Category: Captures from Finland
This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
Reeds and Riverside Charm
Snowy reeds stand tall and proud in the frosty winter day, their delicate strands shimmering as they catch the soft light of the pale sun. The biting cold fills the air, crisp atmosphere. Each reed, encased in frost, depicts a picturesque scene in the quiet beauty of nature in its peaceful winter slumber.
Doors from from the late Middle Ages
Linked to Dans’ Thursday doors
The four-meter-high door leading from the armory to the church hall is the most magnificent of all surviving from the late Middle Ages. The series of images on the door depicts Hubertus’ hunting trip, during which Christ appeared to him in the form of a stag. This vision made him turn around and carry the message of Christianity forward. The wrought-iron door panels of the south portal leading from the armory to the church hall are the finest in Finland.
Hollola is the oldest parish in eastern Häme and was probably founded in the second half of the 13th century. Of the church’s construction phases dating back to the 15th century, the sacristy is older than the main church. The church itself and its vaulting belong to the construction phase that is dated to have taken place between 1475 and 1485.
Monochrome winter
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-January 2025
Brian recommended this challenge to me, so now I spent few moments playing with my image, during that the time the sunset. Time well spent 🙂 I don’t know, but it is creative fun.
I started with this image I took at Hollola Church – it is rather bland image the light in the window is too strong. Obviously the first would be to convert to B&W and play with contrast and light. It goes without saying that I have adjusted the photo vertically.
The next step is to play with the colors version. I did make it pop 🙂
Then I switched to PhotoShop and added texture to it 🙂
I would not be me if I didn’t have one more to share , playing first in Lightroom with the colors and light, then again switched to PhotoShop to add texture. Blues of the evening…
Joining in to One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-January 2025
Round car lights
Becky’s Geometric January
the snow covered birch tree branches
Creativity and editing
I have often expressed that I enjoy editing photos, even though I tend to post mainly realistic images, having them look like I saw them. On that note, all of my images have been edited, mostly I adjust the light and contrast—highlights and shadows—to enhance the overall feel of the photograph. Contrast plays a crucial role in making certain elements stand out and giving depth to the image. I do it so that it reflects the image I saw in my mind’s eye—hence the title; the world as I see it. Photography, for me, is not just about capturing moments but also about expressing my unique perspective and interpretation of the scenes before me, allowing viewers to experience the beauty and intricacies that I wished to convey. Through careful editing, I strive to invite others into my vision, ensuring that they appreciate the subtleties that might go unnoticed in a more straightforward representation.
I am going to start editing cityscapes, buildings, and industrial places in a more creative way. For a long time, I have wanted to venture towards this direction, and now I am excited to explore various artistic approaches that can bring a fresh perspective to my work. I plan to experiment with techniques such as dramatic lighting, unique angles, and vibrant color palettes to enhance the visual appeal of my photographs. By prioritizing these innovative methods in my editing process, I hope to creatively showcase buildings and cityscapes, transforming my photographs into something more artsy and captivating.
I am going to explore various angles to highlight architectural details. Finding unique vantage points can elevate the way buildings are presented in your images. Adjusting contrast can enhance the structural elements of buildings, making them stand out.
Vintage or black-and-white filters can transform standard images into stunning artistic representations.
Use color grading to enrich urban atmospheres.. Pay attention to the distinct textures found in urban environments, such as brickwork or glass in post-processing to create depth and interest in your cityscape photos. Play with the color tones in the image.
Use filters to create effects that align with the character of buildings and cityscapes.
I would appreciate if you would like to comment 🙂
The Warm Glow of Lights Across the Road
Watching the lights across the road, the kelvins seem to be low as all the windows glow in a warm yellow color, casting an inviting aura that contrasts sharply with the icy chill outside. The atmosphere feels cosy, as if the world is wrapped in a gentle embrace of light, creating a sanctuary amid the frosty scenery. Even though the wind blows snow sideways outside the building, the warmth emanating from the interiors provides a sense of comfort and peace.
Unpredictable Winter Weather in Finland
Weather is always a fascinating topic in Finland, as it is often unpredictable and has a significant impact on daily life. Always safe. Today, for example, we have experienced a mix of snow, slush, and drizzle coming down on us, creating a rather dreary yet quintessentially Finnish atmosphere. Even with the gray sky looming overhead, which is certainly not a pleasant sight, the temperature remains relatively mild for winter standards at +1.4°C. but it does little to brighten the overall mood on such a gloomy day. This warmth is not the best temperature in winter; I think I prefer something between -3°C and -5°C, with no wind.
Just the other day, the wind blew wildly, causing slush to accumulate on the windows facing east and west, painting a messy but intriguing picture of the weather’s influence on our surroundings. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture this moment, and so I took several photos of the slushy windows, hoping to convey the unique elegance of Finland’s winter weather, even when it is less than ideal.
Stone and Iron squares
Fence me in
Capturing Geometry in Ordinary Moments
It is dark outside, and the quiet of the night envelops everything in a serene way I am ready to go to bed. In contrast, there is a soft light in the corridor, the wall are covered with bookshelves . The windows, covered with blinds, create a captivating pattern of lines, casting shadows. In – and outside is mixed the reflection on the window. The light of the seasonal light in my backyard snow in yellow glow.
I took these snapshots with my iPhone, and while the quality isn’t the best, they capture the essence of geometric square. My intention is to embrace the challenge of using new photos, to draw inspiration from the ordinary. I don’t think I will succeed in it completely, but I am committed to doing my best, knowing that every effort counts.
Posted as part of Becky’s Geometric January
Minimalist take on Birds and Trees
I was watching birds flying around on a cold day, and they kept returning to this tree, which stood majestically against the winter sky. The branches were covered with snow, creating a beautiful contrast with the winter colors of the birds as they flittered about. The tree was so far away that I was not able to get a good shot, which left me feeling a bit frustrated. Despite the distance, I did my best to capture the colors and clarity to a presentable level, but the quality was not quite on par with the stunning visuals I had hoped for.
Then I started playing with the Lightroom editing, experimenting with various effects, I did not use filters, and I ended up with these unexpected results that brought new life to my photos. I rather like them, as they reflect not just the scene but also the mood of that chilly day and the serene beauty of nature in a very minimalist way and monotone colors.
square ⬜ in the meantime
Don’t be a square
be a 🔽 triangle or an ☓ – or maybe a circle or just brave, take a dip into the sea.
Last on the card December 2024
Happy New Year 2025 to All!
Thanks for your company during the past year to my old and new blog friends! Your support and engagement have made this year truly special, and I cherish the connections we’ve created. I look forward to sharing not only the adventures that the coming year will bring but also the insights, stories, and experiences that we can exchange together. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with creativity, collaboration, and even more memorable moments!
CFFC – short and tall
Silent sunday
Silent Sunday
Christmas eve
Today is the most important day of Christmas, filled with the joyous arrival of Santa on Christmas eve, who brings gifts and cheer for everyone, and we celebrate it surrounded by the warmth and laughter of family and friends, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime, as we gather around the beautifully decorated tree.
Merry Christmas to you all !
Reflective Library windows
You need to get some looks for Christmas – what better place to get them from but a library, where creativity and inspiration abound? These windows, showcasing the elegant architecture and modern design, are from Oodi Library in Helsinki. As you stroll through the space, you’ll find a plethora of stunning styles and ideas.
Monday Window 23 December 2024
Lens-Artists Challenge #329 – Last Chance 2024
Our end-of-the-year challenge is this week. There is no specific Lens-Artist host for this challenge, as the team is acting as joint hosts for the week you can link any team member’s post in your response. You can also link to your post in any team member’s comment section.
Simple: The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2024 challenges.
One photo from every month, that is my approach to this one. No explanation 🙂
I have not photographed much in this December, instead I have been painting. I took photos of the them, as this year I painted all my Christmas cards. This is one of them, thought I did not send this one as I forgot to leave the white frames around it.
Beginning of this year in January I joined the Lens-Artists team. I must admit that I was pleasantly and deeply happy to become a part of this esteemed group of talented photographers, who not only capture mesmerizing images but also possess a remarkable gift for storytelling through words. It has been great to be part of this group. Thank you.
As we approach the close of 2024, the Lens-Artists team will be on hiatus, returning on Saturday, January 4. As is our tradition, we will open the New Year with our Favorite Photos of 2024 challenge.
Blue
Debbies One Word Sunday: Blue
Seasonal lights
Yesterday – finally we hanged some seasonal lights to our backyard to brighten the dark nights. Tinka enjoy the sight too 🙂 Two of them are from my bedroom and other through the window in my living room.
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lens-Artists Challenge #328 – Winter
Check out John’s lovely post at Lens-Artists Challenge #328 – Winter
Winter will be upon those living in the northern hemisphere in only two weeks, well in my opinion it is already here .
For those who know me, know that winter is not my season, but you have to endure it. While I can appreciate the beautiful winter landscapes, with their pristine white snow and glistening icicles hanging from the eaves, and the seasonal lights that illuminate the dark nights, the cold weather is something I struggle with. The crisp air can feel invigorating at first, but it quickly turns into an unwelcome chill that seeps through even the warmest of layers. I know it is a matter of dressing accordingly, but the layer after layer can become cumbersome and stifling; not to mention the effort it takes to bundle up before stepping outside.
I will give you a few facts below about the beloved season if you are interested, or you can just enjoy the photos I’ve taken of the beauty of the snow-filled landscape, which captures the serene essence of winter perfectly. There is something magical about how snow blankets the ground, transforming ordinary scenes into picturesque winter wonderlands that take your breath away. I enjoy it too—in the photos, where each pristine flake seems to reflect the beauty of nature and the quiet stillness that accompanies this season, inviting you to pause and admire the frosty charm that surrounds us.
FEW facts about Finland In winter, the mean temperature remains below 0°C, but warm airflows can raise the daily high above 0°C at times. Winter usually begins in mid-October in Lapland and during November in the rest of Finland, though not until December in the southwestern archipelago. It thus takes about two months for winter to proceed from Lapland to Åland. The sea and large lakes slow down the progress of winter. Winter is the longest season in Finland, lasting for about 100 days in southwestern Finland and 200 days in Lapland.
Arctic Circle, part of winter is the period known as the “polar night”, when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. In the northernmost corner of Finland, the polar night lasts for 51 days. In southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.
Permanent snow covers the ground about two weeks after winter begins, reaching its deepest around mid-March with 60 to 90 cm in eastern and northern Finland, and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland. Lakes freeze in late November and early December, with ice thickest in early April at about 50 to 65 cm. In severe winters, the Baltic Sea may ice over almost completely, while mild winters keep it open except for the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland’s far ends.
The coldest day of winter typically occurs after the winter solstice, at the end of January in most places, except for maritime islands and coastal areas, where it is delayed until early February. Coldest temperatures range from -45°C to -50°C in Lapland and eastern Finland, from -35°C to -45°C elsewhere, and from -25°C to -35°C in islands and coastal regions.
Please join and remember to link to John’s challenge when you post your response, and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, Sofia’s challenge focused on the Five Elements in her lovely post, and the responses were interesting to see. How we all interpreted it in our own way .
Next week, it is time for our annual year-end challenge. In December 2022, the Lens-Artists team introduced a “Last-Chance” challenge. The idea was to review the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. Go through your gallery and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.
celebration of 107 years of freedom
Yesterday, December 6th we celebrated the Independence day of Finland. It was a awesome reason to enjoy Champagne 🥂
For Debbies Six Word Saturday
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 