A Luxurious Afternoon at Singapore’s ATLAS Bar

Atlas Bar

Before flying off to Singapore I asked for recommendations of what to see and do from an old workmate, who had visited the country a couple times before. Without her advice we would have most likely missed the highlight of our visit to Singapore – ATLAS Bar. So, thank you, Saila!

We even passed on Raffles Bar, the famous home of the drink called Singapore Sling, because of my friend’s recommendation and we don’t regret it at all. Anyway, to the ATLAS Bar. Bar is located in Parkview Square in one of the grandest and most expensive office buildings in Singapore. I didn’t check any details beforehand about the bar or the building so the whole time we thought the building was built in the 1920’s when Art Deco style was in fashion. But no, this impressive building was finished only in 2002. Not being an architecture buff, I could not tell the difference.

The money they must have spent to let’s say recreate a building like that and even the courtyard in front of the building was like an art gallery. The gigantic statues of men holding balls in their hands and other impressive statues, the gargoyles guarding the building and overall décor just spoke volumes of how much time and resources were used to create this marvel. The exterior surface of the building is clad in brown granite, bronze, lacquer, and glass, so I’ve been told by the internet. The building is sometimes referred to as the Batman building by locals because it reminds of Gotham City. The interiors drew HBO’s “Westworld” to use it as a filming location in season three of the dystopian science fiction series.

We had reserved an afternoon tea at 3 pm, so in we go. Reservations for the afternoon tea are always recommended because the bar can be fully booked. Inside of the ATLAS Bar was even more stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off the centerpiece bar, the magnificent tower of gin, located at the far end of the area. The tower holds over 1300 gins and is two stories high. I can only guess how they get the bottles down from the tower. When we were present, I didn’t see any acrobats climbing the structure and flinging down bottles to bartenders.

We are not used to dining or drinking in opulent surroundings like this, but the staff made us feel very comfortable from the beginning. We had reserved afternoon tea, so tea we had. The 68 SGD order included a welcome drink, two types of tea or other soft beverages and a collection of savory and sweet bites. For a while we didn’t touch the food because we just wanted to look at the beautiful set up. We felt like king and queen for two hours with the service and everything we consumed. I haven’t googled yet what were the dishes we ate, for example vol-au-vent is not in my vocabulary, but they were delicious. Here is a list of them to those of you who are in the know.

Savory: coronation egg, brioche / lobster on crystal bread / smoked salmon rillette, vol-au-vent, kaluga caviar / tomato basil arancini / gougère, farmers bacon, comté / shrimp, rosatella espuma

Sweet: scones, jam and clotted cream / canelé de Bordeaux /popcorn cream cone | rhubarb tartlet, cinnamon streusel / blueberry choux /rhum baba | pistachio amaretti bonbon

There is also a picture of the page from the drink list – ATLAS Vintage – that listed different gins from 1910’s to present. I even passed my decade, the 60’s, because martini from that era would have been 125 SGD. Martini from 1910’s was 275 SGD. I have no idea if they would have made a difference. Does gin age like whiskey or cognac?

Stepping into ATLAS bar was like stepping back to the roaring twenties. Words can’t really express the experience we had at ATLAS Bar. So luckily, we have a few pictures to explain. Even though it felt like a crime to gawk and take pictures because of the serene and affluent atmosphere. But being layman/layperson, we got over the feeling really fast.

P.S. I never figured out what the Coke ad was doing in the building with its Chinese(?) motif but somehow it fit into the décor as well.

Text credit: Mara Sillanmäki

Monochrome Madness: 3 Ways to Crop Images

Leanne from Monochrome Madness thought it would be fun to see how images can change if you crop them. She asked for 3 crops. It would be interesting to see how the story of the image could change using these methods.

I’ve been super busy editing my travel photos lately. Because of that, I haven’t jumped into any of the usual challenges I love. It’s kinda made me feel out of the loop with my creative stuff. But hey, I’m all about editing. I love the art of making photos pop. So, I figured, why not give this challenge a shot? Let’s see how my creativity holds up!

I tried with two images. To be honest, I am not all that happy with them. However, they will have to do for now. I can’t shake off the nagging feeling that these images fall short of my own expectations. This is not that serious, or is it? My stories did not change all that much, so much is actually about the original photo, My choices were not spot on 🙂

Let’s take a look at mine. I have done 3 different images to see how each would come up.

Monochrome image of a beach with rock formations and four figures walking along the water’s edge, reflecting on the wet sand. Then to just have the beach walkers. 16:9 is my favorite crop although it came out slightly too dark in the edit-

Monochrome image of a beach with rock formations and four figures walking along the water's edge, reflecting on the wet sand.

A small capture of Sydney skyline captured from the ferry on our way to Manly Beach

Haji Lane: A Hidden Gem in Singapore

Like Monty Python used to say… And now for something completely different. From the Flyer we walked slowly to Haji Lane, a colorful and lively area filled with artisan shops, restaurants and small cafes. Very eye-catching were the murals along the area. The area is quite small but so different from the rest of Singapore that it is worth visiting. We stopped at a Mexican restaurant/café for relaxing and cooling drinks while waiting for the afternoon tea at Atlas Bar. 

Text credit: Mara

Exploring Singapore: A Rainy Day at the Flyer

Unfortunately, our stay in Singapore was hampered by a flu. We managed to experience some of the sights but so much more was left to uncover maybe some other time. The only full day in the city started with a visit to Singapore Flyer which is now only the second highest ferris wheel in the world with 165 meters. Folks in Las Vegas had to have bigger and better one, so they built a wheel that is 168 meters. The day was cloudy and drizzly but the view to the Marina Bay and all over the city was obviously quite breathtaking.

As mentioned above, insult to injury, it was raining most of the day. However, rain always brings more opportunities for photographers – reflections and watery filters. It was easy taking pictures because we got to Flyer early and there was hardly anybody there besides us. We had one cabin for just the two of us. Maybe other people talking would have made the experience more enjoyable because the elevator music in the cabin was so damn annoying. The music loop lasted 15 -30 seconds and it was looping the whole time. Like waiting on the phone for your sales rep, who never answers. Very annoying. Hopefully they do something about it, otherwise we are never going back 😊

Also we were kind of forced to go through “immersive adventure at the Time Capsule that takes you on a thrilling journey through Singapore’s past, present and future.” Might have been thrilling but unfortunately, we were not in the mood due to ill health. This picture captures the only thing that caught our attention.

Singapore has a long history, but the present dominates the skyline. Fortunately, some of the old world still remains standing and you are able to see it even from the Flyer. What the buildings actually were, remains a mystery to us. The modern architecture really stands out, like the flower of ArtScience Museum, Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay and everything in the Gardens by the Bay. Skyscrapers are just skyscrapers and can be seen in every big city.

What can I say about the Gardens by the Bay! Not much besides us both seeing the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in the distance. We were planning on seeing the Gardens by the Bay Light Show from the Observation Deck of Marina Bay Sands but somebody with some extra pocket money had reserved the deck for a private function and spoiled the evening for us common people. So, we can only imagine what the Supertree Grove, pictured below, would have looked like all lit up. 

This is the first of my Singapore posts! The text is written by my husband, Mara, who has a knack for capturing the little details and telling them in a way that makes our adventures come alive. I’ve been trying to nudge him into start his own blog because he’d be really good at it—his friends and family love how he paints pictures with his words. It is where he can let his creativity run wild and connect with more people who dig his take on and life. By getting him involved in this project, I’m hoping he’ll feel inspired to spill his thoughts and experiences more often.

Lens-artists challenge # 340 – Portraits

This week, you have the opportunity to capture the essence and personality of your subjects. Whether you choose to ask a stranger, do a self-portrait, take the portrait of a friend, family member, or acquaintance, or photograph animals and birds, the goal is to connect with another person or subject and tell their story through your image.

I thought I would start with a black and white image—a self-portrait to get things started. I was on vacation, and for some reason, I received a few comments on how I gave a positive and happy vibe. Such a nice compliment; I hope it comes across in this image.

A smiling woman with curly hair is captured in a black and white portrait, showcasing her joyful expression and a stylish outfit.

I know I am asking a lot; many shy away from portraits, but we all take photos of people, so why not take a moment to think about how to get more out of them? Just a little consideration on how to show your subject in a more favorable light. I encourage you to join; I’m not looking for professional results, but I hope you have fun trying to get the portrait to tell a story. Hopefully, you will take a new photo or use an old one, maybe edit with some of the tips I have gathered here.

I had a bunch of detailed info on getting a great portrait, like cool tips on lighting, composition, and how important it is for your subject to express themselves, but in the end, I decided to keep it simple and just summarize everything since it got way too long and messy. I thought it’d be better to give some quick, easy-to-follow insights without drowning you in too much info, so you can really pick up the main points of portrait photography without any hassle.

portrait photography

When it comes to portrait photography, one of the most crucial elements is focusing on the eyes. They truly serve as the focal point in any portrait, so it’s important to ensure they are sharp and expressive. Capturing a clear and vibrant eye can create a powerful connection between the viewer and the subject. I have issues with this one – but practice makes it better.

Natural light is another aspect that can significantly enhance your portraits. Shooting during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can give your images a warm and soft quality. This type of lighting not only reduces harsh shadows but also ensures your subject’s features are beautifully highlighted. I use this always natural light is the best.

The difference color makes compared to a black and white image

Emotions are at the heart of great portraits. Rather than just photographing faces, try to capture genuine emotions that tell a story. Encourage your subjects to relax and be themselves so you can capture those candid moments that truly reflect their personality. Now this is a tricky one, but spending time and chatting at the same time helps.

It’s also essential to be mindful of the background in your portraits. A cluttered or distracting background can steal focus from your subject. By using a wide aperture, you can blur the background, allowing your subject to stand out more prominently. Choose backgrounds that complement your subject without overwhelming the composition. This is when taking photos in a controlled setting, but even in spontaneous shot you can if you are into editing change the background .

Directing your subject is key to achieving the desired expressions or poses. Give them clear directions and encourage them to experiment with different looks. The more comfortable they feel, the more authentic and confident their poses will appear. Many times you get the best shots just by observing with patience and catching the moment.

Lastly, consider the power of black and white photography. This style adds a timeless and dramatic feel to your images, emphasizing shapes, contrasts, and textures while removing the distraction of color. Black and white can beautifully accentuate the emotions and moods in your portraits, making them even more impactful. I just love this style, I use it a lot. Even a not so good image can be saved as a black and white conversion.

What’s a side portrait all about?

People make excellent photography subjects due to their diverse expressions and postures. Side portraits, taken from a profile view, showcase facial features and convey strength, adding an element of mystery. To capture compelling side portraits, it’s important to find the subject’s “good side,” choose a relevant theme, and use supportive backgrounds. Techniques include directing gaze, subtle facial expressions, and dynamic body language, while camera angles and lighting play a crucial role in enhancing visual impact.

This photographic style invites viewers into the subject’s thoughts, utilizing the rule of thirds for depth. Side portraits create a sense of movement and drama, revealing flattering profiles and allowing for various poses, thus heightening the appeal of mystery in the images.

Last week, the topic was Life’s changes; the question was: What has enriched and/or changed yours? Thanks Anne for this meaningful challenge.

Next week, Tina returns to host with a new inspiration. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA.

Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and linking it to original post. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history

watching evening runners from the bar

watching runners go by – notice the focus on these two shot s 🙂

Posted as part of Six Word Saturday

Reflections on My Month-Long Travel Adventure

I have had an opportunity to travel and see new places for a month, what a trip it has been! Every day was filled with new sights as we explored destinations that I had wanted to visit. I truly got to see some wonderful places. Each had its own unique charm and beauty. I also met family and friends that I have not seen in years. This made the experience even more special. I am ever so happy I got to do this trip . My mind is filled with unforgettable memories. My husband is going to help me word these memories as he kept daily notes on what we saw did in the following posts

The trip back home felt like it took forever, and I was seriously sleep-deprived; it took me a whole week to feel normal again. Even after such a tiring adventure, I am still feeling the aftermath. Honestly, the pressure to catch up on everything is a bit overwhelming. Then I went through my photos, it was a new reason to stress out. I realized I had snapped thousands of pics on my journey. Each one needs a good look; did it really capture what I had in mind? Now, I’ve got to sort through them all. I need to wrap my head around what I shot. Only then can I tackle the job of editing each one. Since I shoot in RAW, the editing is super important and pretty time-consuming. Normally, I love this creative process, and I’m set on enjoying it this time too. I’m ready to dive in, and I’ve already started with our first stop. Now I can bring them to life through editing and figure out which ones are worth keeping.

These I took with my iPhone as we approached our first destination Singapore from above. I am amazed how good photos the phones take these days. We we also rather amazed how many container ships there were.

Singapore Flyer 

I experienced the A 30-minute ride in one of the Singapore Flyer’s glass capsules, it offers 360-degree views. In a gray and rainy day I saw the iconic and historical sights from Marina Bay to the Singapore River, such as Raffles Place and Merlion Park

Doors of Singapore flyer

Photos linked Thursday Doors, Press the badge to access it.

Lens Artists Challenge #339: Life’s Changes

Anne is our lovely guide this week, and she really made me think… a long time before deciding.

Honestly, I’ve been through a lot of big changes in my life that really shaped who I am today. Moving to a different country when I was six opened my eyes to a crazy mix of cultures and perspectives that totally changed how I see people and the world. Each move came with its own set of challenges and opportunities that helped me figure out who I am. Then, as a teenager, I moved again, which opened up my world even more and made me more adaptable, even though it was tough to leave what I knew behind. Changing countries again in my early twenties really tested my resilience and made me crave new experiences and friendships. And losing both my parents before I hit 25 hit me hard; it forced me to figure out how to deal with grief and find my own strength. Everything that happened after that was life-changing, pushing me to live in the moment and really appreciate life because it’s so unpredictable. All these experiences taught me just how important it is to be adaptable, empathetic, and resilient as I navigate this wild journey called life.

Life’s like a road that you travel on
When there’s one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind
There’s a world outside every darkened door
Where blues won’t haunt you anymore
Where the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore

Life Is a Highway ‧ Rascal Flatts ‧ 2006

On the road

Now let’s talk photography. It’s been my sidekick ever since I got my first camera back in 1981. At first, I was all about snapping pictures of my family; my sisters’ kids were basically my go-to models. Those early days were all about capturing those cute, candid moments and silly snapshots that really showed what being a kid was all about. As I got older, I started branching out. I started to take photos of my friends, our fun hangouts, all the laughter, and those fleeting moments that turned into priceless memories. Plus, every new place I visited sparked my creativity. I found myself chasing after cool light patterns and unique angles in these unfamiliar spots, just wanting to capture the vibe of each place I went.

With the advent of digital photography, a world of possibilities opened up for me. The freedom to take countless images, unconstrained by the cost of film, was exhilarating and enhanced my passion for documenting my family’s journey. My three boys grew up quickly, and their milestones are well documented, even as they resisted my attempts to take photos during their teenage years. Those challenges changed our relationship, yet I cherished the moments I captured before they stepped into a more independent chapter of their lives.

As our kids grew up, we stumbled upon this awesome chance to dive into travel photography. My husband and I got to travel more, exploring all kinds of places together. It was a great way to keep our travel memories alive and got me super excited to try out different photography styles. Every spot we visited was a new opportunity to capture the beauty of nature, the lively hustle of cities, cool architectural details, and those peaceful landscapes, really adding to my portfolio and changing how I see things as a photographer. My sister always joked that I viewed the world through my camera lens, which is why I call it “the world as I see it – through my lens.”

When I first started blogging, it was all about just sharing my photos—no stories, just the images doing the talking. Many of them were digital art projects, but then I got into blogging challenges, especially those focused on photography, like the Lens Artists challenge, and that totally changed my game. These prompts made me think about adding some narrative to my pics, which got me more engaged with my work. Digging through my old photos or heading out to snap new ones really shift how I saw my photography. Plus, checking out all the awesome stuff from other bloggers helped me find a great community of folks who pushed me to explore new ideas and subjects.

Being invited to join the team of contributors for these challenges was a pivotal moment. It not only pulled me deeper into the blogging community but also expanded my horizons as a photographer. I found myself part of a vibrant exchange of creativity, where I could share my experiences and learn from others. This sense of belonging and collaboration has enriched my journey, solidifying photography as not just a pastime, but a vibrant part of my life that continues to evolve and inspire me.

Thanks to Anne for giving me a chance to share my thoughts on life and photography. Next week, I will once again host the challenge, which provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to explore their creativity and showcase their unique perspectives with me, maybe try something new. I would love to have you join me. I will post the challenge prompt Saturday at noon Eastern time, so be sure to check in! If you’d like to join in the challenge responses, but aren’t sure how to get started, look here.

Still on the road

I have seen your comments, but days are so full of surprises and new things so I haven’t been active on any social network. Three weeks and 4100 km underneath us and still few more days left.

I will be getting back home later next week..

Today driving t pepply beach, loved this road

Lens-artists – bold

Sofia is leading this week’s challenge as BOLD and you can read more about it here.


I am posting these two images of people being very bold about in invading the space in lookout places for the longest time taking hundreds of photos of themselves. Lining up and blocking the views from other people. Very bold and very annoying behavior. These two images are taken at the great ocean road in Victoria in Australia

Selfies

Lens-Artists Challenge # 336 – Only One Picture

Lens-Artists Challenge this week by Ann-Christine is only one meaningful photograph, see her lovely and thoughtful post behind this link Only One Picture

Summer night at my summer house – a view printed in my memory

I really like this challenge, but as I am on the road and time is limited, we are constantly moving. There is so much to see and experience, and we are truly making the most of the time we have available to us.

This is my happy place, captured in a photo from my summerhouse. It holds a special significance as it was the very first property we purchased together. When we found it, it was in desperate need of renovation, but it fit within our budget, and that made it perfect for us. Over the years, we have lovingly extended the house up to the attic and transformed the yard into a beautiful space. We have spent thirty wonderful summers there, and it has been a pivotal place for our family, where we’ve watched our kids grow up.

When they were young, we were fortunate enough to stay there from April until the end of October for long stretches instead of just on weekends, allowing us to create lasting memories. This house has become our sanctuary, a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The serenity of the surrounding nature and the fact that we have poured our hearts and hands into making it ours is precisely why I chose this particular photo to represent my happy place. It speaks to the love and effort that went into crafting a home filled with laughter and cherished moments. Although I might have selected another image if I had my hard drive with me, this one resonates deeply within me and symbolizes the essence of what this place means to our family. It was a decision from my heart, reflecting not just a location but a tapestry of memories woven over the years.

Don’t forget to link your post to Only One Picture when you participate, and use the Lens-Artist tag. We are looking forward to seeing your choices! Next week Sofia will be our host – be sure to visit her inspirational site to find out what she is up to!

Lens-Artists Challenge #335: Exploring Color vs Black & White

This challenge is a cool chance to dive into how using color versus black & white photography can totally change your selected images. Patti from P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures invites us to join on this inspiring journey, as her awesome post gives us some solid tips on tackling the challenge! By exploring the feelings that different color vibes can bring out, you’ll see how certain shades can really capture the energy of a moment, while black & white shots can help showcase textures and contrasts, making your storytelling deeper.

So, the deal is to share pairs of the same image in both color and black & white. She asked us to keep it to just 3 pairs, which was pretty tricky since picking only three that really showed what I was going for was tough. But after thinking it through, I managed to do it! The photos I picked really show off the differences in vibe, texture, and light between the two styles. It’s so cool to see how color brings warmth and life, while black & white gives off this classic feel and a deeper emotional punch. I’m also diving into how the editing choices play into each shot—without color, you really focus on the shapes and forms, while bright colors change the whole energy. So, what do you think? Are you more into the timeless charm of black & white, or do you like the rich colors more?

Finally, use the lens-artists tag and leave a link your post to Patti’s original post.

Reading the news

This man seated on a bench by the road, engrossed in reading a newspaper while surrounded by his books in France captured my attention. He is dressed in striking red and blue hues, and the light blue umbrella beside him, along with the collection of books and garbage bags. The color version certainly stands out more, whereas the black and white rendition conveys a more subdued ambiance—maintaining the focus on the individual reading rather than the surrounding elements. Furthermore, the intended message plays a crucial role—what do I wish to communicate through this image? If the objective is to emphasize the man, the black and white option is preferable; however, if I aim to highlight the environment as well, the color version would be better.

A rowing boat on the shore in Hailuoto

This boat image I chose showcases the clouds that give texture, creating a dynamic backdrop for the scene. The boat itself is minimalistic and weathered, adding a sense of history and character, which contributes to its roughness, ultimately enhancing its appeal, at least in a photograph. The editing process, I have found, is not the same for each variant; it is not a direct transition of color into a Black and White version. They are edited differently for distinct emotional and visual impacts. I think whenever you transition to black and white, you need to look at the image from a new perspective, considering what elements you choose to highlight. The color version conveys more about the time of day and the mood, which is more subdued; while in the black and white version, the boat emerges as the main focal point. Interestingly, for some reason, I made the mood lighter, almost brighter, in that version, contrasting with my usual tendency to render black and white images darker and moodier, utilizing more contrast. I like this version for its unique interpretation, but still, I find myself leaning towards the color variant due to its vibrant storytelling and emotional resonance. Analyzing both versions makes me appreciate the nuances involved in editing, as each choice not only alters the visual presentation but also shifts the narrative context within the photograph.

Alleyway in France

This is a charming alleyway in Nice, France, flanked by tall buildings that are closely positioned and adorned with a variety of vibrant colors. Numerous windows, some ajar, feature shutters, while ornate street lamps are gracefully mounted on the walls, capturing my attention with their charm. A cobblestone pathway extends toward a brighter area in the distance, where a few motorbikes are parked, creating a leading line that draws you in. The buildings exhibit beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and beige, with hints of lush greenery visible on the walls and balconies. The overall atmosphere is lively and inviting, evoking a sense of adventure in this historic city. The narrowness of the alley, combined with the height of the buildings, fosters a feeling of intimacy and warmth, while the bright colors and light at the alley’s end enhance its welcoming nature. All of this truly appeals to me.

Conversely, the black and white color scheme imparts a classic, nostalgic quality that emphasizes the textures and architectural details of the structures, showcasing their timeless beauty. This image is noteworthy as it encapsulates the essence of an old European town, characterized by its narrow streets and rich historical architecture in a remarkable way. Despite the absence of color and the quiet demeanor of the alley, the scene conveys a contemplative mood, fostering feelings of solitude and introspection. I find myself captivated by both the vibrant colors and the elegance of the black and white aesthetic—each offers a distinct allure that enhances the character of this alley. Yeah, black and white … for this one.

Last week we got to enjoy beautiful cuddly cats and dogs and some other wilder animals also. Are you a cat or a dog person these were all a joy to see, thanks Tina for this sweet theme, loved it.

Next week, Ann-Christine returns with her first new challenge for the year. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge.

Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and linking it to original post.Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history

PS. I am still on vacation so my participation is very limited at the moment.

Lens-Artists Challenge #334 – Cats and Dogs

Tina from Travels and Trifles nailed it when she said, “This week our challenge is all about something we all love – cats and dogs!” I mean, who doesn’t adore these furry pals? They’ve got a way of making our lives so much brighter, and they really do feel like part of the family with their quirky little personalities. So, I’m keeping it simple this week. I’m just sharing a bunch of cute pics of my dogs and cats – no need for fancy words or explanations. Honestly, those snapshots say it all and capture the warmth and love we have for these amazing pets better than I ever could. Each photo really brings out the joy of just watching them being themselves.

As the saying goes, “Cats have it all — admiration, an endless sleep, and company only when they want it.” These enigmatic creatures, with their soft purrs and graceful movements, embody a life of luxury that many of us can only dream of. They bask in the sun for hours, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Their independence is a source of fascination; they choose when to interact, offering affection on their terms, which only deepens our appreciation for their mysterious nature.

A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won’t be too bad. Robert Wagner

Hopefully you’ll join us this week to share your own thoughts and images on the subject. Be sure to link to Tina’s post and to include the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.

Thanks Egidio for his Complementary colors it was a lovely challenge and the flowers shots most of us chose were lovely. I am sorry for my limited comments this week, I have had a busy week and even blogging has been a stretch as I have been busy making arrangements for a month long trip. So I am giving a heads-up, I will be mostly absent during February from the blogging community.

Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Patti leads us once again on her always-terrific Pilotfish blog. I know it will a fun one. Until then keep smiling ☺

Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.

Geometric January 31.2.2025

Thanks for hosting Becky this was fun even though I missed few at the end.

Open doors

Here is my last entry and it is from the archives 🙂 Posted as part of Becky’s Geometric January

Lens-Artists Challenge #333 – Complementary Colors

It’s always nice to get a little reminder about how complementary colors work and how to use them in your photography, art, and even fashion choices. As most of us know, complementary colors are those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, and they really make things pop, enhancing the viewer’s experience and helping the subject stand out. Nature does a fantastic job of this on its own, showing off these awesome color combos in landscapes, flowers, and wildlife. As you notice them in nature artists and photographers can find interpretation of how to use it . By understanding the science and feelings behind these colors, you can really step up your artistic game and whip up some eye-catching compositions and get attention and leave a lasting impression.

Please Check out the introduction from Egídios Through Brazilian Eyes lovely blog and join us by linking your post to his and using the Lens- Artists tag so you post can be easily found.

Complementary colors are basically the ones that sit right across from each other on the color wheel. When you use them in your photography, they create awesome color contrast, making your images really stand out. Think of classic combos like red and green, magenta and green, yellow and violet, or orange and blue. You don’t have to stick to colors that are exactly opposite, though. Just like how the color wheel smoothly shifts from one shade to another, you can mix in some nearly opposite colors. But hey, the most stunning results will come from those perfect opposites!

I think the yellow moon against the blue sky works well.


Using complimentary colors in Still life


Noble fly google translation named this Clematis flower

Viola canina against yellow, green hues

That is what we enjoy mostly in Finland ”bilberry” tai ”wild blueberry” Blueberry is apparently from a bush. Well anyway – nature knows it’s complimentary colors



Rowan berries make great contrast blue sky and green leaves.

Thanks for joining me and looking at things out from above; it’s been an a delightful! I appreciate everyone for sharing your amazing macro shots of nature and stunning views from rooftops or hills. The photos were not just pretty; they highlighted the beauty of our world from unique angles. I’m glad if I could inspire you to consider shooting from above, as those viewpoints often reveal little details we might miss on the ground. It’s incredible how changing your perspective can enhance how we see and appreciate our surroundings, encouraging us to explore and find hidden gems nearby.

Next week, Tina returns with her first new challenge for the year. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge.

Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and linking it to original post.

Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history

The Struggle Against Winter’s Frozen Hold

Release me from this icy blanket that wraps tightly around me, stifling any warmth and locking me in a relentless chill, the frozen tendrils of winter’s grasp weighing heavily on my spirit, as I long for the gentle embrace of sunlight that offers the hope of comfort and rejuvenation.

Linked to FOTD and Six Word Saturday

Art hall ⬜ square

Have posted this image before, but it is so suitable for this so I cropped it into a square

Becky’s Geometric Squares # 23

The Cape Florida Light

The Cape Florida Light is a historic lighthouse perched on Cape Florida at the south end of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Constructed in 1825, this iconic structure has played a vital role in maritime navigation, guiding mariners safely off the treacherous waters of the Florida Reef, which starts near Key Biscayne and extends southward a few miles offshore of the Florida Keys. Standing tall at 95 feet, the lighthouse is not only an important landmark but also a testament to the engineering prowess of its time, featuring a brick structure with a distinctive black and white spiral pattern. . Today, it stands within the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where visitors can explore its rich history, climb the stairs leading to the lantern room for stunning panoramic views.

Thank you for your votes in the badge competition, much appreciated. I think I am going to use mine 😂

Photos linked Thursday Doors, Press the badge to access it.

Snowy Outings

I spent yesterday totally unplugged from the computer, taking a well-deserved break, and ended up going to see a friend on the wrong day. Even though it was a bit of a hassle, I trudged through a snow blizzard, battling the fluffy chaos, only to realize I showed up two days early for our hangout. Not exactly thrilled about digging my car out from under all that snow twice, but hey, we made the best of it and had a good chat, catching up and cracking jokes. Later that evening, we went with my husband to check out the comedian Russell Howard at the House of Culture in Helsinki, which was super exciting. The cherry on top? We ran into some other friends there by total coincidence, which made the night even cooler. Overall, it was a pretty great night, full of unexpected surprises and good vibes. Good night, all in all!

I didn’t get any great photos yesterday, but since this is a photography blog, I guess I should share some moments from my day, even if they’re not ideal. So, I’m throwing in what I think/ know are some bad shots from tonight. I snagged one pic from the gig that didn’t turn out at all, but it still reminds me of the awesome energy and buzz from the moment. Plus, I snapped a few more shots while driving home from a moving car. The snow that had covered everything earlier in the day had stopped falling, and the snowplows had done their job clearing the roads, making our drive a little smoother. Even if the photos aren’t perfect, they definitely capture the vibe of my evening journey back home.