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.
The misty air envelops the landscape, amongst the haze, the silhouettes of towering trees emerge, standing tall like guardians of the monochrome world. Their branches, devoid of leaves, reach out like skeletal fingers, creating an eerie yet captivating scene.
The silhouettes of towering trees emerge, standing tall like guardians
Do you agree the absence of color seems to enhance the mystical ambiance, as if nature itself has decided to paint this particular moment in shades of gray.
Misty hill in Monochrome
The mist weaves through the branches and settles on their trunks, giving them an otherworldly aura that is both haunting and beautiful. In this misty monochrome, the trees stand as solitary figures, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to the landscape.
Today the sunrise was at 8:22 and sunset 15:52. The same as yesterday, but cooler.
We got some good news today, helped my stress levels hugely. So it is a good day!!!
So time to celebrate!
Cheers
Cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and berries make a heavenly combination. The rich and creamy texture of the cheesecake complements the smooth and velvety texture of the chocolate mousse. The burst of sweetness from the berries adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dessert. It’s a treat that is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
Would you agree?
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 fromParallel 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!
Cold weather can certainly make you feel chilly. When it snows and ice forms, it adds an extra layer of coldness to the surroundings, no doubt about that.. Stay cozy and enjoy the winter scenery!
We here in south of Finland don’t have snow yet, so these are from my archives.
Today the sunrise was at 8:20 and sunset 15:55. Typical November day.
I went to get my influence shot. Hopefully this will prevent me from getting it and if I do it will be milder. I timed it perfectly I was there one minute before my time and it took about two minutes and I was out. Then I had to it 15 minutes in the waiting room in case of side effects. Luckily I met a friend there 🙂 by chance and we had a nice chat.
I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of spices and onions and garlic. If possible I use them in all the foods I cook. Plus I think they are a great topic for photography.
Garlic
Onions and garlic
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 fromParallel 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!
The gray mist gently settled over the landscape, casting an ethereal veil on the moss-covered hill behind your home. Despite the gloomy November weather, nature’s touch added a touch of beauty to the scene.
On this misty day, as you gazed upon the hill, the vibrant hues of green from the shrubs stood out, creating a vivid contrast against the muted backdrop. The moss, adorned with its emerald carpet, seemed to thrive in the dampness, adding a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere.
Misty hill top on a misty day
Amidst the shades of brown, the ferns gracefully displayed their weathered elegance. Their delicate fronds, now tinged with earthy tones, created an enchanting juxtaposition against the mist and falling leaves.
In this serene setting, the mist transformed the hill into a picturesque scene that captivated your sight. The occurrence of such beauty in November reminded you of nature’s ability to create moments of awe in every season.
Today the sunrise was at 8:17 and sunset 15:57. Today it is snowing, not heavily light snow fool is in the forecast today. It is not going to stay on the ground.
I an amazed how much full days of artwork can be so tiring. I was so tired after working on my art during the weekend. So my apologies for late responses and if I missed so … sorry.
Today, I am posting a shot that filled the frame, was sweet and full of calories. Heart shaped donuts.
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 fromParallel 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!
Filling the frame in photography is a technique that can have different effects depending on how you use it.
It can help you to direct the viewer’s focus to your main subject, by eliminating distractions and negative space. It can also help you to accentuate simplicity in your composition, by highlighting the shapes, colors, textures, and details of your subject. It can also help you to create emotional impact in your image, by making your subject appear larger, closer, and more intimate.
Some of the techniques for filling the frame are: You can get closer to your subject, either physically or by using a zoom lens, to fill the frame with more of your subject. You can also crop your image during editing, to remove unwanted elements and adjust the composition.
Filling the frame in photography is a versatile and powerful technique that can enhance your images in many ways. However, it is not always the best choice for every situation. Sometimes, you might want to leave some negative space or background in your image, to create a sense of context, depth, or contrast.
I already posted this once, it is a very recent shot and I am very happy with it . I used crop technique to get the result. As with the shots below of fruits, berries and vegetables You can also use a macro lens to fill the frame with small subjects, such as flowers, insects, or jewelry.
These are taken below or underneath the subject – architectural design choices.
Traffic below
Artistic droplets
I feel this is a full frame even though a small part of the plant is in focus.
Today the sunrise was at 8:14 and sunset 15:59. Drizzle expected for the whole day.
Off to do try to do some presentable monotype graphic art – hopefully will do better today than yesterday.
How is this for a delicious dessert – Crème brûlée
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 fromParallel 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!
Today the sunrise was at 8:12 and sunset 16:01. Rainy, snotty day. Again
Off to do try to do some presentable monotype graphic art.
Coffee to get my day going.
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 fromParallel 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!
Tracy Chapman gets song of the year at CMA after 35 years of release. Luke Combs said: “I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the greatest songs of all time,” the 33-year-old North Carolina singer said as he accepted award. “It’s the first favourite song I ever had.”
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.
Crossroads are places where roads intersect and people have to make decisions. They can also be metaphors for important moments in life, where one has to choose between different options and face the consequences.
going over the road
Crossroads are the tests of fate , where we must choose our path and wait, for the unknown to reveal itself and show us if we chose well or not.
crossing
Some crossroads are clear and easy, others are dark and messy . But all of them are part of our journey and shape us into who we are meant to be
Today the sunrise was at 8:09 and sunset 16:04. Rainy snotty day. A man of peace is is set to rest.
The state funeral of President Martti Ahtisaari, who died on OCTOBER 16, will be held today, Friday, November 10, in Helsinki. More than 800 guests have been invited to the state funeral.
The late president Martti Ahtisaari was especially known as a peace builder. Ahtisaari, which helped on no less than three continents, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008.
The theme of peace can be seen in his perhaps most famous quote: Peace is a matter of will, Ahtisaari said in his Nobel speech in Oslo. The speech will go down in history anyway. Ahtisaari firmly believed that if people work together, solutions can be found.
In 1989–1990, Martti Ahtisaari helped Namibia become independent. In 2005, Ahtisaari led the peace negotiations in Indonesia that led to the autonomy of Aceh. Ahtisaari played a significant role in the resolution of the Kosovo conflict in 1999 and in 2005–2007. In 2008, Ahtisaari was involved in promoting the stability of Iraq. He also looked for solutions to conflicts in Northern Ireland, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa.
Today I am going to post candy umbrellas, as it is rainy day. And we need some light and color in it.
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 fromParallel 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!
Today the sunrise was at 8:07 and sunset 16:06. Mainly cloudy November day with +3C-+6C temperatures. I would saw warm and a very misty day as there isn’t much wild.
Today I am serving you pureed leek and potato soup. In my opinion soup always needs a side of bread, this one has nice avocado paste on top of it.
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 fromParallel 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!
Don’t these candy stripped doors look inviting? Pink chairs and pike as an added bonus.
These are from few years ago from the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland. Founded in 1695, the iron mill village has retained its unique atmosphere throughout the years.
As the escalator propels forward, an interesting dynamic unfolds. Watch closely, and you’ll observe people in a hurry, their faces etched with determination, striding onto the moving steps. Their impatience fuels their urgency, causing them to bob and weave through the crowd.
going 👇 down
it’s fascinating to witness the blend of efficiency and chaos. Some embrace the escalator as an opportunity to slow down, leisurely taking in the surroundings. Others view it as a race, attempting to reach the summit before their peers. How about embracing the escalator as a —a chance to catch our breath.
So, my fellow escalator travelers, let us take a collective breath and relish the journey, even in the midst of our hurried pace.
I always liked to visit the marina on gray November days. There was something about the contrast between the white boats and the gloomy sky that fascinated me. The marina was usually lively and crowded, but on those days it was almost empty. The only people I saw were some boat owners, checking on their vessels and doing some maintenance and few people on a walk.
The sky is gray, the water is dull and the air is cold. I see the boats are moored, the sails are furled , the marina is quiet with hardly anyone around. But I don’t mind, I like it here.
These photos I took using my mobile phone and then proceeded to enhance them using the Lightroom mobile app. By transforming the gray tones into a delightful shade of blue, I managed to infuse the photos with a much lighter and uplifting mood.
Today the sunrise was at 8:04 and sunset 16:09. Mainly cloudy November day with +6C temperatures. I would saw warm 🙂
Today I have nothing planned, I do need to make lunch, that’s about it. My cooking today hopefully will be tasty.
It is not going to look like 🤔 this one. This meal was pleasant for the eye as well as tasty. Fish dish ☺
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 fromParallel 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!
Flowers in monochrome are a fascinating subject for photography, art, and design. They can create a dramatic contrast, a subtle elegance, or a mood of mystery. Monochromatic flowers can also inspire creative expressions.
Flowers in monochrome are not just black and white they have a spectrum of shades that reflect the light- they are not silent or dull. They capture the essence of shape and texture.
What can I say, today the sunrise was at 8:01 and sunset 16:11. it is cloudy. Tuesday full of hope.
Today I had a treated myself to a visit to the hair salon – something to brighten up my day. While sitting at the hairdresser, I enjoyed a cup of tea and a cookie while the dye worked. Now I am set for the next three months.
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 fromParallel 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!
What can I say, today the sunrise was at 7:59 and sunset 16:13. it is cloudy. Monday – a new week begins.
Today I crave for something sweet. These looked so good at the grocery store.
I fought the temptation and won. I just looked and drooled at them, but I did not buy any. I SO wanted to. Then and again, I could also make them I have a recipe for them.
RECIPE under the picture
3 dl oatmeal 1 dl sugar 3 tbsp Pinch of cocoa powder (dark) 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar 100 g room temperature butter or margarine approx. 2 tbsp strong, cold coffee To the surface approx. 1 dl / A handful of coconut flakes
Bake time 30 – 60 min 1 . Mix the oatmeal, sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla sugar together.
2. Add soft butter or margarine and cooled coffee. Mix to a smooth mass.
3. Roll the mass into small balls and roll them in coconut flakes.
4. Let it set in the fridge before serving.
Tip: To get more coconut flavor, replace 1 dl of oatmeal with coconut flakes.
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 fromParallel 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!
November in Finland, a world of gray, Where autumn whispers its final farewell, Leaves relinquish their vibrant display, And nature succumbs to the winter’s spell.
fallen leaves
The air is crisp, with a biting chill, As frosty breath dances upon the breeze, The sun, a timid presence on the hill, Casting feeble rays through the barren trees.
The days grow shorter, the nights grow long, As darkness blankets the land in its embrace, A melancholic hymn in nature’s song.
Yet amidst the gloom, a flicker of light, As candles glow in windowsills, Warmth and coziness fill the bitter night, A sanctuary from the winds that blow.
November in Finland, a somber sight, A season of reflection, a time for respite, Where nature’s cycle finds solace in solitude.
Face is the first thing that came to mind, we are all a bit lopsided, right. It has been demonstrated in photo manipulations that symmetric face is odd. I have no photo for this or the interior one, but they came to mind first about the word asymmetrical.
In fact, we’d argue that asymmetrical (yet balanced) rooms are among the most interesting, unique, and elevated spaces. With an asymmetrical approach, you need to reject the literal, mirror-image equilibrium and seek out balance in more abstract terms.
We are exploring asymmetry with Donna. I liked this – Asymmetry – an informal sense of balance.
I really don’t think about any style when taking a photo, I only think about a composition that is pleasant to my eye. In this post I am sharing photos from Brisbane.
My first image is of The Brisbane River is the longest river in South-East Queensland, Australia, and flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay on the Coral Sea
These are taken below or underneath the subject – architectural design choices.
Traffic below
Traffic , this is for certain not symmetrical 🙂
My cousin took us all around Brisbane, he knew the town and all great spots for photos and as he had been builder on many of the buildings we saw, he had so much knowledge about them, This place offered a great framed view of the city. But I think I got it right in terms of these not being symmetric, but the opposite.
concrete blogs by the sea.
My last one is an image of flowers by the beach on a misty morning
What can I say, today the sunrise was at 7:56 and sunset 16:16. it is gray and rainy. It is Sunday and it is not raining and the temperature is as nice as +9C /48F mainly cloudy.
This morning, I gave instructions as my husband trimmed our oak tree in our backyard – we have to keep it under control or it will shade too much of the space. Now it gives in the summer time us enough shade to cool down on a warm day.
Yesterday we did shopping – for a vacuum cleaner – or a hoover as some would say. Our old one was taken by our son when he moved out. Not something that we had planned, but there it went and found a new home. It is a good thing he wants to keep his home clean. We found one 🙂
Well as I am now on a search for food photos, this is the only reason :-), we went have some Nepalese food. I had Chicken Shiraz and Naan bread. It was tasty and filling and the shiraz wine went well with it.
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 fromParallel 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!
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 