Just now I went to my front door and back to my patio in the backyard to capture these stunning pink clouds of blue moment and sunset. The sky was painted with hues that can only be described as pink .-), transforming the ordinary evening into pastel beauty. I shot them on my iPhone, which is always handy for such spontaneous moments, as seeing the sunset . As I stood there the chill of winter slightly bit my hands and feet as I did not put my winter jacket on, or shoes. these colorful skies pass so quickly, views now saved on my device, I am linking it to John’s Cellpic Sunday to share the beauty that can be found in everyday moments.
I have never participated in a number challenge before here inCFFCor Numbers game, but today I excitedly played with the number 256, which I picked from an archive of photos I had stored away since 2016. As I explored this collection, I realized that, before posting any of these images, I would need to edit most of them, as I had initially saved them in RAW format. The original sizes were far too large for sharing without some careful enhancement and resizing. It was actually quite fun to see the photos that popped up; each one carried a memory from that year, evoking nostalgia. However, one shot of flowers caught my attention for being in particularly poor quality — I have no idea why I still had it in my collection. The vibrant colors of the blooms were completely dulled, and the focus was all off, making it a rather unfortunate representation of nature’s beauty.
The photos in the gallery can be enlarged, it is even recommended by me 🙂
Let’s Shoot From Above this week! Let’s get creative with a top-down perspective. Let’s have fun.
One cool idea for this challenge is to explore the world of flat lays. Arrange everyday objects or your favorite items on a flat surface, shoot from above, and voila! You’ve got yourself a visually stunning photo that tells a story without uttering a single word.
Is there any way I can I invite you to take a picture directly above a flat surface of something that is important to you or reflects you in some way? It would be fun to see. Perhaps you could choose a special object like a book, a piece of art, or even a collection of your favorite items that tell a story about who you are. I believe that capturing it this way could give us a glimpse into your world.
What do the two above still life images tell about me? ? I also added an portrait from directly above, as a last minute addition, took the few hours before posting this. The shot was not as easy to take as I thought. I had my husband lay on the floor, we tried few poses, he is a good sport when it comes to me needing a model to pose. This was fun trying to get an angle that looked good. I had fun trying something new for my own challenge.
Seek out unique perspectives by climbing a stool, using a staircase, or exploring elevated spots for a fresh viewpoint.
For those who love getting up close and personal, consider diving into the world of macro photography from a high angle. Zoom in on the tiny details that often go unnoticed, and watch as your audience is mesmerized by the beauty of the miniature world you’ve uncovered. It’s like discovering a secret garden right under your nose!
Keep it focused – choose a central subject and let surrounding elements complement rather than overpower your shot.
Nature – it is good to keep your eyes down sometimes when in nature
Abstract photography enthusiasts, this challenge is tailor-made for you. Experiment with shapes, patterns, and colors by shooting from above. Turn ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions, leaving your audience scratching their heads and marveling at the sheer creativity you bring to the table.
Experiment with shadows and different lighting conditions to add depth and interest to your photos.
There are tons of ideas and themes for shooting from above – a bustling cityscape, people enjoying the waves, the mesmerizing swirls of a latté art in a coffee cup, the intricate details of a flower, or even portraiture from a height – it’s up to you to get creative with the angles you shoot at.
Discover captivating patterns and symmetry in both urban and natural settings, taking advantage of the overhead view.
Capture vibrant colors and interesting textures to add visual appeal to your photos. Whether it’s food or fabrics, use the top-down perspective to your advantage
Last week we delved into an emotional topic, exploring the many ways to view and photograph resilience. There are countless perspectives on this powerful theme, and the diversity of interpretations was wonderful.. Thank you for that challenge, Anne; it certainly had me thinking. Looking ahead, next week it will be Egídio’s turn to host on Saturday, January 25, at noon EST. Expect to see not only stunning and lovely photos , but also an engaging new theme that invites us all to join in and share our unique viewpoints.
Please remember to link your post on my blog. Additionally, don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag, which plays a crucial role in helping us find your posts easily and allows others to discover your unique perspective and creativity within our collaborative space.
Snowy reeds stand tall and proud in the frosty winter day, their delicate strands shimmering as they catch the soft light of the pale sun. The biting cold fills the air, crisp atmosphere. Each reed, encased in frost, depicts a picturesque scene in the quiet beauty of nature in its peaceful winter slumber.
By the riverWintery riverside Cabin By the riverreeds
The four-meter-high door leading from the armory to the church hall is the most magnificent of all surviving from the late Middle Ages. The series of images on the door depicts Hubertus’ hunting trip, during which Christ appeared to him in the form of a stag. This vision made him turn around and carry the message of Christianity forward. The wrought-iron door panels of the south portal leading from the armory to the church hall are the finest in Finland.
Hollola is the oldest parish in eastern Häme and was probably founded in the second half of the 13th century. Of the church’s construction phases dating back to the 15th century, the sacristy is older than the main church. The church itself and its vaulting belong to the construction phase that is dated to have taken place between 1475 and 1485.
The Hemingway house was built way back in 1851, sporting that cool Spanish Colonial vibe, and it’s made from local rock right from the property. When the Hemingways first got it, the place was quite a mess, but Ernest and Pauline totally saw past the chaos and loved the impressive architecture. They kicked off a huge restoration project in the early 1930s, turning the house into a National Historical Landmark. Check out this sneak peek of the bathroom! 😄
I totally love wearing linen clothes – they’re pretty much my go-to in summer and autumn. The soft feel and natural fibers are super comfy on my skin, plus they give off this elegant, classic vibe. I just dig how linen drapes nicely without feeling too tight, so I’m always grabbing my linen dresses when I’m heading out.
The simplest definition Anne could find: Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences. So I am starting with that.
My parents and grandparents experienced the second world war, a tumultuous period that indelibly altered the fabric of their lives. It left marks on them and the generation after them, shaping our family narratives in ways that were often unspoken yet profoundly felt. I know it was not a topic discussed in my family, but you could feel the effects of it in the subtle choices they made, the silences they kept, and the values they instilled in us. My father’s family had to evacuate their home in Karelia a couple of times during the war, tearing them away from their roots and forcing them to start anew in unfamiliar places. This constant upheaval forged a resilience within them, yet it also tugged at their hearts, as they navigated life with memories of a homeland left behind. In the end, their area in Karelia, Kaukola, was also handed over to the Soviet Union in World War II, a historical pivot that not only stole their land but also altered the thread of their national identity, leaving a legacy of both loss and survival that continues to resonate within our family today.
The photos, first my Grandmother at the age of 90 in her nursing home, me and her. the last one is of her with my grandfather.
Resilience, my father’s mother, had four children but lost two young daughters during the war and faced the challenge of losing two husbands. My grandfather tragically died in the war, leaving her to raise their children alone. Despite these hardships, she showed great strength. Sadly, she also lost my aunt and father at the age of fifty, creating a deep void in her life. Her journey continued with the loss of her second husband, who also died too soon. Yet, she survived them all and passed away peacefully at ninety, embodying resilience and love throughout her life.
This Oak tree is named Paavolan tammi – it is about 350-400 years old, standing tall as a testament to tnature’s resilience. I have seen older trees in Sequoia National Park, where the giants reach impressive heights and possess centuries of history etched into their bark, but as Anne has already posted a photo of one of those magnificent trees, I will share this beautiful example from Finland instead. The Paavolan tammi, with its sprawling branches and dense foliage, not only offers a habitat for various wildlife, but it also serves as a serene spot for visitors looking to connect with nature. Each knot and twist in its trunk tells a story of the seasons it has weathered, making it a remarkable symbol of endurance and strength.
The bedrock in Finland is old and strong, a testament to the Earth’s geological history, and in many places, it looks like artwork sculpted by nature itself. Displaying a stunning array of colors and textures, these ancient rocks tell stories of the forces that shaped the land over eons. The intricate patterns formed by erosion and natural processes create a surreal landscape that captivates anyone who ventures through the Finnish wilderness. This natural artwork serves not only as a visual feast but also as a reminder of the enduring power of the elements and the beauty that can emerge from the passage of time.
History – Herculaneum and Pompeii, so much resilience. These ancient cities, buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, stand as remarkable testaments to human endurance and adaptability. The vibrant artifacts and well-preserved architecture unearthed from the ash reveal not only the daily lives of the inhabitants but also their remarkable capacity to endure and rebuild after such a devastating event. In their ruins, we find stories of loss, survival, and the indomitable spirit to overcome the adversities faced in the wake of disaster. The resilience of Herculaneum and Pompeii continues to inspire us, reminding us of our shared history and the lessons learned from past tragedies.
I want to thank Anne for her topic that had me thinking about about my families history, peoples and nature’s resilience. If nothing else these topics gives us the opportunity to think of certain qualities of us humans. One thing I think we Finns have is a resiliency to endure darkness and cold weather (featured image) 🙂
Next week I will host the challenge, I hope you will join me then, until then sunny regards despite whatever the weather is 🙂 in your neighborhood.
Brian recommended this challenge to me, so now I spent few moments playing with my image, during that the time the sunset. Time well spent 🙂 I don’t know, but it is creative fun.
I started with this image I took at Hollola Church – it is rather bland image the light in the window is too strong. Obviously the first would be to convert to B&W and play with contrast and light. It goes without saying that I have adjusted the photo vertically.
The next step is to play with the colors version. I did make it pop 🙂
Then I switched to PhotoShop and added texture to it 🙂
I would not be me if I didn’t have one more to share , playing first in Lightroom with the colors and light, then again switched to PhotoShop to add texture. Blues of the evening…
I have often expressed that I enjoy editing photos, even though I tend to post mainly realistic images, having them look like I saw them. On that note, all of my images have been edited, mostly I adjust the light and contrast—highlights and shadows—to enhance the overall feel of the photograph. Contrast plays a crucial role in making certain elements stand out and giving depth to the image. I do it so that it reflects the image I saw in my mind’s eye—hence the title; the world as I see it. Photography, for me, is not just about capturing moments but also about expressing my unique perspective and interpretation of the scenes before me, allowing viewers to experience the beauty and intricacies that I wished to convey. Through careful editing, I strive to invite others into my vision, ensuring that they appreciate the subtleties that might go unnoticed in a more straightforward representation.
Original image without the edits other that cropping it.
I am going to start editing cityscapes, buildings, and industrial places in a more creative way. For a long time, I have wanted to venture towards this direction, and now I am excited to explore various artistic approaches that can bring a fresh perspective to my work. I plan to experiment with techniques such as dramatic lighting, unique angles, and vibrant color palettes to enhance the visual appeal of my photographs. By prioritizing these innovative methods in my editing process, I hope to creatively showcase buildings and cityscapes, transforming my photographs into something more artsy and captivating.
Converted to an black and white
I am going to explore various angles to highlight architectural details. Finding unique vantage points can elevate the way buildings are presented in your images. Adjusting contrast can enhance the structural elements of buildings, making them stand out.
Vintage or black-and-white filters can transform standard images into stunning artistic representations.
Blue and gray tones –
Use color grading to enrich urban atmospheres.. Pay attention to the distinct textures found in urban environments, such as brickwork or glass in post-processing to create depth and interest in your cityscape photos. Play with the color tones in the image.
Fishing dock, placing the interest in the subject matter and bright colors
Use filters to create effects that align with the character of buildings and cityscapes.
Fishing Dock in warm tone and still focusing on the bright subjects
I was trying to find a name for this plant, commonly known as Bishop’s goutweed, Bishop’s weed, Ground-elder, or Herb gerard. Regardless of its various titles, it is a perennial, winter seeder, herbaceous plant that thrives in many different environments and has a fascinating life cycle. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it a frequent garden challenge. In Finland, we affectionately call it talventörröttäjä, which translates to “Winter stickout,” a name that captures its resilience against the harsh winter elements.
Watching the lights across the road, the kelvins seem to be low as all the windows glow in a warm yellow color, casting an inviting aura that contrasts sharply with the icy chill outside. The atmosphere feels cosy, as if the world is wrapped in a gentle embrace of light, creating a sanctuary amid the frosty scenery. Even though the wind blows snow sideways outside the building, the warmth emanating from the interiors provides a sense of comfort and peace.
Weather is always a fascinating topic in Finland, as it is often unpredictable and has a significant impact on daily life. Always safe. Today, for example, we have experienced a mix of snow, slush, and drizzle coming down on us, creating a rather dreary yet quintessentially Finnish atmosphere. Even with the gray sky looming overhead, which is certainly not a pleasant sight, the temperature remains relatively mild for winter standards at +1.4°C. but it does little to brighten the overall mood on such a gloomy day. This warmth is not the best temperature in winter; I think I prefer something between -3°C and -5°C, with no wind.
Just the other day, the wind blew wildly, causing slush to accumulate on the windows facing east and west, painting a messy but intriguing picture of the weather’s influence on our surroundings. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture this moment, and so I took several photos of the slushy windows, hoping to convey the unique elegance of Finland’s winter weather, even when it is less than ideal.
My phone brought me a memory from nine years back, and well, it was truly a blessing to revisit that moment. As I scrolled through the gallery, I stumbled upon a picture that seemed so suitable for this occasion. At that time, my mobile phone camera was not so great, the quality of the stunning scene in front of me does not do justice to the building. I did try to edit it in three different ways to enhance its clarity and colors. And obviously I started with the monochrome version.T his particular snapshot was taken in a beautiful church in Goa, India, known for its intricate architecture.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 