The essence of autumn is fallen leaves, no.
Fallen
Category: Captures from Finland
This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
Autumn’s Beauty by the Lake
Autumn whispers softly by the lake,
Golden yellows merge with vibrant green,
Reeds, like brushstrokes, dance in the breeze,
Against the azure calm, a tranquil scene.
For Dawn’s Festival of leaves
wordless Wednesday
Lens-Artists Challenge #368—Looking Back to# 106: Autumn
Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumn here.
Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.
To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.
Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!
Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.
For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
fresh from the orchard, delicious apples
for Debbie’s six word Saturday
last of September
Last on the card for September 2025
Friday mood
Wordless Wednesday
Clock and Jewelry and play Museum in Espoo
The building depicted in the image is the Finnish Clock and Jewelry Museum, Kruunu, located in Espoo. The museum showcases the history and art of clocks and jewelry. Museo Leikki is a museum specializing in the history of toys, play, and childhood. The museum opened in May 2022. Café Lyrica, which is likely situated in the museum.
Monday Window: 29 September 2025
home in Modern Apartments with Balconies
These apartments are located in Tapiola, one of the suburbs of Espoo, Finland. These are some of the more modern apartment buildings. Just a block away from here, my grandmother lived for over thirty years.
Debbies One Word Sunday: Home and Cellpic Sunday also to Monday Windows
under the dark clouds
I drove back to my summer house under these dark, very impressive clouds that loomed ominously over the horizon. A huge rain pour had just passed the area, leaving behind a fresh, earthy scent that filled the air, as the remnants of the storm clung to the landscape. All that was left to see were the swirling clouds and the distant rumble of thunder, echoing like a memory of the storm’s fury. As I navigated the winding road, I could feel the anticipation of the cool, refreshing breeze seeping through the open windows, mingling with the scent of wet pine trees and damp earth.
Stormy clouds gather thick,
veiling the winding road in a dark embrace,
their swirling forms whispering fervent secrets of August skies.
The air crackles with electric anticipation,
as nature’s breath draws in,
a symphony of windsong
passionately dances through the fields,
while the horizon sighs deeply,
cradled beneath the weight of rain,
painting the countryside
in lush hues of deep gray and fleeting light.
Nature’s stunning Canvas
We have had two beautiful sunsets this weekend, each more captivating than the last. The colors have been really intense, creating a display that left us in awe. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a vibrant canvas, splashed with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Nature truly does provide the best art with big and bold strokes, reminding us of its incredible power and beauty..
This first set is me facing the camera to the west sky. The photos in can be enlarges by clicking the photos, I even recommend you to do so 😀
Now facing north ern sky the colors were pink and blue, usually the colors are not so strong.
The same was at the south looking sky.
The sky was on fire yesterday
Nature’s Colorful Transformation
Dawn of ‘The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere and would love you to share what autumn is like in your part of the world.
Festival of leaves… I took these today September 26th
Leaves are scattered on the ground in shades of yellow and brown, making a soft, colorful carpet that crunches when you step on it. The tree still hangs on to a bit of green in its leaves, a little nod to the summer that just zoomed by. The wind tosses them around, sending some whispers through the air, while the sun shines warmly on the scene, giving those fallen leaves a golden glow that sways gently in the light.
Waiting Room Photography
I took my son to the dentist yesterday, bracing myself for what was about to unfold. I was originally supposed to drop him off and pick him up after the surgery to remove his wisdom tooth, but instead, I was ordered back to sit with him during the premedication process, as they insisted he should not be alone. Despite him being 30 years old, the staff felt it was essential for him to have some support during this time. So much for y morning coffee in a nice cafe. I had tried to avoid this scenario, especially considering the multitude of viruses going around at the moment. Nonetheless, I did as instructed, drove back center and walked to the waiting area, and settled in to be with him. Since I was required to be there with seemingly nothing useful to occupy my time, I decided to make the most of the situation by taking a few shots from the health center with my phone. The light of the waiting area and the glass ceiling and the sterile efficiency of the dental area inspired me, providing a contrast that made for interesting photographs. I even took the opportunity to edit them right there on my phone, to enhance the images as I waited for the surgery to commence.
For Dans Thursday Doors
Juveninkoski Waterfall A Hidden Gem
I am going to share these images from the summer in Juveninkoski, Finland for Sunday Stills: Fountains and Falls. The cascading water, while not enormous in size, offers a charm that captures the essence of nature’s beauty. There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of flowing water as it dances over the rocks, that appeals to all our senses. This place, surrounded by lush greenery makes you appreciate the simple joys that nature provides.
Juveninkoski is an almost vertical waterfall in the village of Partala, in the town of Jämsä. It gets its water from the small Nytkymenjoki river in the area. The water plunges down a rocky cliff for almost 7 metres, but the total drop height of the rapid is even more than that. After the fall, the flow of the river slows down.
Click to enlarge photos.
Juveninkoski is reportedly the highest and steepest free-flowing waterfall in Central Finland, which is why it is one of the most famous nature sights in Jämsä today. Especially during the spring. Later in the summer, too, the rapid is a pleasant attraction as one can see the rapid in the green embrace of the surrounding trees and bushes that is when we drove to see it in August.
There used to be a mill and a ski factory at the river and, in addition, the river has been used for log floating. The fall has been named after Heikki Juvén, a ski factory owner born in Partala on January 10th 1907. Some remains from these past times, such as blocks of concrete, can still be seen in the rapid.
The descent is quite steep on one side, but on the opposite side of the rapid, there is a path that offers an easier way down.
The village association in Partala has worked to refurbish the surroundings of the waterfall. They built an observation platform along with flower beds and a sign with information of the history of the rapid. There are also two millstones on the observation platform. Downstream of the fall there is also a small pond, where you can go to swim during summertime.
All in all, Juveninkoski is a beautiful waterfall, with perhaps one of its best qualities being its steepness: “traditional” waterfalls falling free like this are rare in Finland.
the Serenity of September Rain
September rain, it came down heavily and slowly and heavily again, drenching the earth in a soothing rhythm that seemed to echo the heartbeat of the world. The wind, both gentle and powerful, swirled through the yard, frolicking amid the vibrant green leaves and twirling branches of the trees that swayed almost rhythmically, while droplets moving fast in the dim light, creating a serene but moody atmosphere. That is the feeling of the day at my house.
Amidst the gentle rustle of tree branches, each drop a note that dances through the leaves. The air is fragrant with the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen petals, as nature sighs. Sunlight filters softly through the splattered droplets, creating a mosaic of light and shadow, while the world stands still, cradled in the embrace of autumn’s first whispers. Grateful, the trees sway gently, their limbs catching the rhythm of the rain, celebrating the transition to a season rich with change and renewal.
Modern Building Facade in Lahti
For Monday Window: 22 September 2025
Keeping it simple this week, this is a building from Hämeenkatu, Lahti, Finland
Monday window – designed by Alvar Aalto.
The image shows a building designed by Alvar Aalto. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, renowned as a master of modern architecture. This building is in my opinion is in a totally wrong place in Helsinki.
Monday Window: 15th September 2025
Windmill
I had these photos and this add came to mind, even though I took these photos because the sky and mood of the day.
The expression “Vattenfall – motherfucking windmills” alludes to a contemporary advertising campaign by the Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, showcasing actor Samuel L. Jackson as he highlights the benefits of offshore wind farms and the restoration of marine ecosystems via integrated seaweed farming.
Calm Waters
Sharing soothing images in line with my week’s theme – Quiet Moments. These visuals capture the tranquility and serenity that come from the simplest things in life, calm waters to serene landscapes that inspire peace, a feeling of stillness and relaxation. As we navigate through our busy lives, take time to pause, appreciate these quiet moments, and find comfort in the beauty that surrounds us.
Misty Landscapes in Monochrome
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.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Finding Joy in Everyday Wonders
Once again as I sit in my living room and watch the sun light up the leaves, casting a warm golden hue upon them, it brings immense joy to look at these short moments of beauty that give me joy. Not much is needed, if you take the time to see the little wonders that happen around you, like the gentle rustle of the leaves in the breeze or the light causing the background to appear like colorful balls dancing in the air. These simple experiences are treasures, offering moments wonder into our everyday lives, reminding us to cherish each fleeting moment.
Windows with reflections
My last window and shots from Serlachius Museum. It had so many great big glass windows, so many photos had to to be taken. Sharing them with Monday Window: September 2025
Click the images to enlarge them 😀
Foggy field – Nature’s morning Calm
In the field where whispers weave, fog blankets the morn,
Trees stand guard, their silhouettes adorned,
A rustic fence, weathered and worn,
Holds secrets of nature, in silence reborn.
Straight
Silent Sunday at Debbie’s here: Straight
Straight from the camera – Moon from last night, I learned how to get a moon shot that truly captures its ethereal beauty. During my attempts, I discovered techniques that allowed me to showcase the moon’s craters and surface details in a striking way. However, in the shots where you could see some of the atmosphere with the misty field below, I had some trouble with lighting, which made it challenging to strike the right balance between the brightness of the moon and the subtle shadows in the landscape. Despite these challenges, every photo is a new learning experience – straight from my editing table, I carefully adjusted contrasts and color balances to enhance the final images, hopefully resulting in a collection that reflects my best attempts with my new camera.
What do you think? Do you have a preference.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 