LENS-ARTISTS CHALLENGE #273 – SYMMETRY

I think this says it all about this weeks theme, symmetry is everywhere. You just need to keep your eyes open, 

Sofia is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist challenge

Church is an obvious choice when searching for symmetry , and I am sure I am not the only one pointing it out.

Flowers – obviously 🙂

Windows …hmn 🙂 and architecture has it in all shapes and forms

Nature, lets not forget it is in all creations. Wings of the pelican are rather symmetric, Yes?

Symmetry is everywhere as you can see 🙂

If you want more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Bright Sunny Sunday

During the past weekend I have been trying to do presentable graphic art, monotype. I have to admit that I did not actually manage to do that. They fall in the category of not good not bad.

Saturday was bleak and grey, No inspiration coming from the weather then, but Sunny Sunday was cold but bright. I took these photos with my cellphone, mobile phone as I would say.

View from my desk

I have posted these for Cellpic Sunday , and One Word Sunday – I was Bright enough to post these together 🙂

Cooking oil is used to clean the color palette and the metal palette were we paint our creations
View at the class room

Saturday Classics – 28102023

I am of to study art – graphic arts . So I am making a quick post.

This song came to mind as it always brings my sister to mind. When she was a in her late teens she had boys singing this to her on the street. Why this now, well tomorrow would have been her 68th birthday, she passed away eight years ago to cancer. I still miss her.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.

Street Photography – Chinatown

Photos taken in Melbourne in Australia few years back.

Melbourne’s Chinatown has flourished for over 100 years. Established in the 1850s during the Victorian gold rush, it is notable for being the longest continuous ethnic Chinese settlement in the Western World and the oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere.

Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Flower of the Day 26/10

Frosty aster at the end of October in the morning light

For Cee’s Flower of the Day.

Aster in early October in the asternoon

This is my last photo of this New York Aster this year. Autumn brown have really set in.

Red Door

I saw this red door at the end of the ally in old town Chania, in Crete. I looked inviting and the colorful walls enhanced it with the turquoise shutters adding interest in the composition of the photo . The stone walls added warmth to the area. What’s not to like so I took few shots.

Then I thought about the meaning of a red door, it can vary depending on cultural, historical, and personal interpretations. In many cultures, a red front door symbolizes a warm welcome and hospitality. It is believed to invite positive energy and good luck into a home. Also red is often associated with strength and protection. Some believe that a red door can ward off evil spirits and bring a sense of security.

Red door in Chania, Crete

Approaching the doorway at the end of the the street

Red door
the red door beckons to approach

It is Thursday and my entry entry to , Thursday Doors! 

Street photography – towards the light

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

I did three versions of this woman walking towards the light at the end of this narrow alley. It is always amazing how the colors can change the mood, I shoot with raw so the colors can be edited really differently. I think I like the more yellow toned one best.

Walking to the light

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Street photography – Lahti Street view

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

Las weekend we drove to our summer house to turn the electricity off for the winter as we do not visit there during winter. My husband mowed the leaves, no need to rake them. Back story was that, them we drove to the city near by- Lahti. I took this autumn street shot as we walked down the road to get late lunch. On the hill on the other side you can see the City Hall of Lahti.

Located in the heart of Lahti, the city hall is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and an important part of Lahti’s cityscape. The monumental building, designed by architect Eliel Saarinen, was completed in 1912. The building stylistically represents late Art Nouveau. The over 100-year-old building, damaged in wars and fires, has been restored with respect to the original.

On the hill you can see Lahti City Hall

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Flower of the day – 24.10

Oriental bittersweet in the autumn tones. Love the rich tones…

Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day

Lens-Artists Challenge #272 – Billboards and Signs

There are signs everywhere, they try to sell us, they can provide information, they can warn us of hazards, they can make us laugh, and they can tug at our emotions. This week’s challenge asks you to share images of signs or billboards that strike your fancy. 

Posted for John’s Lens-Artists Challenge

My husband is great at picking up signs and often points them to me, some I notice myself, but looking for double meaning in a sign – he masters that corner. Here are some signs I’ve spotted. Most of them need no explanations.

First I thought that don’t have any, but suddenly I noticed that I have several. And Once again I have posted too many, but as someone nicely said to me, it’s our blogs, we can post what we want or how many we want.

Found in San Francisco

Nevada signs

Hong Kong was heaven for sign spotting , above few samples and below from Goa, India

Above signs from all around. And the one below is very questionable why is in text below POLICE in brackets

Couple more sign on the move – these were spotted on the road in Australia.

Saturday Classics – 21102023

After I posted my post about the green door I got a message giving a nod to this song, so here is an other green door shot,

What is the meaning behind the song Green Door?

In 1921, a tavern opened in Chicago called “Green Door Tavern.” It was a popular place during prohibition, and the green door became a speakeasy symbol.

Another story says the song is about an after-hours club in Texas, where songwriter Marvin Moore was denied entry because he didn’t know the password.

And then there is this; Bob Davie wrote this and played the honky-tonk piano. It was inspired by a popular music club in Dallas, Texas where the kids who weren’t allowed in hung around outside a yellow door. Presumably “green door” sounded better.

Midnight, one more night without sleeping
Watching till the morning comes creeping
Green door, what’s that secret you’re keeping?

There’s an old piano
And they play it hot behind the green door
Don’t know what they’re doing
But they laugh a lot behind the green door
Wish they’d let me in so I could find out
What’s behind the green door

In 1981, the ’50s revivalist Shakin’ Stevens covered this and took this song to the top of the UK charts.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.

Street photography – a quick stop

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

People in hurry, but still have time for a quick stop – at fast-food restaurant. The contrast is the setting in this old building and the Burger King that is there. What caught my attention was how the light showcased the beauty of the wall details and the light streaming from the chairs.

Two takes color and black and white, which one works best? I myself prefer the color one this time.

Helsinki railway station Burger King

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

flower of the day – 20/10

October colors from this morning. It was once again a bit nippy as the temperatures had gone down to minus side last night.

Here are Hydrangea arborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea, wild hydrangea, sevenbark, or in some cases, sheep flower, after the frost had melted and left the pedals moist and shining in the cool but sunny morning air. Most of the pedals are now brown , but few are left white and green.

Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day

Green Door

While in Crete I took few photos of doors, and this green door and it’s surrounding really intrigued me. I am not so sure that I would be so taken by it if I lived there, it needs a bit of love and care, but from a photographers point of view, I really appreciate it.

Green door

It is Thursday, and this my second entry to , Thursday Doors

Edited with a more punch ☺

Nature – Autumn Foliage

This time we focus on Autumn Colours, Autumn Leaves, Fall Foliage .. I think you get the message.

For Nature Photo Challenge #31

Keeping it short and sweet or not… take a guess 🙂

flower of the day – 7/10

October colors from this morning. It was a bit nippy as the temperatures had gone down to minus side last night. Here are chokeberry leaves with beautiful colors from my backyard.

Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day

Street photography – in a rush

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

People in hurry, no time to stop. The contrast of the man in a hurry and the man by the wall with his dog create a contrast in this shot. And the tourist walking … is dropped into their world.

Two takes color and black and white, which one works best?

In a rush – and not.

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #271: Contrasts

 Amy’s challenge this week is on contrasts. She wrote: There are many ways to express contrasts in photography, e.g. tone, colors, subjects, lights/shadows, and more. 

Big – small and red and white + old and new

In photography, mastering the interplay between shadow and light is vital. The art of capturing light and manipulating shadows allows photographers to create captivating images that elicit a range of emotions. From dramatic silhouettes to intimate chiaroscuro portraits, the use of shadow and light can transform a simple photograph into a masterpiece.

Size, shape, colors

Contrast between the old and the new can evoke a variety of thoughts and emotions. The juxtaposition of these two elements can highlight the passage of time. It can elicit a sense of nostalgia for the past while simultaneously showcasing the advancements of the present.

When capturing the contrast between the old and the new in photography, you have the opportunity to tell a compelling visual story. The weathered textures and architectural details of old buildings can stand in stark contrast to the sleek lines and modern design of new structures.

Exploring the contrast between the old and the new in your photography can lead to stunning and thought-provoking images, this theme offers a wealth of artistic possibilities.

Shadow play, colors and textures

Young and older. Smiling and somber

Street photography – Side walk cafe

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

People in hurry, no time to stop. Or enjoying a moment. Same place, different time of the day

No time to stop

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Saturday Classics – 14102023

This time I am going to give a memory and how I came to remember it, it is a description of of how my mind works – slowly. Please bear with me 🙂

First, I have trouble falling a sleep, often it takes hours. Or, I fall a sleep and wake up in , say, thirty minutes and them stay up, well any case. I spend lots of time in bed letting my thoughts wander. I was thinking few nights ago about what song to choose for to day. Lola, lo, lo la, lola – came to mind. Had to think about who´s song it was, Kinks. That came to me the next day. Then for unknown reason I thought about a movie I saw in 1976 in Australia when I was a teenager. I remember, the ending, the lovely song and that I cried. I kind of remembered that it was sung by Paul Anka. For the life of me, I could not get the song or the movies name to mind. Eventually I fell a sleep.

Next day friends came to visit – like in the old days without a invitation the, impromptu I would say for coffee. So NICE. We talked about sleeping, or being tired really. And I mentioned all the above, still didn’t remember.

Bed time, suddenly out of the blue I remembered the movies name in Finnish. And then google came to help. Päivien kimallus – Love is A Many Splendored Thing from 1955. Original song in the film sung by The Four Aces, but I remembered the version of Paula Anka. It was also very popular as a Finnish version here is a version by Jorma Kääriäinen. I have them both here if you wish to listen how it sounds.

As reported by several reviews of the film, Han Suyin’s “autobiographical novel” told the story of her life as a Eurasian doctor in Hong Kong, and of her love affair with a married, British war correspondent.

Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis. “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” er. The song was publicized first in the movie, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955), winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.

Purple lights

How hard is it to find purple in your photos that are not flowers, in my case hard. Had to dig deep into memories and archive. I remembered this church concert in Mikael Agricola Church with purple lightning.

Posted for Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge

Street photography – crowded street

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

Lady in white stood out amongst the of people dressed mostly in dark clothes in Florida during a art festival

Lady in white

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Also posted for CWWC -Any which way with people