Captures from Finland – Page 16 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

First day of 2024

It is the time to look forward, think positively about what the year ahead may bring. Hope for the best, fear the worst. Life does not always happen as one plans, so I have years ago stopped planning. Life throws curveballs and one needs to adjust, go where the road of life leads you. Accept and get on with it. Good things happen and bad things, it’s a balance. I am mainly happy and have many things to look forward to, such as spending time with loved ones, embarking on new adventures, and creating lasting memories.

On the other hand, I recognize that there are some issues that I just need to go with the flow, as there’s nothing I can do to change the situation. Instead of dwelling on them, I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life and the opportunities that lie ahead. By maintaining a positive mindset and embracing the unpredictability of life, I can navigate through both the joys and challenges that come my way.

The passion for photography is just awesome, isn’t it? It’s like freezing time, capturing moments, and telling stories with just a click. And hey, who doesn’t love hitting the road? There’s this incredible feeling of freedom and excitement, like anything could happen around the next curve, right?

Life can sometimes feel a bit dull, you know, like we’re stuck in a rut. But when we’re on the move, it’s like the whole world is full of potential. Who knows what or who is waiting for us just around the corner?

As we gear up for the new year, let’s think of this road as a guide to a fresh start. Here’s to a year full of good times, growth, and unexpected surprises. Let’s roll with it and make it a truly happy new year!

Last Day of 2023

Captures from Finland

Last day of year 2023 was sunny and cold here where I live, the temperature -13C /10F and no wind, so it wasn’t all that bad. Even though I do not like winter, sometimes it looks really beautiful. The way the sunlight glistened off the snow-covered branches filled the whole landscape with a magical glow. I couldn’t resist taking a walk and admiring the picturesque scenery. The crisp air made everything feel so serene and peaceful, almost as if the world had slowed down just for a moment. Sometimes, despite the cold, winter has a way of enchanting us with its natural beauty.

With these pictures I wish you all the best for 2024!

I took a short stroll to capture a cell pic for John’s Cellpic Sunday . I got few nice shots, but these are the ones I chose to post here. Most likely I will post few later on.

The fusion of two worlds collide

Captures from Finland

In the quiet solitude of a room aglow,
Where shadows dance and breezes blow,
A window peers into the soul,
Of nature’s grace, serene and whole.

Trees stand tall with branches bare,
Whispering secrets in the air,
A lake reflects the sky so blue,
Capturing every vibrant hue.

Inside, a chair awaits a guest,
To sit, to ponder, to rest,
The fusion of two worlds collide,
In this space where silence abides.

Debbies Six Word Saturday

Blue house

Captures from Finland, Photography

Blue house in the snow covered woods awaits spring. My neighbor sent me a picture of our summer house as Christmas greeting 😊🎄

Old Sauna Door

Captures from Finland

Sure, I love doors! They’re like guides, letting you in or out. Some doors make you feel welcome, others not so much. They come in all shapes and sizes, old and new. I always look forward to what’s on the other side.

My entry for, simple and not according to instructions. But I did have fun doing it.

2024 Thursday Doors Badge Contest,

It’s that time of the year

Captures from Finland, On my mind, Photography

It’s that time of the year when many of us are taking a break from blogging. I didn’t plan on starting my break so early, but the flu caught up with me, and I haven’t been able to post or respond to any comments for a week due to a high fever. Now, I’m just exhausted. I’ll do my best to get back to all of you soon.

I am filled with joy and appreciation for all of you wonderful bloggers who continue to uplift and inspire me. Your comments bring sheer delight and fill my heart with hope and positivity. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you generously share in leaving such uplifting messages. Let’s keep this optimistic energy flowing and embrace the beautiful journey ahead!

On that note, I sincerely wish you an abundance of joy, happiness, and laughter this Christmas season. May this festive time be filled with warmth and love. Merry Christmas to you!

winter scenery

Captures from Finland, Landscapes

Street Photography – craftspeople

Captures from Finland, street photography

Handicrafts saleswoman at the market place in Helsinki

Welcome to the marketplace, a happy place where time slows down and people smile. It’s a warm place where handmade things are made with love and care. Each stitch and thread tells a story, and the people who make them are filled with joy as they share their craft. Let the marketplace bring happiness to your heart and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer!

Christmas market – Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Photography

Yesterday we visited the Tuomaan markkinat – Helsinki Chrismas Market little bit too early if we had waited for the sunset the lights would have been more brighter, but even thought we were a bit early it was crowded hard to get to the the vendor booths. It was rather windy and cold, but it is winter 🙂

Providing a more responsible alternative to mass-produced gifts and decorations, Helsinki Christmas Market brings to Senate Square a significant number of artisans and small producers from all over Finland. The market’s atmospheric core consists of the Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which also serves alcoholic beverages, where one can enjoy seasonal treats and festive holiday spirit.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

106 years of independence

Captures from Finland

Finland celebrates 106 years of independence today in chilling weather, with blue skies and powder white snow on the ground. Blue and white the colors of our flag. A beautiful day to celebrate independence.

I am celebrating with blue and white scenes from my my home lane.

A lonely wheel in winter’s grip

Captures from Finland

A lonely wheel in winter’s grip
No longer spins or rolls or flips
It rests against a snowy tree
That stands beside a flowing water

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Street photography – festive season

Captures from Finland, street photography

These are taken in front of the Helsinki railway station, in the first shot you can see Ateneum museum with its seasonal lights, couple years back.

Seasonal lights welcoming shopper to city center with the lights reflecting on the wet pavement,

Below is a digital artwork I made by being inspired by the first photo.

Street photography – sidewalk lights

Captures from Finland, street photography

The street lights are my stars
They make a warm wave on the wet black path
I sail along their bright trail
They keep me safe from the dark wrath

Walking down a path in the dark can be both exhilarating and unnerving. With each step, uncertainty lingers, as shadows dance and imagination runs wild. So, with a flicker of determination in our hearts, we step forward, embracing the mystery that lies ahead on the path in the dark.

Street photography – I walk alone

Captures from Finland, street photography

The night is cold and dark
A light drizzle was falling
I walk alone
With no one else to meet

Oodi is my destination
The light is my guide
I hope to find some inspiration
Or at least a place to hide

The Library welcoming light in the night

flow and foam, river run wild

Captures from Finland

Flowing and foaming, the river runs wild,
Bringing me joy, making me feel
With not a worry or care in sight,
It spins me around, filling me with delight.
Flowing and foaming, the river runs free,
A place of solace, where I can be me.
You are my escape, my source of glee,
In your embrace, I feel completely free.

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

where to focus

Captures from Finland

I took two shots from the same spot, first one I focused on the vine in the front, and in the second on the pine tree on the hill.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Rusty old granary door

Captures from Finland

This captivating, weathered, rusty old door perched atop a set of worn stone steps. The door’s aged appearance tells stories of the past, inviting intrigue and curiosity. The stone steps, with their rough texture and weathered edges, add to the charm and character of the old brick and stone building. The combination of these elements creates a sense of history and nostalgia, capturing the imagination of those who pass by.

It is the door to the granary from the 18th century stands next to the bridge leading over the rapids at Sjundby manor in Siuntio.

Dan’s Thursday Doors

The door is from the stone building on the left of the photo.

Street Photography – Kanavaranta

Captures from Finland, street photography

Thick curtain of gray clouds, as if nature itself had decided to embrace the melancholy of the day. The sea, usually vibrant with colors reflecting the sky and the surrounding buildings, now seemed to merge with the somber atmosphere. People hurried along the sidewalk. Despite the gloom, there was a unique beauty in the stillness of picturesque Kanavanranta.

eerie yet captivating scenes

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

The misty air envelops the landscape, amongst the haze, the silhouettes of towering trees emerge, standing tall like guardians of the monochrome world. Their branches, devoid of leaves, reach out like skeletal fingers, creating an eerie yet captivating scene.

Do you agree the absence of color seems to enhance the mystical ambiance, as if nature itself has decided to paint this particular moment in shades of gray.

The mist weaves through the branches and settles on their trunks, giving them an otherworldly aura that is both haunting and beautiful. In this misty monochrome, the trees stand as solitary figures, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to the landscape.

it is cold outside

Captures from Finland

Cold weather can certainly make you feel chilly. When it snows and ice forms, it adds an extra layer of coldness to the surroundings, no doubt about that.. Stay cozy and enjoy the winter scenery!

We here in south of Finland don’t have snow yet, so these are from my archives.

CFFC: Anything that makes you feel cold

Mist – ethereal veil on the moss-covered hill

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

The gray mist gently settled over the landscape, casting an ethereal veil on the moss-covered hill behind your home. Despite the gloomy November weather, nature’s touch added a touch of beauty to the scene.

On this misty day, as you gazed upon the hill, the vibrant hues of green from the shrubs stood out, creating a vivid contrast against the muted backdrop. The moss, adorned with its emerald carpet, seemed to thrive in the dampness, adding a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere.

Amidst the shades of brown, the ferns gracefully displayed their weathered elegance. Their delicate fronds, now tinged with earthy tones, created an enchanting juxtaposition against the mist and falling leaves.

In this serene setting, the mist transformed the hill into a picturesque scene that captivated your sight. The occurrence of such beauty in November reminded you of nature’s ability to create moments of awe in every season.

Moody weather

Captures from Finland, Landscapes

Taken today from through the car window, a pine tree in our yard and elms that still have yellow brown leaves on them when nearly all tree are bare.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Pink and white doors

Captures from Finland, Cities

Don’t these candy stripped doors look inviting? Pink chairs and pike as an added bonus.

These are from few years ago from the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland. Founded in 1695, the iron mill village has retained its unique atmosphere throughout the years.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Marina on a November day

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

I always liked to visit the marina on gray November days. There was something about the contrast between the white boats and the gloomy sky that fascinated me. The marina was usually lively and crowded, but on those days it was almost empty. The only people I saw were some boat owners, checking on their vessels and doing some maintenance and few people on a walk.

The sky is gray, the water is dull and the air is cold. I see the boats are moored, the sails are furled , the marina is quiet with hardly anyone around. But I don’t mind, I like it here.

These photos I took using my mobile phone and then proceeded to enhance them using the Lightroom mobile app. By transforming the gray tones into a delightful shade of blue, I managed to infuse the photos with a much lighter and uplifting mood.

November in Finland

Captures from Finland, Photography

November in Finland, a world of gray,
Where autumn whispers its final farewell,
Leaves relinquish their vibrant display,
And nature succumbs to the winter’s spell.

The air is crisp, with a biting chill,
As frosty breath dances upon the breeze,
The sun, a timid presence on the hill,
Casting feeble rays through the barren trees.

The days grow shorter, the nights grow long,
As darkness blankets the land in its embrace,
A melancholic hymn in nature’s song.

Yet amidst the gloom, a flicker of light,
As candles glow in windowsills,
Warmth and coziness fill the bitter night,
A sanctuary from the winds that blow.

November in Finland, a somber sight,
A season of reflection, a time for respite,
Where nature’s cycle finds solace in solitude.

Elk or a moose

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

I took this yesterday though a window, enjoying the moose or elk on the sidewalk in Matinkylä, Espoo. It was late afternoon so the it was already a bit dark. Are you surprised if I say gray? I did not a have camera with me so I took this on my mobile and edited it on Lightroom that I have on my mobile. So this is really a Cellpic 🙂 I did three edits, in the first one I added light and enhanced the gray tones.

The two others are more real to the actual colors of the moment, One I added light and the other There is quite a bit of vignette to bring your focus to the center. That one is the most accurate of the light and tones. It is amazing how editing can change a shot.

Is it an elk? Is it a moose? If you’re in Finland, the answer is “BOTH”! The iconic, majestic forest dweller is known as a moose in North America and an elk in Europe. To make matters even more confusing, elk in North America is used for an entirely different animal – a kind of deer.