Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
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.
Saturday Classics – 21102023
After I posted my post about the green door I got a message giving a nod to this song, so here is an other green door shot,
What is the meaning behind the song Green Door?
In 1921, a tavern opened in Chicago called “Green Door Tavern.” It was a popular place during prohibition, and the green door became a speakeasy symbol.
Another story says the song is about an after-hours club in Texas, where songwriter Marvin Moore was denied entry because he didn’t know the password.
And then there is this; Bob Davie wrote this and played the honky-tonk piano. It was inspired by a popular music club in Dallas, Texas where the kids who weren’t allowed in hung around outside a yellow door. Presumably “green door” sounded better.
Midnight, one more night without sleeping
Watching till the morning comes creeping
Green door, what’s that secret you’re keeping?
There’s an old piano
And they play it hot behind the green door
Don’t know what they’re doing
But they laugh a lot behind the green door
Wish they’d let me in so I could find out
What’s behind the green door
In 1981, the ’50s revivalist Shakin’ Stevens covered this and took this song to the top of the UK charts.
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 – a quick stop
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
People in hurry, but still have time for a quick stop – at fast-food restaurant. The contrast is the setting in this old building and the Burger King that is there. What caught my attention was how the light showcased the beauty of the wall details and the light streaming from the chairs.
Two takes color and black and white, which one works best? I myself prefer the color one this time.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
flower of the day – 20/10
October colors from this morning. It was once again a bit nippy as the temperatures had gone down to minus side last night.
Here are Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea, wild hydrangea, sevenbark, or in some cases, sheep flower, after the frost had melted and left the pedals moist and shining in the cool but sunny morning air. Most of the pedals are now brown , but few are left white and green.
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Green Door
While in Crete I took few photos of doors, and this green door and it’s surrounding really intrigued me. I am not so sure that I would be so taken by it if I lived there, it needs a bit of love and care, but from a photographers point of view, I really appreciate it.
It is Thursday, and this my second entry to , Thursday Doors!
Fire
Nature – Autumn Foliage
This time we focus on Autumn Colours, Autumn Leaves, Fall Foliage .. I think you get the message.
For Nature Photo Challenge #31
Keeping it short and sweet or not… take a guess 🙂
flower of the day – 7/10
October colors from this morning. It was a bit nippy as the temperatures had gone down to minus side last night. Here are chokeberry leaves with beautiful colors from my backyard.
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Street photography – in a rush
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
People in hurry, no time to stop. The contrast of the man in a hurry and the man by the wall with his dog create a contrast in this shot. And the tourist walking … is dropped into their world.
Two takes color and black and white, which one works best?
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Lens Artists Photo Challenge #271: Contrasts
Amy’s challenge this week is on contrasts. She wrote: There are many ways to express contrasts in photography, e.g. tone, colors, subjects, lights/shadows, and more.
Big – small and red and white + old and new
In photography, mastering the interplay between shadow and light is vital. The art of capturing light and manipulating shadows allows photographers to create captivating images that elicit a range of emotions. From dramatic silhouettes to intimate chiaroscuro portraits, the use of shadow and light can transform a simple photograph into a masterpiece.
Size, shape, colors
Contrast between the old and the new can evoke a variety of thoughts and emotions. The juxtaposition of these two elements can highlight the passage of time. It can elicit a sense of nostalgia for the past while simultaneously showcasing the advancements of the present.
When capturing the contrast between the old and the new in photography, you have the opportunity to tell a compelling visual story. The weathered textures and architectural details of old buildings can stand in stark contrast to the sleek lines and modern design of new structures.
Exploring the contrast between the old and the new in your photography can lead to stunning and thought-provoking images, this theme offers a wealth of artistic possibilities.
Shadow play, colors and textures
Young and older. Smiling and somber
Space
Street photography – Side walk cafe
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
People in hurry, no time to stop. Or enjoying a moment. Same place, different time of the day
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
See them working their butts off
Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
Saturday Classics – 14102023
This time I am going to give a memory and how I came to remember it, it is a description of of how my mind works – slowly. Please bear with me 🙂
First, I have trouble falling a sleep, often it takes hours. Or, I fall a sleep and wake up in , say, thirty minutes and them stay up, well any case. I spend lots of time in bed letting my thoughts wander. I was thinking few nights ago about what song to choose for to day. Lola, lo, lo la, lola – came to mind. Had to think about who´s song it was, Kinks. That came to me the next day. Then for unknown reason I thought about a movie I saw in 1976 in Australia when I was a teenager. I remember, the ending, the lovely song and that I cried. I kind of remembered that it was sung by Paul Anka. For the life of me, I could not get the song or the movies name to mind. Eventually I fell a sleep.
Next day friends came to visit – like in the old days without a invitation the, impromptu I would say for coffee. So NICE. We talked about sleeping, or being tired really. And I mentioned all the above, still didn’t remember.
Bed time, suddenly out of the blue I remembered the movies name in Finnish. And then google came to help. Päivien kimallus – Love is A Many Splendored Thing from 1955. Original song in the film sung by The Four Aces, but I remembered the version of Paula Anka. It was also very popular as a Finnish version here is a version by Jorma Kääriäinen. I have them both here if you wish to listen how it sounds.
As reported by several reviews of the film, Han Suyin’s “autobiographical novel” told the story of her life as a Eurasian doctor in Hong Kong, and of her love affair with a married, British war correspondent.
Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis. “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” er. The song was publicized first in the movie, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955), winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
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.
Purple lights
How hard is it to find purple in your photos that are not flowers, in my case hard. Had to dig deep into memories and archive. I remembered this church concert in Mikael Agricola Church with purple lightning.
Posted for Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
Street photography – crowded street
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
Lady in white stood out amongst the of people dressed mostly in dark clothes in Florida during a art festival
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Also posted for CWWC -Any which way with people
Brown door
While in Crete I took few photos of doors, and this brown door at the end of an alley was one of them.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Wordless Wednesday : RAINING
Nature – spring and woods
The CFFC theme is spring – woods.
Outside it is raining heavily and we have autumn storm with heavy winds blowing outside my window so looking for photos of spring is nice, something to look forward to. I could easily skip winter.
We have lots of woods to choose from as forests cover more than 75 percent of Finland’s land area. Add to that the share of water bodies in Finland’s surface area is large. The area of inland waters is about 10% . So we have 15% left to live in 🙂
The green of spring is beautiful and the birch trees are so lovely, not complaining of the others either. Fresh new green – makes my heart sing.
Wood sorrels raising their heads in moss is a sure sign of spring
Posted for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge
Street photography – silhouettes
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
In Helsinki library-the softness of the window gives the people on the move great contrast the silhouettes look crisp. The back-lit light made this shot for me.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Street photography – waiting
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
In Helsinki library- I saw this man waiting – alone for company and I liked how he had placed his hand on his chest. The back-lit light made this shot for me.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Monochrome – books
Today is 10 October, birthday of the writer Aleksis Kivi; the occasion is also celebrated as the Day of Finnish Literature
Aleksis Kivi, born as Alexis Stenvall, is considered to be the national author of Finland. He was a Finnish writer, playwright, and poet who lived from 1834 to 1872. Kivi’s most famous work is his novel called “Seven Brothers” (Seitsemän veljestä), which is widely regarded as the first significant novel written in the Finnish language. Kivi’s writing often depicted rural life in Finland, showcasing the struggles and joys of everyday people. His contributions to Finnish literature have had a lasting impact, and he is still celebrated as a pioneer of Finnish national literature.
Flying the flag is a great and dignified way to express joy and emphasise a day of celebration. Flying the flag is also a great way of showing respect or expressing sorrow. Finland has a rather tolerant flag flying culture, although a certain degree of sombreness is connected to flying the flag. I
In Finland we do not have our flag in the poles all the time, we have special day when we have it and even then it is up only on official flag days and national flag days designated in the calendar. The flag may be flown on other days as well. The Finnish flag should be flown between prescribed times. The decree stipulates that it should be hoisted at eight in the morning and lowered at sunset. However, in summer the flag can be kept flying until 21.00.
Street photography – cafe
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
Helsinki at night – looking into a cafe seeing people enjoying the company of friends.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Lens-Artists Challenge #270 – On Display
This week Ann-Christine inspires us with, On Display. In her post, she has fine examples, check her post out and be inspired. This one is really making display of himself – the pink dude.
So many things are on display, such a wide topic really. Here are few…
A view on display with a table set for three – after the fact of having lunch.
Art displays, whether in parks, museums windows, or buildings, offer glimpses into the vibrant world of creativity. They serve as portals to different eras, cultures, and perspectives, stimulating our imagination and invoking a range of emotions. From timeless masterpieces to contemporary installations, art displays invite us to explore, contemplate, and appreciate the beauty and power of human expression. So, step into the world of art and let your senses be awakened by the captivating displays before you.
A fashion window display is a captivating visual representation of clothing, accessories, or other fashionable items that are showcased in the display windows of retail stores. These displays are strategically designed to grab the attention of passersby and entice them to enter the store. Fashion windows often feature stylish mannequins showcasing the latest trends, innovative design elements, eye-catching props, and creative lighting to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for potential customers.
Marketplace displays are an essential component of any vibrant shopping experience. These displays creatively showcase a wide range of products, enticing shoppers with their visual appeal and strategic placement. From colorful fruits and vegetables arranged in eye-catching patterns to neatly stacked shelves displaying various merchandise, marketplace displays are strategically designed to capture attention and encourage purchases. With their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and captivating arrangements, these displays create a sensory experience that engages shoppers and enhances their overall shopping journey. Whether it’s a meticulously decorated bakery section or a beautifully arranged floral display, marketplace displays are an art form that not only adds to the ambiance but also helps customers discover new products and make informed choices.
When it comes to displaying liquor in a bar, there are several key selling points to consider:
Visibility: A well-designed liquor display should ensure the visibility of the bottles, .
Brand Showcase: Use the display to showcase your bar’s featured or premium brands. Highlighting high-end or exclusive spirits can pique customers’ interest and encourage them to explore new options or indulge in something special.
Lighting and Ambiance. LED lighting can create an eye-catching display that adds to the overall ambiance of the bar.
Information. Provide customers with useful information about each liquor bottle displayed.
It should captivate customers, inspire exploration, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of your bar.
Soon is Halloween and people have lots of decorations on display
Posted for Ann-Christine’s Lens-Artists Challenge
october
it is really hard to be inspired by October today, really, today being a good sample of weather i don’t enjoy. The colors are lovely, but this is the beginning of the time of year that I do not like at all, shorter day, less light, It is what it is.
Time to start cleaning the summer house for winter.
The positive thoughts about it 🙂
October, with its crisp air and vibrant hues, signifies the arrival of autumn in all its splendor. This bewitching month holds a special place in the hearts of many, casting a spell of warmth and nostalgia.
As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn from green to shades of gold, he gentle rustling of fallen leaves underfoot.
Nature, at its finest, paints breathtaking landscapes during this time of year. The forests transform into a picturesque mosaic of fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. T
October serves as a transition from the vibrancy of summer to the serenity of winter. It beckons us to embrace change, to welcome the cozy comforts that colder days bring. It reminds us to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the fleeting beauty that surrounds us.
So, as October unfolds its enchanting charm, let us immerse ourselves in its wonders. Let us revel in the simple joys it bestows and find solace in the gentle embrace of autumn’s embrace.
Saturday Classics – 07102023
The guitar and melody in this song is beautiful the message meaningful
All in all, this is an anti-war song that centers around the pointlessness and silliness of war while shedding light on the plights of soldiers on the battlefield.
“Brothers in Arms” was released in 1985 as one of the singles from Dire Strait’s best-selling album “Brothers in Arms”. The album not only sold over 30 million copies around the globe but also went on to become one of the greatest albums of all time. It was the recipient of 2 Grammy Awards in 1986
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 