Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Category: Photography
Monochrome Madness
This is a tricky one, I really like monochrome or black and white photos. I know there is a difference between the two but many times they are considered the same. I don’t want to seem to be boasting, but I consider myself to have few real nice ones. Here are three that I chose 😀
Favorite? This is one I am rather happy about
Also this one
Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Flower of the day
Sitting in my backyard watching the sun light the flowers, such a lovely bright color against the blue sky and green leaves
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Streets of Lahti
It was a windy and cloudy day and we did not feel like barbequing so we drove to Lahti have lunch. We drove to Vuorikatu and first thing I noticed that lots of construction had been done and the sea of signs was the second thing I noticed as we got out of the car. it’s a jungle out there.
Looking down the hill you can see the ski jump hills, a landmark of the city. Behind the fence was a (Harjun koulu) school. I took a photo of the entrance. In the last two photos you can see some of the yard, and an apartment building and the tower of the Lahti City Hall
From the hill you can see to the hill on other side , (Ristin Kirkko) the Church of the Cross it is the main church in Lahti, Finland. The modernist church, completed in 1978, was one of the last design projects of the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The first photo in the gallery below.
And then we drove up the hill to see the radio masts of Lahti an other landmark of the city
Lahti is an important radio city because of its old radio broadcasting station. The Finnish Broadcasting Company was established in 1926. It was soon found that the radio broadcasting station in Helsinki was not powerful enough. The first long wave station in Finland was built in Lahti because of the city’s central location. Built in 1927, the 150-metre-high radio towers became a landmark of the city. Lahti’s broadcasting station was inaugurated on 22 April 1928.
The popularity of radio increased quickly in the 1930s, and it became necessary to expand coverage. In 1935, a new long-wave station was completed in Lahti (today the Radio and TV Museum Mastola) with a powerful 150 kW Marconi transmitter. In 1953, ultrashort (FM) waves and transmitters were introduced in broadcasting. In the same year, the transmitter of the Lahti long-wave (AM) transmitter was replaced. In 1958, Suomen Televisio was established and began its television broadcasting. Currently, FM and television transmission operations in Lahti are run by the Tiirismaa station, completed in 1967.
The AM station in Lahti stopped broadcasting in 1993, as the Finnish Broadcasting Company discontinued its long-wave service. Mastola
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lens-Artists Challenge: #312 A Sense of Scale
This week we are challenged by Sofia from photographias She wrote: So, this challenge might feel technical, but it really isn’t. Scale is something that attracts our eyes more often than we think and intuitively we look for ways to convey the size of what we’re seeing. There’s plenty of ways to do it, using people or objects, perspective or leading lines.
I started doing the search and I noticed I always compared the scale to people, and the scale was most prominent in nature. What came to mind was the vastness of the ocean, the sky but how to show it. I have been in awe of the redwoods, various rock formations I’ve been lucky enough to have seen. There’s something truly humbling about standing next to an ancient redwood, feeling dwarfed by its sheer size and presence. The intricate patterns and colors of the different rock formations I’ve encountered have also left a lasting impression on me, showcasing the immense power and artistry of nature. Additionally, the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out to the horizon, and the ever-changing canvas of the sky, constantly remind me of the boundless beauty and scale of the natural world.
Comparative Size: For example, placing a person next to a large tree can highlight the tree’s or rocks or mountains grandeur.
Negative Space: Using empty space around your subject can emphasize its size and importance. This technique is often used in landscape photography to highlight vastness
In the heart of the big cities, one can see the impressive high-rise buildings reaching for the sky, creating a concrete jungle that never sleeps. The scale and magnificence of these structures are truly awesome, offering a breathtaking view of urban architecture. Similarly, airports emulate the bustling atmosphere of a small city, with their vast terminals, intricate networks, and constant flurry of activity. The sheer scale and complexity of these transportation hubs is both stunning and, at times, overwhelming, leaving a lasting impression on travelers from all walks of life.
Perspective: The angle and distance from which you take a photo can significantly affect the perceived scale. Shooting from a low angle can make objects appear larger, while a high angle can make them seem smaller-
The micro world is a fascinating realm teeming with life, where even the smallest of things play a significant role. From the delicate scale on a butterfly’s wing to the vibrant hues of moss and lichen, every detail contributes to the intricate tapestry of this diminutive universe. Tiny flies dance gracefully in the air, while colorful flowers bloom, creating the beauty and complexity of the microcosm.
I hope you enjoyed my photo choices with size/scale! Sofia’s theme is a great reminder of the importance of keeping the scale of a subject in mind while we’re out with our cameras. Be sure to see her beautiful photos at her photographias. If you join us, please include a link on her site.
Last week, we all shared photos of gorgeous gardens for Ann-Christine’s “What’s in a Garden?” What’s happening next week? It’s John’s turn to take the lead, so please visit Journeys with Johnbo next Saturday at noon EDT.
If you want to know more on the Lens-Artists, please click here. Until then, keep on smiling ☺
Ache and pain, taking a break
For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
I have really bad tension neck, at the moment being on the computer is not recommended at the moment, so I’m on a short break.
Vibrant Summer Flowers Eyes
Hope you all a have a bright and joyful day.
Vibrant Summer Flowers, A Delight for the Eyes. The black-eyed Susan, captured for Cee’s Flower of the Day, exude a sense of joy and vibrancy. As we immerse ourselves in the warmth of the summer season, the array of colors and textures found in these blooms invites us to take a moment to appreciate the wonders of flowers.
Cellpic Sunday ~ stormy Weather
Johns Cellpic Sunday
Before thunderstorm on Saturday at the countryside. Love the contrast of the sky, and nature
Lemon
Lens-Artists Challenge #310: Zigzag
This week, the Lens-Artists team returns from our July break. A huge thank you to our three very talented guest hosts–Leanne Cole, Elizabeth Jensen and PR–who led the challenges in our absence and provided wonderfully inspiring and creative themes along with their beautiful photos.
This weeks challenge is hosted by P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures, Patti. has created a challenge that has had me little bit desperate, do I have anything for this week.
ZIGZAG. I had to dive deep into my archives for this one, and came up with hardly nothing related to this topic. It seems that the photos I’m looking for is buried beneath layers of forgotten files. I’ve spent some time sifting through these archives, hoping to unearth some suitable one’s.
This road sign – destination as me in always in zigzag.
What a relief, bridge frames 🙂 here to save me. First two from Australia, the other three from USA
A maze in Hua Hin in Thailand, not a great photo, but it is a zigzag.
Be sure your post includes the “Lens-Artists” tag and a link to Patti’s challenge post.
Next week, Ann-Christine will take the lead for LAC #311, so be sure to visit Leya next Saturday at noon EDT. You can be sure to find inspiration photos there.. Until then, keep smiling.
Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenges? Click here for more information…..
Oh, nature sometimes provides surprises.
Baseball
I’m not a fan of baseball but I think there are few among my followers in USA, follow the link to know about Finnish baseball, which I am not a fan of either 😀 but I more action is in our version.
Link to MLB page:
Photo is not related to this post in no way other than it is more popular outside the metropolitan area 😂
Last on the Card – July 2024
The last photo on the card of my mobile phone was taken around 10PM in Helsinki, right at the quiet marketplace as we were casually strolling home from listening to a live performance by one of my favorite artists. The night air was filled with a sense of excitement and contentment, as the vibrant melodies still played in my head. The colorful sky making it a perfect end to a great evening.
I took this with my Olympus camera with a 14-150mm lens as we were driving in the backroads in Mankala in southern Finland. It always amazes me how the trees can grow in so little soil as they do on these rocky hills. The natural beauty of this region is truly captivating, lush green forests, and stunning rocky terrain. As we meandered through the narrow winding roads, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant shades of green that adorned the landscape. The tranquility of the surroundings is touchable. It’s incredible how such an unassuming location can hold such enchanting allure.
My last photo on my Sony 2.8/50 MACRO lens. As I reviewed the close-up photos of the day’s flowers previously taken with my phone, I couldn’t help but feel very disappointed by the quality. It’s clear that attempting to edit and post-process images on the small screen of a phone can often fall short of expectations. I think I am going to delete the post, it is so bad. Eager to elevate the quality of my floral photography, I decided to switch back to my trusty camera. Although the flowers were not as fresh as before, the images I captured with the camera were undeniably better in every way. The colors were more vibrant, the details were clearer, and the overall composition was more to my liking.
This was the last one, but not the best one, but as requested, the last 🙂
this is for The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Flower of the day
Lens-Artist challenge #309: Balconies
So today’s topic is balconies. PR has presented us with this topic and has provided lovely shots to be inspired by. I have a few balcony shots myself, although I’m sure I’ve posted them before. My focus is mainly on nature photography, so I have fewer shots from cities. However, I must admit that balconies make for a nice photography topic. There’s something charming and delightful about capturing the unique character of different balconies, each telling its own story. Whether it’s the intricate designs of wrought-iron railings, the colorful array of potted plants, or the cozy nooks for outdoor seating, balconies offer a myriad of photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on a balcony can create captivating compositions, while the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces adds depth and interest to the photographs. Overall, exploring the world of balconies through photography provides an exciting visual journey, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of these architectural features.
This above shot is from Amalfi. The gallery below is balconies from Savannah (click to enlarge)
Charleston balconies
Above we are back in Italy and the below shot is from Nice.
Lens-Artist challenge #309: Balconies
I reallythought I wouldn’t be able to find that many balconies, I,m happy to have found some interesting and colorful balconies . Please go discover your set of balconies and be sure to link them to PR’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Elizabeth for last week’s Pairs challenge. It was great seeing the many variations of the theme and creative approaches to her subject.
Next week we return to our normal schedule with Patti leading the challenge on her Pilotfish post. We hope you’ll join us then. Until then, keep on smiling.
Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.
Simple and peaceful interior at Asikkala Church
Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
Monochrome Madness #13 – Trees
This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Sarah at Travel With Me is hosting with the theme “Trees”.
Trees yes, here are some trees for you that have caught my attention. The first and the last one is from few nights ago…trees are a great choice for monochrome images.
All images in the gallery can be enlarged with a click.
Mukkula manor
I spent an afternoon at this manor in Lahti celebrating my father in law’s 90th birthday.
More about the history of Manor One cannot describe the history of the Manor, without giving a special mention to the mysterious ghost of Mukkula, which sometimes makes an appearance around the estate. This is what Helli Jalas, a senior guide at Mukkula tells us: “It is said that a female figure sometimes descends the Manor’s stairs and enters the drawing room. It is believed that she is a former Lady of the Manor, wanting to check that everything in the drawing room is still in order – as it should be.”
Lens-Artists Challenge #308 – Perfect Pairs
Our guest host this week is Elizabeth of Albatz Travels – and she has got a great challenge for for us! Please visit her site for guiding to diptychs:
A diptych is two images placed in proximity to one another, forming a pair. To make a successful pairing there should be several things in common, and something very different, contrasting.
I will do my best to get this right.
First one: young / older, Father / son, back / front, stillness/ on the move
Near and far – same subject
generated image – old style, newer style and the same old face
close and far – shot at twelve apostles in Victoria.
One more and then I am back into my vacation mode. I took this few minutes ago for this challenge. It did not turn out just as I wanted, but as I stated earlier, I,m in the holiday mode. I wasn’t my sharpest, this week…but
Thank you, Elizabeth for a great challenge!
Last week, Leanne lead us through wonderful and different “Tourist Attractions”, capturing the essence of a place, what a journey. Next week, PR will explore “Balconies,” so be sure to visit Flights of the Soul next Saturday.
Bright
One word on this Sunday for OWS -Bright.
Cellpic Sunday
Lahti Radio mast is a local landmark, here it is seen from Mukkulan kartano on the other side of the lake Vesijärvi.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Thunder, And then it rained hard
Thursday doors
I know there is several doors to be found in these areas, though not easily seen. Dan’s Thursday Doors
I’m a big fan of looking out for shadows and light patterns
Lens-Artist Challenge #307 – Tourist Attractions Near and Far
A massive thank you to Leanne for being our Guest Host this week. I have admired Leanne’s photography for years, when she first started to do Monochrome Madness I participated, so for a long time I have been a fan of her style. Her post is full of beautiful destinations and they are absolutely gorgeous images. Please go and visit her blog for inspiration.
Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that while I haven’t been able to indulge in much traveling lately or pursued photography actively, there is no shortage of remarkable places I’ve had the privilege to visit. Each location has left an indelible impression on me, and the memories I’ve collected continue to offer a source of joy and introspection. The difficulty lies in singling out just one favorite, as each destination holds its own unique charm.
I have not posted these photos taken on the beach in Stavros yet, but I am I sharing them with you now. Stavros, a very small town on the peninsula of Arkotiri on the island of Crete in Greece, nothing special in the town itself. Stavros is world famous because the film “Zorba the Greek” with Anthony Quinn was shot here in 1964 .The beach itself may not be the most visually stunning one we have visited, but the allure of its cinematic history enticed us to explore its shores and take these few photos further down the beach
The place itself is hardly worth a mention but the beach, the Bay of Stavros, is a bathing paradise for swimming. The fine sand slopes gently to the sea and the bay is protected here from strong waves by a small promontory. There is not a lot of shade… unless you hire an umbrella and beach chair. Lying on the beach there is always something different to focus on when viewing the mountains opposite.
This dog was having a great time at the beach
Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to her original post.
Next week Elizabeth of Albatz Travel Adventures will lead us with PAIRS, and on the 27th July, PR of Flights of the Soul will present BALCONIES.
Keep on smiling.
Posted for Leanne’s Lens-Artists Challenge
One word Sunday ~ yellow
At the Saturday market
Had a nice morning by the lakeside summer market at Vuolenkoski.
Johns Cellpic Sunday
Folks from their summer homes came to the market on boats, the marina was so full some people had to wait for open spots on the docks
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 