Photography – Page 5 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Mood board with Soft Floral Hues

I loved the idea of a mood board, particularly one that features flowers arranged in soft pink tones, which create a serene and inviting atmosphere. I did my previous post about it. This beautiful color palette not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also evokes feelings of warmth and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for any interior space. A bedroom adorned with such delicate hues can transform it into a personal sanctuary for relaxation and restful sleep, while a living room decorated in these soft shades creates a cozy and welcoming vibe, perfect for moments with loved ones.

Now I am introducing a new flower palette, incorporating soft yellows and gentle browns can enhance the warmth of the space, making it feel more intimate. Soft orange, especially in muted shades, can introduce a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the senses, while various tones of green can serve as a beautiful contrast, giving the room a fresh and vibrant feel. This combination of colors not only adds depth but also allows for a seamless blend of nature-inspired elements, ideal for anyone looking to create a harmonious living environment. What would these tones be suitable for, you might wonder? They could work wonderfully in spaces that seek to promote tranquility and comfort, such as reading nooks or meditation corners, making a profound impact on the overall ambiance.

This color palette inspiration for the mood board began with shrubby cinquefoil, a vibrant plant admired for its stunning yellow flowers and lush green leaves. The warm glow of its golden petals brings forth a sense of life and energy, encouraging an appreciation for the natural beauty it embodies. Earthy shades and soft neutrals blend seamlessly with the striking accent of the cinquefoil, resulting in a lively yet harmonious aesthetic that remains inviting—ideal for any design endeavor aiming to connect on a profound level. The palette can also be reflected in the gently fading hydrangea arborescens, with a snail on it continuing the theme as seen on the header.

Beautiful flowers of **shrubby cinquefoil** (*Dasiphora fruticosa*)in soft yellow tones, enhancing warmth and tranquility in any living space.

Posted for #theflowerhour

Black Birds in Nature

Photography

Terri’s Sunday Stills Monthly Colour Challenge: Into the #Black I started looking for black birds, these I found in my archives. I was happy to find this many.

A vibrant red winged blackbird perched on a branch, showcasing its striking red and yellow shoulder markings.

A **American coot** swimming among aquatic plants in a serene pond.

A close-up of a **Black-and-white Seedeater** perched on a green branch, surrounded by lush leaves.

A striking Brewer’s Blackbird perched amidst vibrant green foliage.

A **Double-crested Cormorant** perched on a branch, showcasing its striking features.

also linked to Birds of the Week LXXXVII

A Glimpse of Vancouver’s Urban Landscape

Photography, Travel, Traveling British Columbia, CA

Looking back at the colorful windows from downtown Vancouver.

Reflections in the windows in downtown Vancouver,

A bustling urban street showcasing modern architecture of **Fairmont Waterfront** in downtown Vancouver, under a cloudy sky.

The facade of the Vancouver House building features repeated text that is part of artist Rodney Graham’s work titled “Clouds looked noneare, when I was lying on the street.”

Monday Window

Lens-Artists Challenge #369 – Dreamy

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

This week Ann-Christine leads us with a Dreamy challenge.

She wrote:There are many possibilities hidden in Dreamy – maybe you are given to or indulging in daydreaming? You might even want to illustrate one of your own dreams? Now we are looking forward to Your interpretation of the theme Dreamy!

An abstract artwork capturing the vibrant hues of autumn and winter, reflecting nature’s stunning palette in a dreamy composition.

I do have to include at least one of my artwork, hope you like it! I have used tones suitable for the season and the ones used in this post, incorporating rich hues that reflect the vibrant energy of autumn and the gentle warmth of winter. My goal was to create a piece that resonates with the changing atmosphere, drawing inspiration from nature’s stunning palette. I truly believe that art has the power to connect us to the world around us and to evoke feelings that words often cannot express.

An autumn moment for dog walker in a misty landscape and vibrant fall foliage.

I envision these images encapsulating a tapestry of enchanting autumn scenes, where dew-kissed spider webs glisten in the soft embrace of morning light, serene reflections dance upon a still lake, and misty vistas are adorned with golden hay bales—a true homage to this magical season. It invites us to bask in the tranquil beauty of an autumn landscape, where the vibrant hues of falling leaves gently blanket the earth. As the renowned poet John Keats once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” In this spirit, I felt compelled to share these evocative images of the season, hoping you can lose yourselves in the quiet allure of nature’s transformation into winter, cherishing the ephemeral beauty that graces our surroundings.

A dreamy spider web adorned with morning dew, capturing the essence of nature’s delicate beauty.

A reflection of lush greenery on calm waters, embodying the dreamy essence of nature.

Misty landscape with hay bales in a green field, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

A close-up view of a moss-covered stump in a softly blurred forest setting, portraying the essence of nature’s tranquility.

A dreamy landscape featuring blurred reflections of trees and water, evoking a serene and mystical atmosphere.

An autumn landscape featuring golden foliage, a still lake, and a small boat, a view to nature’s beauty during the fall season.

I’ve taken pleasure in crafting my response this week and hope you find joy in it as well. Be sure to check out Ann-Christine’s stunning original post here for a deeper insight into her challenge, and don’t forget to link back to it in your reply. Remember to add the Lens-Artists Tag so your contribution shows up in our reader section.

Thanks to John and all who took part in last week’s Autumn reflection, the images were so colorful. Here in the northern region, we are witnessing the tail end of the season, which carries a sense of melancholy as strong winds send leaves tumbling down, painting a beautiful yet somber scene. Many trees stand bare, resembling elegant silhouettes against the dwindling light, reminding us of life’s cycles and the inevitability of change. I encourage you to join us next week as Sofia once again leads us through her breathtaking Photographias blog. In the meantime, let’s appreciate the beauty around us as we move into the coming months, and remember to keep smiling; it might just brighten someone else’s day.

Interested in joining our challenge? click here for more information.

Cellpic’s of a delicious meal

Photography, Still life

Starters or to share: King prawn pan with pilpil parmesan butter, rucola, and bread and Mains: Grilled beef tenderloin with fried king prawns in jalapeno sauce and grilled sweet potato

John’s Cellpic Sunday

Autumn’s Beauty by the Lake

Captures from Finland, Photography

Autumn whispers softly by the lake,
Golden yellows merge with vibrant green,
Reeds, like brushstrokes, dance in the breeze,
Against the azure calm, a tranquil scene.

A serene autumn lake scene with vibrant foliage reflecting on the calm water.

Tranquil autumn day by the lake, with golden reeds and vibrant foliage reflecting on the calm water.

An autumn lakeside with vibrant yellows and greens contrasting against the blue sky.

For Dawn’s Festival of leaves

Fort Aguada, Asia’s Oldest Lighthouse

Black and White photos, Photography, Traveling India

Fort Aguada is a fortress built by the Portuguese, located south of Candolim Beach in Goa. The fortress was constructed in the 17th century to protect Portuguese ships and defend the area against Dutch and Maratha attacks. The fortress’s lighthouse is one of the oldest in Asia, built in 1864. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination, and I visited in 2019

I have had some health issues that has kept me from being very active with my posts and well mostly with comments. I apologize. This was Sarah’s theme last week and I never got to edit my photos for it then, better late…

The historic lighthouse of Fort Aguada, one of the oldest in Asia, offers a glimpse into Goa’s past.

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

The Beauty of Flowers A memory of summer

Flowers, Photography

Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!

The #Flower Hour Weekly Photo Challenge Debut

Cozy Kitchen Window

animals, Photography

A view of a kitchen through a window, featuring Tinka sitting on the windowsill and warm yellow light illuminating the interior.

A view of a cozy kitchen through a window, featuring a cat sitting on the windowsill and warm yellow light illuminating the interior. — A cozy view through a window, featuring a cat and warm kitchen lights.

A curious cat peering out from a window,

Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday and Monday Window: 6 October 2025

Lens-Artists Challenge #368—Looking Back to# 106: Autumn

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumn here.

Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.

To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.

Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!

Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.

For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

fresh from the orchard, delicious apples

Captures from Finland, Photography

A close-up of a green apple and a red apple on a tree, glistening with fresh droplets of water.

Close-up of a variety of apples growing among green leaves in an orchard.

Close-up of a ripe apple glistening with dew, surrounded by lush green leaves.

a green apple surrounded by fresh leaves.

A lush apple tree laden with vibrant red and yellow apples, showcasing a bountiful harvest.

for Debbie’s six word Saturday

Wordless Wednesday

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Sea Buckthorn is a Superfruit You Should Know About

Nature, Photography

Sea buckthorn is this spiny shrub that gives us some seriously vitamin C-packed berries! They’re also loaded with health perks. We had a conversations with a friend of mine about the bright orange berries that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and good-for-you fatty acids, which can do wonders for your skin, give your immune system a nice boost, and keep your heart happy. Right now is the perfect time to dig into them. My friend eats them directly from the shrub, not me 😀

Close-up of vitamin C-rich sea buckthorn berries on a spiny shrub.

the Decay of Sunflowers

Flowers, Photography

The sunflower whispers softly about the inevitable decay of its vibrant petals, a reminder that beauty is fleeting and even the brightest blooms must fade.

Lens Artists #367 – Everyone Should See This

lens-artists, Photography

When I think about the ocean, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. It’s this vast expanse that holds so many mysteries and beauty, evoking awe and humility in me. The ocean feels like this incredible force—both calming and powerful at the same time. There’s something magical about standing by the shore, where you can hear the waves crash and feel that deep connection to nature and time itself.

Waves crashing against rocky shores, showcasing the beauty and power of the ocean.

Joanne is this weeks host. Her challenge post is here. Her request is to share some photographs of things/people/places that are inspiring and that you want to share. This is my approach to it. Suggestion: all the images in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.

It’s hard to believe that around 60-70% of people around the world have never seen the ocean in person. That means over 2.5 billion folks haven’t experienced the delight of watching the waves or feeling the sand between their toes! For many, it’s just not possible—living in landlocked areas, dealing with financial constraints, or simply not having the chance to travel can keep them away from those tranquil blue waters. It’s a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone gets a taste of the ocean’s beauty.

I saw this firsthand in India when local people from the countryside came to see the ocean for the first time for the New Year celebration. They had no idea of the power of the water and did not know how to swim, yet the sheer joy radiating from the women, children, but mostly young men was a sight to behold. They were playing on the beach as you usually see children play, building sandcastles and chasing each other in the waves lapping at their feet. The lifeguards were driving up and down the beach giving warnings not to enter if you don’t know how to swim. Also, the amount of selfies and photos 😀 one can guess how many…

The ocean has inspired so many, including some amazing writers. Robert Wyla captures this perfectly when he says, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” That resonates with me! And Rainer Maria Rilke echoes similar feelings, sharing his experience of going to the sea when life gets heavy: “When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.” Doesn’t that just sound soothing?

A serene moment by the ocean, capturing the tranquility and beauty of the shoreline.

I also love Christy Ann Martine’s lines, “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” It speaks to the joy of immersing ourselves in the ocean’s embrace. It reminds me that there’s this beautiful freedom found in the rhythm of the ocean.

Even if some haven’t been able to experience it firsthand, its essence resonates in our hearts and connects us all. The ocean isn’t just about its waves and shores; it’s about healing, inspiration, and that profound sense of belonging we all seek. So here’s to all the adventures waiting at the ocean!

I cannot end this post without sunset from by the ocean

Last week, you were so creative with your responses to Tina’s challenge! I love how different takes were on that theme. For Joanne’s challenge this week, make sure to link your post to hers and don’t forget to throw in the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily spot your post in the Reader.

Next week, John returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Clock and Jewelry and play Museum in Espoo

Captures from Finland, Photography

The building depicted in the image is the Finnish Clock and Jewelry Museum, Kruunu, located in Espoo. The museum showcases the history and art of clocks and jewelry. Museo Leikki is a museum specializing in the history of toys, play, and childhood. The museum opened in May 2022. Café Lyrica, which is likely situated in the museum.

Monday Window: 29 September 2025

home in Modern Apartments with Balconies

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

These apartments are located in Tapiola, one of the suburbs of Espoo, Finland. These are some of the more modern apartment buildings. Just a block away from here, my grandmother lived for over thirty years.

Modern architecture featuring homes in residential buildings with balconies in a urban environment.

A modern apartment building with balconies is a home to many residents, someone came home with a green scooter and left it parked in front.

Debbies One Word Sunday: Home and Cellpic Sunday also to Monday Windows

under the dark clouds

Captures from Finland, Photography

I drove back to my summer house under these dark, very impressive clouds that loomed ominously over the horizon. A huge rain pour had just passed the area, leaving behind a fresh, earthy scent that filled the air, as the remnants of the storm clung to the landscape. All that was left to see were the swirling clouds and the distant rumble of thunder, echoing like a memory of the storm’s fury. As I navigated the winding road, I could feel the anticipation of the cool, refreshing breeze seeping through the open windows, mingling with the scent of wet pine trees and damp earth.

A winding road surrounded by lush greenery under an ominous sky.

A scenic view of a road lined with trees beneath a dramatic, cloudy sky.

A winding road leads through a lush landscape with dark clouds rolling in.

Stormy clouds gather thick,
veiling the winding road in a dark embrace,
their swirling forms whispering fervent secrets of August skies.
The air crackles with electric anticipation,
as nature’s breath draws in,
a symphony of windsong
passionately dances through the fields,
while the horizon sighs deeply,
cradled beneath the weight of rain,
painting the countryside
in lush hues of deep gray and fleeting light.

Nature’s stunning Canvas

Captures from Finland, Photography

We have had two beautiful sunsets this weekend, each more captivating than the last. The colors have been really intense, creating a display that left us in awe. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a vibrant canvas, splashed with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Nature truly does provide the best art with big and bold strokes, reminding us of its incredible power and beauty..

This first set is me facing the camera to the west sky. The photos in can be enlarges by clicking the photos, I even recommend you to do so 😀

A stunning sunset with vibrant colors peeking through the trees, a glorious evening sky.

Now facing north ern sky the colors were pink and blue, usually the colors are not so strong.

The same was at the south looking sky.

A serene view south facing a sunset showcasing vibrant pink and blue hues, framed by trees and an open field, capturing the beauty of nature.

Capturing the serene hues of twilight on the northern sky with delicate branches in the foreground.

The sky was on fire yesterday

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday.

Nature’s Colorful Transformation

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Dawn of ‘The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere and would love you to share what autumn is like in your part of the world.

Festival of leaves… I took these today September 26th

Leaves are scattered on the ground in shades of yellow and brown, making a soft, colorful carpet that crunches when you step on it. The tree still hangs on to a bit of green in its leaves, a little nod to the summer that just zoomed by. The wind tosses them around, sending some whispers through the air, while the sun shines warmly on the scene, giving those fallen leaves a golden glow that sways gently in the light.

A autumn scene with a carpet of yellow and brown leaves scattered across green grass, illuminated by soft sunlight.

autumn leaves scattered on green grass, the essence of the autumn season.

Vibrant maple leaves framing a peaceful pathway, showcasing the beauty of the season.

birch leaves glistening in the sunlight, and vibrant hues of yellow and green against a blurred background.

A serene autumn path lined with colorful leaves, the beauty of the season begin to show

Waiting Room Photography

Captures from Finland, Interiors, Photography

I took my son to the dentist yesterday, bracing myself for what was about to unfold. I was originally supposed to drop him off and pick him up after the surgery to remove his wisdom tooth, but instead, I was ordered back to sit with him during the premedication process, as they insisted he should not be alone. Despite him being 30 years old, the staff felt it was essential for him to have some support during this time. So much for y morning coffee in a nice cafe. I had tried to avoid this scenario, especially considering the multitude of viruses going around at the moment. Nonetheless, I did as instructed, drove back center and walked to the waiting area, and settled in to be with him. Since I was required to be there with seemingly nothing useful to occupy my time, I decided to make the most of the situation by taking a few shots from the health center with my phone. The light of the waiting area and the glass ceiling and the sterile efficiency of the dental area inspired me, providing a contrast that made for interesting photographs. I even took the opportunity to edit them right there on my phone, to enhance the images as I waited for the surgery to commence.

Entrance to room H13 at the health center, showcasing a modern design.

The health center lobby had a a high glass ceiling and stylish pendant lighting and it showed us the lovely blue sky.

The lobby with spacious interiors and large windows, highlighting a well-lit environment. The influenssa vaccinations are about to begin so there seems to be stalls placed for them in the lobby.

Empty waiting chairs at a health center, I waited for a moment when they were empty before taking the shot. I had a few minute window to do it.

I tried to focus more on the windows and seating areas.

For Dans Thursday Doors

Monochrome Textures in Ropes

Black and White photos, Photography

Ropes that bind and secure ; they provide strength, reliability, and versatility, those we need in our everyday life.

Bundles of thick ropes, neatly stacked and secured, showcasing their textured surfaces in monochrome.

for Monochrome Madness and Tuesday Textures

The Intricate Beauty of dahlia

Flowers, Photography

A vibrant yellow dahlia flower showcasing its intricate petals, such elegance and resilience.

the Serenity of September Rain

Captures from Finland, Photography

September rain, it came down heavily and slowly and heavily again, drenching the earth in a soothing rhythm that seemed to echo the heartbeat of the world. The wind, both gentle and powerful, swirled through the yard, frolicking amid the vibrant green leaves and twirling branches of the trees that swayed almost rhythmically, while droplets moving fast in the dim light, creating a serene but moody atmosphere. That is the feeling of the day at my house.

Raindrops cascade through lush green leaves, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the forest backdrop.

Amidst the gentle rustle of tree branches, each drop a note that dances through the leaves. The air is fragrant with the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen petals, as nature sighs. Sunlight filters softly through the splattered droplets, creating a mosaic of light and shadow, while the world stands still, cradled in the embrace of autumn’s first whispers. Grateful, the trees sway gently, their limbs catching the rhythm of the rain, celebrating the transition to a season rich with change and renewal.