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.
A polished steel sphere titled ‘Field of Heaven’ by Keith Tyson, reflecting intriguing details and surroundings.
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?
A striking sculpture featuring a spherical design with star motifs, displayed elegantly on a pedestal in a gallery.
So far, December has been unseasonably warm, characterized by gray and rainy weather; we’ve only enjoyed one sunny day here in southern Finland. The dreariness of the skies affects my mood, it really does. However, we did go to Helsinki to see live music and on the way we saw the season’s festive lights in Helsinki, which I found to be quite tastefully arranged, stylish would be my word. I snapped a few iPhone photos to preserve the memories, but unfortunately, none turned out well in terms of quality—they’re all somewhat blurry. I’ll attribute this to the frigid weather; the biting wind was so cold it left me shivering, making it hard to hold the camera steady.
A festive winter scene in Helsinki’s Esplanade Park, featuring a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree and decorated deer sculptures near the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
A festive pedestrian street in Helsinki with twinkling holiday lights.
Livemusic, americana, mexicana? We went to see a top band assembled by Alejandro Escovedo and Sami Yaffa in Savoy in Helsinki. A long-time songwriter (74 years old), Escovedo was born to a family of Mexican immigrants, and he often sings stories about the experiences of immigrants in the United States, a musical family as only 8 out of the 13 children became musicians. Brothers Coke and Pete once played in a small Chicano band called Santana. Pete’s daughter is Sheila E.
This was a new artist from Texas to me; I loved how he told the stories about the songs. I can say I truly enjoyed this wonderful artist’s music there is something to be said about to listening to live music played by wonderful musicians.
Live performance by a talented band and Alejandro Escovedo, showcasing a captivating musical experience.
The photos are nothing to brag about, but will be a reminder of nice evening. For John’s Cellpic Sunday
Last night in Helsinki, we enjoyed a vibrant street scenes filled with festive lights, perfect for Debbies Six Word Saturday. The atmosphere was lively, highlighting the city’s charm and energy during the nighttime. It was a delightful experience amidst the festive ambiance of the bustling streets. The sign on the pavement was just great for For Debbies Six Word Saturday
A bustling street scene illuminated by festive lights at night.
Here are some gentle reflections mirrored in the calm waters, creating a soothing rhythm with images of wooden docks, masts, and rigging. Each shot adds to a calm atmosphere, and the beauty of reflections and the subtle movements that invite us to pause and appreciate the delicate dance between light and water.
I hope with these images to paint a moment of a serene forest scene at sunset, where you can really appreciate the beauty of nature. Pine trees and spruce trees, the evergreens that give us color during the winter, and I want to share them this Friday. Tomorrow is our 108th Independence Day, so I am sharing some quintessential Finnish nature images.
A tree stands tall with its unique structure amidst a forest backdrop and evening sky.
Image of a tall old pine tree with a unique structure standing proudly against the evening sky. Beneath those towering trees, there’s a moss-covered rock, softly illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. The imagery brings forth a tranquil atmosphere, with silhouetted trees contrasting beautifully against the vibrant colors of the sky, crafting a picturesque and peaceful moment in the nature.
The mood of the image captures the golden hours of late afternoon, just before sunset, in a natural environment where sunlight streams through the trees, lighting up the forested area behind a rugged hill. Resilient conifers, such as pine trees, flourish under the intense sun and withstand frost with ease. This scenery features a rocky foreground adorned with lichen, set against a verdant wooded backdrop.
A lmoss-covered rock beneath tall trees, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
This wooded panorama is observable at sunset by the lakeside. The outlines of the trees contrast vividly with the horizon. The clouds in the sky are tinted by the low-glowing sun. The vista represents a quintessential Finnish natural landscape.
A typical forest scene in the winter at sunset with silhouetted pine and spruce trees against a colorful sky
I am always looking for old Windows to photograph; I find them lovely and charming, often reflecting history and the stories of those who once inhabited the spaces behind them. The scene visible through the window is just as important as the window itself, capturing a moment in time that speaks to me. Generally, the view outside these vintage windows reveals a more beautiful and inviting landscape, rich with character, than what you might observe from many modern windows.
A sunlit window view showcasing a table with a decorative cloth and a backdrop of trees and rooftops.
An old window frequently opens up to nature, bustling streets, or quaint village life, a vibrancy that seems to be lost in contemporary architecture. There is indeed more lived life to be seen both inside and out, as each weathered frame and faded sill holds fragments of memories. The contrast between the aged window and the world beyond often tells a story.
A view from a window adorned with sheer curtains, featuring a potted plant in the foreground.
A vintage window adorned with lace curtains offers a glimpse of a landscape and tin roof.
Decay, shown by the image of a pigeons 😀 on a mossy ledge, really hits home about how time keeps moving and life just keeps rolling on. This image totally highlights the cool beauty of nature while also reminding us that everything eventually falls apart. The soft, green moss is like this stubborn little guy clinging to the old concrete, proving that even in decline, there’s some strength in sticking around. Meanwhile, the pigeons, with their shiny feathers, are a nod to nature and the tough reality of just trying to make it in a world where everything is always changing.
A pigeons perched on a moss-covered ledge, the contrast between nature and decay.
We had some big snowflakes flying around one day, swirling through the air like tiny dancers; it covered the ground for a few days, creating a picturesque winter scene before it once again melted away as rain took over. The transformation of our backyard into a serene white landscape was lovely, and I took advantage of this fleeting moment to capture these shots. So this week, as I show you one of nature’s cycles, this is my contribution to Cellpic Sunday.
Snowfall gently covers a scenic outdoor space, highlighting lanterns and a red pergola.
A snowy forest scene with scattered branches and trees in the background.
Thank you, Becky. I have enjoyed your and the others’ company during the month November Shadows. It is one of the darkest months of the year for us, filled with long nights, short days and the chill of autumn settling into winter. This, along with some other challenges has kept me going and provided a much-needed sense of connection.
A winter landscape with snow-covered trees and shimmering light across a frosty scene and casting long shadows.
These are from my archive; we have a dull gray day here, and there are more to come in the foreseeable future, casting a monotonous light over everything. Today, the sunrise was at 8:58, and sunset is already at 15:25, with still 21 days to go until the winter solstice, a time when daylight feels like a distant memory. These images are wishful thinking – it could be, should be like this. As I said, wishful thinking, not a real possibility here in southern Finland, where the reality of winter often envelops us in a chilly embrace and grey dull days, leaving us longing for those bright, sunlit moments.
A winter landscape in southern Finland, with a snow covered sea and trees illuminated by the sun.
This reflects the mood I’m in, gloomy, but with several bright moments in between. A tranquil lake, its surface smooth like glass, is surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal hues of amber, crimson, and gold. A very slight breeze casts delicate patterns on the water’s surface. This interplay of light birch trees and evergreens creates a mesmerizing mix of gloomy and vibrant colors. I sit quietly, absorbing the beauty of nature’s transition.
A lake reflecting autumn colors and moody scenery.
A calm lakeside scene with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors, their oranges, and yellows beautifully reflected in the calm water, creating a stunning mirror effect. The woods in the backdrop, completing this idyllic escape into nature’s splendor.
This is a fictional story inspired by this this photograph. For Dans Thursday Doors as he likes stories.
Miriam, the old writer, got her best ideas not from the outside world but from the cozy little sanctuary she created in her study. Her window, framed in pale green and fitted with six panes, was like her own personal lookout, showcasing the seasons as they slowly changed. Right now, that lookout was all lit up by the late afternoon sun dipping down behind the trees, throwing long shadows over the lawn.
Looking through the glass, she spotted the back of this big, white house with dark trim, kinda hidden by all the green leaves of summer. She knew every little thing about that place—the way the afternoon sun hit the peeling paint on the porch, the twisted branches of the old oak tree standing watch next to it, and that stone path leading up to the front door. She’d come up with all sorts of stories about the people she imagined living there, crafting a new tale every day, always a new mystery to figure out.
A view from an artist’s study window, featuring a collection of wire sculptures on the sill and a glimpse of a grand house framed by lush greenery.
But she always found herself staring at the windowsill. There, a bunch of funky wire and found-object sculptures hung out like they owned the place. The coolest one, a figure with a big open head and a rusty metal body, was totally her fave. She named it “The Listener.” To her, it wasn’t just some art piece; it was like her muse, her creative buddy, just hanging out while she worked. She’d chat with it about plot twists and character issues, and in the silence of the room, she could almost picture it nodding along, its big head soaking up her ideas like a satellite dish.
So today, the listener was totally quiet. Miriam had been going back and forth with this super annoying protagonist for weeks, a character who just wouldn’t spill her real motivations. The story was basically stuck, like a boat without a sail. She tapped her finger on the chilly glass, the sound cutting through the silence like a little punctuation mark.
Suddenly, a strong burst of wind slammed the old wooden doors on the right side of the window, which were flung wide open and creaked like they were complaining. Outside, the small world was waking up. The trees swayed, their leaves rustling like distant applause. The back of the big house shimmered a bit in the shifting light.
Miriam glanced over at the listener. The afternoon sun hit the wire head just right, making it seem like the figure was really tuned in, not to her, but to everything happening outside. She had been digging for answers in her own thoughts and quiet little bubble. But then it hit her—the real answer was right out there, in the breeze, in the leaves rustling, in all the hidden lives around her. She grabbed her notebook, with her pen already ready to jot down the whispers of the wind. The story was about to kick off again.
I read about this tree and found out this. Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective color; this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft.
A vibrant rowan tree adorned with bright red berries against a contrasting background.
The apple tree symbolizes a wide range of concepts, including immortality, health, love, and temptation. Its symbolism varies across cultures, appearing in mythology as a source of eternal youth (Norse), a representation of divine gifts (Greek), and a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death (Celtic).
A close-up of a single red apple hanging from a tree branch, symbolizing the protective attributes of the apple
A picturesque autumn scene visible from a window, showcasing tall pine trees standing majestically in the low late Autumn light, their trunks painted in warm hues of golden-brown and fading green. Below, are men by the water’s edge, as they enjoy the beauty of the season. The sun casts a soft, golden glow across the scene, illuminating the crisp air infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
A view from a window showcasing pine trees in low late Autumn light and a people by the water’s edge.
This is where I was at 4 PM, and it looked like this in Espoo, Finland. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, just a moment after some rain had fallen. The clouds hung low, creating a dramatic backdrop against the richly colored sky. It was a moment quickly passed, capturing the beauty of nature as the day transitioned to night. Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
A sunset over Espoo, Finland, with raindrops on a window reflecting the warm glow of the sky.
Last night we got some wet snow; it is still on the ground, but I don’t know for how long. The naturally monochrome images from in front of the house, nor the last one from the back, are not edited, something I usually don’t publish, the difference between the shots is pretty noticeable, and they were taken just minutes apart while it was still snowing.
Today I need to do my nails because it’s time to party! We’re headed to this awesome tradition that’s been going on for ages, where the same group of friends gets together to enjoy good vibes and great times. The smell of food whipped up by the host couple fills the air, and trust me, each dish is so tasty, showcasing their cooking skills. Plus, the complimentary wine is flowing, making everything even better and leading to some fun conversations. We make new memories and celebrate all the amazing bonds we’ve built over the years.
A bottle of shimmering nail polish perfect for a festive party look.
I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.
An inviting doorway with the rustic charm of traditional architecture, with a glimpse of a well-maintained outdoor space. Please be kind and wipe your feet on the rag rugs before entering 😀
The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.
An inviting open door leading into a rustic building. Would you like to step in?
A pathway leading to a rustic wooden door framed by lush greenery.
An inviting entrance to a rustic cabin, framed by lush greenery.
A Sotage/workspace filled with colorful paper materials and a large window revealing a outdoor view, just right for inspiration and creativity.
I initially had this photo in mind for NovemberShadows, but let’s be real—there was no way it could work as a square. Doing that would totally lose the key aspect that sticks with me—the story behind the space. The scene has so much depth that it pulls you in, making you want to dive deeper into the tale that plays out through the light and shadows. On the flip side, this image fits perfectly for the Monday Window project, which is all about windows acting as cool portals into different times and places. I genuinely think the way this photo is framed matches the vibe of the Monday Window initiative, giving a sneak peek into another world and encouraging you to really think about and appreciate the story of that space. Which do you prefer color or black and white version?
An artist’s workspace filled with shelves of paper and a window revealing the quiet outdoors.
How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” You can find his very thorough introduction to the challenge here Johnbo .
Travel first thought was airplanes, automobiles, and trains, all symbols of movement across vast distances and gateways to new experiences. I’ll post photos of them to capture their majestic presence and the adventures they facilitate. Not this time, however! Instead, I wanted to take simple approach to this – one drive home.
A vibrant sunset reflected in the window of a restaurant, showcasing a neon burger sign.
This perspective struck me while we were driving home from Lahti, a city located about 100km north of our home. The journey was beautiful due to the sunset, adorned with forest, fields and gas stations. What truly captivated my attention was the fact that the sunset we witnessed was a full 10 minutes earlier than the one occurring in Kirkkonummi. This little detail made me reflect on how small variations in geography can significantly change sunset time. Well, anyway, I took a shot from the spot where we paused for a late lunch; the sky was painted in vibrant hues just as the sun was setting at 15:39, marking the time when we started our ride home
Sidenote: I was also looking for shadows 😅 in this square crop. I found a strong contrast shadows in the shot below for NovemberShadows.
A silhouette of a building and chimney against a vibrant sunset sky, capturing a moment from the journey home.
As we started to drive home, we were amazed at how much traffic there was; but compared to some other roads traveled, not that much; everything is relative. Back to this drive: then again, we don’t usually make this drive at this time of the year, so what do we know? One thing I do know is that I love watching the sky and clouds while in the car; today, the sky was colorful and beautiful for most of the drive. The hues of orange, pink, and purple blended seamlessly, painting a breathtaking canvas that caught our attention at every turn. At one point, it was cloudier with a bit of a drizzle, but that phase lasted just a while.
I like being in the car, on the move, going somewhere; it gives a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy that, without distraction, we talk more and share stories that we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We listen to music; this time it was a Classic Rock mix. We would sing or mumble along to our favorite songs, letting the rhythm of the melodies fill the air, creating a traveling atmosphere. Doing nothing as the world outside passes by, we are lucky enough to observe it together. Stepping out of the topic for a bit, I’ve realized that I hardly listen to music anymore, and when I do it’s mostly in the car. It’s interesting how our lifestyles change and how certain habits fade away over time. Music used to be such a significant part of my routine, from playing my favorite albums at home to discovering new artists while hanging out with friends. Have you noticed that in your life?
A monochromatic view of a busy highway( same shot as below), captured during a road trip home, illustrating the journey and movement amidst nature.
A stunning sunset observed during a drive home, the vibrant colors and cloud formations. The shadows of the trees against the clouds behind them. In this shot I also like how the curve is wet and how the light brings it out
A nighttime view of a busy highway, showcasing the flow of traffic and illuminated road signs.
We appreciate Egidio for leading us back to Lens-Artists Challenge #31. His theme of “Looking Back” opened the door to a wide array of stunning landscapes. Next week, Patti will take over as the host of the challenge, set to launch on Saturday, November 22, at noon Eastern time. Don’t forget to follow her Pilotfish Blog to ensure you catch her challenge announcement.
To wrap this up, the theme is: How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” Be sure to link your response to Johns post or leave your link in a comments Also, use the “lens-artists” tag to help people find your post in the Reader. To find out more about responding to Lens-Artists Challenges, check here.
I took a bunch of pics of the same thing at different times, and of course, the way I framed them is a bit different. You can really see that. All the photos have shadows, but since I hit the same spot around the same time every time, the shadows look pretty much the same. The topic, the log, partially submerged in the lake and covered in moss and small plants is taken at Lake Humaljärvi in Kirkkonummi; for some reason, it appeals to me, so here I am sharing it with you for NovemberShadows.
A submerged log adorned with moss and small plants, reflecting the serene autumn landscape.A view of a calm water body reflecting autumn foliage, featuring a moss-covered log emerging from the water.A lake scene framed by autumn leaves and a weathered log.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 