Category: Photography

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.

Brisbane buildings

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.

Brisbane from another angle.

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 ☺.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Forest Pathway

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.

20/20

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.

Black and white cars

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 🍇

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.

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.

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.

Helsinki – Balmuir store

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.

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.

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

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.

Monochrome – Rocks

Black and White photos, Photography, Traveling Australia

Dawn hosts this week Monochrome Madness #2 this week and the topic is Rocks.

I took lead from Leanne’s post, here are my interpretation of the same place.

Bound in Time

Photography, Still life

The essence of age and wear.“Bound in Time” Old, rusted chains and weathered ropes are tightly bound to metal rings attached to a wooden surface of the ship. The chains, thick with visible rust, tell a story of exposure to the elements over time. The frayed and worn ropes add character, while the aged wooden surface bears lines, cracks, and discoloration that caught my attention.

I thought this rustic image, evokes a sense of history and nostalgia.

Lens-Artists Challenge #287 – Sound

lens-artists, Photography

Donna from Wind Kisses has given us a challenge to show sound in our photos. What an interesting and challenging task. I really had to give this some thought.

The presence of sound is constant, a never-ending symphony of life reverberating through the air. the haunting wail of the wind can be heard through the window. Its mournful howl seems to intensify the chill in the air, permeating every corner of the room.

The soothing sound of water is a timeless melody that resonates with the soul. The gentle pitter-patter of raindrops falling on the earth creates a comforting rhythm, symbolizing nature’s embrace. The rush of rapids flowing downstream echoes with an invigorating energy, reminding us of the unstoppable force of life. Waves crashing on the shore produce a symphony of power and grace, a dance between water and land that captures the essence of both strength and serenity. Meanwhile, the calming lapping of water on a lake’s edge invokes a sense of tranquility, weaving a sense of peace and harmony with every ripple. Each of these sounds forms a unique part of the intricate song of water, a melody that has captivated and inspired humanity throughout the ages.

Music was the first thing that came to mind…

I can hear the beating of the drums, the cello’s sound is full, like a canvas painted with emotion. When you listen to a harp, each pluck resonates with clarity, like dewdrops on a spider’s web at dawn. Saxophone, you’ll notice a rich warmth in its tone. It’s as if the sound wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening

We often say we want silence, but most of us never experience total silence. Does it mean to us a moment of silence in nature, like listening to the wind, waves and sounds of birds for example? Or something totally different? Maybe it’s about sitting and reading a book, listening only to our own thoughts. Are these the moments of silence? It’s interesting to ponder the different forms of silence we encounter in our lives. Nature’s sounds can indeed offer a form of serene stillness, a chance to pause and be present in the moment. On the other hand, the tranquility of being engrossed in a book, completely absorbed in our thoughts, can also bring about a sense of inner quietude.

Silence itself is multifaceted, woven into the fabric of our experiences in diverse ways. It can be the absence of external noise, but also the opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. Perhaps, it’s not just about the absence of sound, but about finding harmony within ourselves despite the cacophony of the world around us. Whether it’s the gentle rustling of leaves or the whispered pages of a book, these moments offer a chance to embrace the essence of silence in its various forms.

Cacophony, a blend of unharmonious sounds that we encounter on a daily basis. From the hustle and bustle of people going about their business in malls and cafes to the clatter of construction work and the cacophony of voices in food markets, it seems that we are constantly surrounded by a symphony of discordant sounds. Even the perpetual traffic on our streets adds to this auditory mix, creating an overwhelming atmosphere that can be quite challenging to ignore. This auditory cacophony is the soundtrack of our modern lives, a chaotic medley that, in its own way, reflects the vibrant energy and diversity of the bustling world around us.

While we may long for moments of tranquility and peace amidst this cacophony, it also serves as a testament to the liveliness and diversity of human activity and interaction. It serves as a constant reminder of the vivid tapestry of human existence, a reminder that in the midst of dissonance, there is a harmony waiting to be discovered.

I will be hosting my first challenge as a member of the team next week, so I hope to see you visiting my post to see what I have come up with 🙂

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.

Monochrome – clouds

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

Clouds are a timeless muse, offering a canvas of ever-changing patterns and colors to capture. Whether they serve as a stunning backdrop to a landscape or take center stage as the main subject, clouds bring a sense of dynamism and depth. There’s something truly captivating about the interplay of light and shadow within the billowing forms of clouds, particularly when the gentle rays of sunlight peek through, creating a mesmerizing contrast of brightness and darkness.

Dark clouds over the bay

“Clouds in the sky very much resembles the thoughts in our minds! Both changes perpetually from one second to another!”

– Mehmet Murat ildan

Hope- slight change of light among the clouds

“There’s a bright spot in every dark cloud.”

“Behind the clouds is the sun still shining.”     

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Office windows

Interiors, Photography

These are from an old building that at this time was converted to an office, but obviously we were in a hurry to move in as the desk is set even if the work was not completed.

Ludwigs Monday Window