Photography – Page 28 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #285 – Warm Colors

Last week, Sofia asked us to think about day and night for our weekly challenge. I found it fun to go through my archives to find matching photos.

This week, Egidio of, Through Brazilian Eyes, joins us for his first, official challenge with the Lens-Artists. Visit his site for inspiration and guidance on today’s challenge: Warm Colors.

This week Egídio asked; have you ever thought about your images’ impact on viewers based on your photos’ color schemes? Yes I have :-) He invites us to look at own photo catalog or capture new images showing how warm colors appear in our world and their emotional significance to us, also to share how your images made you feel when you captured them.

the warmth of the fire – in colors and feelings

Now to my thoughts on colors – warm colors – we all know them. BUT, to me me the yellow of the first flowers of spring it is not warm, it blends more to the blue. I know it is but – it is bright and refreshing against the new green that delights us. The coltsfoot ad dandelion are first ones to pop up you look for these pops of yellows, Globeflower blooms also in May, a brightfull joy of spring.

Towards the end of the summer the yellow deepens and to me that is a warm yellow, it blends more to red, I know I am splitting hairs here.

Warm reds and brown take over in the fall and a sense of lost comes with it. It does not demise the beauty of the warm colors of autumn is the festive season for warm colors. I joy for a photographer.

Browns – the end of autumn. Soft muted tones, that slowly shows the way to hibernation. Gets us ready for winter,

Now to the question, about how your images made you feel when you captured them. When I take a photo, I mainly focus on and pay attention to the composition, how to best show of what I see, . My main thoughts are did I get on the”film” what I saw. I want to bring beauty to a shot, no matter what the topic even if the topic itself is not that pleasant. I want to see the beauty around me, even a glimpse of it. Positivity… that’s what I want to see 🙂 and I have very warm thoughts about this little boy :-9

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.

lines

Captures from Finland, Photography

On the road again. Lines and lanes leading us towards a beautiful sunset on the warm and wet Saturday here in Southern Finland.

For OneWordSunday and Cellpic Sunday

Street Photography – marketplace

Cities, Photography

This man seated next to table was relaxed, hiding a yawn maybe, selling vintage toys, and other old other miscellaneous objects caught my attention at the Níce market. The atmosphere was relaxed and casual, with other people seated at tables covered with white cloths in the background gave the shot depth.

Sweet memories

Photography, Still life

I was trying to get shots with theme. Create a movie scene – and as I was at it very late in the challenge this was one idea. I did not end up using these, but since I took and edited them why not share them – I did take them and edit them on my mobile.

Last rays of light fell on to the bed, where the lonely lady had placed her loved childhood toys to rest on the pillows. I hoped to create a different mood by changing the colors and contrast and light. The last one is the most positive, the two first ones I wanted a to create a more sad and lonely mood to to them

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday

MONOCHROME – reindeer

animals, Black and White photos, Photography

Leannes Monochrome Madness

Summer is a state of mind

People, Photography

As stated summer is a state of mind and age is just a number.

Usually we are somewhere in warmer weather at this time of the year, away from the cold and dark winter, we usually fly to catch some sun, D- vitamins and new places to be refreshed and relaxed. And when we come you can already notice the increased light that is more visible in February.

Well you need the catch the rays where every you can. 😂

Cellpic Sunday

essential factors in a joyous life

Black and White photos, People, Photography

Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. I also did this, and in the end decided to enter my other take as an entry to Lens-Artists Challenge, but since I had already done this I decided to post it separately

I selected this quote to convey positivity. We all need a little bit of that in our lives. I added few more smiles than requested, but it is a smile ☺ of joy.

“Laughter and smiles are essential factors in a joyous life”
~Maya Angelou

Happy faces and lovely smiles are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, illuminating the world with their warmth and brightness. The simple act of smiling has the power to uplift spirits, spread joy, and create a ripple of positivity. When we encounter a genuine smile, it’s as if a little piece of happiness has been shared with us, making the day feel a little brighter and the heart a little lighter.

untouched snow sparkles in the light

Photography

Debbies Six Word Saturday

Fire

Interiors, Photography

John’s Cellpic Sunday

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #282 – Dramatic

lens-artists, Photography

This week, Patti from is asking this question: what makes a photo dramatic? Maybe it is processed in black and white, or it has vivid colors. Maybe a person, place, or object is captured from a unique perspective or it is a macro shot.

I took this from the plane, the mountains make a dramatic scene behind the clouds.

The word “dramatic” holds immense significance for me – it encapsulates the sense of grandeur and intensity that is ever-present. It’s remarkable how the play of light in photographs can be so distinctive and impactful. In contrast, everyday life may not exude the same overt drama; seemingly mundane events can often hold hidden depths of emotion and sentiment beneath a tranquil facade. Being of Finn, I acknowledge that we may not be the most openly expressive people, yet our emotions are profoundly felt and deeply rooted.

These I took In Níce, France

For me, the sea stands as one of the most profoundly dramatic elements, alongside the ever-changing canvas of clouds. Nature, or rather the weather, serves as the catalyst for many of these breathtaking phenomena.

Furthermore, the architectural details has the potential to evoke a dramatic impact through the interplay of light, shadow, and contours.

This is detail of the roof Monte Carlo Casino. The interplay of dark skies and beautiful old architecture creates a mesmerizing contrast that captivates the senses. The looming presence of the dark skies serves as a backdrop, intensifying the timeless allure of the architectural marvels.

Skyline from Monte Carlo some years back.

“An event or circumstance sudden and striking,”

I sometimes capture documentary shots, sometimes I see people who are down on their luck. Even though I don’t know their stories, seeing these homeless men sitting on the streets of Las Vegas was truly a poignant and sad sight. They are not sharp images on purpose…

Street Photography – at the mall

Black and White photos, Photography, street photography

I don’t know if this is really street photography, but let’s pretend so.

I took this yesterday at the mall. I needed to get out of the house. I was really proud, I didn’t buy anything, nearly did, but I reasoned with myself, I don’t need this, put it back to the rack.

Glass Doors

Interiors, Photography

Glass door at the top of the stairs in Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. I did too edits of just because, no other reason, which one resonates with you? The color or the black, white and red one – with a touch of blue ?

I have to admit, for a door photo the door doesn’t look like the main point. Well, that what it is a glass door at the stop of the stair that has blue light behind it.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Sunset behind the hilltop

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Photography

Today I caught a beautiful sunset from my patio, we had huge rise in temperature in the past two days and the snow covered trees are now gone. The trees still gave a beautiful contrast against the colorful sky

it’s just me

People, Photography

Trying to keep up with appearances. For a challenge I took a different kind of selfie with my mobile and now chose it for John’s Cellpic Sunday

Silent Sunday

Captures from Finland, Photography

I know should silent, but these are the first sunray’s that touched our backyard in ages. What a joy!

Frosty Road

Photography

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.

Blue house

Captures from Finland, Photography

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

Captures from Finland, On my mind, Photography

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

lens-artists, Photography

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.

Birch trees by the lake. This is taken early spring, I like the the light an reflection and oddly the composition is balanced even though it is very busy scene.

Calm – time to reflect. Moment captured in the botanical garden in Helsinki.

Staying in the subject of calm, this is my summer place, the place to relax- and take photos.

Life can be full of storms at times literally and figuratively. ON life’s stormy highway .

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

Photography, Travel, Traveling Cape Verde

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.

Old church in Pedra de Lume on Sal Island , Cape Verde

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical

lens-artists, Photography

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.

On a winter’s day the ray of light can seem magical.

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.

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Christmas market – Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Photography

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

lens-artists, Photography

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

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Last Photo for November 2023

Nature, Photography

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

Black and White photos, Photography

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.