Cities – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists #375: Where to Find the Mysterious

Patti’s back after a bit of a break, and she’s got an exciting challenge for us! Honestly, when I saw the title, I am going to enjoy the editing process of this, as it is something I really enjoy doing. Maybe create stories around the images. She’s given us some great ideas on where to find the mysterious: think low light, shadows, and all those moody vibes. Make sure to check out her post for awesome photography and all the tips!

Our story begins as we enter the road to mysterious places, A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light. The trees stand tall and ancient, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, while the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss. Wisps of fog curl around the trunks, creating an otherworldly ambiance that seems to whisper secrets of forgotten tales. As the path winds deeper into the wilderness, the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoots of owls add to the enchanting eeriness, inviting intrepid wanderers to uncover the hidden wonders that lie within this enchanting, twilight realm.

A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light.

We continue to A moody, dimly lit street in, showcasing warm streetlights that cast a golden glow along the cobblestone path, invites evening strollers to explore its hidden corners. The air is filled with a gentle breeze, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from nearby gardens, while shadows dance playfully along the walls of quaint cafés. As the soft murmur of voices blends with the distant sound of laughter, an unmistakable sense of mystery wraps around the scene, hinting at untold stories waiting to be discovered in this enchanting part of the city.

A dimly lit street in Nice, highlighting warm streetlights and a mysterious vibe. — A moody, dimly lit street in Nice, showcasing warm streetlights and a hint of mystery.

A dimly lit street scene at night, featuring a café with tables and chairs outside, illuminated by warm street lights, creating a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere.

We leave the city. A partially fragmented window, it’s dark frame cradling a view of a tree dressed in fiery red leaves, casts a striking contrast against the swirling backdrop of a moody sky where fleeting glimpses of blue shift like memories. Shards of glass, scattered like forgotten dreams, catch the faint light, creating a mosaic of reflections that whisper of stories shared outside while invoking a chilling sense of solitude. This broken portal frames an autumn scene both haunting and breathtaking, infusing the air with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as though the very walls of this aged structure hold echoes of lives once lived. In the dim, shadowy interior, shadows stretch along shattered walls, and an ajar door beckons with the allure of a vibrant autumn world, deepening the air of mystery. In this forsaken space, remnants of bygone splendor emerge, where peeling paint and cracked plaster weave an unsettling tale that captivates the heart. Beyond the door, an enchanting vista unfolds, filled with amber trees whose leaves shimmer like precious gems kissed by fragile sunlight, concealing untold secrets. The room, engulfed in shadows that sway like memories, carries an eerie stillness—punctuated only by the distant rustling of leaves, urging one to traverse the threshold into the comforting embrace of the season outside, or perhaps to delve into the alluring depths of the unknown.

An abandoned room with dim lighting, featuring remnants of debris and large windows allowing faint light to filter in. — An atmospheric view of a dimly lit, abandoned space with beams of light filtering through arched windows creates a haunting yet beautifully eerie ambiance, where shadows dance across the cracked walls and the dust motes float lazily in the soft illumination. The remnants of debris, scattered across the floor like forgotten memories, interweave with the storied echoes of the past, while large, fractured windows allow faint light to filter in, casting unique patterns that play tricks on the eye. Each ray of sunlight highlights the intricate textures of peeling paint and rusted iron, hinting at a time long gone, as nature begins to reclaim its territory within these forsaken walls.

In the end, we have to enter into the fog once again, feeling the chill envelop us as we navigate through the dense mist that obscures our path and twists our surroundings. Each step takes us deeper into the unknown, where the air is thick and heavy, and our sense of direction seems to falter. With every heartbeat, we remind ourselves that this journey is essential to find our way back home, pushing through the uncertainty and fear that the fog brings. It wraps around us like a thick blanket, muffling sounds and blurring the world, yet we carry on, driven by the hope of discovering familiar landmarks that will guide us back to safety.

A mysterious path shrouded in thick fog, inviting exploration and a sense of the unknown.

I’ll leave you with a mystery to solve; add this to the story somehow. Let me know in the comments.

A vintage military helicopter with soldiers inside, set against a backdrop of a war scene with additional helicopters and ground troops. — A vintage military helicopter, shrouded in mystery and dark shadows, hovers precariously over a war scene fraught with uncertainty, where other helicopters loom ominously and ground troops navigate through an atmosphere thick with doubt.

I just want to wrap up by expressing my heartfelt thanks to Patti for inviting us to dive into the mysterious together. I can’t wait to see how each of you interprets this theme! Don’t forget to check out Patti’s lovely post here, and remember to tag your posts with Lens-Artists so we can easily find them.

A thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s On The Move challenge—there was lots of travels in various vehicles. to I really hope you’ll join us again next week when Beth will be posting her challenge on Saturday, November 29th at noon ET on her site Wandering Dawgs. Be sure to stop by her site and join in, if you can.

Until then, stay positive and keep smiling ☺

Lens-Artists Challenge #366– City Mouse/Country Mouse

lens-artists, Photography

Tina takes us to a theme inspired by “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,” also known as “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,” is a heartfelt Aesop fable that tells the story of a country mouse and a city mouse who venture into each other’s worlds.

I have lived in three continents – I have moved many times and the really important thing is that you are where you are with the ones you love. Home is where your heart is.

A serene countryside in Mankala, Finland featuring traditional red farm houses surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting the simple joys of rural life. A bit too rural now and then…

This tale gently reminds us of the stark contrast between the glamorous yet sometimes perilous hustle of city life and the comforting, simple joys of the countryside. Ultimately, it reflects a profound truth: that true happiness lies in finding joy in the place where we truly belong, even if it means letting go of some of the city’s flash and excitement.

the Bondi Beach area, showcasing its iconic colorful mural and beachfront residences. This was my dream at one point of my life. Still is really, but it is an unreachable one in reality.

A sunny view of a charming yellow apartment building in Helsinki, surrounded by bare trees, reflecting the serene atmosphere of smaller city life. This I might have as a single woman considered

A vibrant Hong Kong skyline showcasing a mix of modern high-rise buildings and colorful facades, reflecting the hustle and bustle of urban life. This kind of living never appealed to me.

I do not know which you prefer a more quiet life or the hustle and bustle of city life, but as I am getting older I am leaning more and more towards the countryside. I have never lived in the city, only the suburbs with 15 minutes commute to Helsinki and that not is considered a big city. But I used to spend lots of time in café’s and bookstores. Walk in the park and marketplace. As I wrote this it came to me I lived in San Diego, and Las Vegas, those are rather big cities even back then. Memory what it does to you…. Nowadays I am happy to retreat to my summerhouse in the summer to listen to birds and watch the leaves above my hammock move against the blue sky. In the winter it’s suburbia 😀 with nature at my doorway. I am a happy country mouse 😀

I am just happy to visit the cities for a day or two and to return the more relaxed small towns.

A view of a Singapore cityscape highlighting a blend of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, reflecting the contrast between urban and traditional lifestyles.

That it for me this week. I’m sure others have much more intriguing takes, and I eagerly anticipate reading their thoughts. Please make sure to connect your responses to Tinas’s lovely original here, and tag the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in Edígios’s Longing challenge last week, which led to so many emotions.

We are excited to announce that next week Lens-Artists will be guest-hosted by Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography, we hope you’ll join us again next Saturday, so be sure to check her post at noon EST. In the meantime, as always, keep on smiling.

Interested in joining our challenge? Click here .

Lens-Artists Challenge #346 – Cinematic

lens-artists

This week’s Lens Artists Challenge is presented by Sofia in her original post she wrote the following: There are a few things that give a photo that cinematic feel: camera angles, bold and high-contrast colours, light, locations, just to name a few. The main objective is to take a shot that is part of a story, there’s mood and a sense of location; our image is but a snapshot of a much wider situation.

A modern hotel entrance featuring large glass doors reflecting surrounding skyscrapers and an employee standing beside a luggage cart. First shot of a movie set in Las Vegas?

I’m diving into this with a cinematic mindset as I pick out photos and spots, really tuning into those color vibes that set the mood just right. If you’re into watching movies these days, you’ve probably noticed the awesome trend with colors, especially that eye-catching teal and orange combo. It’s wild how these colors can boost the emotional punch of a scene; next time you’re zoning out on an action flick or a thrilling crime series, take a sec to notice how everywhere this color duo pops up, along with the moody shadows and lighting. Old towns are super cinematic. They’ve got so much history and charm, almost like they’re hiding stories just waiting to spill. They make the perfect backdrop for films, giving us everything from cobblestone streets to cute buildings that really add some flair to any story.

Street view of the Royal Hotel with vintage architecture and colorful facades, highlighting local shops and street signs. — Charming old town streets featuring historic buildings, perfect for a cinematic backdrop.

Black and white photography in movies has this cool, timeless vibe that really ramps up the emotional feels by playing with light, shadow, and how everything’s laid out. This style adds a heavy punch to films with its strong contrasts, setting the mood from gloomy to dramatic, especially in film noir. It lets filmmakers zero in on the cool details that often get lost in color flicks. Directors choose black and white on purpose, giving their stories a classic touch. Plus, ditching color can show off simplicity and the battle between good and evil, diving deeper into what people really feel. Black and white, monochrome is still a big deal in the film world.

A woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, looking at her phone, with ocean views and other patrons in the background. — A serene beachfront scene captured from inside a café, a woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, looking at her phone, showcasing patrons enjoying their meals with a view of the ocean. Waiting for a date?

Black and white photograph capturing a street scene from a café, showcasing a figure in the foreground with silhouettes of pedestrians and a motorcycle outside, framed by palm trees. — Black and white scene capturing a street scene from a café, showcasing a figure in the foreground with silhouettes of pedestrians and a motorcycle outside, framed by palm trees. Surveillance?

Sunset in Key West is absolutely breathtaking! It’s the kind of scene that just makes movies better, highlighting those key moments with killer lighting. You can’t help but feel something when you see these sunsets; they really get you thinking, playing a big role in all kinds of films—from rom-coms to serious dramas—definitely leaving a memorable mark on moviegoers.

In movies, sunsets in Key West can do a bunch of cool things—showing the wrap-up of a journey, bringing people together, or giving a chill vibe after some drama. That golden hour really ups the charm of the place, making characters (and us viewers) stop and soak in the beauty of those quick, special moments.

Paris, often called the “City of Light,” is a go-to spot for filmmakers because of its stunning buildings, charming streets, and lively vibe. Each neighborhood brings its own unique flavor to the story, really capturing the city’s artsy and historic side. The way the light shifts throughout the day, especially at sunset, adds a cool visual touch that makes those emotional moments hit even harder. In the end, movies set in Paris stir up dreams and feelings, turning the city into a magical place that speaks to people all over the world.

A man standing outside a small grocery store at night, illuminated by warm lights, with colorful fruit displayed on a table. — A nighttime scene outside aman standing outside of a charming grocery store, waiting for customers, for the day to end or just on a lookout for events to begin… an image showcasing vibrant colors and a cinematic atmosphere in Nice.

A woman with long red hair walks on a city street, surrounded by other pedestrians. Skyscrapers rise in the background, showcasing a blend of modern and historical architecture. — A vibrant cityscape featuring a woman with long red hair pedestrians walking along a bustling street lined with modern and historic architecture. Rom Com?

A monk in an orange robe stands beside a man in casual clothing, both looking out from a pathway, surrounded by greenery. — A contemplative moment captured in a serene setting, featuring a monk in traditional attire and another individual, highlighting a blend of cultures.

Nighttime view of El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas, featuring bright neon signs and pedestrians walking along the street.

Check out the nighttime scene at El Cortez Hotel in Las Vegas! The bright neon signs light up the place, giving it a super moody vibe as folks walk by on the busy street, soaking up the atmosphere with street sounds and music from nearby spots. Those neon lights not only make the hotel look awesome but also capture the city’s spirit, where every little corner has a story waiting to be told, and the thrill of the nightlife totally invites you to dive in and explore more.

Last week we visited the most wonderful places with John’s challenge. I’d love to visit most of them as they were unknown to me. Next week, it’s my turn to host on Saturday, May 3rd—hope you can join me then! Until then, keep smiling. You never know, I might just make someone’s day a little brighter!

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

Thursday doors – Hong Kong

Cities, Traveling Hong Kong

When you think of Hong Kong and its iconic buildings, this view is not what first comes to mind; however, this is also a reality by the river. I took these photos while on a ferry, marveling at the two realities of very different skylines from this unique perspective.

Click the image to enlarge it

For Dan’s Thursday Doors.

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #284 – Day and Night

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Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of quotes and poems for Ann- Christine. Selecting only few images was a challenge for me 🙂

This week Sofia gave us a fun challenge to showcase the difference between day and night. As Sofia mentioned, now that we’ve passed the Winter Equinox, the days are gradually getting longer, and we can finally bid farewell to the never-ending nights. We still have a good month or two to truly savor the increasing light, but we’re on the right track. So, here I am, sharing summer photos in the midst of winter… It won’t be long now, summer is on its way! Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night.

Not to be totally biased, I am also showing photos from cities little further away. Only due to that, do I have more than ten photos 😂

Hong Kong – view from Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks.

The day light is still softly around, soft mist in the background, them blue moment arrives to slowly turning the day to night, the lights of the skyscrapers coming more visible changing the mood. Then darkness folds out the dark shield that hides out the scenery leaving the buildings in the lighted glory as main point.

White nights at a cosy Finnish summer house right by the water, relaxing baths at the sauna, skinny dipping in the clear lakes, magical moments in nature glowing in 50 shades of green and many more.

Finnish summer speciality is the fascinating natural phenomenon called Midnight Sun.

When nights are as bright as the day, you can do the same things you would like to do during the day. Go outside the house and enjoy the light and the calm. The purely magical moment is when the sun tries to set, and it paints the horizon from red to yellow and pink to purple. Everything around you is surrounded by beautiful bright light.

The Nordic region is known for its unique light conditions, influenced by drastic weather and daylight changes. The sun’s low position in the northern areas creates long shadows and side-oriented daylight, while the summer evenings are distinguished by a diffuse light. The distinct quality of Nordic daylight lies in its low angles and the gradual, breathtaking transitions of long sunrises, sunsets, and the enchanting “blue hour.”

People have developed a special relationship with light, intricately intertwined with the seasons and the variations in light. The high variability of light throughout the day, and especially between the winter and summer seasons, influences people’s traditions, color preferences, and overall connection to light. I for one, feel guilty in the summer if I spend too much time inside. When you have it you need to be outside.

Day, evening and night image from Sydney Harbour

Night and day in Níce

Key west day and night

To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.

Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night. Be sure to visit her beautiful examples for the challenge.

Next week, Egidio (Through Brazilian Eyes) will host his first official challenge with the Lens-Artists. His topic is Warm colors .Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more!

Washing lines

Travel

I was commenting to Sue about her post Monday Washing Lines and mentioned I had few photos of wash hanging on lines in odd places. So here is my finds on this topic, what I recalled having easily available. I loved the image with the washing seen between the bell tower of the church in Ravello.