Shot with Sony a7III Lens 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6
Posted for Brian’s Last on the Card December 2025
last on the card – Year-End 2025
Shot with Sony a7III Lens 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6
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.
Shot with Sony a7III Lens 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6
Reflections on Life, Friendship, and Art Through Postcards
I was sifting through a collection of old postcards from many years ago, particularly those from a cherished friend I’ve known for 45 years. Many of them handmade. This reflection made me ponder over friendships—both old and new, as well as those from the past. Each postcard was like a time capsule. Whether time has taken them away due to life’s circumstances or they have sadly passed on, the outcome is the same: they are no longer a part of my life, yet each one has left a significant mark during our time together. The little joys and sorrows we shared, the secrets we confided in one another, and the milestones we celebrated still resonate within me. Reminders of them linger on, intertwined with the fabric of my personal history, and a few of the postcards I moved stirred up memories of friends I had long forgotten…life.
I often reflect on the individuals I’ve encountered in this blogging community. Many have journeyed alongside me throughout my 14 years of blogging. I’ve come to know fragments of their life narratives, sharing in both their joys and sorrows. I empathize with some and find myself moved by others, grasping their highs and lows. Numerous stories have sparked inspiration in me. As a photographer, the images I’ve seen have enriched my photography. I’ve learned about life on other continents, seen places I’ve never visited, and listed them on my bucket list. The artistic influences I’ve gained are invaluable. I consider you all friends, even those I haven’t met in person. Some of you feel like close companions, while others remain acquaintances with whom I exchange occasional greetings.
Wishing everyone a joyful New Year!
Gloomy
Joy in Simple Moments with Flowers
Flowers are often a theme on Tuesdays, a ritual I cherish that brings a touch of beauty to my week. My last bouquet needed to be freshened up with some new flowers as some of them had been way too soon withered, their vibrant colors fading into dull reminders of their former glory, so I needed to remove them with care. As I was doing this, I looked at the cutting board I was using and had an opportunity to share with you the pretty cuttings on it, the remnants of petals and leaves that tell a story of their own. Each little piece seemed to reflect both the fragility and resilience of life. This shows you I have time on my hands and nothing grand going on, just mundane everyday life that often gets overlooked. However, when all is said and done, these small moments, like arranging flowers and contemplating their beauty, bring a sense of calm and joy, reminding me that finding pleasure in simplicity is truly a good thing.
Even they can make for a nice photograph. Or not. But for some reason, I saw something pretty here.
Nostalgic photographs – Luxor’s Ancient Wonders
Memories to our visit to Luxor – Valley of the Kings Luxor Egypt about 20 years ago. Nostalgia is also in the quality of the photos even though I did little bit of editing to them. History is in the statues photographed.
veikka the Cat and Windows
For Monday Window, our Veikka was such a cute and cuddly big white cat, with fur so soft and eyes the color of caramel brown. I have a special place in my heart for him. I have so many photos of our cats; these also include windows.
Benches Make Great Photography Subjects
All through 2025, Jude of Travel Words fame has invited us to give our Sunday posts over to benches. I’ve seen many of the post, participate once or twice. But here is one for the last bench post of the year. Boy, did I take myself on a search, I found lots of images of chairs, but a bench. I have to notice them differently, now I look for a place to sit, but also notice them as photography topics.
This one I found after a couple of hours, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover it buried among many others. During that time, I did edit some photos that I came across, which I found to be quite worthwhile, though they had gone unnoticed before. There is a treasure trove of images in my collection that I should look more carefully at, as many I’ve just ignored in the past because I felt I had nothing relevant to post at the time. As I sift through my archives, I found few that deserves to be shared, and it inspires me to revisit these moments and potentially share them with others. Taking the time to explore these overlooked images might reveal hidden gems that could spark joy of discovery or nostalgia.
Silent sunday
Everyday Moments
While my son was busy with last-minute Christmas shopping at the mall, I took the opportunity to do some people-watching. I was searching for shots that might fit an upcoming challenge and ended up capturing these. Although they didn’t meet the challenge criteria, I felt I should share them now. During the editing process, I aimed to highlight different aspects of the images—after all, John’s Cellpic Sunday provides a wonderful platform to showcase these everyday moments.
I sought to express the reasons behind my choice to take these photos – I really didn’t, but what the heck – I took them, and now I am sharing them with a sense of both no reason and trepidation. Each image captures a fleeting moment as all photos do, even if I can’t pinpoint exactly why. The moment may not be very important or significant as is the case with these.
If you have an opinion on whether I should have or should not have shared them, I am open to your thoughts and can take it whichever way you think about them, knowing that it is subjective. Your perspectives ,understanding of these images may even inspire me 😀
Saturday Classics – 27122025
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.
The hill
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 😁
Red Apples
Red apples and Christmas seem to go together. So that reason no other one am I posting these pictures.
Red apples have long been a symbol of peace, tradition, and abundance during the Christmas season
The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me ....
Five gold rings
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.
Leannes Monochrome Madness #50: 12 days of Christmas
Guest host from From Pyrenees to Pennines Margarets Monochrome Madness #50: 12 Days of Christmas
Bouquets with Red Berries and Green carnations
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
At the mall
For John’s Cellpic Sunday without any explanation, the picture says it all 🎄🎄
Peaceful View Through Frosted Windows
Monday Window: 22 December 2025
Festive
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.
One Word Sunday 21 December: Festive
Matching
city street through rain-soaked car window
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but inside the car it’s so delightful; let it rain, let it rain. (No, really, please stop.)
Macro Photography of Beaded Accessories
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.
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.
the Beauty of White Orchids
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.
For Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.
The Intricate Beauty of Amalfi Cathedral
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
Wordless Wednesday
Monochrome Photography of Snapper Island
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.
My art portfolio
My art profile received a boost from NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY which is always nice.
Exploring Art Through a Reflective Sculpture
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.
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?
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 