A frosty road in the Kirkkonummi, Finland during the extreme cold weather we have had for the past week.
Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge wish was to post a road/ street with snow or a photo that has white in it.
Frosty Road
Category: Photography
Blue house
Blue house in the snow covered woods awaits spring. My neighbor sent me a picture of our summer house as Christmas greeting 😊🎄
It’s that time of the year
It’s that time of the year when many of us are taking a break from blogging. I didn’t plan on starting my break so early, but the flu caught up with me, and I haven’t been able to post or respond to any comments for a week due to a high fever. Now, I’m just exhausted. I’ll do my best to get back to all of you soon.
I am filled with joy and appreciation for all of you wonderful bloggers who continue to uplift and inspire me. Your comments bring sheer delight and fill my heart with hope and positivity. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you generously share in leaving such uplifting messages. Let’s keep this optimistic energy flowing and embrace the beautiful journey ahead!
On that note, I sincerely wish you an abundance of joy, happiness, and laughter this Christmas season. May this festive time be filled with warmth and love. Merry Christmas to you!
Lens-Artists Challenge #280 – Last Chance
This week Tina asks us to look at Last Chance photos.
The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2023, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2023 challenges.
I could view this as a wonderful opportunity to embrace the cozy ambiance of the winter season. Although the days may be shorter, I choose to focus on the beauty that awaits as they gradually begin to lengthen once more in few days time. Instead of dwelling on a recent illness just before Christmas, I find joy in the fact that my fever has subsided. Life presents us with countless choices, and I firmly believe that our attitude holds the power to shape our experiences. Let us embrace the positivity that surrounds us.
Photography can be pretty overwhelming with all the choices to make. Huge issue :-) What should I post? What should I skip? I feel like I suck at this because I always end up posting too many photos.
Well sometimes one needs to look through the magnifying glass to see :-) This was taken on as idle moment in my living room. Odd one for sure, not category to place this photo.
Tinka my pretty little cat is well documented in loads of photos.
Toward the calmer place, where everything seems to slow down, it is essential to focus on the smallest details and allow yourself to relax. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of tranquility.
When we pay attention to the details, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of experiences. Whether it’s the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns of a pussy willow, or the subtle flavors in a warm bread, a tacky selfie, or a delicate bottle fill of craftmanship these elements invite us to immerse ourselves fully in the present moment. By slowing down and observing the nuances around us, we can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and find solace in the ordinary.
I find photography helps me in this, see the world through the lens of my camera
As the sun gently dips below the horizon, casting its warm golden glow across the tranquil landscape, I find myself drawn to this serene moment at my happy place. The vibrant hues of orange and pink dance across the sky, creating a breathtaking symphony of colors that captivate my soul.
There’s a certain enchantment in witnessing a sunset, a magical interplay between light and darkness that holds a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder that every ending carries the promise of a new beginning, a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and embrace the beauty of what lies ahead.
In this fleeting moment of tranquility, I find solace and renewed inspiration. It’s a time for introspection, for letting go of the worries and stresses that might have consumed the day. As the sun bids farewell to the world, it invites me to let go of the past and embrace the present, to appreciate the simple joys that surround me in my happy place.
But as the sun’s rays slowly fade, I know that this moment is ephemeral. It serves as a reminder to seize each opportunity, to cherish the people and places that bring us joy, and to make the most of this precious gift of life.
At this point I wish to thank Amy for many inspiring posts and hope you enjoy your travels and seize each opportunity on the journey
Turquoise doors
The journey to the salt mines of Pedra de Lume on Sal Island, Cape Verde, was made even more enchanting by the turquoise doors of the old church doors that adorned the road. These Old Church doors of Pedra de Lume captivated every traveler passing through the route leading to the beautiful east coast of Sal.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical
Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical Ann-Christine hosts the challenge this week. It brought focus to what really matters in life – magic moments. Rare – mostly. But they leave a lasting impression. I could post many of the previous challenge photos here too – unique and magical are so closely intertwined together .
Magical scent of spices at the market place in India
Magic has always captivated the human imagination. Whether portrayed as the ability to manipulate the elements, cast spells, or perform extraordinary feats, magic is often associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Magical traditions can be found in cultures around the world, each with their own unique beliefs and practices.
However, magic is not confined to the realm of fiction. In the real world, magic can also be seen as a metaphor for the wondrous and inexplicable. It represents the beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we sometimes struggle to comprehend. Whether it is a radiant sunset, a shimmering waterfall, or the birth of new life, these moments can often feel magical in their own right.
Magic is a fascinating concept that holds different meanings and interpretations for each individual. It is shaped by our unique histories and life experiences, making it a subjective and personal phenomenon. What may seem like magic to one person might be commonplace for another.
The largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the magnificent and iconic blue whale, was previously hunted almost to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling activities and remains an endangered species today. The blue whales found in Sri Lankan waters, in the Northern Indian Ocean, are non-migratory and believed to be resident in these waters year-round
We were so lucky to see this magical sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet and having listened to the captains orders; the whale came to check out our boat. It swam around us and under our boat, so we were able to see it so close – It was impressive!
Our personal experiences contribute to our understanding of what is wondrous, extraordinary, or even inexplicable. For some, magic may be found in the intricate beauty of nature, while for others it might lie in the bonds of love and human connections.
The magic of Christmas for children
Ultimately, the notion of magic transcends any singular definition or explanation. It is a realm where imagination, wonder, and awe converge, offering a glimpse into the mysterious and extraordinary aspects of life that go beyond rational understanding.
I find magic mainly in nature, first flowers of spring, the new green, bird nests, summer colors, autumns tones and winters small details
Reading can open to the world to magical…. yes.
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Christmas market – Helsinki
Yesterday we visited the Tuomaan markkinat – Helsinki Chrismas Market little bit too early if we had waited for the sunset the lights would have been more brighter, but even thought we were a bit early it was crowded hard to get to the the vendor booths. It was rather windy and cold, but it is winter 🙂
Providing a more responsible alternative to mass-produced gifts and decorations, Helsinki Christmas Market brings to Senate Square a significant number of artisans and small producers from all over Finland. The market’s atmospheric core consists of the Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which also serves alcoholic beverages, where one can enjoy seasonal treats and festive holiday spirit.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lens Artists Challenge #278: Unique
This week Any wants us to showcase unique. What is unique.
My husband, my children and grandkids are unique to me. That is what first came to my mind. Life changing. One of a kind. I am not going to post photos of them, even thought that was the first thought.
The word unique has different meanings depending on the context.
- being the only one of its kind
- being without a like or equal
- distinctively characteristic or peculiar
- able to be distinguished from all others of its class or type
For example, a unique signature is the only one of its kind and cannot be copied by anyone else, see my header 😀 . A unique achievement is unparalleled and incomparable to any other. Things that are very remarkable or unusual. Sometimes, people use the word unique to describe themselves or their qualities. They may want to emphasize what makes them different from others, or what makes them stand out in a positive way.
Nothing what have I photographed is that unique, that is something I really think, i an sure someone else has capture them also, some better than me some less so, but in a a way they are unique none of them are totally the same. Here are my attempts of capturing something unique – to me.
Watching the waves , Each wave is unique every time, the movement, colors…so on. So yes here is a photo of waves.
Beauty is in everyone’s eyes, also, so is what we think is unique
California hosts the most unique trees , the redwoods. Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. While there are three types of the trees in the world, sequoia and sequoiadendron are the type found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, I was at awed by the nature in Sequoia
The art nature does… so unique. Beautiful details, every stone is different, frost on the glass, flowers pedals..
Why are we in a lookout for sunsets, because they are all unique. Glorious colors
I would like to think that my art is unique 🙂 Mixed media, statues, oil paintings and aquarelle are few mediums I have dappled with
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Last Photo for November 2023
Last Photo for November 2023 that’s what bushboys world wants to see with following rules and tags
Your last photo doesn’t have to be on the very last day of the month if you didn’t take any photos on that day. Maybe it was earlier in the month when the last photo was taken.
This one is from my Sony and a macro lens of the colorful berries, but my focus went a stray…
The view from my bedroom was taken with my iPhone 14, just because I spotted some blue sky, it was on the 29th.
So let’s see what you have for **
The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th November 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
#TheLastPhoto and #LastOnTheCard
Monochrome – Abstracts
Leanne’s post title, Something Abstract, gave me an idea…
How does this explanation strike you ? This image is a visual representation of the complexity and chaos of life. It shows how we are all connected by thin threads of fate, but also how we can get lost in the maze of choices and consequences. The image evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, as well as a feeling of isolation and confusion.
This image has been processed to create an abstract effect. A random noise function to create small dots and lines on the image. The result is a high-contrast image that resembles a tangled web of lines and dots.
The beauty and fragility of nature. As if it is saying goodbye to the summer. The image is blurred, creating a dreamy and nostalgic effect.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Frosty window view
Yesterday, the last tail of the sunset seen through the slightly frosty window.
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lens Artists Challenge #277: empty Spaces
This week Patti wants us to look for empty spaces. Empty Spaces. Literal or figurative, conveying aloneness . I found this to be a great pick from Patti’s post.
Some of you may be wondering if empty space is the same as negative space. TThe quick answer from an expert is that they are similar” Negative space is thought of as an image with a lot of empty space...While this is how negative space is most often used, this is not the only way….A negative space image occurs when the areas surrounding the subject are peripheral. They almost blend into the background. This causes you to focus even more on the subject.
Thanks for the inspiration, here are my choices for the week
Empty spaces are the gaps or voids between objects, words, or sounds. They can have different meanings and effects depending on the context and the perspective of the observer. Some people may see empty spaces as opportunities for creativity, exploration, or reflection. Others may perceive them as sources of anxiety, loneliness, or boredom.
Empty spaces can also be used to create contrast, balance, or harmony in art, design, or music. In some cases, empty spaces can be more powerful or expressive than the filled ones.
Desert with mirage, moon, desert road
Empty beach
Chairs, empty spaces …. alone.
Driving from Nevada to California there are lots of empty spaces.
Empty space in life…often we plan and forget to live, or live in the past.
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Behind
He presses his finger against the glass
And marvels at the colors that swim past
He wonders what they think and feel
And if they know he’s watching them
He wants to join them in their underwater realm
He is happy with joy
Debbies One Word Sunday: Behind
Lens Artists Challenge #276: Looking Up; Looking Down
This week James of Jazzibee wants us to look up and down; I will demonstrate that’s what I’ve done several times:-)
To see small things you often need to look down. I was really happy find this penguin in its natural habitat – in the nature. A crab on the rocks at a beach, and as well as this little green frog. Turtles. To see Koalas in the nature we found ourselves looking up.
This was from my previous post – but I am looking down 👇
Cities are great places to look up or down. The ones below are from Melbourne.
Sea – Ocean, flowing water, waves.. love, just love watching it
These are taken below or underneath the subject – architectural design choices.
Up and down that’s were your eyes go when looking for something to photograph.
eerie yet captivating scenes
The misty air envelops the landscape, amongst the haze, the silhouettes of towering trees emerge, standing tall like guardians of the monochrome world. Their branches, devoid of leaves, reach out like skeletal fingers, creating an eerie yet captivating scene.
Do you agree the absence of color seems to enhance the mystical ambiance, as if nature itself has decided to paint this particular moment in shades of gray.
The mist weaves through the branches and settles on their trunks, giving them an otherworldly aura that is both haunting and beautiful. In this misty monochrome, the trees stand as solitary figures, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to the landscape.
Mist – ethereal veil on the moss-covered hill
The gray mist gently settled over the landscape, casting an ethereal veil on the moss-covered hill behind your home. Despite the gloomy November weather, nature’s touch added a touch of beauty to the scene.
On this misty day, as you gazed upon the hill, the vibrant hues of green from the shrubs stood out, creating a vivid contrast against the muted backdrop. The moss, adorned with its emerald carpet, seemed to thrive in the dampness, adding a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere.
Amidst the shades of brown, the ferns gracefully displayed their weathered elegance. Their delicate fronds, now tinged with earthy tones, created an enchanting juxtaposition against the mist and falling leaves.
In this serene setting, the mist transformed the hill into a picturesque scene that captivated your sight. The occurrence of such beauty in November reminded you of nature’s ability to create moments of awe in every season.
Lens-Artists Challenge #274 – Filling the frame
This week, Anne challenges us with, Filling the Frame.
Filling the frame in photography is a technique that can have different effects depending on how you use it.
It can help you to direct the viewer’s focus to your main subject, by eliminating distractions and negative space. It can also help you to accentuate simplicity in your composition, by highlighting the shapes, colors, textures, and details of your subject. It can also help you to create emotional impact in your image, by making your subject appear larger, closer, and more intimate.
Some of the techniques for filling the frame are: You can get closer to your subject, either physically or by using a zoom lens, to fill the frame with more of your subject. You can also crop your image during editing, to remove unwanted elements and adjust the composition.
Filling the frame in photography is a versatile and powerful technique that can enhance your images in many ways. However, it is not always the best choice for every situation. Sometimes, you might want to leave some negative space or background in your image, to create a sense of context, depth, or contrast.
I already posted this once, it is a very recent shot and I am very happy with it . I used crop technique to get the result. As with the shots below of fruits, berries and vegetables You can also use a macro lens to fill the frame with small subjects, such as flowers, insects, or jewelry.
These are taken below or underneath the subject – architectural design choices.
Traffic below
My last set is portraits.
last yellow birch leaves of november
Street Photography – crosswalk
On the crossroad…in Hong Kong.
Crossroads are places where roads intersect and people have to make decisions. They can also be metaphors for important moments in life, where one has to choose between different options and face the consequences.
Crossroads are the tests of fate , where we must choose our path and wait, for the unknown to reveal itself and show us if we chose well or not.
Some crossroads are clear and easy, others are dark and messy . But all of them are part of our journey and shape us into who we are meant to be
Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge
Street Photography – in a hurry
In a Hurry on an Escalator
As the escalator propels forward, an interesting dynamic unfolds. Watch closely, and you’ll observe people in a hurry, their faces etched with determination, striding onto the moving steps. Their impatience fuels their urgency, causing them to bob and weave through the crowd.
it’s fascinating to witness the blend of efficiency and chaos. Some embrace the escalator as an opportunity to slow down, leisurely taking in the surroundings. Others view it as a race, attempting to reach the summit before their peers. How about embracing the escalator as a —a chance to catch our breath.
So, my fellow escalator travelers, let us take a collective breath and relish the journey, even in the midst of our hurried pace.
Marina on a November day
I always liked to visit the marina on gray November days. There was something about the contrast between the white boats and the gloomy sky that fascinated me. The marina was usually lively and crowded, but on those days it was almost empty. The only people I saw were some boat owners, checking on their vessels and doing some maintenance and few people on a walk.
The sky is gray, the water is dull and the air is cold. I see the boats are moored, the sails are furled , the marina is quiet with hardly anyone around. But I don’t mind, I like it here.
These photos I took using my mobile phone and then proceeded to enhance them using the Lightroom mobile app. By transforming the gray tones into a delightful shade of blue, I managed to infuse the photos with a much lighter and uplifting mood.
Monochrome – Flowers
Flowers in monochrome are a fascinating subject for photography, art, and design. They can create a dramatic contrast, a subtle elegance, or a mood of mystery. Monochromatic flowers can also inspire creative expressions.
Flowers in monochrome are not just black and white they have a spectrum of shades that reflect the light- they are not silent or dull. They capture the essence of shape and texture.
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posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
November in Finland
November in Finland, a world of gray,
Where autumn whispers its final farewell,
Leaves relinquish their vibrant display,
And nature succumbs to the winter’s spell.
The air is crisp, with a biting chill,
As frosty breath dances upon the breeze,
The sun, a timid presence on the hill,
Casting feeble rays through the barren trees.
The days grow shorter, the nights grow long,
As darkness blankets the land in its embrace,
A melancholic hymn in nature’s song.
Yet amidst the gloom, a flicker of light,
As candles glow in windowsills,
Warmth and coziness fill the bitter night,
A sanctuary from the winds that blow.
November in Finland, a somber sight,
A season of reflection, a time for respite,
Where nature’s cycle finds solace in solitude.
Lens-Artists Challenge #274 – Asymmetry
Face is the first thing that came to mind, we are all a bit lopsided, right. It has been demonstrated in photo manipulations that symmetric face is odd. I have no photo for this or the interior one, but they came to mind first about the word asymmetrical.
In fact, we’d argue that asymmetrical (yet balanced) rooms are among the most interesting, unique, and elevated spaces. With an asymmetrical approach, you need to reject the literal, mirror-image equilibrium and seek out balance in more abstract terms.
We are exploring asymmetry with Donna. I liked this – Asymmetry – an informal sense of balance.
I really don’t think about any style when taking a photo, I only think about a composition that is pleasant to my eye. In this post I am sharing photos from Brisbane.
My first image is of The Brisbane River is the longest river in South-East Queensland, Australia, and flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay on the Coral Sea
These are taken below or underneath the subject – architectural design choices.
Traffic below
My cousin took us all around Brisbane, he knew the town and all great spots for photos and as he had been builder on many of the buildings we saw, he had so much knowledge about them, This place offered a great framed view of the city. But I think I got it right in terms of these not being symmetric, but the opposite.
concrete blogs by the sea.
My last one is an image of flowers by the beach on a misty morning
Distant
Debbies One Word Sunday: Distant
Elk or a moose
I took this yesterday though a window, enjoying the moose or elk on the sidewalk in Matinkylä, Espoo. It was late afternoon so the it was already a bit dark. Are you surprised if I say gray? I did not a have camera with me so I took this on my mobile and edited it on Lightroom that I have on my mobile. So this is really a Cellpic 🙂 I did three edits, in the first one I added light and enhanced the gray tones.
The two others are more real to the actual colors of the moment, One I added light and the other There is quite a bit of vignette to bring your focus to the center. That one is the most accurate of the light and tones. It is amazing how editing can change a shot.
Is it an elk? Is it a moose? If you’re in Finland, the answer is “BOTH”! The iconic, majestic forest dweller is known as a moose in North America and an elk in Europe. To make matters even more confusing, elk in North America is used for an entirely different animal – a kind of deer.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
