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 #279: Magical

lens-artists, Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical Ann-Christine hosts the challenge this week. It brought focus to what really matters in life – magic moments. Rare – mostly. But they leave a lasting impression. I could post many of the previous challenge photos here too – unique and magical are so closely intertwined together .

Magical scent of spices at the market place in India

Magic has always captivated the human imagination. Whether portrayed as the ability to manipulate the elements, cast spells, or perform extraordinary feats, magic is often associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Magical traditions can be found in cultures around the world, each with their own unique beliefs and practices.

However, magic is not confined to the realm of fiction. In the real world, magic can also be seen as a metaphor for the wondrous and inexplicable. It represents the beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we sometimes struggle to comprehend. Whether it is a radiant sunset, a shimmering waterfall, or the birth of new life, these moments can often feel magical in their own right.

On a winter’s day the ray of light can seem magical.

Magic is a fascinating concept that holds different meanings and interpretations for each individual. It is shaped by our unique histories and life experiences, making it a subjective and personal phenomenon. What may seem like magic to one person might be commonplace for another.

The largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the magnificent and iconic blue whale, was previously hunted almost to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling activities and remains an endangered species today. The blue whales found in Sri Lankan waters, in the Northern Indian Ocean, are non-migratory and believed to be resident in these waters year-round

We were so lucky to see this magical sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet  and having listened to the captains orders;  the whale came to check out our boat.  It swam around us and under our boat, so we were able to see it so close –  It was impressive!

Our personal experiences contribute to our understanding of what is wondrous, extraordinary, or even inexplicable. For some, magic may be found in the intricate beauty of nature, while for others it might lie in the bonds of love and human connections.

The magic of Christmas for children

Ultimately, the notion of magic transcends any singular definition or explanation. It is a realm where imagination, wonder, and awe converge, offering a glimpse into the mysterious and extraordinary aspects of life that go beyond rational understanding.

I find magic mainly in nature, first flowers of spring, the new green, bird nests, summer colors, autumns tones and winters small details

Reading can open to the world to magical…. yes.

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Christmas market – Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Photography

Yesterday we visited the Tuomaan markkinat – Helsinki Chrismas Market little bit too early if we had waited for the sunset the lights would have been more brighter, but even thought we were a bit early it was crowded hard to get to the the vendor booths. It was rather windy and cold, but it is winter 🙂

Providing a more responsible alternative to mass-produced gifts and decorations, Helsinki Christmas Market brings to Senate Square a significant number of artisans and small producers from all over Finland. The market’s atmospheric core consists of the Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which also serves alcoholic beverages, where one can enjoy seasonal treats and festive holiday spirit.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Street photography – traditional

Cities, People

I have shared this image before, but now edited the tone of the shot and also made a monochrome copy of it. What I like about this is the father’s traditional shoes – his whole style of dressing compared the the children walking with him.

I took this shot several years ago in Paris, but something in it appeals to me. I think the leading lines, depth of field and composition works. Too much analyzing 🙂 ?

Ateneum Entrance doors

Cities

Looking down to the entrance of The Ateneum art museum.

The Ateneum is Finland’s most renowned art museum. ​Our collection spans from the 18th century to Modernism. In total, our collection includes nearly 30,000 national treasures.

Dans Thursday Doors

106 years of independence

Captures from Finland

Finland celebrates 106 years of independence today in chilling weather, with blue skies and powder white snow on the ground. Blue and white the colors of our flag. A beautiful day to celebrate independence.

I am celebrating with blue and white scenes from my my home lane.

cavalcade of accessories

Still life

This photo cavalcade shows a collection of jewelry and accessories that I have collected over the years. I like the natural materials and colors, such as wood, metal, leather, and stone. I also like that there added some colorful beads and tassels to make them more fun and unique. I hang them on a lamp in my room, so I can easily see them and choose what to wear. I took this photo , using a low angle and a dark background to create some contrast and focus on the jewelry.

I was bored, and this is the continued efforts to fill time in-house – yesterday I posted more “artistic” versions of the these necklaces. Here I did several variations of editing on a singular photo. The change need not be big to change the atmosphere of still life photo.

Abstract- Three versions

Still life

It is cold and did not feel like going out, so what did I do instead, I took photos of my dress jewelry that is hanging conveniently on my lamp next to my desk.

This image was the only more abstract version, as the focus is on a lamp detail. I am sharing with you the original and three processing versions of it. Is this abstract photo art or not and what do you feel is the best version ?

Jewelry – enhanced blues and reds
Jewelry -Blues and aqua enhanced
Jewelry -Black and white with touch of red and blue

Las but not least the original one. The header is an added plus 🙂

Jewelry -Original

XingfuMamas One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: December 2023

A lonely wheel in winter’s grip

Captures from Finland

A lonely wheel in winter’s grip
No longer spins or rolls or flips
It rests against a snowy tree
That stands beside a flowing water

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Lens Artists Challenge #278: Unique

lens-artists, Photography

This week Any wants us to showcase unique. What is unique.

My husband, my children and grandkids are unique to me. That is what first came to my mind. Life changing. One of a kind. I am not going to post photos of them, even thought that was the first thought.

The word unique has different meanings depending on the context.

  • being the only one of its kind
  • being without a like or equal
  • distinctively characteristic or peculiar
  • able to be distinguished from all others of its class or type

For example, a unique signature is the only one of its kind and cannot be copied by anyone else, see my header 😀 . A unique achievement is unparalleled and incomparable to any other. Things that are very remarkable or unusual. Sometimes, people use the word unique to describe themselves or their qualities. They may want to emphasize what makes them different from others, or what makes them stand out in a positive way.

Nothing what have I photographed is that unique, that is something I really think, i an sure someone else has capture them also, some better than me some less so, but in a a way they are unique none of them are totally the same. Here are my attempts of capturing something unique – to me.

Watching the waves , Each wave is unique every time, the movement, colors…so on. So yes here is a photo of waves.

Turquoise movement

Beauty is in everyone’s eyes, also, so is what we think is unique

California hosts the most unique trees , the redwoods. Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. While there are three types of the trees in the world, sequoia and sequoiadendron are the type found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, I was at awed by the nature in Sequoia

The art nature does… so unique. Beautiful details, every stone is different, frost on the glass, flowers pedals..

Why are we in a lookout for sunsets, because they are all unique. Glorious colors

I would like to think that my art is unique 🙂 Mixed media, statues, oil paintings and aquarelle are few mediums I have dappled with

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Saturday Classics – 02122023

Saturday Classics

Talk Talk

Some info I found about this song

It’s his life indeed. Talk Talk was fronted by Mark Hollis , this song “It’s My Life,” a manifesto of sorts where he asserts his independence.

Have a great Saturday

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.

Last Photo for November 2023

Nature, Photography

Last Photo for November 2023 that’s what bushboys world wants to see with following rules and tags

Your last photo doesn’t have to be on the very last day of the month if you didn’t take any photos on that day. Maybe it was earlier in the month when the last photo was taken.

This one is from my Sony and a macro lens of the colorful berries, but my focus went a stray…

The view from my bedroom was taken with my iPhone 14, just because I spotted some blue sky, it was on the 29th.

So let’s see what you have for **

The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th November or whenever your last photo was taken.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do

#TheLastPhoto and #LastOnTheCard

Street art Doors

Interiors, Traveling British Columbia, CA

Walk down this quiet thoroughfare and you find yourself in a different world, dominated by the ever-changing street art that covers every wall. and in this case door 🙂 

Wander through Melbourne’s laneways

Lose yourself in a wonderland of colourful street art,. Here are some of the street art found in laneways dotted around Melbourne, these ones are on painted on doors .

Thursday Doors is hosted most Thursday by Monsieur Dan Antion.

Monochrome – Abstracts

Black and White photos, Photography

Leanne’s post title, Something Abstract, gave me an idea…

How does this explanation strike you ? This image is a visual representation of the complexity and chaos of life. It shows how we are all connected by thin threads of fate, but also how we can get lost in the maze of choices and consequences. The image evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, as well as a feeling of isolation and confusion.

Abstract

This image has been processed to create an abstract effect. A random noise function to create small dots and lines on the image. The result is a high-contrast image that resembles a tangled web of lines and dots.

Is this Abstract?

The beauty and fragility of nature. As if it is saying goodbye to the summer. The image is blurred, creating a dreamy and nostalgic effect.

vines

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

How to survive November 2023 – 30

how to survive November

Today, once again the day is five minutes shorter. Tomorrow – it’s December! I survived, thanks for the company! Only 21 days of growing darkness then slowly we are going towards the light.

I was wondering what to post as my last photo and pastry came to mind. The cannoli shells are perfectly tender and flaky, like a flake away in your mouth kind of texture.

The ricotta cannoli filling is rich and deliciously sweetened, and those little flecks of almonds swirled throughout just amp up that already immensely satisfying flavor.

It is here a again the most cruel month of the year. It is dark and getting darker, and the same time as it is the challenge to post something edible every day of the month of November, I can do it, how about you? What to join us? There is a link below if you’re interested

November and its time to survive it. Theme for the How to Survive November is ‘Something to Eat’.

Lepis from Parallel Lines| in scale kindly hosts this survival once again. The InLinkz is at her blog, it’s at the right column. Let’s enjoy this November with marvelous flavors!

Street photography – festive season

Captures from Finland, street photography

These are taken in front of the Helsinki railway station, in the first shot you can see Ateneum museum with its seasonal lights, couple years back.

Seasonal lights welcoming shopper to city center with the lights reflecting on the wet pavement,

Below is a digital artwork I made by being inspired by the first photo.

Street photography – sidewalk lights

Captures from Finland, street photography

The street lights are my stars
They make a warm wave on the wet black path
I sail along their bright trail
They keep me safe from the dark wrath

Walking down a path in the dark can be both exhilarating and unnerving. With each step, uncertainty lingers, as shadows dance and imagination runs wild. So, with a flicker of determination in our hearts, we step forward, embracing the mystery that lies ahead on the path in the dark.

How to survive November 2023 – 29

how to survive November

Today, once again the day is five minutes shorter. Snow has covered the ground and it looks very pretty outside. One more day of November to endure, it has gone past quicker and easier than I imagined it would be, that is great.

Chicken and vegetables and lots of spices.

It is here a again the most cruel month of the year. It is dark and getting darker, and the same time as it is the challenge to post something edible every day of the month of November, I can do it, how about you? What to join us? There is a link below if you’re interested

November and its time to survive it. Theme for the How to Survive November is ‘Something to Eat’.

Lepis from Parallel Lines| in scale kindly hosts this survival once again. The InLinkz is at her blog, it’s at the right column. Let’s enjoy this November with marvelous flavors!

Street photography – I walk alone

Captures from Finland, street photography

The night is cold and dark
A light drizzle was falling
I walk alone
With no one else to meet

Oodi is my destination
The light is my guide
I hope to find some inspiration
Or at least a place to hide

The Library welcoming light in the night

How to survive November 2023 – 28

how to survive November

Today, once again the day is five minutes shorter. It is snowing and it’s cold. Nothing new on that front, winter is really on its way. I try to ignore the darkness by watching way too much television. The warm fire glow from the fireplace warms our house and creates a a cosy atmosphere, that is one thing I enjoy.

Ravioli and shrimp, what a tasty lunch. Need say no more 🙂

It is here a again the most cruel month of the year. It is dark and getting darker, and the same time as it is the challenge to post something edible every day of the month of November, I can do it, how about you? What to join us? There is a link below if you’re interested

November and its time to survive it. Theme for the How to Survive November is ‘Something to Eat’.

Lepis from Parallel Lines| in scale kindly hosts this survival once again. The InLinkz is at her blog, it’s at the right column. Let’s enjoy this November with marvelous flavors!

How to survive November 2023 – 27

how to survive November

Today the sunrise was at 8:51 and sunset 15:30. Coldest day yet, -12C , but the windfactor makes it even colder. -18C / -1F . I have no desire to go out.

Month is nearly done and you have been overloaded with food photography I’m sure. Few more days.

My neighbor a avid mushroom picker, had more and enough of these funnel chanterelles so she kindly gave me some, and yes, I had to take some photos of them before preparing them

It is here a again the most cruel month of the year. It is dark and getting darker, and the same time as it is the challenge to post something edible every day of the month of November, I can do it, how about you? What to join us? There is a link below if you’re interested

November and its time to survive it. Theme for the How to Survive November is ‘Something to Eat’.

Lepis from Parallel Lines| in scale kindly hosts this survival once again. The InLinkz is at her blog, it’s at the right column. Let’s enjoy this November with marvelous flavors!

How to survive November 2023 – 26

how to survive November

Today the sunrise was at 8:48 and sunset 15:3. Coldest day yet, -11C .

Yesterday we had a traditional “pikkujoulu” (a pre Christmas )party at our friends home. The had once again cooked us delicious meal with starter, main course, and dessert with wines to go with it. The photos are not top notch, but the food was.

It is here a again the most cruel month of the year. It is dark and getting darker, and the same time as it is the challenge to post something edible every day of the month of November, I can do it, how about you? What to join us? There is a link below if you’re interested

November and its time to survive it. Theme for the How to Survive November is ‘Something to Eat’.

Lepis from Parallel Lines| in scale kindly hosts this survival once again. The InLinkz is at her blog, it’s at the right column. Let’s enjoy this November with marvelous flavors!