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.
A view of nature gently framed by the entrance of a timeworn building. I hope you appreciate the beautiful contrast between the vibrant outdoors and the wear of the structure, as it tells a story of both beauty and decay. This image highlights the poignant difference between the enchanting allure of nature and the fading remnants of human craftsmanship, observed through the threshold of a once-proud building. It captures a heartfelt moment where the colors of the natural world embraces the history of human creation, inviting us to value both the thriving beauty and the whispers of time. This scene was shared with Thursday Doors.
A weathered doorway frames a view of vibrant nature, illustrating the contrast between decay and the beauty of the outdoors.
Some cool farm animals in black-and-white settings tell a vivid story that shows what rural life is all about. You’ve got a cow chilling out in a sunny meadow, horses munching on some fresh grass, and sheep casually grazing in a big field. There’s even a sleepy calf all snuggled up on the ground. Plus, close-ups of a hen hanging out, an ostrich looking all curious, and a gorgeous Highland cow with its fluffy fur make for some pretty awesome portraits. Together, these images highlight the beauty of farm animals just being themselves, inviting us to soak in the peaceful vibe of country living.
a cow resting among its herd, the peacefulness of farm life.A group of horses feeding on hay in a farm setting.A herd of sheep grazing in a meadowA peaceful sleeping calf, surrounded by straw in a monochrome setting.A young alpaca resting in a grassy field, the beauty of farm animals A close-up of a hen resting on the ground in black and white.
A close-up of an ostrich, showcasing its unique facial features in black and white.
Close-up of a Highland cow with long, shaggy hair and prominent horns.
This forest scene in Porkkalaniemi, Finland with a fallen tree nestled in a lush, moss-covered ground evokes tranquility and connection to nature, highlighting the beauty and serenity found in such untouched natural environments, where time seems to slow down, allowing one to fully immerse in the sights and sounds around. The fallen tree, with its weathered bark and vibrant moss, serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles, illustrating how life and decay coexist harmoniously, each playing an essential role in the ecosystem’s intricate tapestry.
A forest scene with a fallen tree and moss-covered ground
I have not taken many window shots lately; this one is from the summer days, capturing a moment that feels timeless. Nature’s art, with all its vivid colors and intricate details, is beautifully framed through this old six-pane glass window, providing a glimpse into the vibrant green world outside. The way the sunlight filters through the dusty panes creates a magical interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the serene view beyond. Take a moment to appreciate the simpler things in life, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of Monday Window always keep an eye for a good window 😀
A view through an old six-pane glass window, capturing the vibrant greens and dappled sunlight of summer.
All my grandsons visiting at the same time :-D. The three older ones stayed with us for five vibrant days as they were here for their Autumn break from school, filling our home with laughter and screams. These days were loud and busy, many shared meals. The little one, full of energy and excitement, came to see his cousins :-D.
This week, skip the classic street-portrait approach and zoom in (or step closer) to capture peeling paint on a lamppost. The goal is to reveal the often-hidden, magical world, of the details we never take the time to notice the rhythmic pattern of subway tiles, tire marks on wet asphalt, or the glow of neon bouncing off a puddle. The goal is to reveal the often-hidden, magical world, of the details we never take the time to notice anymore.
A baby enjoying water jets in a splash pad, emphasizing the joy of play and discovery.
Think rusty bolts on a hydrant shot at ƒ/2.8 for creamy blur, ragged poster layers lit from the side to make ripped edges glow, overhead views of cracked crosswalk paint that read like bold graphic lines, or manhole covers framed tight for instant urban geometry—all quick ways to turn unnoticed street textures into interesting stories.
a weathered detail featuring a San Francisco Ferry Terminal emblem, exemplifying the beauty in urban textures.
This is a simple challenge I will leave these images for inspiration, I am not going to explain them anymore than the caption underneath them. I hope you have fun taking new photos or going through your archives.
A colorful rooster confidently crossing a street, showcasing the vibrant textures of urban life.A close-up of a rusted metal piece embedded in textured stone pavement, showcasing the weathered details often overlooked in urban environments.A bustling urban street scene featuring prominent yellow crosswalks, surrounded by shops and pedestrians, capturing the vibrant city life.
Vibrant decorative pathway art showcasing a flowing river design in blue and yellow, emphasizing urban creativity.
A colorful urban scene reflected in a puddle, showcasing the beauty of overlooked details.A weathered wall with a barred window and an old scooter parked beside it, capturing urban decay and hidden textures.Vintage metro signage indicating platforms for St. Kilda and Port Melbourne, showcasing the charm of urban transit decor.
Bronze sculpture of a joyful chef enjoying a meal with chopsticks, set on a table with bottles and a plate.
An abandoned toilet surrounded by overgrown foliage and aged walls, capturing the hidden textures of urban decay.
A weathered sign displaying breakfast timing from 7:30 to 10 AM, partially obscured by greenery.
A close-up shot of weathered drainage pipes alongside a sidewalk, highlighting urban textures and the subtle beauty of neglected details in the city.
Last week, Sofia took the world on a journey to ancient sites, where every crumbling stone and artifact told a story; you could hear the history echoing in these posts, resonating with whispers of civilizations long past, as she explored the details of architectural marvels and uncovered legends that shaped the cultural landscape.
Next week is Tina’s turn to host, please go and visit her lovely blog Saturday 1st November. Hope you will join us again. Until then, keep smiling and stay positive.
Important; link your post to my post so I can find you and Remember to tag Lens-Artists so we can all easily find you. .
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Mood Board – featuring blue and red tones for interior design. I’m beginning with the vibrant shades of blue hydrangea paired with a bold red flower, which will be the centerpiece of this color scheme. A whimsical pink gladiolus adds a playful touch, while a purple great masterwort contributes depth and personality to the overall look. To ground the design, lush greens and muted greens will be integrated through decor or accents, offering a natural essence that tempers the vivid colors. This blend of floral inspiration and striking hues cultivates a magical atmosphere, ideal for transforming any space into a chic and welcoming environment. However, which rooms would suit this palette? In the Nordics/Scandinavia, we tend to lean towards natural and subdued whites and beiges. Yet, I have witnessed beautiful vibrant designs in Britain. I’m curious why this contrast exists. One reason could be that during the dark winter months, a lighter interior provides the brightness we crave, while colors create a cozy nook for us to retreat into. Do you have any ideas?
A close-up of vibrant floral arrangements featuring blue hydrangeas and rich, deep-toned flowers, perfect for interior design inspiration.
Dawn of ’The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere, we here in southern Finland are at this at the point where most of the leaves have fallen and today is cloudy and rainy. This today at 2PM
I took these during summer, and I have previously posted several shots of the Oodi Helsinki Central Library, but these are not them. You mainly see the reflection of the Parliament House in Helsinki. It is good to visit the archives; there are so many photos that I’ve not posted for one reason or another. If you are interested in the building the link offers lots of information.
The closer you look the more clear you can see this week’s image for Thursday Doors
the Oodi Library’s unique architecture.
Reflection of the Parliament House on the glass facade of Oodi Library in Helsinki.
Reflections of people and “Parliament House captured in the glass facade with a door
A view of Helsinki’s Parliament House framed through the architectural design of the Oodi Library.
View from the OODi Library in Helsinki, showcasing the Parliament House through the glass façade.
A view from inside the Oodi Library in Helsinki, showcasing the modern architecture and Music Hall on the other side of outdoor space.Musiikkitalo is the result of a joint endeavour by the Sibelius Academy, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. First opened to the public in August 2011, the building enjoys a prime location in central Helsinki, opposite Eduskunta, the Finnish Parliament. This is a shot from the back of the building as seen from Oodi.
A striking view of the Oodi Helsinki Central Library’s architectural design featuring a curved wooden ceiling and reflective glass facade.
Still showing the beauty of frosty mornings, where nature unveils its delicate artistry. This time, the details of frost on ferns create a mesmerizing sight, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with intricate patterns that glisten under the soft light. I even did a small poem to enhance the post. The crystalline frost, like nature’s jewelry, adorns each leaf, reminding us of the beauty that often goes unnoticed in the chilly embrace of dawn.
Close-up of frosty leaves glistening in sunlight.
Ferns donning deep brown tones, Glistening under the gentle morning glow, An intricate display of fall colors, Their fragile fronds, a transient charm, Echoing the waning heat of the season, Frost veiled, sparkling in the sun, Nature’s shift, a serene moment of elegance.
Fern covered with frost
Frosty fern adorned with glistening ice crystals in sunlight.
The beauty of winter’s first touch is truly special, the charming frost-kissed flowers and leaves shimmering in the gentle morning light; that delicate layer of frost seems to wrap everything in a cool embrace, transforming the ordinary into something truly beautiful for all to appreciate.
Frost-covered flowers and leaves showcasing the beauty of winter’s touch.Frost-covered flower glistening in the morning light, showcasing the beauty of winter’s touch.Frost-covered leaves The beauty of frost-covered leaves and flowers
As I walked past this eye-catching scene, I simply had to take a shot, as it was so perfectly suitable for my Monday Windows collection. The contemporary interior, characterized by the mirrored ceiling that reflects the ambiance beautifully, is further enhanced by distinctive light fixtures. Ample windows in and out at the AINOA Mall allow natural light to flood the space, highlighting the design elements.
A modern interior featuring a mirrored ceiling and unique light installations and lots of windows.
Additionally, the modern entrance to a restaurant catches the eye, featuring fashionable lighting that adds a touch of elegance, and an extensive drink display that tempts patrons with a variety of options behind the glass doors.
A modern dining space featuring stylish lighting and a well-stocked drink display.
It seems that I am frequently posting food photographs on this post, showcasing the delightful variety of dishes that capture my attention. However, I haven’t taken many photos with my phone this week. I do like taking shots of beautifully served food, usually it’s a meticulously plated gourmet meal at a restaurant. I always strive to highlight the artistry and creativity behind every plate.
Yesterday I had lunch that took four hours with a friend; we enjoyed a three-course meal and a bottle of nice wine, savoring every bite as we reminisced about our past adventures together. Good conversation kept going, even though we got into a rather fiery one about what’s happening in the world, but we remained polite, respecting each other’s viewpoints while passionately expressing our own. Ultimately, we thought about the issue the same way but approached it from different angles, and this diversity of thought only deepened our connection, allowing us to appreciate the complexities of our discussions.
Starters: Burrata cheese, marinated tomatoes, Marcona almonds, and fresh basil and Creamy chanterelle soup with allspice cream and thyme
Mains: Grilled pepper steak with garlic–blue cheese gratinated potatoes, tomato–onion salad and creamy pepper sauce
Desert: French lemon meringue tart with vanilla tuile
A beautifully plated French lemon meringue tart adorned with delicate tuile, garnished with fresh flowers and herbs.
Sofia has set a challenge Ancient, she wrote: This week I’m looking for anything that has had an existence of many years. It can be like my examples, ancient buildings or places, unchangeable landscapes. It can also be traditions, whose origins are lost in time, or obsolete objects of everyday life. Your imagination is as much the limit as age…
I was going to show shots from Archaeological sites like of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, maybe few from Tombs of the Kings, Kato Paphos in Cyprus. Then I thought about what is older than that, did a little bit of research and this is what I came up with.
According NOAA the Ocean’s are ancient. Over vast periods of time, our primitive ocean formed. Water remained a gas until the Earth cooled below 212 degrees Fahrenheit. At this time, about 3.8 billion years ago, the water condensed into rain which filled the basins that we now know as our world ocean.
The vast and ancient ocean, a reminder of the Earth’s formation over billions of years.
Most scientists believe that the atmosphere and oceans formed slowly over millions of years through the release of gases from the Earth’s interior. This process allowed water vapor and other gases from molten rocks to escape into the atmosphere. Once the Earth’s surface cooled below the boiling point of water, it started to rain continuously for a long time. As the rainwater collected in the low areas, the first oceans formed. Gravity kept the water on the planet.
A surfer riding the waves in a vast ocean, showcasing the beauty and power of ancient waters.
Finland’s bedrock is 3,000–1,400 million years old and is among the oldest, thickest and most stable in Europe. Granite is our country’s most common rock, and it is Finland’s national rock.
The red Aztec sandstone rocks in the Valley of Fire are about 150 million years old, formed from shifting sand dunes during the Jurassic period. However, the park also contains older, darker gray rocks that are between 550 and 250 million years old, dating back to the Paleozoic Era.
Australia holds the oldest continental crust on Earth, researchers have confirmed, hills some 4.4 billion years old. I don’t think I have any photos of that.
BUT the Great Ocean Road offers The “limestone rocks” they refer to the Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks that were formed by millions of years of ocean erosion. Stunning landscapes; the views observed today are the result of a dynamic interplay of geological processes that have unfolded over millions of years. So, the spectacular variety of seascapes in the Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands Coastal Park is the sum of 7–15 million years of limestone and clay formation sculpted by the relentless forces of nature. These forces include the variables of climate, rain, wind, and waves, alongside a rising sea level that has reshaped the coast over the last 18,000 years.
And all of that my friends has resulted in something very unique and very beautiful.
Another fact I found out was: In 2008, geologists announced that a swath of exposed bedrock in the Canadian province of Quebec was the oldest place on Earth’s surface. The crust on the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt, on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, is 4.28 billion years old, dating to when Earth was still cooling from its formation! No photo to share on this nugget of information.
I gotta give a shoutout to Sofia for this awesome challenge! I learned so much while looking up info for this post. Last week, Ann-Christine took us on a super dreamy trip with serene landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and calm scenes. It was such a delight of relaxing theme.
Next week is my turn to host, Saturday 25th October. Hope you will join me then Until then, keep smiling and stay positive.
Almost forgot; Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to Sofia’s lovely post so we can all easily find you.
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
A view of the ocean reflecting the soft golden hues of the sky, embodying the ancient and timeless nature of our planet’s waters.
There were two colorful leaves, a vibrant dance, Then frost whispered in, stealing their chance. The chill embraced, and one took flight, Now one lonely leaf lies on the ground, basking in the morning light
A frosty leaves clinging to a branch amidst vibrant fall colors.A single colorful leaf rests on a textured wooden surface, illuminated by morning light.
This week has been all about dreamy, autumn vibes, exploring the beauty of windows and ceramics that encapsulate the season’s essence. I feel that I was able to capture the most significant elements into this image taken through these old windows, where the soft, golden light filters in, casting gentle shadows. To enhance the mood, I did a bit of color editing, as the original photo was taken during summer, making it feel quite different with the cooler tones. I will include the original image as well for those who prefer the vibrant brighter and more cooler summer aesthetic; however, please note that the figure in the picture is a statue, not a man with little imagination you could make it the ceramic in this post. A statue adds intrigue, creating a whimsical conversation piece about the intersection of art and nature in our everyday lives.
A dreamy autumn scene captured through a window, showcasing soft golden light and a statue basking in light from all directions .
A whimsical sight of a statue seen through a window, capturing the essence of cooler toners and light od summer.
This week I am sharing close-ups of autumn’s small beautiful details that often go unnoticed. Last night, we experienced a significant drop in temperatures, going below 0°C / 32°F, and the frost was there to greet us like a delicate blanket, sparkling in the early morning light. If I’d I walked outside, I could have heard the crunch of frost beneath my feet and the crisp air filling my lungs, a reminder that we are officially heading towards the colder days and into November. It was cold I didn’t , maybe tomorrow I’ll do it, just to take few photos.
Close-up of dew-covered leaves glistening in sunlight, highlighting the intricate web of nature.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 