city – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

a weathered facade and intricate windows

I am still and for many more days viewing my archives and editing my images from 2012 Riga. I am going to find many windows and doors in these photographs to share with you.

This image is of an aged European-style architecture under a partly cloudy sky, representing a cityscape in Riga, Latvia. The design reflects an older historic urban setting, featuring a small balcony on the lower level of the main building, while a dark spire or dome can be observed peeking above the primary roofline against the sky.

An aged European-style building in Riga, Latvia, a weathered facade with a distinctive copper roof and intricate window designs.

A historic structure in Riga features a distinctive copper roof and intricately designed windows. Its facade is adorned with 11 elaborate windows that accentuate the architectural elegance of the building. A tall, prominent structure occupies the left and center of the scene, showcasing a weathered pale yellow or beige exterior with numerous rows of windows framed in red. The roof comprises a blend of red tiles and rusted reddish-brown metal sheeting, complete with several dormer windows.

To the right, a smaller structure boasts a lively orange facade and a red-tiled roof.

A close-up view of a historic building in Riga, its weathered facade and 11 red-framed windows.

Presenting this week’s edition of Monday Window, brought to you by Brian, renowned from Bushboy.

Savannah’s Historic Architecture

Cities, Photography, Traveling US

We saw so many wonderful old buildings in Savannah, each telling a unique story through its intricate designs and rich history. I am continuing to showcase some of the buildings we looked at, with their beautifully preserved facades and charming details that transport you back in time. I love old towns, where every corner reveals a piece of the past, and the buildings that are done so beautifully resonate with a sense of nostalgia. As a fan of old architecture, I appreciate not just the aesthetic appeal but also the craftsmanship that has endured for generations, making each structure a testament to the talent of those who built them. Exploring these historic gems is like taking a stroll through time.

This was one of them, the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Located on Lafayette Square in the Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, it is supposed to be one of the city’s most historic luxury inns that captures the style of the Old South. Originally built in 1873 as a private home, the Hamilton-Turner Inn boasts a distinctive French Empire-style architectural design and is filled with original interior elements that will transport you back 150 years.

The Hamilton-Turner Inn, a historic luxury inn in Savannah, Georgia, showcasing distinctive French Empire architecture.

The Kessler Armstrong Mansion, an impressively Italian Renaissance Revival home, was built in 1919 by the prominent George Ferguson Armstrong and designed by the renowned Beaux Arts architect, Henrik Wallin. This stunning residence, characterized by its intricate detailing and grand architectural features, showcases the elegance and artistry of its era. As the only house of its kind in Savannah listed in the authoritative A Field Guide to American Houses, it stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its rich history. This is a testament to architectural excellence and historical significance, serving as a captivating reminder of the cultural heritage of the region. I did some googling to tell you this.

The Kessler Armstrong Mansion showcases Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring intricate details and grandeur that reflect Savannah’s rich cultural heritage.

For Monday Window.

Monochrome Madness- night time

Black and White photos, Cities, Photography

These are my contribution to Monochrome Madness Night-time the first two are from our latest trip.

Last one is from Helsinki in December

Capturing Nighttime Serenity

Cities, Photography, Traveling Italy

These are old photos that I edited for the mood challenge, but did not use them, and now they are quite handy for my open doors post for Dan’s Thursday Doors. These images are from a charming square in Amalfi, Italy, a place steeped in history and beauty.

I am happy I was able capture the warm tones and the night mood, evoking a sense of calm, day transitions into night, just about closing time. In the first photo, you can see a woman with pearls closing the gates of her store.

The cafes and restaurants surrounding the square remain open, creating a lively atmosphere, yet the mood is not hurried; it is calm and serene, even amidst the gentle flow of people moving about, enjoying the last moments of the day. The soft glow of the streetlamps reflects off the cobblestones, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.

Helsinki Pavilion -Modern Beauty ?

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

HELSINKI’s cityscape is a delightful blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks. The pavilion, located next to the Marketplace on Lyypekin laituri, with its wooden structure and two new piers, the pavilion offers visitors a serene place to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Inspired by the Helsinki archipelago and Vallisaari specifically, the pavilion’s design showcases the city’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. “It’s shaped like a beach cliff that twists into a squishy ring,” as it was eloquently described in the press release during its initial design phase.

That is not why I took the photos, because delightful blend of modern architecture, no. I just loved how the triangle frames the city view and how the people added perspective to the height of the building

Cellpic sunday – 070724

Captures from Finland, Cities

For Cellpic Sunday I am thinking of nourishment – food. So, I’m keeping it simple this week.

The first photo is Eromanga cafe situated in Helsinki.

Lunch at Bisto O’Mat in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. The patio had nice views over the city.

Thursday doors ~ Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

Nothing grand, just few doors and windows Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Revisiting photos – nighttime in the city

Cities, Traveling Australia

It’s amazing how a fresh perspective and improved skills can breathe new life into old photos. The process of revisiting and reimagining them can be quite rewarding; it allowed me to uncover hidden photos that I previously overlooked. Embracing artistic freedom and honing your editing skills can truly transform the way one looks at your own captures.

I took these in Australia, but I ignored them previously due to not being sharp enough. But with a bit of artistic liberties they turned out to be Okey shots. First shot is from Sydney and the other from Melbourne

Glass echoes city’s indoor-outdoor dance.

Cities, Photography

Six-Word Saturday 2.24.24

Monochrome – take time to read

Black and White photos

Here are some images from the library, one could assume that people would be reading books, but most seemed to have a phone in their hands.

What is reading but silent conversation? Walter Savage Landor

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one. George R.R. Martin

I love black and white photography – or monochrome, what evet we wish to call it. So under this Monochrome title I will try to post regularly images that I think look good in this format. Hope you enjoy them.

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome – gravel roads

Black and White photos

The road may be beautiful or ugly; it may be easy or hard, smooth or rough, it doesn’t matter; what matters most is where the road will take you!

Mehmet Murat ildan

Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. Lin Yutang

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome – Stairs

Black and White photos

It’s like climbing a staircase. I’m on the top of the staircase, I look behind me and I see the steps. That’s where I was.

Jeanne Moreau

The world is like a grand staircase, some are going up and some are going down.
Samuel Johnson

“No amount of smiling at a flight of stairs has ever made it turn into a ramp.”

~ Stella Young

The Senate Square

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

We worked up the Sofia street to get to our car that was parked by the church to see all these people enjoying the sunny day on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral Church. The have put up these stupid black lights around the chuch, that in my opinion are very annoying, too modern and obstract the view of this lovely church. I always have an uge to take photos of this square, many times I fight it, this time well I did once again.

The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840): Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. A statue of Alexander II (1894) stands in the middle of the Senate Square.

Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland’s most famous and photographed building. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square. The blue building behind the row of bikes 🙂

Winter Solstice

Captures from Finland, Cities

With the winter solstice, and these citylights I am now starting Christmas preparations and I take this opportunity to

I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

I want to thank you all who have taken the time to look at my photos, press like and I really appreciate all the encouraging comments I’ve gotten this year.

These I took yesterday when doing my last minute shopping. The cobblestone streets in Helsinki with the rain made it hard to get really great shots of the season lights in the city from a moving car, but I ended up with moody, artistic shots and with a little help from the editing they came out OK.

Street Photography in Helsinki

Captures from Finland, Cities

The November streets look, well what they look like. This is what it looked liked on a November afternoon and and early evening (between 3pm -6pm) I haven’t taken the camera out since then. But I thought I would share some fresh photos today.

Some season lights were already adding light to the bleakness of this time of year. The boy looking at the display window while his parents were in line to get into the store was a nice pop of colors as was the Cartier window display with the reflecting lights from the street.

We had the first snow on Friday last week, so obviously these were taken prior to that. The snow will melt but for few days it will give us a little bit more light.

Views from around the Helsinki railway station, and Aleksanterinkatu.

Helsinki – Keskuskatu and the corner of Mannerheimtie

Colorful window display

Visiting Cafe’s

Captures from Finland, Cities

I have not been taking many photos lately, last weekend I made an exception as I went to Helsinki.

I was even too lazy to take my camera, just my mobile. Here are some street photographs. These are focused on cafe’s that all seemed to be full, we had to wait over 40 minutes to get our coffee 🙂 That time we spent people watching

My favorite image is the header.

Shipyard

Captures from Finland, Cities

This shipyard in Helsinki is on standstill due to the Russian war attack going on in Ukraine. We went for lunch to a restaurant in front of it and obviously I took some photos, it is not the prettiest sight but it is a nice photo opportunity even though the window and the plex glass windshield outside.

There were these two boat restaurants waiting for the summer season to open their doors in the foreground.

I’m walking

Captures from Finland, Cities

I’m walking, I’m walking, walking in sunshine.

Helsinki seaside on a sunny day with the mist rising in the back and taking over the sunny sidewalks soon after these photos were taken.

Autumn in the city

Cities, Landscapes, Photography

I took my husband to the doctor and during his visit I took some autumn color shots from the city. The flu season has started after being almost nonexistent during Covid, my husband had it and now I am sick first time in three years. I had forgotten how it feels. Not nice.

Well anyway, I am giving you an overload of fall photos, bear with me, soon it will be dark and gloomy.

Rain

Cities

We are having some heavy duty rain at the moment, I woke up couple times in the early morning hours to the sound of it. Luckily I fell asleep again quickly to an odd dream. These ones are taken from my car while waiting for my hubby to come back from the store which I had no desire to go to.

Old town Porvoo

Cities, Travel

as it is not recommended that we travel abroad at the moment, we have been visiting picturesque towns and places in Finland. Let me introduce Porvoo to you again with few new photos. It was so full of local tourists that I did not take many photos from the streets. Enjoy a a small photo tour from this lovely town.

Old Porvoo, with its red-ochre painted riverside warehouses, is one of the most photographed national landscapes in Finland. Here you can admire the colorful wooden houses and stroll the winding cobbled streets – as if in a children’s story book.

Summer day in Helsinki

Cities, Photography, Travel

Summer day in Helsinki, sitting in the park people watching and enjoying tasty ice cream, having lunch at a restaurant. What a beautiful capital we have.

Scanning project

Cities

Today I created a new folder for my Travel photos. I created a folder for the countries I have visited and moved all the ones I could find to the right places. This is the beginning of my scanning project as there are several places I’ve visited before photos began to be in digital form. These two are from my first stay in NY.