The delicate beauty of white orchids captivates all who encounter them, showcasing their ethereal elegance with every blossom. From their slender stems to the gentle curves of their petals, white orchids embody a tranquil essence. Furthermore, their significance in various cultures, often associated with love, fertility, and strength, enhances their allure, making them not just a visual delight but also a meaningful floral gift.
For Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.
Today, I’m showcasing some doors and details from my archives that feature the enchanting beauty and intricate details of the Amalfi Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral), its architecture, and a rich history. This cathedral, one of the standout attractions of the Amalfi Coast and among Italy’s most magnificent churches, sits in Piazza del Duomo at the heart of Amalfi. The beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, whose remains were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in 1206 and are interred in the Crypt. In addition to being the patron saint of Scotland and Russia, Saint Andrew is also revered as the patron saint of Amalfi.
Click images to enlarge them.
I, for some reason, found it suitable for the season as I am listening to Christmas songs at the same time. Dan’s Thursday Doors
I took my lead from Leanne Monochrome Madness; I am showing photos from the Australian coastline, which are truly breathtaking and capture the essence of this stunning region. I stayed with my cousin at Casey’s Beach in NSW last February. Thanks to her hospitality we were able to stay in this beautiful place for a couple of weeks.
Casey’s Beach is a calm and east-facing beach located in Batehaven. Snapper Island can be seen from her house from a slightly different angle than these shots, adding a unique charm to the picturesque view. We drove to the Observation Point, located at the northern end of Casey’s Beach , this lookout provides elevated views over the 1 km stretch of beach, perfect for a great vantage point in both directions, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the coastline as the waves gently lapped at the shore. I have even painted it at one point, and it now hangs in her house, So I have been inspired by it before, and I hope to return again to experience its magic all over.
My art profile received a boost from NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY which is always nice.
Art inspiring photography has a unique ability to captivate and draw us into a world of creativity and imagination. I saw this remarkable artwork and can genuinely say I spent more than a few moments lost in its beauty, taking multiple photos of the mesmerizing reflections it created.
The artist Keith Tyson has embedded fragments of meteorites collected from Antarctica into a polished steel sphere in his work titled “Field of Heaven.” The concept is to unite materials that have originated as far apart from each other as possible.
Each angle revealed something new, and I found myself striving to capture that one inspiring shot that would encapsulate the essence of the piece. One of the photographs I took appears to show a crow peeking out from the depths of the artwork, its silhouette forming a mysterious figure that invites curiosity. Another image conveys a sense of wonder, resembling a stone or a meteor hurtling forth from a brilliant star, as if it were a fragment of the universe capturing a fleeting moment in time.
Through these reflections, I felt a profound connection to the art, showcasing the hidden narratives and emotions that art often evokes in those who are open to its interpretation. What is your interpretation?
Today I am offering you a precisely cropped image of Artek Helsinki store window with a greeting: Hyvää Joulua, Got Jul, Merry Christmas
Monday Window: 15 December 2025
So far, December has been unseasonably warm, characterized by gray and rainy weather; we’ve only enjoyed one sunny day here in southern Finland. The dreariness of the skies affects my mood, it really does. However, we did go to Helsinki to see live music and on the way we saw the season’s festive lights in Helsinki, which I found to be quite tastefully arranged, stylish would be my word. I snapped a few iPhone photos to preserve the memories, but unfortunately, none turned out well in terms of quality—they’re all somewhat blurry. I’ll attribute this to the frigid weather; the biting wind was so cold it left me shivering, making it hard to hold the camera steady.
Livemusic, americana, mexicana? We went to see a top band assembled by Alejandro Escovedo and Sami Yaffa in Savoy in Helsinki. A long-time songwriter (74 years old), Escovedo was born to a family of Mexican immigrants, and he often sings stories about the experiences of immigrants in the United States, a musical family as only 8 out of the 13 children became musicians. Brothers Coke and Pete once played in a small Chicano band called Santana. Pete’s daughter is Sheila E.
This was a new artist from Texas to me; I loved how he told the stories about the songs. I can say I truly enjoyed this wonderful artist’s music there is something to be said about to listening to live music played by wonderful musicians.
The photos are nothing to brag about, but will be a reminder of nice evening. For John’s Cellpic Sunday
Here are some gentle reflections mirrored in the calm waters, creating a soothing rhythm with images of wooden docks, masts, and rigging. Each shot adds to a calm atmosphere, and the beauty of reflections and the subtle movements that invite us to pause and appreciate the delicate dance between light and water.
For this week for Dan’s Thursday Doors, I sought AI’s feedback on my image, which inspired me to explore my creative choices. I edited the image in three ways to highlight the importance of color in conveying meaning and emotional resonance, noting how the shift from warm to cool tones alters interpretation. And I just like editing images 😀
This photo, captured by Ritva Sillanmäki, can symbolize several ideas, primarily centered around transition, choice, and new opportunities, as doors are a common subject in art for these themes.
Potential Symbolism:
Transition and Change: Doorways represent the passage from one place or state of being to another, such as leaving one phase of life behind and moving on to the next.
Opportunity and Invitation: An open door, like the ones in the image, generally conveys a sense of welcome, encouragement, and a new beginning.
Choice and Decision: The presence of multiple doors could symbolize a corridor of choices, or the act of making a decision itself—whether to go through a specific door, stay put, or explore a new path.
Boundaries and Connection: Doors serve as a boundary between the outside world and an inner sanctuary, a connection between different worlds, or a point of protection and welcoming.
Artistic Interpretation: As a photographer known for exploring emotions and unique perspectives, Sillanmäki’s work often aims to encourage the viewer to reflect and make their own discoveries within the image. The personal meaning of the photograph ultimately rests with the viewer’s interpretation of the scene and their own experiences.
I am sharing scenes from five countries for this theme The Space Between.
I am starting with doors leading to boathouses and a view through an archway of a partially collapsed brick structure reveal a jagged brick wall in Finland.
A view framed through a heart-shaped opening captures the essence of urban life showcasing the bustling street life, a man selling ice cream and a riverboat in India.
Additionally, I have an image of a wooden bridge and a picturesque road framed by trees from Australia.
A charming waterfront image features boats between a street lamp and a street adorned with historic buildings from France, and a last-minute addition from Italy shows a man reading at an open window.
I really want to showcase images that catch that sweet spot in between, using black and white photography to highlight intricate designs and the beauty of nature, showing off the contrast and richness of life in different places. I hope the variety of scenes gives you a taste of the amazing cultural and environmental vibes out there!
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #49: The Space Between and Guest host Stupidity Hole: The Space Between
Dance with me, I put my arms around you. With each gentle sway, let us twirl and spin under the soft glow of the lights, surrendering to the magic of the night.
Frost-kissed leaves in silence lie,
A muted palette beneath a gray sky.
Brown and gold decay, whispers of gray,
Purple hues linger, fading away.
I am still and for many more days viewing my archives and editing my images from 2012 Riga. I am going to find many windows and doors in these photographs to share with you.
This image is of an aged European-style architecture under a partly cloudy sky, representing a cityscape in Riga, Latvia. The design reflects an older historic urban setting, featuring a small balcony on the lower level of the main building, while a dark spire or dome can be observed peeking above the primary roofline against the sky.
A historic structure in Riga features a distinctive copper roof and intricately designed windows. Its facade is adorned with 11 elaborate windows that accentuate the architectural elegance of the building. A tall, prominent structure occupies the left and center of the scene, showcasing a weathered pale yellow or beige exterior with numerous rows of windows framed in red. The roof comprises a blend of red tiles and rusted reddish-brown metal sheeting, complete with several dormer windows.
To the right, a smaller structure boasts a lively orange facade and a red-tiled roof.
Presenting this week’s edition of Monday Window, brought to you by Brian, renowned from Bushboy.
“One Word Sunday: pink” my focus is on makeup essentials, featuring a vibrant pink, a soft pom-pom, and a compact mirror. Overall, conveying a playful yet chic vibe that appeals to beauty enthusiasts. How does that wording work for subscribing to this post?
Debbies Six Word Saturday
I have so many doors and lovely buildings from Riga that I have not shared. So I decided to look at them with new eyes and with much better editing skills than I had back then. While wandering through the charming streets, I was struck by the unique architecture that embodies the rich history of the city. I took a trip to Riga with my sister in 2012, so these most likely do not look the same today as they did then, but all the same, they look charming to me. Each building tells a story, and the intricate designs and vibrant colors evoke a sense of nostalgia. I can’t help but admire how these lovely structures reflect the character and culture of Riga, serving as a beautiful reminder of our journey together.
For Dan’s Thursday Doors
For this week’s edition of The Flower Hour, I present to you images of the flower commonly referred to as Plumeria or Frangipani. These exquisite and aromatic blooms are a delight for all the senses and carry a plethora of cultural significances from tropical regions across the globe. Plumeria is frequently incorporated into various celebrations and ceremonies, as it symbolically represents love, devotion, and beauty. They exhibit a wide array of colors, ranging from gentle pinks and whites to vivid yellows and reds.
In the absence of a theme for Monochrome Madness, I experimented with one image in three versions, focusing on varying lighting and contrast to bring out different moods and emotions in the monochrome portrayal. The main subject of the monochrome portrait is a young girl who appears immersed in deep contemplation, portrayed in a serene natural setting as she thoughtfully gazes downward, which beautifully highlights her profound connection with the environment around her.
This reflective posture suggests an internal narrative, inviting viewers to interpret her thoughts and feelings, yet it does raise questions about what is truly occurring in the moment. What the photograph suggests may evoke feelings of curiosity and tranquility, but it is a juxtaposition to the reality that, in truth, she was looking at her phone, texting friends, I assume, as many young people often do in their daily lives.
This detail presents an interesting contrast between the serene aesthetic of the image and the typical distractions of modern life. I took this photograph last summer, that is obvious by her clothing, which indicates warmth and leisure, making it clear that it is not a recent one. The sunlight filtering through the leaves further adds to the nostalgic quality of the piece, linking the past moments of carefree summer to the present.
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, 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.
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.
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.
This week it’s Beth’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge. She is asking us to feature anything with wings.
Butterflies are captivating creatures known for their vibrant colors and delicate wings, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of life. Despite living only a short time, they remind us of life’s transient nature and the importance of cherishing moments. They represent transformation, rebirth, and freedom, while also embodying hope, spiritual growth, joy, and endurance across different cultures.
Birds embody a profound sense of freedom as they gracefully soar through the sky, their shimmering feathers reflecting sunlight in a breathtaking array of colors. As they glide on the gentle wind, they evoke feelings of wonder and tranquility, reminding us of the beauty in the world around us. Each bird carries its own symbolic meanings across various cultures, with doves representing peace and love, owls symbolizing wisdom and intuition, and eagles reflecting strength, courage, and boundless freedom. As I am not a good bird photographer, I don’t have the patience for it; my shots are of birds about to fly or landing, and they are none of the mentioned above.
If you believe in angels, it’s beautiful to recognize the myriad of thoughts surrounding them, from deep religious convictions interpreting them as divine messengers to philosophical views that frame them as symbols of protection, compassion, and guidance. Many see angels as gentle messengers of love, hope, and miracles, while others embrace them as reflections of our human potential and the uplifting qualities that define our humanity.
The evil wings I found were on this poster, the idea of devil with wings resonates deeply, often symbolizing the complex nature of a fallen angel—someone who once held a spark of angelic beauty but has now been warped into a representation of evil. This striking contrast between traditional angelic wings and their demonic counterparts, such as the transition from beautiful white wings to unsettling bat-like ones, underlines the tragic transformation and the profound struggle between good and evil.
Beth said she can’t wait to see what we come up with, and I am always surprised about the creative journey we’re on together. Well, Beth, this is what I could muster up after a thoughtful exploration of ideas and inspiration. I’ve done my best, hoping to capture not just the essence of our theme but also the fluttering spirit of this challenge.Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post. Let’s inspire each other and all those who stumble upon our posts!
Last week you showed us some creative, mysterious images in your responses to Patti’s challenge Mysterious, and your unique interpretations were truly captivating. The way you explored different angles, shadows, and light brought a new depth to the theme of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind each image, sparking discussions and inspiring others to delve into their own creative expressions. Your ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through your photography not only enhanced the challenge but also highlighted the diverse ways in which we can perceive and represent the enigmatic elements of our world.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, December 6 at noon eastern time when Ann-Christine will be hosting the challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
A thoughtful black-and-white portrait of a man shows a ton of emotion and introspection. You can really see the lines on his face and feel the heaviness of his thoughts. The play of shadows and light highlights his furrowed brow and slight frown, hinting at some personal struggles and deep reflections. Every little detail makes you think about the quiet stories behind his gaze, sparking a sense of empathy and a better understanding of what it means to be human.
How to describe this portrait I took was a bit tricky, but this is what I came up with, does it resonate with you?
Posted for #Six Word Saturday and November Shadows
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 