Linked to One word Sunday at Debbie’s here and November Shadows at Becky’s here
Category: Photography
Rustic Doorway
I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.
The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.
Exploring Emotion in Black and White Photography
This is one of my favorite challenges as I love black and white photography; it captures the essence of the topic in many cases, allowing viewers to focus on shape, texture, and emotion without the distraction of color. The interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary scenes into dramatic compositions that tell a story. I am still returning to the burned down barn for this week’s Monochrome Madness and NovemberShadows, as it evokes images in my mind that nurtures my creative vision. Each revisit to the photos reveals new angles and perspectives as how to edit and capture its haunting presence, inviting me to experiment and refine my technique while deeply connecting with the subject matter.
Here in these two sets of images and different frames, I’m checking out how the crop’s aspect ratio changes these images. It’s pretty interesting to think about whether cropping a photo to a square actually adds something to the mood compared to keeping it in its original rectangular shape weather it is landscape or portrait. This change can really shift the focus, often guiding the viewer’s eye to specific details more easily. But you’ve also got to wonder if this tighter framing means losing some important context or details, which could totally alter the story the photo tells. Cropping can either amp up the emotional punch or totally take it down a notch, so it’s definitely a key choice in the editing process that we need to think about.
I have to admit these are more black and white photographs than monochrome, but the rules are not too tight in these challenges.
Lens-Artists Challenge #374—On the Move!
How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” You can find his very thorough introduction to the challenge here Johnbo .
Travel first thought was airplanes, automobiles, and trains, all symbols of movement across vast distances and gateways to new experiences. I’ll post photos of them to capture their majestic presence and the adventures they facilitate. Not this time, however! Instead, I wanted to take simple approach to this – one drive home.
This perspective struck me while we were driving home from Lahti, a city located about 100km north of our home. The journey was beautiful due to the sunset, adorned with forest, fields and gas stations. What truly captivated my attention was the fact that the sunset we witnessed was a full 10 minutes earlier than the one occurring in Kirkkonummi. This little detail made me reflect on how small variations in geography can significantly change sunset time. Well, anyway, I took a shot from the spot where we paused for a late lunch; the sky was painted in vibrant hues just as the sun was setting at 15:39, marking the time when we started our ride home
Sidenote: I was also looking for shadows 😅 in this square crop. I found a strong contrast shadows in the shot below for NovemberShadows.
As we started to drive home, we were amazed at how much traffic there was; but compared to some other roads traveled, not that much; everything is relative. Back to this drive: then again, we don’t usually make this drive at this time of the year, so what do we know? One thing I do know is that I love watching the sky and clouds while in the car; today, the sky was colorful and beautiful for most of the drive. The hues of orange, pink, and purple blended seamlessly, painting a breathtaking canvas that caught our attention at every turn. At one point, it was cloudier with a bit of a drizzle, but that phase lasted just a while.
I like being in the car, on the move, going somewhere; it gives a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy that, without distraction, we talk more and share stories that we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We listen to music; this time it was a Classic Rock mix. We would sing or mumble along to our favorite songs, letting the rhythm of the melodies fill the air, creating a traveling atmosphere. Doing nothing as the world outside passes by, we are lucky enough to observe it together. Stepping out of the topic for a bit, I’ve realized that I hardly listen to music anymore, and when I do it’s mostly in the car. It’s interesting how our lifestyles change and how certain habits fade away over time. Music used to be such a significant part of my routine, from playing my favorite albums at home to discovering new artists while hanging out with friends. Have you noticed that in your life?
We appreciate Egidio for leading us back to Lens-Artists Challenge #31. His theme of “Looking Back” opened the door to a wide array of stunning landscapes. Next week, Patti will take over as the host of the challenge, set to launch on Saturday, November 22, at noon Eastern time. Don’t forget to follow her Pilotfish Blog to ensure you catch her challenge announcement.
To wrap this up, the theme is: How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” Be sure to link your response to Johns post or leave your link in a comments Also, use the “lens-artists” tag to help people find your post in the Reader. To find out more about responding to Lens-Artists Challenges, check here.
Autumn Reflections on a Mossy Log
I took a bunch of pics of the same thing at different times, and of course, the way I framed them is a bit different. You can really see that. All the photos have shadows, but since I hit the same spot around the same time every time, the shadows look pretty much the same. The topic, the log, partially submerged in the lake and covered in moss and small plants is taken at Lake Humaljärvi in Kirkkonummi; for some reason, it appeals to me, so here I am sharing it with you for NovemberShadows.
Flower Aesthetics: Mood & Composition
Flowers are good for all occasions and places, so I’ve forgotten to post flowers lately, but here is one for , a bit late but I don’t care if she doesn’t. Terri’s The #Flower Hour
I have two photos with slightly different compositions; also, the chosen color schemes are different, one with blue tones and the other with warm tones. So different in mood—same flower. One feels more welcoming; the blue tones have a somewhat distant, unapproachable feel. Am I still talking about a flower? 😂
Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids
I did somethings right when bringing up my kids; now there has been a study about children in nature, in this case in daycare, but I did all by myself as it was so much easier to be outside with the kids than hear them argue and play inside in smaller spaces. I can without lying say I spent about 4-6 hours a day with them in nature and parks, where they could run free, climb trees, and explore the beauty around them. I have to admit it was not so much fun in the winter and late fall. We would often go on little adventures, discovering different plants and insects, which sparked their curiosity and imagination. The joy in their eyes as they splashed in puddles or built mud castles was priceless and created lasting memories for both of us. I was never a stickler to hygiene; instead, I believed that getting a little dirty was part of the fun and an important aspect of growing up. Embracing the elements allowed them to connect with the environment, learn about the world firsthand, and develop a love for the outdoors that I hope will stay with them throughout their lives.
I wanted to share this as I believed in this even without a study 😀 If you have small kids I hope you find the information in the article useful.
How to Survive November 2025 – 13
Here we are, and it’s that time again for the 13th entry for surviving November 2025. Food photography truly is a delightful endeavor; however, to capture those stunning shots, it’s essential to have an uncluttered space and a serene background. In my home, creating that perfect setting requires a bit of rearranging, given the abundance of items I have scattered about. Onions are surprisingly popular subject for photography; they possess a unique visual charm that is oddly captivating and beautiful. Their round shape lends itself perfectly to various creative interpretations across artistic mediums. Interestingly, I’ve even managed to sell a photo featuring onions—though I have to admit, it’s not one of these two.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A Charred Barn, A Photographer’s Paradise
I’m still hanging out in the deserted barn in Veklahti, Kirkkonummi, which has been charred for years. Over the weekend, I found out that it’s a protected structure and that a film crew was on site—apparently shooting a war movie. This information was shared with me, though I haven’t verified it myself, but my source is trustworthy! 😀
The place is a photographer’s dream, and I have SO many shots to share! The views are absolutely stunning, with every angle offering something unique to capture. I really like these images, both in black and white and color, as they evoke different moods and feelings. I enjoy how the light streams in, illuminating the scene while shadows adds depth to each shot. Also, all the junk scattered around lets one’s imagination run wild, inspiring countless stories in one’s mind. There’s endless possibilities here that truly fuels creativity. Do you agree with me?
Sharing this with Becky’s NovemberShadows and Dan’s Thursday Doors
Captivating timekeepers
This week, guest host Margaret also presents her take on the theme in her post, Clocks and Timepieces. and Leanne post is here Monochrome Madness
I was certain I wouldn’t stumble upon any clocks, yet how mistaken I was! My journey in search of clock’s began with a trip back to Riga, Latvia, where I recalled taking pictures of some remarkable timepieces and I was not wrong. After that, I made my way to Mustio Manor in Finland, which I recalled had an impressive collection of golden clocks with lots of details. I also discovered a few exquisite clocks at the Craigdarroch Castle Museum at Victoria Island, but I just posted one. These old house museums are fantastic venues that showcase some incredible clocks. In the end, I decided to set aside the vintage timepieces and conclude my collection with a row of more modern clocks from the bustling Flinder Street Station in Australia.
More timekeepers in from Riga below
So many more from Mustio Manor the gallery below
Artistic Display and Creative Shadows
I don’t necessarily need to explain this shot, but I will. What stands out is that glass display cabinet filled with an array of artistic ceramic pieces and sculptures, complemented by a person seated at a table in the background. To begin the story, I had been cutting my paper – it’s large, high-quality paper that we have to cut ourselves to fit the size we need for our graphic prints. As I made my way back to my chair, I caught sight of the lady visible through the glass, along with the subtle reflections and shadows. Now you understand why I captured the shot; it has an artistic feel, indeed, and it includes those intriguing shadows.
Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows
Creative Energy Amid Gloomy Weather
While making art, I decided to stroll around the building and check out the shadows and round stuff. This is from one of the rooms, and you can really see how gloomy it is outside—grey skies and bare trees, not exactly inspiring? But, the vibe inside was pretty good, and each shadow brought a little joy to me as I roamed around. I found it wild how the dreary weather clashed with my creative energy. It felt like the shadows were telling their own stories, nudging me to look beyond the obvious. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the idea! This post is for Becky’s November Shadows #11.
Monotype Prints, my A Creative attempts
Someone made the request to see what I created this weekend. You should be careful what you wish for 😂
A quick introduction to Monotype as a printmaking technique.Result: The resulting print is a “one-off” or “mono” type, as it is the only one of its kind that can be produced from that specific matrix. Process: Monotype is a form of printmaking where an artist creates a unique image on a non-absorbent surface, like glass or metal. We used metal. Image transfer: The image is then transferred to paper by pressing the two surfaces together, either by hand or using a printing press. We used a press.
As a last note, these were the ones I most liked.
Urban Abandonment and Nature
The post for Monday Window gives us a look at this abandoned room with a cool arched window that shows off some bright autumn leaves outside. It’s pretty wild how the colorful leaves clash with the graffiti-covered walls, showing off that mix of nature and city decay. The whole scene kind of hits you with those feels of decay and the leftover marks of human creativity on the walls. All in all, it really captures a unique moment in time.
NovemberShadows can easily be seen on how the light comes into the space, and it is highlighted by the square crop, creating an intriguing interplay between illumination and shadow. This contrast adds depth and character to the scene.
Shadows in Abandoned Spaces
This haunting scene featuring a shattered window in an abandoned room, offers a striking view of a desolate landscape. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, as well as the presence of a broken chair and scattered debris. This imagery is shared in response to Debbie’s One Word Sunday theme, focusing on the concept of “shadow” also sharing with Becky’s NovemberShadows.
Long-Lasting joy
Carnations are such simple and pretty flowers that last a long time, and it’s no wonder people have loved them for ages! With their cool fringed petals and bright colors, these blooms come in all sorts of shades. Their staying power in a vase, makes sure they keep bringing some joy and color to your days for a while, so it’s easy to see why I buy them.
For Terri’s Flower Hour
The Beauty of Ordinary Things
Keeping it simple, I thought I’d stick to shooting indoors and went with still life for my photo today. The way light and shadow has almost a jazzy feeling; music came to mind while I was wondering what to write here. It’s hard to try to write deeply about a mixer. I picked this object to share because I baked an apple pie; by the way, it is all gone.
End of Day, evening reflection
Still in my workspace, just about to leave for the day – still the same outside light illuminating the room, casting a warm glow that makes the familiar surroundings feel welcoming and cozy. I appreciate how the light shifts, signaling the end of another day.
Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows
Texture and Light
Today, I’m merging two challenges in a single post. I hope this is suitable for both of you wonderful hosts who continually inspire us with fresh ideas and motivate us in our photography: Leanne’s Monochrome Madness and Becky’s November Shadows.
This image is ideal for this post, effectively highlighting its shadows, striking contrast, and the textured richness of the bricks that delivers a compelling visual effect. The contrast between light and dark accentuates the fine details of the worn corner, revealing depth and dimensionality that’s frequently missed in more straightforward images.
A Glimpse into My Art Workspace
November Shadows #4 presents an unusually warm day for November; the temperature is 10°C, which is quite rare for us. No complaints here—I’m enjoying it! I plan to keep sharing glimpses of my study—my office space. I moved a desk from another room to create a workspace for my art projects, and currently, I’m focusing on aquarelle painting. Here’s a look at my desk; you’ll also see some of the statues I’ve created, along with my art displayed on the wall. Similar to the previous shot, this photo is taken with the light coming from the outside entrance, as the room itself was quite dim.
In my attempt to capture shadows, I created compositions in square, landscape, and portrait crops; since I have them, I thought, why not share?
The Light and Dark in My Study
I had just closed all the lights in the study, when suddenly, someone walked by our entrance. Causing the outside light automatically lit up, illuminating the area beautifully and casting a light into my study. This unexpected moment allowed me to capture the shadows of November, where the interplay of light and dark creates such striking visuals. With the illumination from the outside light, I realized I had the perfect setting to include both the November shadows and window for my Monday Windows in one post-
Last on the card October 2025
Here are three distinct photographs: a rain-soaked road scene captured with an iPhone showcasing obscured visibility, a decorative ball surrounded by autumn leaves taken with a SONY a7, and frost-covered flora photographed with a SONY SLT-A65V macro lens. The final images in October 2025.
walkers on Grey and rainy day
For Weekly Prompts Color Challenge. and For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Exploring Love Through Light and Shadows
Starting with November with a couple sharing a romantic moment, the bride dressed in an intricate floral wedding dress and the groom gently embracing her, slightly overshadowed by her presence. This tender image captures the essence of love and intimacy.
Square #1
Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows
Get Festive – halloween Fun and scary Looks
We don’t celebrate Halloween as a couple, so this year there won’t be any costume parties filled with questionable treats and awkward dance-offs for us. Nevertheless, given its significance for many, I’ve decided to create some festive visuals from my own photos to capture the spooky vibe. Photography isn’t my favorite way to embody the essence of Halloween—it’s just not that important to me, and I don’t actively seek it out. It’s amusing to see how various cultures celebrate the holiday, and even though we won’t be carving pumpkins or bobbing for apples, I take great delight in showcasing my unique perspective on this magical season through my edits. Watch out, world—I’ll be debuting my frightfully well-done 😂 AI selfies!
Nature Through Abandoned Doors
A view of nature gently framed by the entrance of a timeworn building. I hope you appreciate the beautiful contrast between the vibrant outdoors and the wear of the structure, as it tells a story of both beauty and decay. This image highlights the poignant difference between the enchanting allure of nature and the fading remnants of human craftsmanship, observed through the threshold of a once-proud building. It captures a heartfelt moment where the colors of the natural world embraces the history of human creation, inviting us to value both the thriving beauty and the whispers of time. This scene was shared with Thursday Doors.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 