Black and White photos – Page 2 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Cellpic Sunday – Lunch time

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

I popped over to get my flu shot and, after a little shopping spree, I thought I’d grab a late lunch at this cozy café/bistro I liked. As I glanced around, I noticed a bunch of folks glued to their computers, phones, or notebooks—definitely seemed like a solid spot for remote work, yet it was super quiet. There were also two new moms with their babies in strollers chatting about the ups and downs of baby life, sharing tips on calming cranky infants and going on about their sleepless nights. Then there was this guy sitting solo with a bag of groceries and a cup of coffee, wearing huge dark sunglasses indoors, which struck me as kinda weird. I couldn’t help but wonder what the deal was with his choice of shades. Just a little quirky, considering we were in a mall on a gloomy, rainy day. So, I dug into my salad while watching the mix of people around me, all caught up in their own little worlds, creating a vibrant tapestry of life right then and there.

A woman focused on her laptop in a cozy café, surrounded by a quiet atmosphere perfect for remote work.

Cellpic Sunday 2 November 2025

Charming Farm Animals

animals, Black and White photos, Photography

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 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.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #46
Elke’s Monochrome Madness $46: Farm Animals

Once more: Tinka

animals, Black and White photos, Photography

For this week’s Monochrome Madness

The Art of Ceramics in Monochrome

Black and White photos, Photography, Still life

First time I saw this, my first thought was I have nothing to share on this topic.

I did try to find a neutral spot to take a shoe shot, considering various backgrounds and environments that might complement the shapes and textures of the shoe. I could have used more time on creativity, as I could have explored different lighting or settings to really make the shoes pop visually. However, with the next two images, I just got lazy and took the shots in the cupboard where I keep jugs and bowls, simply because it was the most convenient option. The ease of just snapping photos in the cupboard won out over my original intentions.

So first thing this morning I took these images, the ceramic shoe by artist Kipa Kirsi (2013) is a gift from a dear friend.

And these Heluna Cow jugs, the bigger one was my grandmother’s, and during our trip, we found the smaller cow jug in Canberra. We thought it was funny that someone had taken the trouble to bring it all this way, and now we are returning it back to Finland. They are Vintage Arabia, a milk pitcher pottery by Kaj Frank from 1950.

Vintage Arabia Heluna Cow jugs, one a cherished heirloom and the other a recent find in Canberra.

The bowl with the sea decoration is also Arabia; my husband rescued it from his father’s barn. I think it is really pretty; the colors are white and blue. It’s called Sampo. Based on the seal at the bottom of the bowl, the manufacturing date is from 1928-1932.

A beautifully crafted bowl featuring intricate blue and white designs, showcasing vintage Arabia craftsmanship.

Then I remembered that I had these ceramic shots I took on Vancouver Island from the Craigdarroch Castle Museum, that showcases the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is the quintessential Victoria, BC experience, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, complete with exquisite furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy elite of that time.

For Leanne and Brian’s Monochrome Madness challenge.

Fort Aguada, Asia’s Oldest Lighthouse

Black and White photos, Photography, Traveling India

Fort Aguada is a fortress built by the Portuguese, located south of Candolim Beach in Goa. The fortress was constructed in the 17th century to protect Portuguese ships and defend the area against Dutch and Maratha attacks. The fortress’s lighthouse is one of the oldest in Asia, built in 1864. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination, and I visited in 2019

I have had some health issues that has kept me from being very active with my posts and well mostly with comments. I apologize. This was Sarah’s theme last week and I never got to edit my photos for it then, better late…

The historic lighthouse of Fort Aguada, one of the oldest in Asia, offers a glimpse into Goa’s past.

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Textures in Ropes

Black and White photos, Photography

Ropes that bind and secure ; they provide strength, reliability, and versatility, those we need in our everyday life.

Bundles of thick ropes, neatly stacked and secured, showcasing their textured surfaces in monochrome.

for Monochrome Madness and Tuesday Textures

Monochrome-Madness: Symmetry

Black and White photos, Photography

Our host this week is Dawn from The Day After, and her theme this week is SYMMETRY

Instead of finding symmetry in many places I am taking you back to our trip to Australia. These I took from the war memorial in Canberra. Architecture does often provide us with symmetry and I think it is captured here without no doubt.

Visitors exploring Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The architecture of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is both striking and symbolic, designed to reflect the solemnity and significance of its purpose. The memorial features a grand sandstone façade and an iconic dome, which is inspired by the design of traditional war memorials around the world.

The symmetrical architecture , capturing its grandeur and solemnity.

The architectural symmetry of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, showcasing its grand design and serene atmosphere.

ANZAC Parade is a street in Canberra, Australia. Along the street, there are memorials dedicated to the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fell in battles. Eucalyptus trees grow along the edges of the street. The red central median of the area is made of crushed brick.

Misty Landscapes in Monochrome

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

How to describe images of misty landscapes in monochrome, that was my question to myself, this is what I ended up writing . The ethereal quality of a misty landscape can be nicely illustrated in monochrome, where shades of gray evoke a sense of mystery.. The soft blur of the mist envelops trees and fields, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. This lack of color draws attention to light and contrasts; the stark silhouettes of branches, almost as if they are attempting to pierce the blanket of fog. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, revealing the contours of the terrain while preserving an enchanting ambiguity.

A haunting monochrome night scene with a full moon partially obscured by clouds and silhouetted trees, framed by wooden stakes.

A landscape featuring silhouettes of trees and a rustic fence, shrouded in fog.

A misty landscape featuring silhouettes of trees and a rustic wooden fence, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome madness – tinka

animals, Black and White photos

This week promises to be delightful as Elke from pictures imperfect blog has chosen to focus on PETS in monochrome.

And I am always happy to share photos of Tinka. She is a funny little cat with her own ways, but still, you can tell that she likes us, and we really like her. She comes and spends time with us in the living room, sleeping on her own chair or on the ottoman, but to come on the sofa to be petted is something she will not do. Instead, she prefers to stretch out on the rug, then waits patiently to be petted as if she’s subtly hinting at her desire for affection. When l lay on the bed, note i have to be under the duvet, then she will place herself in the nook of your arm on your side and happily purrs whenever she gets all the attention. This does with me often at nights; it’s become a comforting routine. I oftentimes have trouble falling asleep for various reasons—thoughts racing through my mind or tor just discomfort or pain. During these moments, I often find myself waking up throughout the night. Yet, when Tinka comes to me, curling up in that perfect little spot and purring softly, she truly calms me down. I focus entirely on her soothing purrs, and I pet her in a calm way, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over me as I find solace in her presence.

I took these yesterday with my IPHONE so I would have new photos to share, I could have converted many older photos of Tinka and Veikka, but as I do need to find inspiration for new photos, this was a good and pleasant opportunity to do so.

The Power of Light and Shadow in Photography

Black and White photos, Photography, Traveling Australia

This is a topic free week for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness and I am at the moment experimenting with editing, playing with light and contrast to see how subtle adjustments can dramatically affect the overall impact of an image. As you change the elements, such as brightness, shadows, and highlights, how does it change how you perceive the image? Each adjustment can convey different emotions, stirring distinct feelings or memories within the viewer. Not all the changes are big, yet they can significantly shift the mood of the photo, influencing where your attention is drawn and what stories are told through the visual. The interplay between light and shadow can create depth, drawing you deeper into the scene, while contrast can emphasize particular features, guiding your gaze in a more intentional way. What do you think, was it worth my time to do these edits?

A monochrome photograph capturing the interplay of light and shadow as visitors walk through a stylized architectural space.

A doorway at the War Memorial in Canberra, Australia. This architectural feature not only embodies the solemnity of the site but also symbolizes the passage between the past and present, wherein the sacrifices of countless individuals who served their country are honored. As one approaches the doorway, the intricate details and sturdy materials evoke a sense of reverence, signifying the importance of the history encapsulated within the memorial.

the interplay of light and shadow at a historical site, inviting viewers to reflect on their own memories.

A view through an archway, showcasing visitors at a historic site

Exploring the interplay of light and shadow at an architectural site, inviting viewers to consider how subtle edits influence perception.

A monochrome image capturing a doorway leading to a scenic view, accentuating the interplay of light and shadow.

Monochrome Madness: Movement

Black and White photos, Photography

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #41: Movement was a bit of a head-scratcher for me at first. I found myself pondering what movement actually meant and how on earth I could represent it in my photos. The sea and waves seemed like the obvious choices, but honestly, can water really convey that captivating essence of motion? As I mulled over this theme, I came across a few other ideas, like birds soaring and kids playing around, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not quite capturing movement as I should. I’m left wondering if experimenting with different techniques and angles will even make a difference in truly conveying that feeling of motion in my shots.

Fishermen casting their lines against crashing waves on the rocky shore.

Dramatic black and white seascape showcasing turbulent waves under a stormy sky.

Children enjoying a moment by the waves on rocky outcrops

Children play with bubbles on a bustling promenade, capturing a moment of joy and movement.

A dynamic view of blurred cars moving swiftly past urban architecture, capturing a sense of motion.

Capturing Depth with Backlighting in Photos

Black and White photos, Photography

I was first a bit lost with this challenge; it’s not that I don’t enjoy taking backlit photos—quite the opposite, in fact. I find it a great way to capture atmosphere and mood, as there’s something inherently magical about the way light interacts with the subjects. However, I also recognize that no sunsets or sunrises should be featured if I’m not shooting directly towards the light source. This has prompted me to explore different angles and perspectives, allowing the light to create a sense of depth and intrigue in my images. Additionally, I made a conscious effort to avoid overly simplistic silhouette images, as I wanted my photographs to embody a more complex layering of shades and nuances of light. Each shot became an opportunity to experiment with subtle gradients and textures, enriching the overall visual narrative that I aimed to convey through my work. Hope you fell I succeeded in my effort.

For Monochrome Madness this week, Brian Bushboy has set a challenge – Backlighting.

My first is a side portrait of my grandsone sitting in front of a window.

A side portrait of a boy sitting by a window, showcasing the interplay of light and shadows.

A forest scene, highlighting the intricate roots of a tree intertwined with rocks and foliage, showcasing the play of light and shadows. Location a forest in Finland

A serene view of a wooden pier extending into the dark waters, with dramatic clouds overhead, evoking a sense of tranquility and atmospheric depth. I used blue as the base color for this monotone image. Location Florida

A moody view of the coastline framed by trees, showcasing the beauty of nature in monochrome. Location Hyams Beach in NSW Australia

A tranquil, winding road enveloped by lush trees, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow. Green tones in this image. Location NSW Australia

A black-and-white/ monochrome image showcasing people walking through a modern, well-lit corridor, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. Maybe more sidelight than backlit, or is this semantics. Image from Serlachius museum in Mänttä Finland

Monochrome Madness

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

This week I have thought about my learning curve, and one of the most interesting aspects is monochrome adjustments. I have come a long way from the first attempts .

I posted these in color in a previous post few days ago. This how they look in monochrome.

Monochrome Madness: Capturing Color Variations

Black and White photos, Nature, Photography

Margaret is hosting Leanne’s Monochrome Madness this week. She thought it would be fun to explore those shots which, by accident, design, or clever editing, are monochrome in any colour but black and white. Let’s go…

Here I am going… I once again looked up the definition; photograph or picture developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one colour.

My photo choices capturing varying shades of a single color, including green oak leaves, purple lilac flowers, and blue ocean scenes, exemplifying the concept through various serene landscapes.

A close-up of vibrant green oak leaves, showcasing different shades of green for the Monochrome Madness.

Purple lilac flowers representing monochrome in shades of color.

A serene depiction of the ocean in varying shades of blue, exemplifying a monochromatic color scheme.

Here are some monochrome edits, still not using black and white

A serene monochrome scene featuring a sailboat near a lighthouse, capturing varying shades of blue.

A serene view of Blue mountains captured in varying shades of blue

A serene forest scene shrouded in mist, showcasing varying shades of green.

A monochrome landscape featuring varying shades of green, showcasing a mix of lush and barren trees against a cloudy sky.

Monochrome Madness – H

Black and White photos

A musician playing a harp on the street, captured in monochrome.

Leannes Monochrome Madness #38
Guest host Sarah’s Monochrome Madness: Starting with an H

A monochromatic portrait of a person with their **head** lowered, **hand**s covering their face, conveying a sense of contemplation or sorrow.

My sweet little tinka

animals, Black and White photos

I was softly observing Tinka grooming itself, a tender and instinctual behavior that truly resonates with the essence of what it means to be a cat. It fills my heart with warmth to realize that they invest so much of their day in maintaining their cleanliness and fur; this ritual is much more than a matter of hygiene—it offers them comfort and a profound connection to their environment. Cats are wonderfully clean animals, and in that quiet moment of watching Tinka, I felt a deep wave of appreciation for these simple acts that beautifully reflect the innate grace and tranquility these cherished companions bring into our lives. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.

Tinka the cat is self-grooming, showing the grace and tranquility of feline behavior.

A moment of Tinka grooming itself, capturing the essence of feline grace and tranquility in black and white.

A serene black and white portrait of Tinka, the cat, showcasing its graceful demeanor as it relaxes in a soft light.

A close-up of Tinka , capturing its serene expression and delicate features in black and white.

Monochrome Madness – transportation

Black and White photos

Modes of Transport is an exciting topic that presents endless possibilities! I must commend our host Dawn from The Day After. for an idea with lots of possibilities. The world is filled with remarkable ways to travel, the ones I chose are some of the obvious ones! To keep things clear and focused, here are a few that stood out to me.

I have taken few shots of trams 😀

Vintage horse-drawn carriages, the historical modes of transport.

Few that travel by waters

An old, rusted tractor abandoned in a field,that shows the passage of time and the remnants of agricultural transport.

Transport with two wheels

Colorful public buses, but in B&W , the local transportation in Sri Lanka.

monochrome Madness – cows

animals, Black and White photos

That’s all folks, I give you monochrome ( black and white) images of cows for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. Hope you enjoy them.

A monochrome of cows resting in a field, I think there is something adorable about cows.

the resting cows in black and white with the black one in the middle.

Naturally monochrome nature

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

This week, our host Elke from pictures imperfect blog has presented a fascinating theme focusing on our colour images that are NATURALLY MONOCHROME. This refers, as I understand it, to images that appear devoid of color, resembling black and white photographs without any conversions applied.

It’s almost impossible to find photos that show no color. Winter offers most opportunities to capture natural monochrome images

These I found, hopefully they work for this prompt.

Thursday doors – Villefranche sur Mer

Black and White photos, Cities, Traveling France

I am utterly enchanted by the beauty of old buildings, their majestic arches and rustic charm drawing me in, their textures revealing the stories of time in all their weathered glory. The intricate details and historical significance of these structures deeply captivate me. I adore how light dances and contrasts, creating a mesmerizing play across the surfaces, illuminating the unique features of each masterpiece. I captured these at Villefranche sur Mer, a town that radiates charm and character at every corner. Yet, I acknowledge a composition mistake; I inadvertently cut off the arch, an essential element that conveyed the building’s grandeur, while focusing on the door, a moment I didn’t realize while I took it. This experience serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to fully immerse oneself in a scene before pressing the shutter, as every element weaves together the photograph’s story.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

An arched doorway leading to a stone staircase, embodying the charm of old architecture.

A narrow passageway under arches with doors and rustic architecture

a narrow lane

Black and White photos, Cities, Travel, Traveling France

Same place, two strikingly different compositions of this narrow lane, and you find yourself captivated by entirely new aspects. Do you feel the same? The other image irresistibly draws your gaze towards the windows and shutters, despite offering a wealth of intricate details beyond its landscape counterpart. The interplay of light and shadow weaves a dynamic tapestry that elevates the textures of the buildings. Each detail enlightened, allowing us to revel in the artistry of the architecture. Above all, I love the contrast and the play of light here—the very essence of monochrome and black and white photography. It accentuates shapes and forms, urging us to dive deeper into the image, as the absence of color beautifully challenges us to discover elegance in both simplicity and complexity.

A narrow alleyway , featuring charming architecture, vintage windows, and softly illuminated cobblestones. It is just a absolute place for a click.

Narrow alleyway with old buildings and lanterns.

For Monochrome Madness

Taken in Villefranche sur Mer

Monochrome Madness – Forests

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

You cannot escape forests here – they are all around us, enveloping every corner of the landscape. Approximately 75 percent of Finland’s land area is covered by forest, creating a lush, green tapestry that supports an array of wildlife and offers countless opportunities for exploration.

I have had a forest right at my doorstep most of my life, from playing in the forest as a kid to taking walks in it as an adult, allowing me to witness the changing seasons, from the vibrant hues of autumn leaves to the serene blanket of snow during winter, each moment reinforcing the connection I feel with nature. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds provide a constant reminder of the peace that these natural havens can bring.

A misty forest scene and the beauty of our wooded landscape. This shot I took from my backyard

The birch trees, the inviting essence of a Finnish forest.

The tall, slender trunks of spruce trees amid lush undergrowth amd fallen branches

The natural beauty of the forest in Kirkkonummi

A black and white view of a forest path surrounded by tall trees, showcasing the beauty of woods

Posted for For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.

Focus on Spring Buds

Black and White photos, Photography

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness this week I took some photos of spring, trying to capture the essence of renewal and vibrancy that this season brings.

A close-up of delicate branches with budding leaves, captured in monochrome, illustrating the beauty of spring’s emergence.

Some plants are just slowly starting to show small buds of leaves, signaling the awakening of nature after the long, cold early spring. So I took a close-up of delicate branches with budding leaves, illustrating the beauty of spring’s emergence against the backdrop of the slowly warming air. These two images are just slightly different, mainly by cropping.

Delicate buds emerging from tangled branches

I also added the color version just for no reason other than that I felt like it, wanting to give viewers a contrast that emphasizes the fresh greenery and the subtle hints of color that are beginning to emerge in the landscape.

Spring buds begin to emerge on delicate branches, finally signaling the arrival of the season.

Monaco and Nice’s Elegant Street Lights

Black and White photos, Photography, street photography

This week, our host is from Bushboy’s World, Brian, with an great theme of Street lights by day or night. Feel free to choose between day or night, or even combine both—it’s entirely in your hands! I’ve also linked this to Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Reflecting on my past visits to France and Monaco, I want to share these images of stylish streetlights illuminating the charming architecture and vibrant nightlife, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadows in these picturesque locations. I immediately thought of these images when I read the challenge for this week, such a good choice.

Elegant street light illuminating a scenic view in a Monaco, surrounded by lush foliage and mountains. This sepia tone suited this image.

The streetlights in Monaco are stylish for sure.

Two boats moored near a vintage street lamp.

Nice was such a great place for snapping streetlight photos! The old buildings and the way the streetlights were positioned made everything feel warm and cosy, and I just had to take tons of photos. I aimed to catch the light but also the lively vibe of the city, showing off the cool dance between shadows and light as night rolled in. When it got darker, those streetlights turned into little warm beacons, making it impossible not to hit the shutter.

A narrow, dimly lit street in Nice, and streetlights amidst old architecture.

A narrow, dimly lit street in Nice, showcasing elegant streetlights casting soft light on the tiled path.

The streetlights illuminate a narrow alley and ambiance of the architecture.

The Impact of Stripes

Black and White photos, Photography

This is for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. I was browsing my photograph archive and found this image, which I don’t recall posting it before and now am wondering why ever not. It is rather striking and captivates the attention immediately. I think the composition draws you in, with lines and shapes that create a sense of movement. I took it in an art museum a couple of years back, where the play of light and shadow was particularly mesmerizing. I used slightly different editing on the images, and while they appear to be the same at first glance, the subtle yet distinct differences reveal themselves, especially with the stripes under her feet that add movement.

One again, I am so bad at giving an image a title, still in the learning process 🙂