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.

A submerged log adorned with moss and small plants, reflecting the serene autumn landscape.
A view of a calm water body reflecting autumn foliage, featuring a moss-covered log emerging from the water.
A lake scene framed by autumn leaves and a weathered log.

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? 😂

A delicate white flower, highlighting its intricate petals and vibrant yellow center in warm tones
A beautiful white flower, showcasing its delicate petals and yellow accents in blue tones

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.

A freshly harvested onion with a vibrant brown skin and green shoots, sitting on a reflective black surface.
A round onion reflecting softly on a dark surface, showcasing its warm hues and natural beauty.
A close-up shot of three onions artistically arranged on a wooden tray, highlighting their natural beauty.

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! 😀

A dimly lit, abandoned room cluttered with debris and shadows, featuring a door in the background illuminated by light.
A dimly lit hallway in a dilapidated building, featuring a doorway illuminated in the background.

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?

A dimly lit, cluttered hallway leading to a door, illustrating decay and neglect.

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.

A striking black and white photograph of a historic clock tower in Riga, Latvia featuring intricate architectural details and a prominent clock face.

More timekeepers in from Riga below

An elegant vintage clock displayed on a decorative table beneath a classic painting in Mustio Manor.

So many more from Mustio Manor the gallery below

A vintage clock elegantly displayed in a beautifully decorated room at  Craigdarroch Castle Museum, surrounded by ornate mirrors and soft lighting.
A monochrome view of Flinder Street Station with a row clocks and bustling activity outside.

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.

A glass display cabinet filled with various artistic ceramic objects and sculptures, with a person sitting at a table in the background.
A glimpse of an art studio showcasing various handmade ceramic pieces and sculptures

Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows

Artistic reflections in a glass display showcasing pottery and sculpture, with an artist visible in the background. Doesn’t that hedgehog look kind of sadP

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.

A workspace featuring a cutting table with paper, a rolling cutter, and a view of trees outside.
A view of a creative workspace framed by gloomy winter trees outside, capturing the contrast between the indoor energy and the overcast weather.

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.

A series of monotype prints with vibrant blues and abstract cityscapes. These came out rather nice, I am rather happy with these.
Three monotype prints g expressive portraits, highlighting the artist’s technique and creativity. These not so much, these were so hard to do, but it was good practise.
monotype prints created using metal as a surface, showcasing intricate textures and layers these were inspired by birch tree trunk.
Two printed artworks showcasing stylized trees with vibrant colors against a textured background, created using the monotype printmaking technique.
Vibrant trees in autumn hues same plate, two prints.

As a last note, these were the ones I most liked.

Two monotype prints featuring abstract cityscapes in shades of blue, highlighting the unique texture and color application technique.

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.

An abandoned room with a window revealing a view of autumn leaves outside, contrasting against graffiti-covered walls.

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.

An arched window framed by rustic walls and graffiti.

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.

A shattered window overlooks a desolate landscape, capturing the interplay of light and shadow in an abandoned space.

A haunting view from an abandoned room, highlighting a broken chair, shattered glass and debris.

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.

A bouquet of carnations, pink and deep pink blooms in a sleek blue vase I bought from a garage sale, it was a find.

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.

A close-up of a metal whisk showing intricate curves and soft shadows, embodying the artistic still life concept.

Becky’s November Shadows # 7

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.

Ainterior scene with soft shadows and warm lighting, featuring a chair and two bags.

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.

High contrast image of textured brick walls and shadows, showcasing architectural decay.

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.

High-contrast monochrome image showcasing textured brick walls and shadows.
High-contrast shadows play across weathered brick walls, illuminating the textures and decay in this abandoned space. Original image.

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?

A workspace, aquarelle painting supplies, colorful statues, and artistic wall displays.
A workspace featuring a colorful painting, hand-crafted statues, and art supplies, illuminated by soft light.
Artistic workspace featuring colorful statues and a vibrant art, showcasing a blend of creativity and personal expression.

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-

My workspace with outside lamp filtering light through sheer curtains and casting a warm glow.

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.

Rain-soaked road scene with traffic visibility obscured by droplets on the windshield. This was my last one my IPhone.
A beautifully woven decorational ball surrounded by vibrant autumn leave and couple birds all slightly blurred. Taken with My SONY a7 through a window.
Frost-covered flora with my old SONY SLT-A65V with a macro lens

Last on the card October 2025

walkers on Grey and rainy day

A rainy urban scene with pedestrians walking along a textured stone pavement, with a backdrop of modern buildings and a cloudy sky.

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

A romantic moment between a couple, the bride in a detailed wedding dress with floral designs and a groom embracing her slightly shadowed by her.

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!

Spooky skull decoration wrapped in a colorful scarf, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
A chilling clown makeup design featuring a wide, sinister grin and blood accents, perfect for Halloween vibes.
A cheerful me dressed in clown makeup, celebrating the spirit of Halloween.

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.

A weathered doorway frames a view of vibrant nature, illustrating the contrast between decay and the beauty of the outdoors.

Charming Farm Animals

Some cool farm animals in black-and-white settings tell a vivid story that shows what rural life is all about. You’ve got a cow chilling out in a sunny meadow, horses munching on some fresh grass, and sheep casually grazing in a big field. There’s even a sleepy calf all snuggled up on the ground. Plus, close-ups of a hen hanging out, an ostrich looking all curious, and a gorgeous Highland cow with its fluffy fur make for some pretty awesome portraits. Together, these images highlight the beauty of farm animals just being themselves, inviting us to soak in the peaceful vibe of country living.

a cow resting among its herd, the peacefulness of farm life.
A group of horses feeding on hay in a farm setting.
A herd of sheep grazing in a meadow
A peaceful sleeping calf, surrounded by straw in a monochrome setting.
A young alpaca resting in a grassy field, the beauty of farm animals
A close-up of a hen resting on the ground in black and white.
A close-up of an ostrich, showcasing its unique facial features in black and white.
Close-up of a Highland cow with long, shaggy hair and prominent horns.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #46
Elke’s Monochrome Madness $46: Farm Animals

Fallen Tree and Moss

This forest scene in Porkkalaniemi, Finland with a fallen tree nestled in a lush, moss-covered ground evokes tranquility and connection to nature, highlighting the beauty and serenity found in such untouched natural environments, where time seems to slow down, allowing one to fully immerse in the sights and sounds around. The fallen tree, with its weathered bark and vibrant moss, serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles, illustrating how life and decay coexist harmoniously, each playing an essential role in the ecosystem’s intricate tapestry.

A forest scene with a fallen tree and moss-covered ground

MAcro Monday – Frosted Leaves in Morning Light

Close-up of frosted leaves – intricate details and textures.
Frost-covered leaves glistening in the morning light.
Frost-covered leaves- the beauty of winter’s touch.

Lens-artists – street details

This week, skip the classic street-portrait approach and zoom in (or step closer) to capture peeling paint on a lamppost. The goal is to reveal the often-hidden, magical world, of the details we never take the time to notice the rhythmic pattern of subway tiles, tire marks on wet asphalt, or the glow of neon bouncing off a puddle. The goal is to reveal the often-hidden, magical world, of the details we never take the time to​ notice anymore.

A baby enjoying water jets in a splash pad, emphasizing the joy of play and discovery.

Think rusty bolts on a hydrant shot at ƒ/2.8 for creamy blur, ragged poster layers lit from the side to make ripped edges glow, overhead views of cracked crosswalk paint that read like bold graphic lines, or manhole covers framed tight for instant urban geometry—all quick ways to turn unnoticed street textures into interesting stories.

a weathered detail featuring a San Francisco Ferry Terminal emblem, exemplifying the beauty in urban textures.

This is a simple challenge I will leave these images for inspiration, I am not going to explain them anymore than the caption underneath them. I hope you have fun taking new photos or going through your archives.

A colorful rooster confidently crossing a street, showcasing the vibrant textures of urban life.
A close-up of a rusted metal piece embedded in textured stone pavement, showcasing the weathered details often overlooked in urban environments.
A bustling urban street scene featuring prominent yellow crosswalks, surrounded by shops and pedestrians, capturing the vibrant city life.
Vibrant decorative pathway art showcasing a flowing river design in blue and yellow, emphasizing urban creativity.
A colorful urban scene reflected in a puddle, showcasing the beauty of overlooked details.
A weathered wall with a barred window and an old scooter parked beside it, capturing urban decay and hidden textures.
Vintage metro signage indicating platforms for St. Kilda and Port Melbourne, showcasing the charm of urban transit decor.
Bronze sculpture of a joyful chef enjoying a meal with chopsticks, set on a table with bottles and a plate.
An abandoned toilet surrounded by overgrown foliage and aged walls, capturing the hidden textures of urban decay.
A weathered sign displaying breakfast timing from 7:30 to 10 AM, partially obscured by greenery.
A close-up shot of weathered drainage pipes alongside a sidewalk, highlighting urban textures and the subtle beauty of neglected details in the city.

Last week, Sofia took the world on a journey to ancient sites, where every crumbling stone and artifact told a story; you could hear the history echoing in these posts, resonating with whispers of civilizations long past, as she explored the details of architectural marvels and uncovered legends that shaped the cultural landscape.

Next week is Tina’s turn to host, please go and visit her lovely blog Saturday 1st November. Hope you will join us again. Until then, keep smiling and stay positive.

Important; link your post to my post so I can find you and Remember to tag Lens-Artists so we can all easily find you. .

If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.