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.
How to Survive the November features a photo from last winter’s trip to Singapore. Today’s round features four dark, stylized figures holding a large, reflective chrome orb. The orb distorts the reflection of the hotel entrance and the surrounding area. The statue is located at the entrance to the Atlas Hotel. I’m the red spot 😀
statue
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This reflects the mood I’m in, gloomy, but with several bright moments in between. A tranquil lake, its surface smooth like glass, is surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal hues of amber, crimson, and gold. A very slight breeze casts delicate patterns on the water’s surface. This interplay of light birch trees and evergreens creates a mesmerizing mix of gloomy and vibrant colors. I sit quietly, absorbing the beauty of nature’s transition.
A lake reflecting autumn colors and moody scenery.
Today, it’s just this for How to Survive the November. I enjoy candles, and these holders are one of my favorites due to their designs and the warm ambiance they create. There’s something truly magical about lighting a candle on a chilly November evening, making my home feel inviting and warm during this season of hibernation.
A warm, glowing candle in a round glass holder, creating a cozy atmosphere for November.
Elegant candle arrangements in round glass candle holders,
Elegant candles glowing softly
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A calm lakeside scene with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors, their oranges, and yellows beautifully reflected in the calm water, creating a stunning mirror effect. The woods in the backdrop, completing this idyllic escape into nature’s splendor.
This is a fictional story inspired by this this photograph. For Dans Thursday Doors as he likes stories.
Miriam, the old writer, got her best ideas not from the outside world but from the cozy little sanctuary she created in her study. Her window, framed in pale green and fitted with six panes, was like her own personal lookout, showcasing the seasons as they slowly changed. Right now, that lookout was all lit up by the late afternoon sun dipping down behind the trees, throwing long shadows over the lawn.
Looking through the glass, she spotted the back of this big, white house with dark trim, kinda hidden by all the green leaves of summer. She knew every little thing about that place—the way the afternoon sun hit the peeling paint on the porch, the twisted branches of the old oak tree standing watch next to it, and that stone path leading up to the front door. She’d come up with all sorts of stories about the people she imagined living there, crafting a new tale every day, always a new mystery to figure out.
A view from an artist’s study window, featuring a collection of wire sculptures on the sill and a glimpse of a grand house framed by lush greenery.
But she always found herself staring at the windowsill. There, a bunch of funky wire and found-object sculptures hung out like they owned the place. The coolest one, a figure with a big open head and a rusty metal body, was totally her fave. She named it “The Listener.” To her, it wasn’t just some art piece; it was like her muse, her creative buddy, just hanging out while she worked. She’d chat with it about plot twists and character issues, and in the silence of the room, she could almost picture it nodding along, its big head soaking up her ideas like a satellite dish.
So today, the listener was totally quiet. Miriam had been going back and forth with this super annoying protagonist for weeks, a character who just wouldn’t spill her real motivations. The story was basically stuck, like a boat without a sail. She tapped her finger on the chilly glass, the sound cutting through the silence like a little punctuation mark.
Suddenly, a strong burst of wind slammed the old wooden doors on the right side of the window, which were flung wide open and creaked like they were complaining. Outside, the small world was waking up. The trees swayed, their leaves rustling like distant applause. The back of the big house shimmered a bit in the shifting light.
Miriam glanced over at the listener. The afternoon sun hit the wire head just right, making it seem like the figure was really tuned in, not to her, but to everything happening outside. She had been digging for answers in her own thoughts and quiet little bubble. But then it hit her—the real answer was right out there, in the breeze, in the leaves rustling, in all the hidden lives around her. She grabbed her notebook, with her pen already ready to jot down the whispers of the wind. The story was about to kick off again.
I posted photos on November 7, showcasing the beautiful carnations that I had carefully bought, and yesterday I took these images of the flowers still left, vibrant and resilient. They have proved to give me a little bit of everyday happiness for nearly three weeks, brightening my space and lifting my spirits amidst the usual routine. The simple joys in life, allowing me to pause and appreciate their beauty, as they subtly transform each day.
I did lots of edits so I could get all these challenges into one post; my internet connection is acting up, and it kept breaking up constantly yesterday. I made comments, but they did not show up for me as done, etc. It has cut me off a few times already, so after this post, I am going to paint for the rest of the day. This is too frustrating for me. Wishing everyone a great day.
Oh to continue about frustrations, I learned this morning that out water would be got of for a day, hopefully less. But I found this out after the fact. Great start for the day, no coffee for me,
Carnations in a vase, adding a touch of elegance to the table. Square for NovemberShadowsA close-up of a delicate pink carnation in a glass bottle, capturing the essence of everyday beauty and resilience.⬜
A serene arrangement of pink carnations in delicate glass vases, beauty and resilience. For how to Survive November
Frosty Festive decorations hanging amidst brown leaves.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Veikka was a lovely and loved cat, a cherished cat whose striking white fur glistened in the sunlight, making her the center of attention wherever she went; you could not miss her, as she was the size of a small dog. Her gentle purring provided a soothing soundtrack to quiet evenings, and her warm presence filled the hearts of her human companions with an unexplainable happiness. Veikka passed away years ago, but the photos pop up so often when I search my archives; her memory lives on through photographs; she was an inspiring model for me.
A cat sitting on a wooden step by the window, surrounded in soft natural light.
Here I am once again showing two of my aquarelle paintings. I have spent several hours trying to find my way of using the medium; still lots to learn, but I am improving, or I like to think I am. If interested to see the rest, they are behind the links.
A watercolor depicting a tranquil winter landscape, featuring snowflakes and dark trees against a misty background originally posted here with other paintings alsoA serene watercolor landscape depicting a snowy scene with soft hues and silhouettes of trees, created in 2025 my Post can be seen hereA mesmerizing 😂 aquarelle painting depicting a winter scene with snow-laden trees under a moonlit sky. a bit more artzy take
I read about this tree and found out this. Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective color; this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft.
A vibrant rowan tree adorned with bright red berries against a contrasting background.
The apple tree symbolizes a wide range of concepts, including immortality, health, love, and temptation. Its symbolism varies across cultures, appearing in mythology as a source of eternal youth (Norse), a representation of divine gifts (Greek), and a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death (Celtic).
A close-up of a single red apple hanging from a tree branch, symbolizing the protective attributes of the apple
A picturesque autumn scene visible from a window, showcasing tall pine trees standing majestically in the low late Autumn light, their trunks painted in warm hues of golden-brown and fading green. Below, are men by the water’s edge, as they enjoy the beauty of the season. The sun casts a soft, golden glow across the scene, illuminating the crisp air infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
A view from a window showcasing pine trees in low late Autumn light and a people by the water’s edge.
Patti’s back after a bit of a break, and she’s got an exciting challenge for us! Honestly, when I saw the title, I am going to enjoy the editing process of this, as it is something I really enjoy doing. Maybe create stories around the images. She’s given us some great ideas on where to find the mysterious: think low light, shadows, and all those moody vibes. Make sure to check out her post for awesome photography and all the tips!
Our story begins as we enter the road to mysterious places, A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light. The trees stand tall and ancient, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, while the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss. Wisps of fog curl around the trunks, creating an otherworldly ambiance that seems to whisper secrets of forgotten tales. As the path winds deeper into the wilderness, the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoots of owls add to the enchanting eeriness, inviting intrepid wanderers to uncover the hidden wonders that lie within this enchanting, twilight realm.
A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light.
We continue to A moody, dimly lit street in, showcasing warm streetlights that cast a golden glow along the cobblestone path, invites evening strollers to explore its hidden corners. The air is filled with a gentle breeze, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from nearby gardens, while shadows dance playfully along the walls of quaint cafés. As the soft murmur of voices blends with the distant sound of laughter, an unmistakable sense of mystery wraps around the scene, hinting at untold stories waiting to be discovered in this enchanting part of the city.
A moody, dimly lit street in Nice, showcasing warm streetlights and a hint of mystery.A dimly lit street scene at night, featuring a café with tables and chairs outside, illuminated by warm street lights, creating a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere.
We leave the city. A partially fragmented window, it’s dark frame cradling a view of a tree dressed in fiery red leaves, casts a striking contrast against the swirling backdrop of a moody sky where fleeting glimpses of blue shift like memories. Shards of glass, scattered like forgotten dreams, catch the faint light, creating a mosaic of reflections that whisper of stories shared outside while invoking a chilling sense of solitude. This broken portal frames an autumn scene both haunting and breathtaking, infusing the air with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as though the very walls of this aged structure hold echoes of lives once lived. In the dim, shadowy interior, shadows stretch along shattered walls, and an ajar door beckons with the allure of a vibrant autumn world, deepening the air of mystery. In this forsaken space, remnants of bygone splendor emerge, where peeling paint and cracked plaster weave an unsettling tale that captivates the heart. Beyond the door, an enchanting vista unfolds, filled with amber trees whose leaves shimmer like precious gems kissed by fragile sunlight, concealing untold secrets. The room, engulfed in shadows that sway like memories, carries an eerie stillness—punctuated only by the distant rustling of leaves, urging one to traverse the threshold into the comforting embrace of the season outside, or perhaps to delve into the alluring depths of the unknown.
An atmospheric view of a dimly lit, abandoned space with beams of light filtering through arched windows creates a haunting yet beautifully eerie ambiance, where shadows dance across the cracked walls and the dust motes float lazily in the soft illumination. The remnants of debris, scattered across the floor like forgotten memories, interweave with the storied echoes of the past, while large, fractured windows allow faint light to filter in, casting unique patterns that play tricks on the eye. Each ray of sunlight highlights the intricate textures of peeling paint and rusted iron, hinting at a time long gone, as nature begins to reclaim its territory within these forsaken walls.
In the end, we have to enter into the fog once again, feeling the chill envelop us as we navigate through the dense mist that obscures our path and twists our surroundings. Each step takes us deeper into the unknown, where the air is thick and heavy, and our sense of direction seems to falter. With every heartbeat, we remind ourselves that this journey is essential to find our way back home, pushing through the uncertainty and fear that the fog brings. It wraps around us like a thick blanket, muffling sounds and blurring the world, yet we carry on, driven by the hope of discovering familiar landmarks that will guide us back to safety.
A mysterious path shrouded in thick fog, inviting exploration and a sense of the unknown.
I’ll leave you with a mystery to solve; add this to the story somehow. Let me know in the comments.
A vintage military helicopter, shrouded in mystery and dark shadows, hovers precariously over a war scene fraught with uncertainty, where other helicopters loom ominously and ground troops navigate through an atmosphere thick with doubt.
I just want to wrap up by expressing my heartfelt thanks to Patti for inviting us to dive into the mysterious together. I can’t wait to see how each of you interprets this theme! Don’t forget to check out Patti’s lovely post here, and remember to tag your posts with Lens-Artists so we can easily find them.
A thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s On The Move challenge—there was lots of travels in various vehicles. to I really hope you’ll join us again next week when Beth will be posting her challenge on Saturday, November 29th at noon ET on her site Wandering Dawgs. Be sure to stop by her site and join in, if you can.
This is where I was at 4 PM, and it looked like this in Espoo, Finland. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, just a moment after some rain had fallen. The clouds hung low, creating a dramatic backdrop against the richly colored sky. It was a moment quickly passed, capturing the beauty of nature as the day transitioned to night. Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
A sunset over Espoo, Finland, with raindrops on a window reflecting the warm glow of the sky.
Today, I just gotta share some pics of the amazing food we had yesterday—it was a total feast for the eyes! Seriously, everything looked gorgeous and tasted so good. The flavors were delicious and there was so much variety that we couldn’t help but go for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). We really had an unforgettable evening. How to Survive the November
A cozy living room scene featuring a yellow sofa adorned with decorative pillows and a round wooden coffee table with a small floral arrangement.
A beautifully plated dish with hors d’oeuvre and a sparkling drink, perfect for a delightful dining experience.
So feel free to express yourself in photography, painting, or drawing it’ not too late to join us. Don’t forget, there’s an entry link for your submissions!
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Last night we got some wet snow; it is still on the ground, but I don’t know for how long. The naturally monochrome images from in front of the house, nor the last one from the back, are not edited, something I usually don’t publish, the difference between the shots is pretty noticeable, and they were taken just minutes apart while it was still snowing.
Today I need to do my nails because it’s time to party! We’re headed to this awesome tradition that’s been going on for ages, where the same group of friends gets together to enjoy good vibes and great times. The smell of food whipped up by the host couple fills the air, and trust me, each dish is so tasty, showcasing their cooking skills. Plus, the complimentary wine is flowing, making everything even better and leading to some fun conversations. We make new memories and celebrate all the amazing bonds we’ve built over the years.
A bottle of shimmering nail polish perfect for a festive party look.
I am creative with the theme ’round’ in today. Picture this: a flower frozen in ice, right at the center of it all! It really highlights how light plays off the ice and the bubbles.
An artistic representation capturing the intricate details of a flower submerged in ice showcasing the play of light and bubbles.A close-up shot of a flower submerged in ice
So feel free to express yourself in photography, painting, or drawing it’ not too late to join us. Don’t forget, there’s an entry link for your submissions!
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Looking for shadows for Becky’s November Shadow #21 in all the places I go has become an intriguing quest, also always keeping a keen eye on anything round. However, this place proved to be difficult, especially here in the long, sterile halls of the hospital, where shadows play hide and seek in the corners and round objects are few and far between. Each step I take in these long corridors, all I find are the shadows. Despite the challenge to find round objects for How to Survive November, I remain hopeful and in the end, as I look out of the window – the search is over, something round is outside.
A solitary figure stands at the end of a long hospital corridor, in the search for shadows amidst sterile surroundings.
Construction crew working on landscaping the hospital entrance courtyard. Found round area for How to survive November.
A salt shaker sits on an artist’s workspace, with art supplies as a background giving a, context to whu its on the desk
Notice the different use of light in the images?
Art supplies including a salt shaker and watercolor paints, ready for creative projects.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.
An inviting doorway with the rustic charm of traditional architecture, with a glimpse of a well-maintained outdoor space. Please be kind and wipe your feet on the rag rugs before entering 😀
The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.
An inviting open door leading into a rustic building. Would you like to step in?
A pathway leading to a rustic wooden door framed by lush greenery.
An inviting entrance to a rustic cabin, framed by lush greenery.
It’s super cold out there; right now, it’s -7C / 19F. These hydrangeas outside my window look like they’ve braved a freezing night, their delicate petals all frosty and glimmering. The sun’s shining and lighting up the flowers, which I managed to snap a pic of—the frost really does its thing, turning something basic into something special. I can’t help but admire how nature shows off its beauty even in the dead of winter, reminding me that there’s always something to appreciate, no matter how freezing it gets. I don’t need to look for anything else today; this round it up for me.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This is one of my favorite challenges as I love black and white photography; it captures the essence of the topic in many cases, allowing viewers to focus on shape, texture, and emotion without the distraction of color. The interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary scenes into dramatic compositions that tell a story. I am still returning to the burned down barn for this week’s Monochrome Madness and NovemberShadows, as it evokes images in my mind that nurtures my creative vision. Each revisit to the photos reveals new angles and perspectives as how to edit and capture its haunting presence, inviting me to experiment and refine my technique while deeply connecting with the subject matter.
An abandoned interior showcasing a stark contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of decaying walls and debris.
Here in these two sets of images and different frames, I’m checking out how the crop’s aspect ratio changes these images. It’s pretty interesting to think about whether cropping a photo to a square actually adds something to the mood compared to keeping it in its original rectangular shape weather it is landscape or portrait. This change can really shift the focus, often guiding the viewer’s eye to specific details more easily. But you’ve also got to wonder if this tighter framing means losing some important context or details, which could totally alter the story the photo tells. Cropping can either amp up the emotional punch or totally take it down a notch, so it’s definitely a key choice in the editing process that we need to think about.
I have to admit these are more black and white photographs than monochrome, but the rules are not too tight in these challenges.
An abandoned room filled with debris, showcasing the contrasts of light and shadow in black and white photography.
An abandoned corridor with stark black and white contrasts, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow in decay.
A haunting black and white photograph of an abandoned interior space, showcasing dramatic contrasts and urban decay.
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. Yesterday’s visit to the hospital, I ended up driving around for 15 minutes, not that bad, but I ended up being there earlier than I wanted, but at least I was not late. Results of these these tests will be released to me in December, still got one more test next week.
Today, again I want to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November. I don’t think many, if any, people type with old-fashioned typewriters anymore, but they do have so much more photographic appeal than laptops. There’s a certain charm to the keys. Unlike modern laptop’s, they transport us back to an era when writing was a more deliberate, thoughtful process. The errors were certainly harder to erase, so one put more thought to before typing the first thing to mind.
Close-up of typewriter keys with vintage design and classic typography.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A Sotage/workspace filled with colorful paper materials and a large window revealing a outdoor view, just right for inspiration and creativity.
I initially had this photo in mind for NovemberShadows, but let’s be real—there was no way it could work as a square. Doing that would totally lose the key aspect that sticks with me—the story behind the space. The scene has so much depth that it pulls you in, making you want to dive deeper into the tale that plays out through the light and shadows. On the flip side, this image fits perfectly for the Monday Window project, which is all about windows acting as cool portals into different times and places. I genuinely think the way this photo is framed matches the vibe of the Monday Window initiative, giving a sneak peek into another world and encouraging you to really think about and appreciate the story of that space. Which do you prefer color or black and white version?
An artist’s workspace filled with shelves of paper and a window revealing the quiet outdoors.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 