The black and white photograph features a middle-aged person with tousled hair and a warm, genuine smile, looking downward. The image captures a candid, joyful moment, with soft lighting that accentuates the subject’s expressive features and natural demeanor.
Even though she was not a spring chicken, it did not prevent her from having spring fever, a delightful feeling that filled her heart with joy and energy as the world around her blossomed anew. The vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the sweet melodies of chirping birds. But then again, she could not sprang into a chase after her grandson after he dashed off unexpectedly, leaving her to chuckle at his youthful exuberance while she hurriedly adjusted her vest and made her way down the path, determined to catch up with his boundless energy, even if it meant taking baby steps to do so. She was so happy when she caught up with him.
An elderly woman( No spring Chicken) holding the hand of a young child as they walk together on a stone-paved path. The woman is dressed in a dark skirt, shirt, and a padded vest, smiling warmly while looking slightly ahead., lending a candid and intimate street scene atmosphere to the image.
I saw a close-up view of an old, thick book, a ledger lying open on a wooden surface. Its pages were yellowed and worn, telling me stories of its age, with faint text and handwritten numbers that were barely legible on the open pages. The spine and binding had this beautiful green thread, and the edges of the cover were worn out, adding to its character. The warm, golden light created a nostalgic and timeless mood, making the book’s rich textures and details stand out against a soft, blurred background.
Old well worn out ledger in its glory.
As I love editing I did one in monochrome in brown tones, like old photos. These images are both moody, and nostalgic but have different vibe to them.
A close-up of an old, well-worn book with textured, yellowed pages
I like taking photos of small alleys, and I also like how they look when I convert them to black and white photographs. This narrow, cobblestone alleyway in Rethymno is flanked by tall buildings with textured walls and shuttered windows. Small, quaint light fixtures and lanterns line the walls, some casting a gentle glow, while a neon sign reading ‘BAR’ subtly illuminates part of the scene. A woman dressed in dark clothing stands in the alley, gazing upwards, adding a sense of scale and quiet contemplation to the image. I wanted the overall mood to be intimate and introspective, evoking a timeless, old-world charm in an urban setting.
This time I am sharing images of The Egyptian Lighthouse for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. It is among the oldest lighthouses in the world, and it stands as a testament to maritime history, guiding sailors safely into the harbor for centuries. I tried to add an old photo touch to them to invoke a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the lighthouse’s timeless charm and the stories it could tell if only its walls could speak.
I captured a solitary man sitting on a wooden bench by the waterfront, facing the prominent Egyptian Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands tall on a rugged stone pier, with a small group of people visible at the base, adding a sense of scale and human presence. The foreground reflects the soft light, while the clear sky enhances a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. What I wanted was to depict architectural strength intertwined with quiet solitude, utilizing monochromatic tones that emphasize texture and contrast to evoke some emotions in this and all the other photos I edited for this post.
A solitary man sitting on a wooden bench by the waterfront, facing the prominent Egyptian Lighthouse.
The Egyptian Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world and is located in the old harbor of Chania. It’s a stone structure that sits at the end of the breakwater, serving as a “guard” for the old Venetian harbor and is actually the most photographed spot in the Prefecture.
A peaceful seaside scene with people relaxing on benches near the lighthouse on a calm waterfront.
People strolling and sitting near vintage lamp posts on a pier.
The Egyptian Lighthouse
The Venetians built it in the late 16th century, but it was later rebuilt by the Egyptians between 1830 and 1840 when Crete was under the regent of Egypt, Mehmet Ali. By the time the Ottoman Empire was winding down, they had added a ladder on the east side and some pipes for seawater to flow under its base. The lighthouse stands 21 meters tall, covers an area of 26 square meters, and its light can be seen from about 7 nautical miles away. It has an octagonal base, a part with 16 angles in the middle, and a circular top.
Finding sporting images related to Monochrome Madness this week, hosted by the well-known Elke of Pictures Imperfect, has proven to be quite challenging for me. Here are few. Keeping it short and simple. Gotta run.. 😂
A woman jogging at night with motion blur creating a sense of speed and movementSwimmer in the ocean, you can see the movement – is this a sport shot -or leisure? I know swimming is a serious sport.Still in the water element – surfing – let’s say it’s a sport.Racing… for sure.
I am currently facing some challenges in getting back into the rhythm of blogging, but I’m determined to overcome this creative block. I’m excited to participate in one of my favorites, Leanne’s Monochrome Madness, as black and white photography is a passion of mine. I look forward to showcasing my unique perspective through this medium.
This black-and-white i landscape with a silhouette of several leafless trees against a gradient sky that transitions from dark gray at the top to lighter near the horizon. The trees are situated on a rocky and slightly hilly terrain covered with sparse vegetation. The aim was for he composition to emphasize the intricate, intricate branches of the trees, creating a stark contrast with the smooth sky. The overall mood is calm and introspective, enhanced the subtle texture of the clouds.
Recently, I have been editing photos from a delightful short trip to Crete, where the stunning landscapes and rich history offered countless opportunities for captivating black and white images that truly reflect the island’s unique charm. Each photo tells a story, capturing fleeting moments of beauty, and I can’t wait to reveal the allure of Crete in this timeless art form, hoping to inspire myself to embrace the joy of photography once again and foster a deeper connection with my creative side. Although we initially sought warm and sunny weather for our exploration, we were only fortunate enough to experience two beautiful days, with the rest unexpectedly turning cloudy and windy, which transformed our plans in unanticipated ways and added an element of spontaneity to our journey. Renting a car for four days provided us with the freedom to explore breathtaking mountains with dramatic vistas, charming cities adorned with historical architecture, and stunning sea views that left us in awe of nature’s artistry. While the weather shift made our adventures more challenging, especially considering my wardrobe choices that were geared towards sunnier conditions, the comfortable travel clothes I wore helped me adapt to the cooler temperatures and unpredictable winds, allowing me to fully enjoy discovering new places without the discomfort of being underdressed. Each day brought new experiences, moments of laughter, and a reminder that sometimes the best parts of a trip come from embracing the unexpected.
A lone, leafless tree standing on a rugged hillside under a cloudy sky.
A mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks partially shrouded in mist or low-hanging clouds. The foreground features darker forested slopes with dense clusters of evergreen trees, creating a stark contrast against the lighter, snow-streaked mountain ridges in the background. The overcast sky adds a moody, atmospheric quality to the scene, emphasizing the natural ruggedness and tranquility of the setting. I hope the image conveys a sense of vastness and quiet solitude in a pristine wilderness environment.Looking at the a foggy, rocky mountain landscape densely populated with trees and shrubs in the distance. The mist creates a soft, ethereal atmosphere, obscuring the background and blending the edges of the barren trees and foliage. In the composition I did a gradual transition from darker, more detailed foreground vegetation to a hazy, almost white sky, enhancing the sense of depth and mystery. The aim was for overall mood to be tranquil yet eerie, evoking a quiet, contemplative moment in nature.I am always on the lookout for a lone tree, why I don’t know they appeal to me. The image shows a stark, leafless tree with multiple gnarled branches extending upwards against a muted, cloudy sky. The tree stands atop a rugged, rocky mountain, creating a dramatic contrast between the dark, intricate silhouette of the branches and the textured ground below. The overall monochrome color scheme adds a somber and contemplative mood to the scene, emphasizing the raw natural forms and the starkness of the barren environment.
Here is my submission for Monochrome-Madness #57 {Minimalism}, hosted this week by PR at Flights of the Soul. I tried to bring different topics and moods to this challenge.
I tried to expand the concept of minimalism; flowers are clearly minimalistic, showcasing their delicate beauty in simplicity, but how do you feel that other images work within this framework? I wanted to play with light intricately, experimenting with shadows and highlights to bring this artistic vision to life in urban pictures, emphasizing the contrast between nature’s elegance and the bustling city landscape. By incorporating various perspectives, I aimed to capture the essence of minimalism in a way that resonates, urging the viewer to reconsider their understanding of both nature and urban environments in harmony.
A small, childlike statue enclosed within a tall, rounded iron cage
The black and white image depicts a small, childlike statue enclosed within a tall, rounded iron cage. The statue wears a hooded cloak and holds a rectangular tray or book, with hollow, dark eyes that give it an eerie appearance. The cage’s bars cast sharp shadows, adding to the ominous mood, while the background shows a window and some foliage in soft focus. The overall composition and lighting create a mysterious, haunting atmosphere, emphasizing themes of confinement and isolation. IS this minimalist and creepy ?
A rose
A close-up black and white photograph of a rose, my aim is to show its delicate petals in sharp detail. The petals are softly lit, creating a striking contrast between the highlights and the shadows, which enhances the textures and intricate folds of the flower. The background is dark and blurred, drawing full attention to the rose and giving the image a dramatic and intimate feel. Hope is that the overall composition emphasizes the natural beauty and complexity of the flower, evoking a mood of quiet elegance and subtle grace.
Lily of the Valley
A delicate stem of lily of the valley flowers arches gracefully from left to right across the image. The small, white, bell-shaped blossoms hang evenly spaced along the slender green stalk, each flower showing subtle texture and curvature. The background is softly blurred in shades of muted gray and blue tones, creating a calm and serene mood that highlights the fragile beauty of the flowers. The overall composition is minimalistic and elegant, emphasizing the natural form and gentle color contrast of the subject.
Brasserie du Louvre, a historic Parisian café.
This is street scene outside the Brasserie du Louvre, a historic Parisian café. Two silhouetted figures stand in the foreground, their details obscured by shadows, creating a strong contrast with the illuminated area behind them. The background reveals the façade of the brasserie, with large windows, signage, a vintage streetlamp, and a few motorbikes parked along the sidewalk. The overall mood is contemplative and atmospheric, with a play of light and shadow emphasizing the architectural and human elements of the urban setting. The idea was to make a street minimalist
Urban Street in Riga
A dimly lit urban street corner with a strong contrast between light and shadow in Riga. The cobblestone pavement in the foreground is brightly illuminated by sunlight, casting textured patterns, while the background buildings show signs of age with worn, cracked walls and darkened windows. The scene exudes a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere, enhanced by the deep shadows that obscure parts of the architecture and street. Minimalist in color, the photo emphasizes monochrome tones, focusing on the interplay of light, texture, and urban decay.
This were taken with my mobile from the car while in Helsinki last weekend for I edited them into monochrome on my mobile with LightRoom Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Helsinki – Kluuvi in March 2026Eteläsatama – view to construction of new Museum and in the back the Helsinki Cathedral
View to Helsinki Railway station and The Finnish National Theatre from Vilhonkatu and on the side Casino Helsinki
I’m feeling really drained and lacking initiative at the moment. I want to do things, but I can’t seem to get anything done really well. Like these photos, they are not really inspired; I didn’t take the time to edit them as well as I could have, which is frustrating because I know I have the potential to create something beautiful. So I haven’t posted anything in the last few days, despite the urge to share my work and connect with others. It’s as if there’s a wall of apathy keeping me from expressing myself, and I’m sure you know the feeling. Is this spring fatigue? With the change of season, there’s typically a sense of renewal and energy in the air, but instead, I’m left feeling stagnant and lost in a mix of lethargy and longing for motivation. The ideas swirl in my mind, yet they struggle to find their way into action.
But I am trying – so here are four images, which I find to be a great topic, and still this is what I was able to come up with. Brian, here are my photos for Monochrome Madness: on the roof
Black and white photo showcasing the iconic Roosevelt sign atop a historic building, reflecting a moment of urban nostalgia.A solitary plastic chair overlooks a serene ocean view, taken on a rooftop at Amalfi coastA striking rooftop sculpture of a cat perched atop a pointed architectural feature,in Riga surrounded by greenery. A person shoveling snow in and hint, there is also snow on the roof captured in monochrome.
Monochrome Madness is giving us a free week, which means no specific prompt this time around—so much easier to choose the topic. I thought it would be lovely to post flowers, so this week I’m excited to share some gorgeous tulips that a dear friend gave me. I snapped these beauties against the window, using backlight to really capture the details of the petals in the monochrome images. Plus, since I’m also sharing this with TheFlowerHour, I’ve included some colorful images too, taken in light coming mostly from the side above. Just wait until you see the lovely orange shade!
A striking contrast of black and white captures a bouquet of tulips, with the dark background emphasizing their delicate petals and complex textures in the first image in the gallery. The other two monochrome portrayals showcases the arrangement of tulips in a vase, featuring intricate details set against a gently blurred backdrop. Complementing and contrasting this is the radiant bouquet of orange tulips, artfully positioned in a cobalt blue vase atop a wooden table, exuding vibrancy and charm.
Well, it seems I might have gone a bit off-script since most of my walls also feature windows! Talk about being a rebel, right? But unfortunately, those windows do pop up in many of my captures too. It’s not that big of a deal though—after all, I take these challenges seriously, but not so that they’re a life-or-death situation. I strive for precision while trying to sprinkle in some creativity and structure.
A monochrome photograph showcasing the textured walls of a dimly lit brick interior.
A monochrome view of a historic lighthouse framed by stone walls, showcasing its architectural details against a moody sky.
For this image I converted the original image to black and white. I did not touch the exposure or contrast. I turned down the blacks, added dehaze and texture. I turned the colors all down except purple and magenta that I added a bit
A woman poses in front of a vibrant mural, you know the feeling of wanting to blend into the wall A close-up view of a rustic wooden waterfront building featuring a balcony, windows with shutters, and a seating area.A close-up view of a weathered and peeling wall featuring windows and a metal ladder, highlighting the charm of urban decay.Silhouettes of friends standing on a stone wall, enjoying a casual conversation.
As you can see, I do take these challenges seriously. You know, I’ve been thinking about how to visually represent the concept of invisible walls in photography. It’s fascinating, really. Imagine capturing a person gazing out at what seems like an open space, yet their body language is full of frustration or hesitation—it’s like a silent dialogue that suggests there’s an unseen limit at play. The composition could create that sense of separation between the subject and their surroundings, almost as if there’s this emotional barrier that the viewer can feel. And then there are the shadows; they could really drive home the idea of barriers that aren’t physically there but are definitely felt on a deeper level.
A contemplative figure gazes out from a window, embodying the idea of invisible barriers and emotional separation.
A foggy street with a guy crossing the road. This scene shows off Place de la Concorde in Paris, packed with traffic and an obelisk popping up in the distance, plus you can catch a glimpse of a tree-lined avenue all wrapped up in thick fog. Right in the middle, you’ve got the famous Luxor Obelisk. It’s pretty cool how this picture shows the struggles cities deal with regarding air quality and traffic.
A foggy street scene with heavy traffic and an obelisk in the distance along a tree-lined avenue.
It’s a free week, meaning no set theme! If you’ve got some monochrome photos to share, just drop a link to Leanne’s blog right here: Monochrome Madness
A toddler is depicted deeply engaged in a book, highlighting their natural curiosity and desire for exploration. This moment illustrates the importance of early literacy and the joy of learning through reading. The post serves as a celebration of childhood discovery.
Leanne is our host this week, and she was inspired by one of the Lens-Artists Challenges from last year to come up with this theme. Specifically, it stemmed from challenge #367 – Everyone Should See This, which prompted her to consider what is nearby to one’s home. I chose to focus onWITHIN 10KMS FROM HOME. as requested. For those more familiar with miles, that equates to roughly 6 miles.
Living just 10 km away, we have a mix of landscapes around us, from farmland and sea to lively urban spots that make our surroundings interesting. This time, my photos might not be my best, but they show some fresh moments from my recent outings. Espoo, with its own unique vibe, is about 10 kilometers from home; this area is where I often get inspired by the sea, since I used to live close to it in Espoo. That’s what I really miss from my current place—being just a short walk from the seafront . It’s not that far away, though. I snapped these first two photos with my iPhone on Monday during a nice trip out to meet a friend for lunch at a café that has a great view of the waterfront, showcasing the beautiful mix of nature and city life.
A winter landscape of an island with snow-covered trees and a blanket of fresh snow as seen from the ice covered sea
A black and white winter landscape, ice covered sea, a snowy shoreline with an island and scattered trees and a solitary figure walking in the distance.
About 10 km from home, I snapped this as I was heading back from the hairdresser. It’s in Espoo, where I’ve been going for over 20 years, even before we moved to our current place. Once you find a hairdresser who does a great job, it’s tough to switch things up. I’m sure the ladies would agree with me on that 😀. It’s in a busy area with a bunch of apartment buildings. Not the most creative shot, but I liked the leading lines, which is why I took it.
A solitary figure walks along a snowy sidewalk lined with trees and apartment buildings.
In the monochrome winter landscape, trees rise against a blanket of snow covering the field, showcasing the beauty of the season. I captured this moment yet again with my iPhone, approximately 5 kilometers from a quaint ski resort in Kirkkonummi.
A winding country road surrounded by snow-covered fields and trees, showcasing the serene landscape within 10 kilometers from home.
Country roads very near our home. The day temperatures have been warmer so the main roads are free of snow.
Curving country road surrounded by winter scenery near home.
This got me thinking about the nuances between circles and rounds. I try to be as accurate as I can when I participate in challenges 😂, as if it really matters that much in the grand scheme of things. Yet, there’s something strangely satisfying about getting it right. So, I thought I would take some time to refresh and confirm my knowledge on the topic.
The differences between circles and rounds are primarily based on their definitions and geometrical properties. A circle is a two-dimensional shape defined as the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point known as the center. In contrast, the term “round” refers to the general quality of being circular or spherical, which can apply to various shapes and objects, not limited to geometric circles. Moreover, while a circle has a precise mathematical definition with specific formulas for its area and circumference, “round” can be more subjective, describing items that appear curved or circular without adhering to strict geometric rules.
These are the images I decided to share with Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #53: Circles and Going Around in Them Guest host Dawn: Monochrome Madness #53: Circles The last one well… it is a ⭕
A modern circular skylight illuminating a spacious interior, casting intricate shadows on the floor as visitors explore the space.
A performer showcasing impressive acrobatics while balancing on a pedestal in a spotlight.
A monochrome view through a circular opening, framing a landscape of trees and clouds.
A cat resting next to a circular mirror, capturing its reflection in a monochrome setting.
An artistic arrangement of rings captured in monochrome, highlighting their circular forms.
A monochrome image of a Ferris wheel with a ‘Helsingfors’ sign in the foreground, capturing the essence of circular shapes.
Sign marking the Arctic Circle, surrounded by snowy trees.
Here is my entry for Monochrome-Madness I think these are my newest photos taken, so I am going to use them for this week’s post. They are just snapshots of urban city life that I took with my cell phone, capturing fleeting moments that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. I love how the editing can change the mood of the photographs, transforming simple scenes into evocative imagery.
A sepia-toned photograph capturing a moment on an escalator, mother and her two daughters, the tone evoking a sense of nostalgia.
These were taken a few minutes apart, but the sepia tones add nostalgia to the first one, evoking a sense of timelessness that draws the viewer in. The second two are more recent shots; I played with the other, adding color to the person on the escalator, creating a striking contrast against the monochrome background that emphasizes their presence. This technique not only highlights the subject but also evokes a feeling of aloneness amidst the chaos.
I would love to hear any thoughts about these shots and how they resonate with you, as feedback is always appreciated
A monochrome view of an escalator in a bustling shopping center, capturing the movement and vibrancy of urban life.A solitary figure stands by the escalators in a bustling urban space, captured in striking monochrome.
Triptychs offer an enjoyable viewing experience, and this week, Elke from pictures imperfect blog has chosen the theme of Triptychs. She encourages you to create a triptych, using any three images that fit the challenge: whether it’s three of a kind, three that complement each other, or a narrative told in three stages.
A creative triptych featuring a close-up of jars, a mirror reflecting an artistic workspace, and a cluttered room filled with paper and materials.
I struggled to recall the process of creating a collage, so I decided to start with a single photo that I edited before compiling it in WordPress, allowing for a separate view of each image. I selected one image from the countryside and another from the city, arranging them in a traditional triptych format with the middle image slightly larger. For the city image, I took a daring approach and edited the tones; quite bold of me! 😂
The other three I remembered and did them with the intention to celebrate and enjoy art in all forms, appreciating the creativity and imagination that artists pour into their work. I find it truly inspiring, art can evoke a range of emotions and spark meaningful conversations, ultimately enriching our lives and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
A striking triptych featuring reflections of skyscrapers, an array of elegant cakes, and a well-stocked bar, showcasing a unique blend of urban life, celebration, and leisure.
A black-and-white triptych depicting visitors engaging with art in a gallery setting.
These Black and white images are from Espoon tuomiokirkko , Espoo Cathedral (or simply The Old Church of Espoo) Which is the city’s oldest building, a medieval stone church built in the late 15th century and a significant landmark in Espoo, Finland. I actually had my confirmation there in the end of 1970’s.
I was trying to capture more mood and how the light came into this church than all the details, even though I have to admit there are many, and I could have gone that way in the editing process. The interplay of light and shadow created a serene atmosphere that seemed to envelop the space. Additionally, the various architectural elements, from the towering arches to the intricate glass windows, added depth , highlighting the artistry involved in the design of the church. Those walls revealed something new, whether it was the soft glow illuminating the pews or the subtle play of light dancing on the stone surfaces as I looked more closely to the image. Participating in Monochrome Madness allowed me to focus more on the essence of these moments rather than getting lost in the precise details.
Interior view of Espoo Cathedral, showcasing its historic architecture in monochrome.
Interior view of Espoo Cathedral highlighting its architectural details and natural light in black and white.
Lux Helsinki brought winter to the city and attracted an impressive 450,000 visitors between 6–11 January to experience moments of light, colour and stillness. By audience request, the Light Art Festival lasted six days this time, and next year’s event will be extended to eight days.
In my monochrome photographs, I strive to capture the essence of icy water tumbling over rocks during winter. There’s a certain vibrancy in the flow of the partially frozen water that contrasts beautifully with the serene stillness of the surrounding landscape. This juxtaposition between the rushing water and the frigid scene creates a captivating portrayal of nature’s elegance in the chilly air, allowing me to highlight the delicate features of both the water and its environment.
A black and white photo of icy water flowing over rocks in a winter landscape.
A dynamic black and white image capturing flowing water, partially frozen, amidst a winter landscape.A monochrome depiction of icy water cascading over rocks in a serene winter landscape.
This week’s theme, “Markets” in Monochrome Madness comes to us from Sarah and her blog, Travel With Me.
I haven’t been to markets recently, and so I am relieved to say the colorful Goa market provided me with loads of images to work with. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with vendors and chatter, made the experience memorable. As the people in India dress colorfully and the fruits and flowers at the marketplace offer many different colors, just converting to B/W was not an option. Each photograph presented a unique palette, with bright fabrics and eye-catching arrangements that seemed to come alive under the warm sun so to be able to bring them all present in the images, well, it required a bit of editing to get the results I am happy enough to be able to share them with you.
Women selling produce at a bustling market in black and white.
A vendor at a market in Goa, surrounded by coconuts and showcasing daily life in monochrome.
A woman selling various goods at a vibrant market, captured in monochrome.
The array of bright fabrics, fruits, and flowers necessitated careful editing to preserve the essence of the original colors. I hope the monochrome images of daily life in the bustling market capture this richness despite transitioning to black-and-white photography.
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 😁
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 