn’t it? It’s like freezing time, capturing moments, and telling stories with just a click. And hey, who doesn’t love hitting the road? There’s this incredible feeling of freedom and excitement, like anything could happen around the next curve, right?
Life can sometimes feel a bit dull, you know, like we’re stuck in a rut. But when we’re on the move, it’s like the whole world is full of potential. Who knows what or who is waiting for us just around the corner?
As we gear up for the new year, let’s think of this road as a guide to a fresh start. Here’s to a year full of good times, growth, and unexpected surprises. Let’s roll with it and make it a truly happy new year!
Last day of year 2023 was sunny and cold here where I live, the temperature -13C /10F and no wind, so it wasn’t all that bad. Even though I do not like winter, sometimes it looks really beautiful. The way the sunlight glistened off the snow-covered branches filled the whole landscape with a magical glow. I couldn’t resist taking a walk and admiring the picturesque scenery. The crisp air made everything feel so serene and peaceful, almost as if the world had slowed down just for a moment. Sometimes, despite the cold, winter has a way of enchanting us with its natural beauty.
With these pictures I wish you all the best for 2024!
I took a short stroll to capture a cell pic for John’s Cellpic Sunday . I got few nice shots, but these are the ones I chose to post here. Most likely I will post few later on.
Ella Fitzgerald Sings “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Happy new year !
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.
Sure, I love doors! They’re like guides, letting you in or out. Some doors make you feel welcome, others not so much. They come in all shapes and sizes, old and new. I always look forward to what’s on the other side.
My entry for, simple and not according to instructions. But I did have fun doing it.
It’s that time of the year when many of us are taking a break from blogging. I didn’t plan on starting my break so early, but the flu caught up with me, and I haven’t been able to post or respond to any comments for a week due to a high fever. Now, I’m just exhausted. I’ll do my best to get back to all of you soon.
I am filled with joy and appreciation for all of you wonderful bloggers who continue to uplift and inspire me. Your comments bring sheer delight and fill my heart with hope and positivity. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you generously share in leaving such uplifting messages. Let’s keep this optimistic energy flowing and embrace the beautiful journey ahead!
On that note, I sincerely wish you an abundance of joy, happiness, and laughter this Christmas season. May this festive time be filled with warmth and love. Merry Christmas to you!
The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2023, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2023 challenges.
I could view this as a wonderful opportunity to embrace the cozy ambiance of the winter season. Although the days may be shorter, I choose to focus on the beauty that awaits as they gradually begin to lengthen once more in few days time. Instead of dwelling on a recent illness just before Christmas, I find joy in the fact that my fever has subsided. Life presents us with countless choices, and I firmly believe that our attitude holds the power to shape our experiences. Let us embrace the positivity that surrounds us.
Photography can be pretty overwhelming with all the choices to make. Huge issue :-) What should I post? What should I skip? I feel like I suck at this because I always end up posting too many photos.
Well sometimes one needs to look through the magnifying glass to see :-) This was taken on as idle moment in my living room. Odd one for sure, not category to place this photo.
Tinka my pretty little cat is well documented in loads of photos.
Birch trees by the lake. This is taken early spring, I like the the light an reflection and oddly the composition is balanced even though it is very busy scene.Calm – time to reflect. Moment captured in the botanical garden in Helsinki.Staying in the subject of calm, this is my summer place, the place to relax- and take photos.Life can be full of storms at times literally and figuratively. ON life’s stormy highway .Let the flowing water lead you to the…
Toward the calmer place, where everything seems to slow down, it is essential to focus on the smallest details and allow yourself to relax. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of tranquility.
When we pay attention to the details, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of experiences. Whether it’s the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns of a pussy willow, or the subtle flavors in a warm bread, a tacky selfie, or a delicate bottle fill of craftmanship these elements invite us to immerse ourselves fully in the present moment. By slowing down and observing the nuances around us, we can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and find solace in the ordinary.
I find photography helps me in this, see the world through the lens of my camera
As the sun gently dips below the horizon, casting its warm golden glow across the tranquil landscape, I find myself drawn to this serene moment at my happy place. The vibrant hues of orange and pink dance across the sky, creating a breathtaking symphony of colors that captivate my soul.
There’s a certain enchantment in witnessing a sunset, a magical interplay between light and darkness that holds a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder that every ending carries the promise of a new beginning, a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and embrace the beauty of what lies ahead.
In this fleeting moment of tranquility, I find solace and renewed inspiration. It’s a time for introspection, for letting go of the worries and stresses that might have consumed the day. As the sun bids farewell to the world, it invites me to let go of the past and embrace the present, to appreciate the simple joys that surround me in my happy place.
But as the sun’s rays slowly fade, I know that this moment is ephemeral. It serves as a reminder to seize each opportunity, to cherish the people and places that bring us joy, and to make the most of this precious gift of life.
At this point I wish to thank Amy for many inspiring posts and hope you enjoy your travels and seize each opportunity on the journey
The journey to the salt mines of Pedra de Lume on Sal Island, Cape Verde, was made even more enchanting by the turquoise doors of the old church doors that adorned the road. These Old Church doors of Pedra de Lume captivated every traveler passing through the route leading to the beautiful east coast of Sal.
Old church in Pedra de Lume on Sal Island , Cape Verde
Handicrafts saleswoman at the market place in Helsinki
Welcome to the marketplace, a happy place where time slows down and people smile. It’s a warm place where handmade things are made with love and care. Each stitch and thread tells a story, and the people who make them are filled with joy as they share their craft. Let the marketplace bring happiness to your heart and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer!
The header is the same flower,( I don’t know what it is, but it is pretty) but the lighting was different in the shots. Do you prefer warm or cool tones?
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly referred to as Chinese hibiscus or China rose, is the name by which I have always known this beautiful flower. When I was a child, China rose, my father’s favorite flower would bloom in our living room.
These bigger and smaller tools are from Verla’s Groundwood and Board Mill, Finland’s first factory museum.
Verla was named a World Heritage site due to its status as a unique and culturally and historically significant example of an industrial settlement from the turn of the 20th century.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
