Photography – Page 21 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #294 – Before and After

I will go straight to what John wrote” One of my favorite things is to take the images I captured from my camera and put them in a workflow through two or three different photo editing applications”. I love doing this too. He asks us to feature three or four images in your gallery that you tweaked for whatever reason and the original image out of the camera. Here are my Before and After

I was going through some old photos, and this corner in an old building with light coming in from above, the texture of the walls set my creativity to flow and edited it for this challenge. With this first photo I am giving you more details to explain the edits I did.

This is the one I added light and contrast, texture, and clarity. I also added some vibrancy but used less saturation. I toned down highlights, lessened blacks and shadows. I did not change the composition.

This is the one I added light and much more contrast, texture, and clarity. I also added some vibrancy towards yellows and added orange to the shadows. I toned down highlights but not as much as in previous version, used more blacks and shadows. I did not change the composition.

For this image I converted the original image to black and white. I did not touch the exposure or contrast. I turned down the blacks, added dehaze and texture. I turned the colors all down except purple and magenta that I added a bit

This shot I took while running to the seaside to capture the sunset at Páfos in 2011. The original is very bland, but with my newfound editing skills I was able to bring the warm tones of the moment into the photo.

I adjusted the exposure and contrast down as well as the highlights and blacks. I toned down the texture, but added clarity and dehaze. Touch of added vibrance and saturation. Added touch of orange to highlight and midtones. Then inspired by John I changed the sky and did lots of little fixes and had an enhanced version, that I then converted to black and white. I have very rarely changed skies, because I try mostly keep it real – well the way I see it – or in this case remember seeing it.

This is a street view from Vancouver that I converted to monochrome – I am a big fan of B&W images. The last one is trying to replicate the style lots of movies and TV shows now use, with teal and orange colors. In both edits I have also edited the exposure, contrast and shadows and light.

Last week we enjoyed the inspiration from Sofia – Water motions , it was a theme I really enjoyed. I saw so many wonderful posts about it. Next week Donna is bringing us a new challenge, looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. Until then, keep smiling ☺

To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Amidst the blizzard’s icy fury, silence reigns.

Captures from Finland, Photography

This is so not what I wished for in April. Amidst the blizzard’s icy fury, silence reigns.

April blizzard

SixWordSaturday

Last on the card – from March 2024

Photography

The rules are at the bottom, but I have to bend them a little bit, so I have also included the edited one except the one from my mobile.

This was the last photo on my Sony camera- shot with macro lens. The unedit on the top if could not tell 😀

I took a photo of bread with my mobile and unfortunately that is the last photo there. Luckily it was not the selfie I took 🙂

I took my OLYMPUS camera to a walk in the middle of March.

Last on the card

1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st March or whenever your last photo was taken.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do

4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments
5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard

Spring day

Captures from Finland, Photography

Yesterday felt like the first day of spring, the temperature was about +9C the sun was out – shining bright and there was hardly any wind. I ended up sitting on the patio and watched the snow melt. It’s truly fascinating how the change in weather can bring about such a delightful shift in our surroundings. The gentle warmth of the sun, the gradual disappearance of snow, and the newfound opportunity to spend time outside can truly rejuvenate our spirits. It’s moments like these that make us appreciate the beauty of nature and the promise of new beginnings.

For Cellpic Sunday

Lens-Artists Challenge #293 – water motion

Photography

Water, the very essence of life, is rarely still. It flows, it crashes, it tumbles – a mesmerizing display of motion that has captivated humanity always. For this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, Sofia came up with this topic. Her post has beautiful inspiration to us all. I absolutely love the water element, she could not have chosen a more boundless topic for me.

The ocean, Earth’s pulsating heart, breathes life into every corner of our existence. Its currents carry warmth and coolness, shaping climates and nurturing ecosystems. As we gaze upon its boundless blue, we sense eternity.. The oceans salty embrace cradles memories, dreams, and the promise of distant lands.

Also the sea, with its endless horizon. It cradles life within its depths. The salty air invigorates our senses, reminding us of our primordial connection to the vast expanse beyond. Standing on a rocky shore, waves crashing at our feet, we feel both insignificantly small and profoundly connected.

Rapids are a symphony of whitewater, a chaotic dance of water rushing over rocks and churning into frothy pools. Rapids are a playground for the adventurous, and experience the rush of nature’s power.

Waterfalls are nature’s grand displays of cascading beauty. A curtain of water plunges down a cliff face, mist rising like a mystical veil. The sound is a deep, resonant roar, a constant reminder of the force of gravity. Waterfalls leave you breathless, humbled by the sheer power and timeless elegance of water on the move.

Lakes, nestled between mountains or hidden in forested valleys, mirror the sky’s moods. Their stillness invites contemplation. We watch ripples expand, carrying our thoughts across the water’s surface. In their quietude, lakes hold our reflections, revealing both our vulnerabilities and resilience. Still waters, their glassy surfaces reflect the world above—a mirror for our innermost musings. Here, we find solace. In the quietude, we glimpse eternity—the timeless dance of light and shadow.

From the rhythmic pulse of waves to the heart-pounding rush of rapids and the serene majesty of waterfalls, water in motion offers a mesmerizing spectacle for all. Whether you’re a beach bum, a whitewater enthusiast, or simply an admirer of nature’s beauty, there’s a form of water motion that will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more.

Last week Tina‘s challenge gave beautiful faces from around the world with so many emotions on display. I truly enjoyed seeing all these people in your posts. Next week John will present us with a new challenge, looking forward to seeing what he came up with. Until then, keep smiling ☺

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Direction

Photography

Signs pointing in different directions for destinations, conveying a self-explanatory message for the word Direction.

One Word Sunday Direction‘s for destinations.

picturesque view

Photography

As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.

Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.

As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.

For Ludwig’s Monday Windows

These are samples of the inspiration from the window view. Most of my artistic attempts can be labeled as color therapy than art 🙂

LEns ARtists challenge #291: Cityscapes

lens-artists, Photography, Traveling Australia

Patti from P.A. Moed – CREATIVE EXPLORATION IN WORDS AND PICTURES wrote: Show us buildings, skylines, the streets, the people, and life in public spaces. Or, if you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. This is an interesting challenge, I am sure to come across to many places I have never visited and have an urge to visit – add them to my bucket list of unseen destinations.

I don’t have that huge amount of city shots from many cities, when we travel we mostly visit nature locations. When we visited Australia, my cousin was the best host and travel guide to Brisbane. He drove us around and showed us places we wouldn’t have thought about or, to be truthful, known about. It was a truly eye-opening experience, discovering hidden gems and local secrets that only a native would be privy to. It’s amazing how much richer a travel experience can be when guided by someone with a deep connection to the place. Our trip to Australia remains a cherished memory, and it’s all thanks to the unique perspectives and insider knowledge provided by my wonderful cousin.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the image.

Brisbane, port, capital of Queensland, Australia, and the country’s third largest city. It lies astride the Brisbane River on the southern slopes of the Taylor Range, 12 miles (19 km) above the river’s mouth at Moreton Bay. You can see my photos of Brisbane CBD , Wheel of Brisbane, and Story Bridge just naming few.

We also visited Streets Beach at South Bank Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach boasts a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It is an oasis in the middle of Brisbane City.

I enjoyed Ann-Christine’s circular challenge last week, who would have thought of how many circular things there are around us. Next week Tina from TRAVELS AND TRIFLES will once again bring us a new topic to challenge ourselves with. Until then, keep on smiling ☺.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

doors at Church of St. Mary in hollola

Captures from Finland, Photography

This time I am showing you three of the wonderful doors from Hollola’s medieval stone church, constructed between 1495-1510. The doors have so many details. I’ll be also doing a separate post about the church, not just doors.

For doors for Thursday Doors

This one is a one more moofy shot

Lens-Artists Challenge #290 – Cirkular Wonders

Photography

What a beautiful cavalcade of photographs Ann- Christine presented us in her unique challenge this week. Circular wonders is something that does make your think first of moon, sun, and ball. No? But you can find it in unexpected places when you take a moment to think about it. Half or full circle …

I did some digging and this is what I found. To enlarge the images just click on any of them the the separate galleries – I recommend it 🙂

Now that I covered the obvious choices it is time to concentrate finding something more creative. Few days ago we took our grandkids at the end of their visit to the Helsinki train station and went to have lunch at one of the restaurants there. It used to be a ticket office. It is a big hall, but the interior is softened by circular interior.

Half circle is a log time hit in architecture . The images are from a jewel of national romantic architecture Hvitträsk museum in Espoo ( the darker photos) and the other two from Villa San Michele in Capri.

I did mentions a ball ⚽ Well come on, I could not, not mention fruits and berries.

And then round – circular things that came up and I couldn’t help myself – just had to post them

Thanks John for last week’s journey to the basics of photography. I truly enjoyed it, as it gave the opportunity to reflect on what is essential in photography. Next week we have Patti challenging us with something else, we will have to wait and see what she comes up with.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Forest Pathway Tranquility.

Landscapes, Travel, Traveling Australia

A serene and secluded forest path, enveloped by tall, lush green trees in Queensland. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, inviting trail. It was a delight to venture along this winding path.

I could not resist, I did two edits of this photo.

For CWWC: March 7, 2024

What a square ⬜ Solitude Amidst Urban Greenery

Cities, Photography

I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.

From an aerial vantage point, we peer down onto a nondescript sidewalk. The pavement, a patchwork of square tiles, stretches ahead like a monochromatic ribbon. But it’s not the pavement that captures our attention; it’s the lone figure treading upon it. A person walks, the posture suggests introspection—a deliberate escape from the cacophony of urban life or just maybe she is lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the world around her .

On either side of the sidewalk, lush trees stand sentinel. Their leaves form a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns. Their branches reach out, as if urging the wanderer to pause, to breathe, to listen. Adjacent to the trees, empty bicycle racks stand in orderly rows. They wait patiently, like forgotten companions, for riders who haven’t arrived. Numbers—cryptic symbols—adorn the road. “20” and “20.” Are they parking spots? Coordinates? We can only speculate. Yet, these markings lend an air of mystery, inviting us to unravel their meaning.

Have a I captured this fleeting moment, preserving it for eternity, a glimpse of quietude.

In this shot you are invited to step into the wanderer’s shoes. To feel the coolness of the pavement, the rustle of leaves, and the weight of our own thoughts. It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle, we can find stillness; in the ordinary, we discover the extraordinary.

So, take a breath. Walk alongside the solitary figure. Let the greenery envelop you. And in this urban reverie, find your own moment of reflection.

Remember: Sometimes, it’s in the spaces between footsteps that life speaks loudest.

The scene unfolds like a forgotten interlude—a pause in the symphony of urban life. The buildings, stoic and weathered, stand shoulder to shoulder, their walls bearing the marks of time. The beige structure, unassuming yet dignified, seems to lean slightly, as if sharing a secret with its crimson neighbor. And there, nestled between them, lies the narrow street—a silent conduit for wheels and footsteps.

The cars, like obedient sentinels, rest in neat rows. Their colors—pearl white, midnight black—mirror the monochrome palette of the pavement.

And then, the trees. Ah, the trees! their branches stretch upward, defiant against the rigid geometry of man-made structures. Leaves flutter in the breeze, casting fleeting shadows on the asphalt. No bustling crowds disturb this tableau. Only one’s hurried footsteps echo off the walls.

Amidst the beige and the red, the cars and the trees, we glimpse the poetry of stillness.

Monochrome – textures

Black and White photos, Photography

This week it’s very straightforward – photos of different textures. I took my time looking for these and ended up with, once again, too many images. I took lead from Sarah’s great samples.

All images can be enlarged by clicking on them. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Sarah’s #3: Seeing textures in black and white

First college has textures of fur and feathers.

Second set is man-made materials

Last set is filled with textures from nature. I once again posted too many. Well that’s me.

Last but not least fresh grapes 🍇

Turquoise chairs

Photography, Traveling Crete

Debbies One Word Sunday: Seating

Lens-Artists Challenge #289 – Tools of Photo Composition

lens-artists, Photography

Of the many composition factors in photography, this challenge focuses on Shape, Form, Texture, and Light, that’s what John’s from Journeys with Johnbo challenge this week is about. I really had to concentrate on this one, not the easiest to tackle. Thank you John for providing great samples to get me started.

Photographers often capitalize on the architects’ use of triangles, circles, rectangles, arches, and other basic shapes.

Click on the photos to see the larger images of this Amalfi Catholic church and the many shapes it has. Also the last shot from Capri has some nice arches.

For Geometric form I am taking you to Paris 🙂

The difference between shape and form can be muddy, but artists typically consider shape to be two-dimensional while a form is three-dimensional. Organic form in flowers – in black and white from my garden.

Texture images entice viewers, create moods, and communicate ideas. Old rusty tools, newspaper clippings on wood show the time added textures. The spiders’ web with droplets and decay of the flower has a lovely texture. The vibrant orange jellyfish gracefully floating. The jellyfish exhibits delicate, translucent tentacles that appear to glow, and its bell-shaped body displays intricate textures and layers.

Capturing light.

Photos wouldn’t be possible without light and since the first cameras, capturing light is what photography is all about. This is the most important thing about photography. I still have tons to learn more about it. There are so many ways to describe light in photography; Ambient Lighting, Long Exposure, Key Light, Light Soft or Hard . It does not matter what you call you need to use it , or you don’t have a photo’s.

Last week I hosted my first official challenge as team member. I was happy to see all your responses and how you all have interpreted the topic. So many beautiful posts. Thank you for the nice welcome you gave me. I did my best to notice all your entries.

Next week Ann-Christine of (aka Leya) is hosting, and she always has interesting topics and her photography is beautiful and inspirational, always a blog worth a visit.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

What a square ⬜ Need A drink?

Cities, Photography

I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.

For some reason I have lots of window shots newly edited, due to having gone through the archives lately looking for forgotten gems . This looked good as a square, a view to a bar. As I played with it I did two edits and I prefer the one on the top with the faded colors and haze finnish.

I do like editing and see if can capture mood I was in when I took the shot. Mellow maybe?

Color ✏pencils ✏

Photography

The Last Photo on my card is from the EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art. We went to the museum shop before we left and I took pictures of these color pencils. As this was the request for one unedited shot, here it is. Last on the Card – February 2024

#LastOnTheCard

What a square ⬜ Fashionable?

Cities, Photography

I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.

For some reason I have lots of window shots newly edited, due to having gone through the archives lately looking for forgotten gems . This looked good as a square.

What a square ⬜

Photography

Becky is back again with her Square ⬜ Photo Challenges and I thought I’d give it a go. I don’t often crop my photos to square . This month the subject is Square Odds.

I don’t do odd – or do I ? I do whatever catches my eye. This time I looked up these shoes.

Cellpic – Escalators

Photography

Spent few hours with a friend on Saturday, catching up and making the world a better place. At the same time I took these shots looking down to the escalator. But I could not resist editing few versions of it.

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Click if you wish to see bigger images.

Lens-Artists Challenge #288 – Window Shopping

lens-artists, Photography

First I want to thank Donna for her inspiring post on the topic of sound. I really had to give it some thought. It was wonderful to see how everyone interpreted it.

I often do window shopping and thought it could be a cool photography challenge. I take photos of creative window displays, I have not limited my shots to fashion. Anything goes, like decorations and even food. Please join and share your take on this theme.

Here are a few ideas of what you could capture: the contrast between the inside and outside of a store, the reflections on the glass, and the expressions of the shoppers.

Snap a photo of a window display that grabs your attention, and try to get some street or surroundings in the shot. You may want to focus on the play of light and shadows, or the vibrant colors that draw the eye.

Take a pic of someone or a group checking out a window display, and try to capture their feelings, reactions, or interactions. You can go for a candid or posed vibe, depending on the situation. It’s a great opportunity to capture genuine emotions or create an engaging composition.

Click on the photos and see them in a larger size, for a closer and more immersive view.

Grab a shot of a window display that tells a story, conveys a message, or has a theme. Feel free to get creative or go for a more documentary style, depending on the mood and meaning of the display. Pay attention to details and look for interesting patterns or objects that stand out.

These window displays I’ve observed are truly captivating to me at least as I took photos of them. The juxtaposition of the stack of papers in Amalfi, the whimsical showcasing of little girls’ clothing in Nicé, and the fashion displays in Monaco and Melbourne were stylish. The displays of decorations from Helsinki and Capri, as well as the jewelry shop in Thailand, added further richness to my exploration of different window shopping experiences. It’s wonderful how each of these displays tells a unique story about the location where they were captured. These windows offer a vivid glimpse into the essence of different places around the world.

Click on the photos and see them in a larger size, for a closer and more immersive view.

Or just go and look for window frames. Sometimes, the beauty lies in simplicity. You might find interesting patterns, architectural details, or unexpected reflections to capture within the frame of a window.

This photography challenge offers a fantastic opportunity to explore composition, storytelling, and observation. Whether you’re drawn to the visual appeal of a captivating storefront, the human dynamics of window shopping, or the abstract beauty of window frames, there’s plenty of potential for creativity and unique perspectives.

Next week Johns (Journeys with Johnbo) will host with the Lens-Artists Challenge. Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more!

Glass echoes city’s indoor-outdoor dance.

Cities, Photography

Six-Word Saturday 2.24.24

Night shadows

Interiors, Photography

Sleepless in Kirkkonummi

When you cannot fall asleep can truly be overwhelming. The struggle of tossing and turning in bed, desperately trying to find a comfortable position as the minutes tick by. The sensation of aches and pains only adds to the anxiety, and the mind races with thoughts, making it even more difficult to find peace. As you lay there, all of this happening, to hear the gentle rhythm of your husband’s breathing as he peacefully can sometimes be annoying.

In those moments, the smallest details can capture our attention, offering a brief distraction from the turbulent thoughts. The way the light filters through the slightly open door, casting shadows on the door. And so, I reached for my phone, seeking to capture a sliver of tranquility in the midst of chaos

As I approached the room, I saw a deer right outside the window, peacefully nibbling on the tree just in front of the window. It was a serene and charming sight. Mesmerized by the scene, I found myself standing there, watching the deer for what felt like an eternity, completely lost in the moment. After a while, I reluctantly tore myself away and hurried back to retrieve my camera, hoping to capture the enchanting moment. However, by the time I returned, the deer had gracefully moved on.

Instead of getting the shot of the deer I imagined getting, I got these.

Capturing the play of light and shadows in a room at night , the way the light softly filters through the blinds, casting intricate shadows on the walls, adds an ethereal quality to the scene. There’s something enchanting about night photography, as it offers a unique perspective on familiar surroundings. The interplay of darkness and light creates a captivating atmosphere.

Flower of the day – orange rhododendron

Photography

Stunning orange rhododendron is my splash of color therapy for you today. So vibrant, so gorgeous.

For Cee’s Flower of the Day.

The Forgotten Entrance

Photography, Travel

An old, weathered building caught my eye, its facade worn and crumbling. The central focus for me was the wooden door, partially broken and barricaded, as if guarding secrets from the past. The door is framed by a stone archway, its edges chipped and revealing the bricks beneath made me stop to look more closely as it gave the entrance so much depth.

On either side of the door, partially closed white shutters cover windows, hinting at a time when life once thrived within. Nature has begun to reclaim the space: grass grows defiantly, and tree branches reach out, casting shadows. I felt the overall mood was somber yet serene, evoking feelings of nostalgia and the inexorable passage of time.

For Thursday Doors

The image below suggests it’s the same building by the first glance, or very similar one, by the looks of it also looks like it’s been abandoned. I have no recollection if this is the case. In this shot the main focus is an old, curved wooden door it is set within a worn-out stone archway, where the stones have eroded to reveal the bricks underneath, but not so obviously as in the previous entrance.

There are several white-framed windows along the walls, each with a small ledge below. One of the windows on the upper left side holds potted plants on its ledge, bringing some life to the otherwise deserted scene. Some of the windows suggest that this is not totally abandoned, just a wild guess on my part. I took these photo several year back in Estonia.