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.
It has been ages since I participated in Saturday Classics, so as it is the last Saturday of the year, I thought I might join with a tune that I like. I happy to share this particular piece, which has always resonated deeply with me. Teddy Swims – Lose Control
This is one of the songs from him that I’ve listened to a lot over the past year; I really like this voice, as it resonates with me on so many levels. His unique tone and expressive delivery captivate my attention every time I listen. I often find myself lost in the melodies, reflecting on my own experiences while his lyrics play in the background. I don’t think I need to explain this any further, as music often speaks for itself through the feelings it instills. I truly hope you enjoy it too; perhaps it will resonate with you.
I don’t know if the photo is a great match to the song, but you tell me :-D. I have to add an image as this is a photography blog.
Something’s got a hold of me lately. No, I don’t know myself anymore. Feels like the walls are all closing in. And the devil’s knocking at my door
The hill behind our house looks as if it’s October instead of December but it is what it is. Just accept it, be content with it as there is nothing you can do about it. Complaining won’t make a difference.
Darkness is slowly turning into light, slowly is the thing. But come February it will be better . You can see how the day grows longer in March 21st the sunset is 18:36 and it was 15:13 on December 21st . Something to look forward to 😁
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me ....
Five gold rings
A beautiful arrangement of five gold ringsA collection of elegant gold rings, embodying the spirit of Christmas presents.A collection of elegantly designed gold rings, symbolizing love and commitment.
I must admit, this challenge was quite difficult, but fortunately, I have plenty of rings to work with. On short notice, this is what I managed to capture. With family visiting, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to photography, so I quickly took these shots with my iPhone at my desk. I placed the rings on a cream jar, using a festive paper as a backdrop, while the other photo features a dark pen holder.
The festive spirit of Christmas,our decorated tree with lights and colorful ornaments. Key decorations include a blue ornament with silver snowflakes, a red holly-adorned ornament, a wooden skate, and a rocking horse, and a snowman all creating a holiday atmosphere.
I have these photos of some jewelry, I photographed before – and shared here! I got some close-ups of this vibrant beaded necklace with a colorful design and metal charms that are simply to my taste.
A close-up view of colorful beads and metal charms showcasing intricate designs.
The peace symbol charm that I really appreciate, and the vintage coin which really pops. I even messed around with the bokeh in the background—I’m happy with how these turned out! During these dark days, you need to get the inspiration inside.
Close-up of an intricately designed bracelet featuring colorful beads and a peace symbol charm.
Close-up of a colorful beaded bracelet showcasing intricate designs and textures.
Close-up of a beautifully crafted necklace featuring a vintage coin and colorful beads.
The delicate beauty of white orchids captivates all who encounter them, showcasing their ethereal elegance with every blossom. From their slender stems to the gentle curves of their petals, white orchids embody a tranquil essence. Furthermore, their significance in various cultures, often associated with love, fertility, and strength, enhances their allure, making them not just a visual delight but also a meaningful floral gift.
Elegant white orchids in soft focusElegant white orchids showcasing their delicate beauty.Close-up of a beautiful white orchid, highlighting its delicate petals and vibrant center.
Today, I’m showcasing some doors and details from my archives that feature the enchanting beauty and intricate details of the Amalfi Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral), its architecture, and a rich history. This cathedral, one of the standout attractions of the Amalfi Coast and among Italy’s most magnificent churches, sits in Piazza del Duomo at the heart of Amalfi. The beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, whose remains were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in 1206 and are interred in the Crypt. In addition to being the patron saint of Scotland and Russia, Saint Andrew is also revered as the patron saint of Amalfi.
Click images to enlarge them.
I, for some reason, found it suitable for the season as I am listening to Christmas songs at the same time. Dan’s Thursday Doors
I took my lead from Leanne Monochrome Madness; I am showing photos from the Australian coastline, which are truly breathtaking and capture the essence of this stunning region. I stayed with my cousin at Casey’s Beach in NSW last February. Thanks to her hospitality we were able to stay in this beautiful place for a couple of weeks.
Casey’s Beach is a calm and east-facing beach located in Batehaven. Snapper Island can be seen from her house from a slightly different angle than these shots, adding a unique charm to the picturesque view. We drove to the Observation Point, located at the northern end of Casey’s Beach , this lookout provides elevated views over the 1 km stretch of beach, perfect for a great vantage point in both directions, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the coastline as the waves gently lapped at the shore. I have even painted it at one point, and it now hangs in her house, So I have been inspired by it before, and I hope to return again to experience its magic all over.
A monochrome view of Snapper Island from Batehaven, Australian coastline.
A dramatic black and white view of the Australian coastline featuring trees and rocky outcrops under moody skies.
A tranquil monochrome view of the Australian coastline, featuring rugged rocks and the calm sea lined with lush vegetation.
A serene black and white view of the coastline framed by trees, capturing the natural beauty of Batehaven, NSW.
A monochrome view of the Australian coastline framed by silhouetted trees, capturing the serene beauty of nature.
Art inspiring photography has a unique ability to captivate and draw us into a world of creativity and imagination. I saw this remarkable artwork and can genuinely say I spent more than a few moments lost in its beauty, taking multiple photos of the mesmerizing reflections it created.
The artist Keith Tyson has embedded fragments of meteorites collected from Antarctica into a polished steel sphere in his work titled “Field of Heaven.” The concept is to unite materials that have originated as far apart from each other as possible.
A polished steel sphere titled ‘Field of Heaven’ by Keith Tyson, reflecting intriguing details and surroundings.
Each angle revealed something new, and I found myself striving to capture that one inspiring shot that would encapsulate the essence of the piece. One of the photographs I took appears to show a crow peeking out from the depths of the artwork, its silhouette forming a mysterious figure that invites curiosity. Another image conveys a sense of wonder, resembling a stone or a meteor hurtling forth from a brilliant star, as if it were a fragment of the universe capturing a fleeting moment in time.
Through these reflections, I felt a profound connection to the art, showcasing the hidden narratives and emotions that art often evokes in those who are open to its interpretation. What is your interpretation?
A striking sculpture featuring a spherical design with star motifs, displayed elegantly on a pedestal in a gallery.
So far, December has been unseasonably warm, characterized by gray and rainy weather; we’ve only enjoyed one sunny day here in southern Finland. The dreariness of the skies affects my mood, it really does. However, we did go to Helsinki to see live music and on the way we saw the season’s festive lights in Helsinki, which I found to be quite tastefully arranged, stylish would be my word. I snapped a few iPhone photos to preserve the memories, but unfortunately, none turned out well in terms of quality—they’re all somewhat blurry. I’ll attribute this to the frigid weather; the biting wind was so cold it left me shivering, making it hard to hold the camera steady.
A festive winter scene in Helsinki’s Esplanade Park, featuring a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree and decorated deer sculptures near the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
A festive pedestrian street in Helsinki with twinkling holiday lights.
Livemusic, americana, mexicana? We went to see a top band assembled by Alejandro Escovedo and Sami Yaffa in Savoy in Helsinki. A long-time songwriter (74 years old), Escovedo was born to a family of Mexican immigrants, and he often sings stories about the experiences of immigrants in the United States, a musical family as only 8 out of the 13 children became musicians. Brothers Coke and Pete once played in a small Chicano band called Santana. Pete’s daughter is Sheila E.
This was a new artist from Texas to me; I loved how he told the stories about the songs. I can say I truly enjoyed this wonderful artist’s music there is something to be said about to listening to live music played by wonderful musicians.
Live performance by a talented band and Alejandro Escovedo, showcasing a captivating musical experience.
The photos are nothing to brag about, but will be a reminder of nice evening. For John’s Cellpic Sunday
I enjoy these year-end moments to showcase some photos that didn’t make the cut or align with our themes. This year, I’ve taken fewer pictures than usual. My time in Singapore and Australia was when I truly captured a wealth of my images. There are still posts on that journey waiting to be crafted. Health challenges have hindered my enjoyment of photography as I once knew it, leading me to rely more on quick snaps from my phone. Additionally, like Ann-Christine, I’ve been dedicating more time to art projects, reigniting my passion for them. Aquarelle and Graphic Monotype are the art forms I’ve concentrated on, even though they often don’t turn out as I envision. I’ve realized that practice is key—at least it feels that way to me. The same holds true for photography. Hopefully next year will hold more inspiring photography opportunities.
This did not come together as I planned, but as I looked at the photos, this theme rose from the photos I took on our memorable trip. My plan was to share the most beautiful shots I have, ones that showed the beauty we saw, and instead, I give you this collection of people with their phones or posing for a photo, and two with no connection to the theme at all. But here they are, my final glimpses!
View from inside a cabin of the Singapore Flyer, showcasing the city skyline and iconic landmarks.
I was at the plaza in Marina Bay in Singapore, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and engaging in some casual people watching. As I sat on a bench and listened to the lively sound of chatter and commands about how to pose for the photo, I captured these images of people striking poses for their parents and friends.
The varied gathering, featuring both tourists and locals, brought a blend of languages and cultures to the space; yet, it was hard to ignore that many were absorbed in their phones, scrolling intently and often missing the vibrant life around them. It felt a bit sad, don’t you think? As I witnessed this scene, I found myself thinking about on the connections we make and those we inadvertently let slip away, realizing that while technology helps us stay connected in so many ways, it can also create an invisible wall that distances us from the rich, shared experiences that life has to offer.
I used to live in this white heritage-style home at Henley Beach, just minutes away from the beach.
In Australia, we traveled extensively through the breathtaking natural spots. Obviously, the beauty of the natural environment drew us in, providing countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, we also noticed some people here with their phones, capturing their experiences on camera—posing against the backdrop of iconic landmarks and sharing their moments. When you look at these photos, it seems everyone has their hand on a phone, me included—or, in many cases, a camera.
Time to say thanks for this year; 2025 has passed so quickly. A big thank you to all the Lens-Artists team for their creativity and dedication. I really enjoy the community that Lens-Artists has created, the unity and kindness people have toward each other, the positivity, and the power of kind and thoughtful words and humor. The world needs it. Photography is a great way to share the beauty around us. I am ever so grateful for the new blog friends I’ve made, as well as those who have been with me for all the fourteen years I’ve been blogging.
As we pause for the final two weeks of December, let’s share kindness and embrace the spirit of the Holiday Season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bless you with joy and good health! We’ll be back with our Favorite Photos of the Year challenge on January 3. Until then, remember to be kind, stay safe, and relish the journey.
Last night in Helsinki, we enjoyed a vibrant street scenes filled with festive lights, perfect for Debbies Six Word Saturday. The atmosphere was lively, highlighting the city’s charm and energy during the nighttime. It was a delightful experience amidst the festive ambiance of the bustling streets. The sign on the pavement was just great for For Debbies Six Word Saturday
A bustling street scene illuminated by festive lights at night.
Here are some gentle reflections mirrored in the calm waters, creating a soothing rhythm with images of wooden docks, masts, and rigging. Each shot adds to a calm atmosphere, and the beauty of reflections and the subtle movements that invite us to pause and appreciate the delicate dance between light and water.
For this week for Dan’s Thursday Doors, I sought AI’s feedback on my image, which inspired me to explore my creative choices. I edited the image in three ways to highlight the importance of color in conveying meaning and emotional resonance, noting how the shift from warm to cool tones alters interpretation. And I just like editing images 😀
This photo, captured by Ritva Sillanmäki, can symbolize several ideas, primarily centered around transition, choice, and new opportunities, as doors are a common subject in art for these themes.
Potential Symbolism:
Transition and Change: Doorways represent the passage from one place or state of being to another, such as leaving one phase of life behind and moving on to the next.
Original image.
Opportunity and Invitation: An open door, like the ones in the image, generally conveys a sense of welcome, encouragement, and a new beginning.
An open doorway symbolizing transition and new opportunities, illuminated by warm, inviting light.
Choice and Decision: The presence of multiple doors could symbolize a corridor of choices, or the act of making a decision itself—whether to go through a specific door, stay put, or explore a new path.
An open doorway in teal and browns
Boundaries and Connection: Doors serve as a boundary between the outside world and an inner sanctuary, a connection between different worlds, or a point of protection and welcoming.
An open doorway in blues and dark browns
Artistic Interpretation: As a photographer known for exploring emotions and unique perspectives, Sillanmäki’s work often aims to encourage the viewer to reflect and make their own discoveries within the image. The personal meaning of the photograph ultimately rests with the viewer’s interpretation of the scene and their own experiences.
I am sharing scenes from five countries for this theme The Space Between.
I am starting with doors leading to boathouses and a view through an archway of a partially collapsed brick structure reveal a jagged brick wall in Finland.
A lakeview from an old wooden boat house overlooking calm waters (Finland)
An open door leading to a wooden dock by the water (Finland)
A view through an archway of a partially collapsed brick structure, revealing a jagged brick wall and overgrown ground beyond. (Finland)
A view framed through a heart-shaped opening captures the essence of urban life showcasing the bustling street life, a man selling ice cream and a riverboat in India.
A perspective of a street, framed through a heart-shaped opening, view at the essence of urban life. (India)
A a man leaning against a cart between the two poles selling ice cream in a bustling street. (India)
A waterfront scene featuring a riverboat and architectural structures in the front.(India)
Additionally, I have an image of a wooden bridge and a picturesque road framed by trees from Australia.
A striking black and white image of a wooden bridge, showcasing its structural design and the road leading through. (Australia)
A winding road surrounded by lush greenery (Australia)
A charming waterfront image features boats between a street lamp and a street adorned with historic buildings from France, and a last-minute addition from Italy shows a man reading at an open window.
Two boats moored between a lamppost on the water (France)
A charming street with steps, lined by historic buildings and street lamps.(France)
A last minute addition : A man reading a document at an open window, capturing a moment of contemplation.
I really want to showcase images that catch that sweet spot in between, using black and white photography to highlight intricate designs and the beauty of nature, showing off the contrast and richness of life in different places. I hope the variety of scenes gives you a taste of the amazing cultural and environmental vibes out there!
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 