This weeks Monday Window was shot in Brisbane
Category: Captures from Finland
This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
In silent whispers, love takes form
Icicles sparkle in a gentle sway,
Suspended like wishes in winter’s display.
A sturdy branch cradles, steadfast and wise,
Over a frozen lake that mirrors the skies.
Nature’s hold, both chilly and kind,
In hushed murmurs, affection unwinds. Icicles draping from a limb above a shimmering ice lake, embracing the essence of winter’s charm.
Fresh coat of snow
We got a fresh coat of new light snow as the weather is continuing to be cold 🥶 but it looks really pretty in my backyard.
wordless Wednesday
Coffee Break Photography
I had to run some errands and took the opportunity to have a coffee break. And being Monday, why not take a few new photos for today from the cafe? I took a cozy seat by the window just for that reason, allowing the sunlight to illuminate my space. As I sipped my coffee, I looked around, hoping to find something else interesting to capture through IPhone. The people engaged in conversations, the barista expertly crafting intricate latte art, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. A perfect setting for a spontaneous photography.
Monday Window: 9 February 2026
Looking from in from the outside
I don’t have any new images for this, but here are a few of looking in windows of shops and cafes. I’m participating in One Word Sunday: outside in with images captured in Helsinki.
Participating in One Word Sunday: outside in with shots from Helsinki.
Spontaneous Mobile Shot: A Lightbulb
A spontaneous shot of a light/lightbulb I saw caught my eye. I fancied how it looked and quickly decided to take a shot, capturing the essence of the moment in a single frame. At the time, I had no idea where to use it, as it didn’t fit into any particular theme I was working on. However, after giving it some thought, I realized that it would be perfect to share in John’s Cellpic Sunday. Mobile photography does make it easy to capture these small observations, as it is always handy.
Winter Photography: Enchanting Icy Landscapes
I enjoy capturing the details of winter; these were not taken recently, but they have been recently edited. I love how I was able to find new, interesting, and beautiful aspects while doing this, and I am happy to continue sharing my winter finds.
Icicles, resembling the sharp teeth of the season, elegantly hang from branches and rugged rocks, forming a scene that is both picturesque and enchanting, ideal for photography. A blanket of sparkling white snow covers the ground, beneath the soft winter sunlight, while a partially frozen stream winds gently through the landscape. It was quite chilly. The icy stones along the banks provide an artistic element to the surroundings, reflecting the glimmering light as the water flows softly over them. The fragile beauty of frozen grass, embellished with countless shimmering icicles, amplifies the wintry allure, instilling a sense of peace and awe. This breathtaking landscape captures the essence of winter’s beauty; it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the serene, cold elegance crafted by nature.
I added a gallery of the same images if you wish to look at them enlarged.
Stairways and Doors of Hvitträsk
Hvitträsk I have introduced you before in a few posts, and a few more may be on the way. This time I am showing you doors, doorways, and stairways, highlighting the beautiful and intricate details that make each entry unique. The craftsmanship evident in the woodwork and the architectural design invites you to appreciate the artistry behind these structures. I tried to take photos that look interesting and capture the essence of Hvitträsk’s charm; this is the outcome for Dan’s Thursday Doors. Several photos even showcase some interior views, allowing you a glimpse into the rooms connected by these stunning doorways, each telling a story of its own through the combination of natural light and decorative elements that complement the overall aesthetic of the space.
the Stillness of a Winter Night
Cold and bright night,
moon shines high,
trees shimmer with frost,
whispering secrets in the winter sky.
Each breath a cloud,
every shadow a ghost,
the world wrapped in silence,
a beauty, a host,
like a scene on a postcard.
Smoke rises gently from the chimney,
stars blink down in their velvet attire,
as whispers of dreams float higher and higher.
February’s breath, crisp and clear.
That is what it was like when we came home Sunday evening.
Monday Window at night time
This was taken yesterday evening as we were exiting a movie; I looked towards the window and also at the seating area of a restaurant. So much to see in this image if you look closely. You can see the apartment buildings towering in the background, their windows lit by light, the snow on the ground, a walking path between the buildings, and most obviously the reflections that capture the essence of this urban landscape. Monday Window: 2 February 2026
Inside Out: Night Views from a Car
Inside out – well, it is two words, but I can work with that. This phrase evokes a sense of exploration and introspection, allowing us to delve deeper into the meaning behind the surface or go with the obvious,
Participating in Debbie’s One Word Sunday and Cellpic Sunday
Last on the card – January 2026
I have not ventured out much in January; too cold for my taste. Despite the biting chill, I’ve admired the beauty of the season from the warmth of my home. I should have gone out at least in the past few days, as the sunshine has made the white wintry landscape look shimmering and beautiful. However, it remains way too cold—-18°C at the moment, not my kind of weather. The frosty air keeps me indoors. So my last on my phone is a shot I took through my window at the frost, I would not have normally shared this, but it is the last on my mobile, and it shows a bit of the weather. Last on the card
The same excuse goes for this shot taken with my camera. Our grandson came over and obviously, I had to take photos of him. They grow up so fast, and they are so precious at this age.
In the coming days, the frost will remain intense in the southern parts of the country. Overnight, temperatures of -25 degrees are common in the interior, while the coast is slightly milder. During the day, temperatures will rise to around 15–18 degrees below zero. The high pressure over Northern Europe keeps the weather mostly dry, with widespread sunshine over the weekend. However, there is still some uncertainty in the cloudiness forecast. In Lapland, cloud cover will increase and the weather will milden on Sunday. The Meteorological Institute warns of severe frost in the southern, eastern, and northern parts of the country.
That was our forecast for the weekend. At the same time, I read news about the hot weather in Australia and that there has been snow in Florida, which makes me think of climate change.
Strollers and Lattes, Perfect Café Combination
I often found myself questioning the presence of tables and chairs outside the café until I observed the mothers during lunchtime, and it all became clear. Strollers require a bit of room. Outside the cozy café, two young women sit at a table, relishing their coffee and snacks. One sports a plaid jacket; her dog looks beggingly for a bite, while the other, a cheerful young mother, beams as she eats and keeps an eye on her baby in the stroller. In the distance, more young mothers with strollers engage in lively conversation. The café buzzes with laughter as mothers enjoy their lunch, sharing stories over coffee. Discussions naturally revolve around parenting hurdles and weekend plans, transforming the café into a delightful space for connection and cherished memories over food and drinks.
Six word Saturday ( today few more added 😁 )
Curious Stairway: A Gateway to Mystery
For Dans Thursdays Doors
What can I express about this photograph? Is there truly a need for words? Should I begin by depicting an enchanting stairway that ascends to a vintage door, stirring emotions of curiosity and intrigue?
Does it have an inviting yet mysterious ambiance, prompting exploration and reflection? Or if I say: The stairway acts as a threshold, encouraging individuals to stop and consider what awaits beyond the door, amplifying the overall sense of fascination; is it true? Does the fusion of charm and appeal captivate the imagination, positioning the door as a central point of interest for anyone who comes across it?
Or should I just say – a door at the top of the stairs, standing tall and mysterious, inviting curiosity about what lies beyond its threshold? The staircase, worn from years of use, leads up to this intriguing entrance, leaving one to wonder if it guards secrets or simply offers a passage to another room filled with memories.
Icicles and Flowing Streams
The stunning beauty of winter, featuring icicles and frozen plants that perfectly frame a flowing stream. This picture captures all the cool details of the season, showing off the calm yet eye-catching sights that winter landscapes bring. The mix of cold elements and running water gives a fresh take on nature in this chilly time of year, making you appreciate the delicate balance and beauty found in winter’s embrace. I hope the vibe of winter’s charm in nature comes across.
Participating in Macro Monday.
red Mill and partially Frozen River
Winter and cold weather make for a nice backdrop for the old red mill in Immilä, Finland
I uncovered some historical insights, and here they are in a nutshell. The Immilä rapids have been the site of grain milling since the Middle Ages, with the earliest written record of mills dating back to 1548. The first sawmill emerged in the 1760s, by which point a settlement and an inn had already established themselves on the hill. As the 19th century unfolded, the population grew, and Immilä transformed into a vibrant village of craftsmen and millers. Following World War II, three mills were operational in the Immilä rapids; alongside two sawmills, there was also a power plant equipped with auxiliary machinery, including a bark planer. The final mill to close its doors was the Immilä district sawmill in May 1969. Of all the mill buildings, only the one erected in 1901 in the Immilä district remains today.
Monday Window: 26 January 2026
Lens-Artists Challenge #382 – Rejected
This week, Egidio has encouraged us to showcase some of our rejected alongside our edited images to highlight the contrasts. I’ve encountered photographers who view editing as “cheating,” believing it undermines the integrity of the moment captured. Nevertheless, I regard editing as an equally vital skill as the art of photographing a subject or scene. It empowers us to emphasize particular features, enhance colors, and evoke emotions that may not be as prominent in the unedited image. Ultimately, the final image should represent not just what was observed but also the artist’s unique vision and perspective. By embracing both photography and editing, we can elevate our creations and convey more impactful stories through our visuals.
These are all from my visit to Hvitträsk and its surroundings some year ago except the last one. That was a so bad I did not pay any attention to it at all at the time, I just remember being very disappointed in it. I should have binned it, but luckily now with my approved editing skills I was able to do something with it.
The original image was flat and boring, and I never got around to publishing it, even though the picture has many layers and good elements. Perhaps I didn’t initially realize to crop it enough; for some reason, I wanted the trunk of the pine tree in the image even though it didn’t really fit there. The sky had remained flat and nothing really stood out.
I was drawn to this blurry image; there was something about it that appealed to me, so I decided to rework it in the hope that it would present better with a slight adjustment of contrast and colors. The top of the image was slightly overexposed and clearly out of focus. I am not entirely satisfied with the edit as the colors changed too much from the original—primarily because I try to keep the image as natural as possible.
A dimly lit dining room with a long wooden table covered in a white tablecloth, adorned with orange fabric. Red upholstered leather benches line the walls, and a decorative chandelier hangs from the ceiling. In the image above, there is a lot of good, but the picture was left languishing in the archives a bit subdued, and I couldn’t find its purpose; now I decided to boldly edit it in a more cinematic direction. I spent some time battling against making it too colorful, so the third edit is the final result 👇, where I wanted to bring the fabric on the table into focus with light.
In this last image pair, I wanted to highlight the minimalism of the previous challenge and the black-and-white image as it is a style I really enjoy. I sought to create an atmosphere in the picture and wanted to draw attention to the window and the light coming from it and how it came to the room, and eliminating most of the furniture.
In this picture, I managed to save an image that was clearly overexposed and additionally had completely off coloring. I didn’t know what I had adjusted back then, but for some reason, this remained in the archives. I couldn’t edit this photo to color, but the black and white turned out rather well.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Egidio for encouraging us to present some of the effort that goes into crafting an image we are proud to share. Don’t forget to check out his original post here, and remember to use the Lens-Artist Tag in your response so we can find you post.
I am grateful to all who took part in last week’s B&W / Minimalism challenge; it highlighted the remarkable power of simplicity when done effectively. I was taken aback by the amount of interest it created and glad to find out that there are so many interested in this style of photography, which emphasizes the beauty of minimalism and the striking impact of black and white imagery. This challenge inspired participants to explore their creativity among those who share a passion for this art form. I loved seeing all your contributions, as each one told a unique story and showcased different perspectives, proving that less truly can be more in the world of visual storytelling.
Lastly, we invite you to join us next week for a challenge Tina will be hosting on Travels and Trifles. In the meantime, smile and try to stay positive
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Imperfect Photography of a Cozy Café
This week, I sought something distinctive in John’s Cellpic Sunday. While the quality may not be top-notch, I genuinely relished the challenge of capturing the moment. I took a cozy café scene with my front camera while outside in the cold, featuring a customer getting dressed to leave in the background. It reminded me of the beauty in capturing unforeseen moments and the joy that comes from sharing those experiences. Even if the outcome isn’t technically perfect, what truly matters are the stories and memories that accompany the image.
Quick peek into a art gallery
The Art and Architecture of Espoo Cathedral
Here are some more images from this old church and a link to more information of Espoo Cathedral .
I have additional images taken, but I plan to share them separately, as I think these particular ones align well with Dan’s theme. I’m aware that people often overlook images when there are too many of them, which has been a common mistake in many of my earlier posts. I really strive to thoughtfully select and limit the number of images I include. Hopefully, I can keep the attention and ensure that every image adds value to the story, creating a more deliberate and enjoyable experience as they explore the content.
The church was crafted in the late 15th century by an anonymous “Espoo master” and constructed between 1485 and 1490 under his guidance. The only remnants of the medieval structure are the eastern and western sections of the nave. The armory was dismantled from 1804 to 1806, and several other portions of the church, including the original sacristy, were taken apart between 1821 and 1823 when the edifice was transformed into a larger cruciform layout.
Click the galleries to see the photos more clearly, that is if you are looking at them on your computer as most of my followers are, I saw in the stats that the number is 82% ☺
The vaults and walls of the older sections of the cathedral feature murals, predominantly painted in the 1510s, showcasing both biblical narratives and scenes from everyday life. These paintings were concealed in the 18th century due to perceptions of being “crude and superstitious,” but were exposed and restored during renovations in 1931. The current campanile of the cathedral was finalized in 1767, with its upper section remodeled between 1868 and 1869.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
wordless Wednesday
Alexander Theatre in Helsinki
We were delighted to find parking by the Alexander Theatre as all the streets were packed with cars due to LUX Helsinki, which we also came to see. So obviously I was going to take a photograph of it, for some reason I thought I might have use for it. This building has been a cornerstone of Helsinki’s cultural scene. Today, it provides outstanding facilities for various events, including concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances, making it an ideal venue for visiting groups.
Monday Window: 19 January 2026
A brief history of the building:
In the early decades of the 1800s, theatre troupes from Sweden, Estonia and Russia and also from Italy and Germany visited Helsinki. But this changed when Nikolai Adlerberg became the Governor General of Finland and established a Russian Theatre with a grant he organised from the Tsar’s funds.
Construction began in April 1876 and was completed in 1879. Originally the AlexanderTheatre was to serve the local Russian garrison. The bricks for the decorative building were transported all the way from Åland. The National Theatre and Opera companies moved to the building in 1918 and the National Opera remained on the premises until 1993, when they moved to the new Opera House on the Toolo bay. For this reason, AlexanderTheatre, the Old Opera House, is an important part of Finnish cultural history. Text from AlexanderTheatre page.
nature’s Winter Art – Pancake Ice
Pancake ice is a fascinating winter occurrence characterized by the formation of circular ice floes in rivers, resulting from water agitation in frigid temperatures. Witnessing this spectacle was enchanting, marking my first and final encounter with ice pancakes. Captured on January 26, 2014, it feels like a distant memory. In Finland, pancake ice creates stunning winter landscapes as rivers form these round, pancake-shaped ice floes when the water is disturbed in freezing conditions, showcasing beautifully rounded edges and a surreal ambiance adorned with snow and frost. This natural marvel attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, highlighting the Arctic charm of Finland in winter.
LUX Helsinki 2026: Highlights from a Chilly Evening
Last weekend, I attended the LUX Helsinki 2026 festival, which attracted large crowds despite the cold weather. Dressing appropriately helped, but my fingers did get really cold while taking the photos. Five of the twenty installations were situated near Hietalahti Market Hall.
The event featured colorful light displays, particularly at the eerily beautiful Old Church Park, also known as the “Plague Park” due to its historical significance. The Blue light and snow made the place look a bit eerie. It is also known as the “Plague Park” (Ruttopuisto), as victims of the plague in 1710 were buried alongside the church. The gravestones in the Old Church Park remind of the history of cemeteries in this part of town. The park is home to the second oldest church in Helsinki and remains a popular destination within the city center, blending art and history.
Participating in Johns Cellpic Sunday
Is this ice or rippling water
Close-up of rippling water, or is it ice? Nature gives us the opportunity to wonder, inviting us to contemplate the profound beauty and mystery of our surroundings. Whether it is the gentle undulation of water or the solid tranquility of ice, both evoke curiosity, encouraging us to pause and appreciate the intricate details of the world we often take for granted.
Posted for Six Word Saturday
PS. This is a mystery to me too; it was taken years ago, and I do not know.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 