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 is that time of the year again that we closed the summer house for season 2020.
We packed all the linens away and emptied the refrigerator and cupboards from food. Racked the leaves, well actually we run the lawnmower over them and this way the all the nutrients will remain in the ground.
So these are this season’s farewell photos, Enjoyed a lovely sunset and warmth of the fireplace plus the beautiful night sky you are able to see in the countryside as there are no street lights.
As I do not live in the country I don’t come across farm animals that often, but lots of people have started to raise chicken on they yards so they can get fresh eggs. These chicken live in an old boat.
Autumn chores at the summer house nearly every year includes burning of dry twigs that you have left from cutting down trees. That was in the agenda this year too.
To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them. What stranger miracles are there?
~Walt Whitman
The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.
I often find peace and calmness in the forest, a great place to gather your thoughts. Have a spiritual moment 🙂
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Forest Health, is not only a Finnish luxury, I am sure it is recognized all over the world. Shinrin-yoku, as they call it in Japan, is a famous way of spending time in nature. Research has shown that people who practice forest bathing , exposure to forests and trees gets these benefits from it: 1. boosts the immune system 2. lowers blood pressure 3. reduces stress 4. improves mood 5. increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD 6. accelerates recovery from surgery or illness 7. increases energy level 8. improves sleep
I have been studying sculpture for about five years, I had few years break now I am back again at it. The process it self is meditative, you just concentrate on the clay and what you can do with it, sometimes with frustrations, as it does not in anyway resemblance what you are trying to achieve. At times, you get into a flow and time just passes without noticing. Until, well, your shoulders burn after three hours of concentration in a same position. your mind free of any outside, mundane or worrisome thoughts. Here is a piece in process and one, finally ready and some figures waiting to be burned.
A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions – so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.
Anyone who has followed my for a longer period of time ( I have been on WordPress for NINE years) knows I love the sea, sailboats and clouds. I captured these when visiting Kopparnäs, Inkoo last Sunday. I got so much pleasure watching the beautiful glimmering sea and the sailboats in the distance. If you look closely you might spot a swan there too. I hope was able to capture my feelings of the moment in these photos.
Kopparnäs rock area is a multi-streaked rock type; the toughest the rock types are quartz-feldspar gneiss alongside the stripe is gneiss, granite and some shale rock types.
It was Sunday again and it was sunny again, we went out of the house again. Lots of repeats! Last time we went to this place, it was on the Storvik side in the spring. Now in autumn we are on the more rocky side, in my opinion, at Kopparnäs. Lovely place, not crowded this time, families and couples strolling the seaside. In this post, I have photos from the forest and our walking campions, our two grandsons.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Miles Kington
The difference between a bland tomato and great one is immense, much like the difference between a standard, sliced white bread and a crusty, aromatic sourdough.
Near the bridge over the Glimsin River, grows the park’s largest oak (Quercus robur), which is about 5.5 meters in circumference. This oak is the thickest single-trunked tree in Träskända and at the same time in the whole of Espoo.
We enjoyed a beautiful autumn Sunday visiting this lovely park, the history these trees could tell. There were people sitting by the trees or benches having a picnic, enjoying the low soft autumn light and warmth. Kids running around playing – so idylic.
I had my camera with me, but I forgot the card home so I had to take photos with my mobile. I have to say, the quality just is not the same as it would be with a camera, but you can still see that is is a lovely place to visit and only 20 minutes from home.
History and diverse nature meet in Träskända Manor Park. Manor Park is a nationally valuable cultural and historical environment and one of the oldest nature reserves in Espoo. Cultural-historical values are combined with the old noble forest of the manor park and several rare tree and shrub species as well as fauna. The manor environment also includes an exceptionally extensive and original landscape park.
Glims river reflections
We can learn a lot from trees: they’re always grounded but never stop reaching heavenward.
The construction of the manor park began as early as the 18th century, but the park got its modern look during Aurora Karamzin in the mid-19th century, when Träskända was one of the most magnificent manors in Finland.
The current main building in Träskända was built in the 1890s
Near the bridge over the Glimsin River, grows the park’s largest oak (Quercus robur), which is about 5.5 meters in circumference. This oak is the thickest single-trunked tree in Träskända and at the same time in the whole of Espoo.
Manor Park is a popular outdoor area and an important neighborhood for residents of the area.
Träskända Manor Park was designated as a nature reserve in 1961. Kartanpuisto is one of the most significant historical parks in Finland.