Wordless Wednesday
Category: Captures from Finland
This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
The Allure of Vintage Windows
For Monday Window, this week hosted this week by PR
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.
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.
Decay: One Word Sunday
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.
Fleeting Winter Moments
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.
November Shadows, A Journey Through Darkness
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.
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.
Gloomy Yet Vibrant, Autumn Reflections
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.
Autumn Reflections by the Lakeside
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.
Posted for NovemberShadows.
The Listener, A Muse in an Artist’s Study
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.
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.
Rowen and an apple tree
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.
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).
Posted for Terri’ s Sunday Stills and How to Survive November
Golden Light Through the Pines
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.
Posted for NovemberShadows and Monday Window
Nature’s Evening Palette
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.
Classic Firetruck wheel
Last night we got some snow
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.
Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Nail it
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.
For Becky’s NovemberShadows.
Rustic Doorway
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.
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.
Monday window
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?
Lens-Artists Challenge #374—On the Move!
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.
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.
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?
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.
Autumn Reflections on a Mossy Log
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.
blue sky and dust of snow
First snow on the Day 15 of Becky’s NovemberShadows and Debbies Six Word Saturday
How to Survive November 2025 – 13
Here we are, and it’s that time again for the 13th entry for surviving November 2025. Food photography truly is a delightful endeavor; however, to capture those stunning shots, it’s essential to have an uncluttered space and a serene background. In my home, creating that perfect setting requires a bit of rearranging, given the abundance of items I have scattered about. Onions are surprisingly popular subject for photography; they possess a unique visual charm that is oddly captivating and beautiful. Their round shape lends itself perfectly to various creative interpretations across artistic mediums. Interestingly, I’ve even managed to sell a photo featuring onions—though I have to admit, it’s not one of these two.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A Charred Barn, A Photographer’s Paradise
I’m still hanging out in the deserted barn in Veklahti, Kirkkonummi, which has been charred for years. Over the weekend, I found out that it’s a protected structure and that a film crew was on site—apparently shooting a war movie. This information was shared with me, though I haven’t verified it myself, but my source is trustworthy! 😀
The place is a photographer’s dream, and I have SO many shots to share! The views are absolutely stunning, with every angle offering something unique to capture. I really like these images, both in black and white and color, as they evoke different moods and feelings. I enjoy how the light streams in, illuminating the scene while shadows adds depth to each shot. Also, all the junk scattered around lets one’s imagination run wild, inspiring countless stories in one’s mind. There’s endless possibilities here that truly fuels creativity. Do you agree with me?
Sharing this with Becky’s NovemberShadows and Dan’s Thursday Doors
Artistic Display and Creative Shadows
I don’t necessarily need to explain this shot, but I will. What stands out is that glass display cabinet filled with an array of artistic ceramic pieces and sculptures, complemented by a person seated at a table in the background. To begin the story, I had been cutting my paper – it’s large, high-quality paper that we have to cut ourselves to fit the size we need for our graphic prints. As I made my way back to my chair, I caught sight of the lady visible through the glass, along with the subtle reflections and shadows. Now you understand why I captured the shot; it has an artistic feel, indeed, and it includes those intriguing shadows.
Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows
Creative Energy Amid Gloomy Weather
While making art, I decided to stroll around the building and check out the shadows and round stuff. This is from one of the rooms, and you can really see how gloomy it is outside—grey skies and bare trees, not exactly inspiring? But, the vibe inside was pretty good, and each shadow brought a little joy to me as I roamed around. I found it wild how the dreary weather clashed with my creative energy. It felt like the shadows were telling their own stories, nudging me to look beyond the obvious. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the idea! This post is for Becky’s November Shadows #11.
Monotype Prints, my A Creative attempts
Someone made the request to see what I created this weekend. You should be careful what you wish for 😂
A quick introduction to Monotype as a printmaking technique.Result: The resulting print is a “one-off” or “mono” type, as it is the only one of its kind that can be produced from that specific matrix. Process: Monotype is a form of printmaking where an artist creates a unique image on a non-absorbent surface, like glass or metal. We used metal. Image transfer: The image is then transferred to paper by pressing the two surfaces together, either by hand or using a printing press. We used a press.
As a last note, these were the ones I most liked.
Urban Abandonment and Nature
The post for Monday Window gives us a look at this abandoned room with a cool arched window that shows off some bright autumn leaves outside. It’s pretty wild how the colorful leaves clash with the graffiti-covered walls, showing off that mix of nature and city decay. The whole scene kind of hits you with those feels of decay and the leftover marks of human creativity on the walls. All in all, it really captures a unique moment in time.
NovemberShadows can easily be seen on how the light comes into the space, and it is highlighted by the square crop, creating an intriguing interplay between illumination and shadow. This contrast adds depth and character to the scene.
I’m going to study graphic monotype.
This weekend, I’m diving back into learning monotypia again, and man, it’s tough! The results are hardly ever what I’m going for. But honestly, I still find it pretty hard and rewarding the same time. There’s something really special about those unexpected outcomes that pop up with each try. Mostly disappointments. Each print tells a little story and gives me a peek into my struggling journey. I’m just hoping that through all this experimenting, I can pick up some techniques that boost my skills over time. I’m determined to figure this complex art form out, knowing that getting it right takes a whole lot of patience and practice.
Yes, more than six word. Happy weekend to all 😀
for Six Word Saturday.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 