strawflower for Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Seven for September –
Beckys #SevenforSeptember
Lens-Artists Challenge #316 – Destination: Fun
Egídio’s challenge entry for the Lens-Artists Challenge #316 – Destination: Fun provides us with a fascinating glimpse into what brings joy to his life. It’s clear that he leads an incredibly active and dynamic lifestyle, and his stunning photography serves as a testimony to his myriad interests and the delightful locations where he indulges in them. Each picture is a window into his world, a world filled with energy, passion, and a deep appreciation for life’s many adventures.
FUN – or maybe a feeling of contentment. Happiness.
Enjoyment is the word I would use to describe the simple yet fulfilling moments in life. I find joy in being surrounded by my family and close friends; their laughter and support brighten even the dullest of days. Moreover, my appreciation for nature’s wonders knows no bounds. Whether it is the breathtaking sunrise on a misty morning or the mesmerizing night sky dotted with twinkling stars, I wind up finding enjoyment in simple moments of natural beauty, capturing them with my camera lens as an avid photographer.
Fun is indeed going out for a meal and enjoying the luxury of not having to prepare it yourself, allowing you to savor every bite without worrying if it turned out tasty. It’s about being served in a beautiful way, with carefully arranged dishes and delightful presentations that elevate the entire dining experience. These small joys of life are fun.
Last weekend, it was extremely rainy, with the rain lasting for most the weekend. The night was particularly intense, as the thunder and lightning circled around our summer house for hours, creating a dramatic spectacle in the sky. The heavy rain beat against our roof relentlessly, creating a rhythmic pattern that filled the air. Despite the cacophony, I found myself unable to sleep. It wasn’t the noise that kept me awake, but rather a strange compulsion to listen to the storm. From midnight until the early hours of the morning, I was captivated by the sounds of nature in turmoil. This is entirely unrelated to the topic at hand, but I felt compelled to share this peculiar incident.
But during the day I did find beauty in the nature set against gray skies and rain. The contrast between the dark clouds and the lush greenery added an extra layer of enchantment to the scenery. It does not take too much to make me happy; the simplicity of nature’s beauty never fails to bring a smile to my face. I got good shots of very common scenery here in Finland, capturing the serene lakes, verdant forests, and charming countryside. This time, I am not going far, even though I love to travel. Exploring the nearby landscapes has allowed me to appreciate the often overlooked treasures close to home, and yes, it certainly is FUN to discover the hidden gems in my own backyard.
One more fun thing; I really enjoy the editing process of photography as well as it gives an opportunity to try to show how I see / saw the view I took the photo off. Hence my blog title: the world as I see it.
Exploring the various editing tools and techniques allows me to enhance the mood, colors, and composition of my photos, turning them into visual representations of my unique perspective. Adjusting the contrast, saturation, and sharpness helps me convey the emotions and beauty I experienced when capturing the image. Through editing, I strive to create experience, inviting you to see the world through my eyes and feel the essence of each moment frozen in time.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every individual who graciously dedicated their time and effort to participate in the common objects challenge. Witnessing the diverse and imaginative interpretations of what is often considered ordinary and mundane has been nothing short of captivating. This experience has truly opened our eyes to the unanticipated beauty that surrounds us in the most unexpected of places. The stunning array of photographs and the innovative methods employed to present these everyday items have undeniably demonstrated the exceptional depth of creativity within our community. Each contribution has beautifully illuminated the unique perspectives and artistic talents that enrich our shared space.
Join us again next week as it is Tina’s turn to host at Travels and Trifles next Saturday. Her captivating photography and engaging storytelling always make her blog a delightful site to visit. Prepare to be transported to stunning landscapes and culturally rich locations through Tina’s lens, and immerse yourself in her insightful narratives that bring each place to life. Whether you’re an avid traveler seeking inspiration or simply appreciate the beauty of the world, Tina’s posts are sure to captivate and inspire. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this upcoming adventure with “Travels and Trifles”!
Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.
Seven years ago
Cellpic sunday – Lunch
These are typical photos we take with our mobiles. I enjoyed a Saturday lunch at a restaurant called Taivaanranta,in the center of Lahti. The meal was delicious; I savored the delicate flavors of the carefully prepared dishes, from the appetizing salad bar to the delectable main course and the tempting dessert. A charming decor, with its cozy ambiance makes the occasion more delightful. A big plus was the impeccable service – the staff was not only attentive but also incredibly friendly, making the lunch a delightful treat on a rainy September day.
waiting
Debbies One Word Sunday: Waiting
rainy friday at the lake Ruuhijärvi
Debbies Six Word Saturday
Monochrome Madness – Sibelius Hall
My last photos are from the concert Hall where the Orchestra played a part of Sibelius Karelia Suite.
Most of the photos in this series are in Monochrome, capturing the essence and mood of the scene in a timeless black and white aesthetic. As you scroll through the collection, you’ll notice that amidst the artistic monochrome compositions, there is a solitary color photo strategically placed. This serves as a captivating contrast, a glimpse of vivid reality in an otherwise grayscale narrative. The deliberate inclusion of this color photograph is a nod to the diverse and multi-faceted nature of the experience I’m sharing. Reflecting on the captivating imagery, I found that the music shots particularly stood out in Monochrome. There’s a grandeur and timelessness to them, evoking a sense of history and significance. Do you share this perspective?
Additionally, I’ve complemented the visual story with two brief yet impactful videos capturing the music in motion. These videos serve as an immersive extension, bringing the rhythmic melodies and vibrant energy to life, inviting you to experience the music in a new dimension. They can be found at the conclusion of this post, inviting you to immerse yourself further in the ambiance and emotion of the moment.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness challenge.
I filmed these with my iPhone, and the last one with cinematic video mode
Seven for September – at 7PM
SevenforSeptember. One of my fillings had come off, but I was fortunate enough to secure an appointment at the dentist for the same evening. It relieved me to know that the issue would be resolved promptly. Someone else was waiting behind the dentist’s door when I came out – the cleaning lady, who was diligently preparing the office for the following day. I had been the last patient of the day,. When I left the office at 19:35, the vibrant hues of the setting sun painted the sky.
All these squares and sevens are about; the Squares Challenge and the theme is Seven.
As I was aiming for 7, the waiting area was empty. I leisurely took a seat and took these photos, at 19;01 hoping to distract myself from the impending dental appointment. . To my surprise, the dental team efficiently attended to the task on time, alleviating my worries. Despite my deep-seated fear of dental visits, I was happy with the prompt and efficient treatment. Childhood traumas and fears of the dentist always cloud my visits, but I am the only one facing these anxieties.
Thursday doors – 12/09/24
Any idea where these are taken, I did say I will continue. Now was a great opportunity to post some doors for Dan’s door – Yes we are at the Sibelius Hall 🙂
The Sibelius Hall, located in Lahti, Finland, is known for its stunning architecture and acoustics , where the blend of tradition and modernity is evident in every aspect of the hall’s design.
All photos in the gallery can be enlarged
Seven for September
It seven o’clock at a Thursday morning at work
I’m sitting here watching the sun rise .
Flower of the day 10/09/24
I posted these beautiful garden cosmos flowers yesterday on Instagram, but I realized I haven’t shared them here yet, so here we are. The garden cosmos, also known as Mexican aster or cosmea, belongs to the species Cosmos bipinnatus, and it never fails to captivate with its delicate charm. Each petal of this dainty flower reflects a pure, pristine white, and simplicity. Its slender stems and feathery foliage gracefully complement the blooms.
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Seven for September – at 7 clock
SevenforSeptember. I took during a walk at 19:10. The sun light was soft golden hues on field This old tool caught my attention
All these squares and sevens are about; the Squares Challenge and the theme is Seven.
MOnday window
Maybe you thought I was done with photos from Sibelius Hall in Lahti. You were wrong. And, it will continue 🙂
Monday Window: 9 September 2024
Seven for September – 7 years
SevenforSeptember. I took this yesterday evening at 18:51, just before seven, but what can you do, it was not staged 🙂 after having coffee with our neighbour. The sun light was soft golden hues. Their 7 year old first grader caught my eye as she climbed a tree, her vibrant energy filling the air. To my surprise, her curious cat followed suit, making for a charming sight – a pretty girl and her feline friend perched in the branches, the embodiment of childhood adventure and companionship.
All these squares and sevens are about; the Squares Challenge and the theme is Seven.
RED
Sibelius Hall is located by the beautiful Lake Vesijärvi. Sibelius Hall is a congress- and concert center. Sibelius Hall was built in 2000 adjacent to an old factory building. The modern wooden architecture is combined with the old industrial history in the most interesting way.
The very spacious Forest Hall and the stunning lake scenery create an incredible atmosphere. A view to Lake vesijärvi is beautiful.
For Debbie’s One Word Sunday.
Cellpic Sunday – September 8th
Yesterday we visited the Sibelius Hall in Lahti, it was an open door day. This is the first photo I took when entering the building. Her are two edits of the same photo.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Seven for September – 7th
SevenforSeptember. I have been looking at posts for this challenge, but time has set limits past week. So I am now posting something I took yesterday on the 7th, after enjoying the warmth of the sauna, I was cooling down on the patio. The sun coming down on a low angle at 19:19. The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm hue over the view I was watching. As the gentle evening breeze rustled the leaves, I couldn’t help but appreciate the tranquility of the moment.
All these squares and sevens are about; the Squares Challenge and the theme is Seven.
Lens-artists challenge #315 – common object
Common Object. That is the challenge. Taking the mundane and shining a different light on it. Highlighting an object or scene that we normally pass by without notice, and making it something special. This process allows us to appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday things that often go overlooked. By giving attention to these ordinary elements, we can find inspiration and joy in the simple moments of life.
Laundry hanger – inspiring? I thought so.
Think about all the common objects you can see around you right this moment – a bottle, socks, a pen, eggs, coffee mugs, perfume vapor, cell phone – the list of subjects you have this week are endless.
Now the challenge is to simply make the ordinary look extraordinary, or at least photographed well. I am concentrating on the latter. You could try focusing on a particular detail or texture. For example, zoom in on the intricacies of a old locker , the rough texture of an old tool, or the delicate patterns in a piece of fabric. Alternatively, you could show how you integrate the ordinary object into your daily routine, providing a glimpse into its significance and relevance in your life.
Perhaps you can capture the moment when a mundane item takes on an unexpected, almost magical quality. Share a story about how something seemingly ordinary has become an indispensable and valuable part of your day, illustrating its significance through personal anecdotes and experiences. When it comes to composition, consider the placement and arrangement of elements in the frame to convey depth, emotion, and meaning. Play with lighting, angles, and perspective to create a visually compelling narrative that captivates the viewer’s imagination. The creative possibilities are endless, and I am eagerly anticipating to be amazed and to gain a new perspective on the everyday through your unique lens.
Start at the very beginning – pick an object that speaks to you – whether it’s your car keys that you pick up everyday, or the chef’s knife you use to prep dinner. Pick something that you’d like to share with the rest of us.
These I chose are from my summer house kitchen- not used anymore but inspired me enough to take the time to arrange a still life.
Arrange things how you want them – the great thing about common objects is that you can arrange them as you see fit; you’re not restricted by an inability to pick things up and move them around.
The overall look and feel of the colors in an image evoke different senses and emotions – do pay attention to the composition of colors and overall tones in your image, in terms of being complementary or adding contrast.
This is all about the visual weight that you’re assigning to things in your composed shot – obviously, larger objects that fill the frame are meant to hold the viewer’s attention the most. Certain items can add nuance and help balance a frame without taking away from the main subject.
Shadow play with everyday objects, sitting on a sofa you can be inspired by the blinds. In a restaurant I found the lampshade interesting. Or a stack of glasses on a table.
Shapes and reflections
My heartfelt thanks to Anne for her outstanding curation of last week’s Shorelines challenge. The sheer diversity and enchanting beauty of the shorelines showcased truly resonated with me, reaffirming the eternal allure of these natural wonders. I hope you eagerly anticipate the upcoming week, when Egídio will have the distinct pleasure of guiding our focus towards a new subject matter. I encourage you to join us for another new challenge. Until then, let your spirits soar and embrace the week with an abundance of smiles!
For those seeking additional details on how to participate in our engaging challenges, please click here.
Lens-Artists Challenge #314 – Shorelines
This is such a challenge – well no challenge at all. I have so many shorelines from this summer that I am having trouble deciding what to post. Do I limit to one days worth of photos or from several ??? My week has been a roller-coaster of emotions to birthdays and a funeral and work on top of it. I started this post a week ago, and here I am next Saturday, still working on it. I wanted to post some of my new photos from Hailuoto, but me being me, well I do need to edit them first, but with all the all the things happening this week, here I am. Anne, I did get it done, I love this theme.
I am going to share some photos from our lake cruise through the three lakes, between the cities of Lahti – Heinola in Finland. We have for several year thought about doing this, but never got around to doing, but this summer we did.
Here are some shorelines of these three lakes; Vesijärvi is a lake of 111 square kilometres (43 sq mi) near Lahti in southern Finland. The city of Lahti is connected to Päijänne through Lake Vesijärvi and Vääksy canal. Lake Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finland (1,080 km2 (266,874 acres)). The lake drains into the Gulf of Finland via the Kymi River. And through lake Päijänne you reach Lake Ruotsalainen which is medium-sized lake in the Kymijoki main catchment area. it is located in Päijät-Häme, near the town Heinola.
I also love the seaside as you might know. Last weekend I visited Hailuoto for the second time.
Just to give a little information; Hailuoto is an island in Northern Ostrobothnia. It is the third largest island in Finland, known for its beautiful nature, sandy beaches and bird watching opportunities.
A small, close-knit community of about 1,000 inhabitants lives on the island, and you can get there by ferry from Oulu. We drove there with my. son and two grandsons. The day was gray, windless. We were lucky no rain
Lighthouse
The Marjaniemi lighthouse reaches majestically into the sky. Its pale brick walls reflect bright sunlight. When I touch a building, I feel its strong foundation. Historical stories whisper in my ears.
This lighthouse has been seen as a symbol of Hailuoto since the end of the 19th century. The design of Finland’s leading architect Axel Hampus Dahlström was built and finally put into use in 1872. Since then, it has been an unusual aid to shipping.
“From the appearance of the lighthouse, you can immediately see where Dahlström has taken his impressions,” guide points out. ” Italian architecture has had a great influence.” I would have not known this immediately 🙂
The lighthouse happens to have a so-called “Italy window”, which has been used to send signals to the sea through colors. The fact that the colors are the same as the Italian flag is just a funny coincidence. The real Italian atmosphere is created by the architecture.
On the west side of the island, the low tide revealed a fascinating landscape of rocks and vibrant green grass, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of a multi-hued sky. The ever-changing sky displayed an array of gray tones, each one offering a unique charm when observed from different directions. Despite the shifting shades, the beauty of the scenery remained constant, providing a moody landscape. As we appreciated the enchanting surroundings, our grandkids gleefully immersed themselves in the cool waters of the Baltic sea, huge enjoying themselves.
On the eastern side of the island, the shore stretched out into a beautiful expanse of grassy knolls and swaying reeds, with fields extending as far as the eye could see. The gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and sea, creating a serene and nostalgic atmosphere. The old dock was only a pile of rocks, worn down by years of relentless waves and weather. Despite its dilapidated state, it still held a certain charm, a reminder of times long gone . Over time, nature had reclaimed much of the area, with wildflowers blooming between the cracks in the stone, and seagulls nesting in the crevices. It was a place where the past and present intertwined, each telling a story of the island’s rich history.
Leaving the island this was the last photo I took. The wind turbine dominated the scene.
Last week, John’s Cool Colors inspired us! it was great to see your beautiful interpretations of this theme even if I did not comment on them. Thank you, John, for hosting such a beautiful challenge.
This week Anne has a lovely challenge, that has unfortunately has inspired beutiful posts, but due to lack of time I have just looked at them, but no comments. Sorry for that. But life happens…
What’s up later today? It is my turn to lead us, so please visit my blog later today, Saturday 7th September. Until then, take care and and keep on smiling! I will make sure I comment on all posts linked to my blog no matter what.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Red cottages
I am a bit strapped for time, so here is one post for many challenges I want to participate in . I hope you don’t mind me combining them this week 😀
I visited Hailuoto in Oulu this weekend. The day was cloudy, but it didn’t dampen the mood, the place was still beautiful as I remember it being.
For Monday Window.
For Debbie’s One Word Sunday.
For John’s Cellpic Sunday.
Beach cafe
Monochrome Madness
This is a tricky one, I really like monochrome or black and white photos. I know there is a difference between the two but many times they are considered the same. I don’t want to seem to be boasting, but I consider myself to have few real nice ones. Here are three that I chose 😀
Favorite? This is one I am rather happy about
Also this one
Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Flower of the day
Sitting in my backyard watching the sun light the flowers, such a lovely bright color against the blue sky and green leaves
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Monday window – frame the view
the windows frame the view beautifully. The gentle sway of the trees outside provides a soothing soundtrack, completing the tranquil ambiance that the windows so perfectly capture.
Monday Window: 26 August 2024
Streets of Lahti
It was a windy and cloudy day and we did not feel like barbequing so we drove to Lahti have lunch. We drove to Vuorikatu and first thing I noticed that lots of construction had been done and the sea of signs was the second thing I noticed as we got out of the car. it’s a jungle out there.
Looking down the hill you can see the ski jump hills, a landmark of the city. Behind the fence was a (Harjun koulu) school. I took a photo of the entrance. In the last two photos you can see some of the yard, and an apartment building and the tower of the Lahti City Hall
From the hill you can see to the hill on other side , (Ristin Kirkko) the Church of the Cross it is the main church in Lahti, Finland. The modernist church, completed in 1978, was one of the last design projects of the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The first photo in the gallery below.
And then we drove up the hill to see the radio masts of Lahti an other landmark of the city
Lahti is an important radio city because of its old radio broadcasting station. The Finnish Broadcasting Company was established in 1926. It was soon found that the radio broadcasting station in Helsinki was not powerful enough. The first long wave station in Finland was built in Lahti because of the city’s central location. Built in 1927, the 150-metre-high radio towers became a landmark of the city. Lahti’s broadcasting station was inaugurated on 22 April 1928.
The popularity of radio increased quickly in the 1930s, and it became necessary to expand coverage. In 1935, a new long-wave station was completed in Lahti (today the Radio and TV Museum Mastola) with a powerful 150 kW Marconi transmitter. In 1953, ultrashort (FM) waves and transmitters were introduced in broadcasting. In the same year, the transmitter of the Lahti long-wave (AM) transmitter was replaced. In 1958, Suomen Televisio was established and began its television broadcasting. Currently, FM and television transmission operations in Lahti are run by the Tiirismaa station, completed in 1967.
The AM station in Lahti stopped broadcasting in 1993, as the Finnish Broadcasting Company discontinued its long-wave service. Mastola
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 