Category: Photography

CCFFC – Colorful buildings

Photography, Traveling Cape Verde

I liked these colorful houses in this country, or in many other warm climate countries, but they would look so wrong, to me, if they were in Finland. I have seen some, and they are so out of place here; the brightness just does not fit with the natural palette of the Finnish landscape. The hues that might look vibrant and inviting against sunlit coastal backdrops or among lush tropical settings feel jarring against the more muted tones of Finland’s forests and snowy winters. But when I’ve seen these vivid buildings in other countries, they seem to blend in perfectly, as if they were meant to be there among the sun-kissed streets and bustling markets. It’s fascinating how context influences perception—go figure…

I have taken these photographs years ago in Cape Verde, and even in their rundown state—or perhaps in their unfinished state—they still appeal to me in a unique way. There’s a charm in their wear and tear, a story captured in the peeling paint and uneven lines. These structures despite their disrepair, they exude a warmth that resonates with the colors themselves.

CFFC – Colorful Buildings all photos in the gallery can be enlarged.

Home decorated for Christmas

Photography

So this is Christmas 🎄 Happy Holidays!

This year’s tree 🌲
Star in the window
Some elf’s are guarding the tree

Seasons greetings to you all!

CFFC – and Monday window

Cities, Photography, Travel

I looked at old photos during the weekend as needed to release some space to my hard drive. I say these and they were fresh in my memory as I saw these two challenges and thought they are so suitable for them even id old photos. Taken in Paris 2006 🙂 I do have to say nowadays I would pay more attention to framing and composition.

To Dan’s and Cee’s CFFC topic this week: Commercial buildings or store fronts and Dan’s Monday Window

Monochrome Madness – clouds

Black and White photos, Photography

This week  is a “themed” Monochrome Madness  week, and Brian is hosting. He chose clouds for a theme.

I love clouds; there’s something so captivating about their ever-changing forms and colors. Mostly, I take photos of them over water or a field, as the reflections and open spaces amplify their beauty. Ever so many of my favorites come from moments spent on the road, where the sky seems to stretch infinitely above. I can spend hours gazing at the clouds while traveling by car, —sometimes they look like soft animals, at other times like in the last shot – people. I find joy and inspiration in the simple act of observing the sky.

In Finland many could associate this cloud to a band …Leningrad Cowboys have listen and look at the hairdos 🙂

for some reason I could not find my “best” on the road cloud shots so I went with these..

Colorful Houses and Desert Landscapes in Cape Verde

Photography, Travel, Traveling Cape Verde

I took a trip down memory lanes, dreaming of warm places while watching the snow fall outside my window. The cold outside contrasted with my warm memories, making me yearn for warmth while the winter’s chill wrapped around me.

These photos were taken several years ago, ten years ago during a memorable trip where we drove a bit inland in Sal, Cape Verde. The area we explored is likely more developed now. I would say this is an area where many locals live. As we ventured further, we marveled at flat desert are dotted with colorful houses. These particular photographs were captured on the way to Salinas de Pedra de Lume, an extraordinary salt mine, which certainly left a lasting impression on our journey.

For Thursday Doors 2024

Frost: Nature’s Winter Masterpiece

Flowers, Nature, Photography

“Frost is the greatest artist in our clime – he paints in nature and describes in rime.” ~ Thomas Hood

The first frost is the umpire’s final whistle in a game we don’t want to end.

~Adrian Higgins

Aged

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

One Word Sunday at Debbie’s here

Artifacts from Pompeii, including intricately designed pots, beautifully crafted vases, and detailed statues, serve as a breathtaking window into the lives of the ancient Romans who thrived in this bustling city before the catastrophic earthquake.

Last on the Card – November 2024

Photography

Last on the Card – November 2024 and Monday windows

Last one on my iPhone – taken on November 30th at my friends house.

Sony – with macro lens 2.8-5,0

It has been a month since I took my Olympus for an outing… this is what I found on the card.

Sitting on the coach and looking out of the window on a sunny October day

or it could as well being this one as it was the second last one 🙂

Rediscovering Lost Perspectives

Captures from Finland, Interiors, Photography

I have taken this shot several years ago, and ignored the possibilities of it to be anything more than a simple snap I took in a moment of spontaneity. Now, as I was looking for something else, I find myself wondering why I had dismissed its potential. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that this shot is truly hopeful; the light is pouring in, illuminating the intricate details of this piece of art in a way that breathes life into it. The way the shadows dance around , the dialogue between light and dark, urging to pause and reflect. It makes me realize that sometimes, in our rush to capture the moment, we overlook the beauty and stories waiting to be told in the simplest of images.

Any thoughts on this?

Winter’s First Bite, The Beauty of Frosted Leaves

Photography

November frost, the first bite of winter on these colorful leaves of barberry, I think that is the name of this plant, is or not, it sure looks pretty. The crisp air carries with it a stillness that amplifies the vivid reds and yellows of the leaves. As I stood there looking for a right angle to take a photograph, I couldn’t help but marvel at how such a small shrub can capture the essence of the changing seasons, hinting at the chill to come while still clinging to its vibrancy. Each leaf seems to shimmer with the promise of winter, creating a breathtaking contrast that leaves a lasting impression.

Captivating Colors of Bergenia Leaves

Flowers, Nature, Photography

The frost equally enhanced the bergenia leaves, creating a stunning contrast where the vibrant green and deep red colors were beautifully accentuated against the soft, delicate white frost. The scene appeared as if nature had carefully brushed its palette across the foliage, simple leaves transformed into a breathtaking sight, rich with color and texture.

Monochrome Madness – Music

Photography

Margaret from From Pyrenees to Pennines hosts Monochrome Madness this week with a theme Where Words Fail, Music Speaks. I have heard music in many countries and it definitely is an international language – it moves us and gives us joy regard of nationality.

Most of my photos are street photographs – and I approached this challenge by just the photos. which could look good as monochrome. I always enjoy the editing process.

Let’s end this post with a happy smile. Embrace the moments of happiness and take time for yourself as you navigate the days ahead. Have a great week ahead, filled with positivity and light!

Frosty Coniferous Branches

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Nature, Photography

While we had the cold and frosty days I took some close-ups of coniferous branches.

Lens-Artists Challenge #326 – This Made Me Smile

lens-artists, Photography

This post was a nice reminder of the power of a smile. I just Love Ann-Christine‘s theme this week.

I have been in the dumps nothing serious, November blues, but I am doing my best to crawl out of it, finding the glimmers of hope amidst the dullness I feel. A smile always is uplifting, like a beacon of light in the dark. I’ve had a few smiles and laughs with friends lately, which served as a much-needed reminder of the joy that friends bring. Thank you all for your comments lately, even if I have been very bad, very naughty, at responding and reciprocating. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and I still have had smiles seeing your posts and comments. Each interaction, no matter how small, a connection that pulls me in, and it’s this sense of community that inspires me to keep pushing forward and rediscovering the need to crawl out of the inactive mode.

Now for the smiles. This young women made me smile when I saw her 🙂 She sure likes pink.

I know, naughty

The look and the contrast with his clown get-up for some reason made me smile. Not a happy dude in happy gear.

A good bookstore and a book can bring surely bring a smile when you discover it.

Random encounters like a man and his pig, also an old fella with pigeons, add a touch of whimsy to everyday life. The sight brings a smile to my face, while the elderly gentleman carefully holding his feathered friends creates a serene yet delightful scene. Twins, never fail to bring joy wherever I see them 🙂 The duck with fish, is a sight I don’t often see. These are some of the smile-triggering moments that remind me of the simple pleasures life has to offer, creating little pockets of happiness throughout the day. And every time I see cows in the field I need to point them out.

Signs that have some humor in them… I’ll just post this one.

 Thank you Ann-Christine for your uplifting post. When you post your response, remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week, Tina emphasized gratitude and reflection on appreciation beautifully, setting the stage for an this week challenge. Next week, Sofia will take over the challenge, so look out for her post and join us again.

Capturing Unique Cafe Moments

Captures from Finland, Photography

These are not the best shots I’ve taken with my mobile, but I had fun experimenting with light settings. The last set is taken from inside a cozy cafe, looking out through the window— searching for funny reflections that add an interesting twist to the ordinary scene. It’s amusing to notice how, in some of the pictures, there are lots of people appearing without heads. These unusual captures reminding me of the joy that comes from simply observing the world around me while sipping on a warm cup of coffee.

For John’s Cellpic Sunday.

How to Survive November 2024 -O

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography

November 15th – O – Omena / Apple

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Omena

How to Survive November 2024 – N

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography

November 14th – N- Neuloa / Knit

Well, this is one of the things you can do in November.

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Neuloa

How to Survive November 2024 – M

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography

November 13th – M – Maisema / Landscape / scene / view

Meri – Sea

Landscape – this is taking the easy way out of this one.

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Maisema

How to Survive November 2024 – L

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography

November 11 th -L is for – Lasipullo / Lasipullot – Glass bottle / Glass Bottles

This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Lasipullo

How to Survive November 2024 – K

Captures from Finland, how to survive November, Photography

November 11 th -K is for – Kaisla meaning Reed

This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Kaisla

How to Survive November 2024 – J

how to survive November, Photography

November 10th -J is for – JÄRVI meaning lake

This is from Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi – taken around after 3PM. It was already dusk. AS you may have seen from my yearly November posts, it is the grayest month of the year – and apparently the grayest city in Europe in November. That is what we are surviving at the moment. Yesterday I was able to catch a bit of blue in the horizon, even if it had been a dull day for the most part. the camera catches so many more hue’s than the eye can see.

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Järvi

How to Survive November 2024 – I

how to survive November, Photography

November 9th – I – INDIGO. Tarkoittaa intialaista sinistä väriä.

Indigo deep blue colour / A purplish-blue colour.

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Indigo

How to Survive November 2024 – H

how to survive November, Photography

November 8th – H is for Hampurilainen 🍔 – no translation needed here.

Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever,  is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.

Hampurilainen