Johns Cellpic Sunday
Before thunderstorm on Saturday at the countryside. Love the contrast of the sky, and nature
Cellpic Sunday ~ stormy Weather
Category: Photography
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
A busy morning at the marina
Monochrome Sculptures
PR‘s Monochrome madness asked for statue photos, and it turns out that I don’t have all that many. The first one is from Oulu. The others are from Italy. And I don’t know anything about them other than for some reason I took photos of them many of them have wings 🙂
A special feature in Oulu’s police history were the market police, whose task was to monitor the discipline and order of the market. It was through them that a large part of the townspeople and the population of the province also got to know law enforcement and the police.
The time of market police lasted in Oulu from 1934 to 1979. From those times, the sayings ‘Are you from Oulu, are you afraid of the police’ and ‘Gents are good and go their separate ways’ have survived in Oulu. After the end of the market patrol, as a tribute to these policemen, a bronze statue, Toripolliisi, designed by Kaarlo Mikkonen, was erected in front of the Market Hall in 1987 as a result of a public gathering.
This 220-centimeter-tall, standing policeman from Oulu has over time become one of the sights and subjects that most reflect the Oulu community.
All photos in this gallery can be enlarged by a click
also posted to Leanne Cole
These two last one’s are of a sculpture I have made, these are taken when it was still a work in progress.
Doors – Hakaniemi, Helsinki
This is stretching it a bit, first I noticed the woman with the orange scarf, she was sitting on the edge of the window – facing me and the sun having a smoke. Before I could get the shot she turned. The restaurant is out of business, well by the looks f the door. There is a lady coming out through the gate in the corner. So there is a door in this shot 🙂
Dans Thursday Doors
Arena talo is a commercial and residential building located in Hakaniemi, Helsinki, which completely covers a triangular block on the north side of Hakaniemi market. The Danish-style red brick building was designed by architect Lars Sonck and was completed in two stages in 1924 and 1929. There is an Oxygenol light advertisement on the roof. And lots of doors on the street level.
Oxygenol has also been a part of Helsinki’s street scene for decades: the brand name can be read in two meters high letters on the roof of the Arena building near the Hakaniemi metro station from the direction of the Hakaniemi square. In these you can see it from the back 🙂
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Summer sunset
I was going to leave it to one photo, but I couldn’t resist capturing more of the breathtaking scenery. The misty sunset painted the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. Surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, there were no neighbors in sight, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. The absence of gnats or mosquitoes was a welcome surprise, and as the clock neared 11pm, the lingering light of the sunset filled me with a sense of contentment. It was a perfect ending to a busy day, leaving me feeling truly happy. 😃
I took photos to all directions but east, I was too lazy to go and walk to the road. Instead, I found a myself staying on our own plot of land , It ialways nice to see how the colors and light varies depending which direction I am looking at.
South view
pointing my camera to the west in these two photos
You see what I mean, could you limit your photos to one, maybe, me no way. Sorry for the overload
Wordless Wednesday
Helsinki Pavilion -Modern Beauty ?
HELSINKI’s cityscape is a delightful blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks. The pavilion, located next to the Marketplace on Lyypekin laituri, with its wooden structure and two new piers, the pavilion offers visitors a serene place to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Inspired by the Helsinki archipelago and Vallisaari specifically, the pavilion’s design showcases the city’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. “It’s shaped like a beach cliff that twists into a squishy ring,” as it was eloquently described in the press release during its initial design phase.
That is not why I took the photos, because delightful blend of modern architecture, no. I just loved how the triangle frames the city view and how the people added perspective to the height of the building
Beauty of Bird Cherry Flowers
The back of my mobile phone was the background for these colorful images, I obviously was not busy as I took time to try different things with these flowers
Bird cherry flowers showily in early summer. The heavy-scented flowers attract insects, especially flies and bees. Black fruits of the bird cherry are bitter-sweet. They can be used for making tasty liqueur, or for dyeing wool as they yield a pale lilac shade. Also called European bird cherry, Hackberry
click to enlarge
Ympyrätalo, Helsinki’s Iconic Circle House
Here is my last post to Ludwig’s Monday Windows
I think these are suitable for this week. Ympyrätalo “Circle House”) is a circle-shaped office building located in the Hakaniemi district of Helsinki, Finland. The building is a local landmark. The building’s architecture has been seen as a high point in 1960s Finnish office building architecture.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 