Tag: finland

One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-January 2025

Captures from Finland, Photography

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…

Joining in to One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-January 2025

Creativity and editing

Captures from Finland

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 would appreciate if you would like to comment 🙂

Unpredictable Winter Weather in Finland

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

Don’t be a square

Captures from Finland

be a 🔽 triangle or an ☓ – or maybe a circle or just brave, take a dip into the sea.

By the sea
Swimming hole – ready for a cool dip in to the sea?

#GeometricJanuary

Last on the card December 2024

Captures from Finland

Happy New Year 2025 to All!

Thanks for your company during the past year to my old and new blog friends! Your support and engagement have made this year truly special, and I cherish the connections we’ve created. I look forward to sharing not only the adventures that the coming year will bring but also the insights, stories, and experiences that we can exchange together. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with creativity, collaboration, and even more memorable moments!

Last on the card for December

Unknown soldier is still very popular

Cities

Akateeminen Kirjakauppa was founded in 1893, a time when the love for literature was blossoming in Finland. Right from the start, their vision was to create a welcoming bookstore where book lovers could not only find high-quality service but also connect with one another over a shared passion for reading and the latest literature.

In October 1969, the Academic Bookstore made a significant transition by moving from its original department store premises to a newly constructed building designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto. This move symbolized a new era for the bookstore, allowing it to flourish in a space that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Unknown soldier – Tuntematon Sotilas by Väinö Linna

Väinö Linna established himself in literature with two novels depicting Finnish society, 
The Unknown Soldier and Here Under the Northern Star . The novels were critical commentaries on the literary tradition – national literature – and perhaps the last products of this tradition. The influence of the works extended to all areas of post-war Finnish society, and they provided material for a new interpretation of the entire recent past. The novels’ lush humor and folk-like speech culture renewed the language of literature; many idioms and proverbs have found their place in collections of flying phrases.

Debbies Six Word Saturday

Seasonal lights

Captures from Finland

Yesterday – finally we hanged some seasonal lights to our backyard to brighten the dark nights. Tinka enjoy the sight too 🙂 Two of them are from my bedroom and other through the window in my living room.

John’s Cellpic Sunday

Lens-Artists Challenge #328 – Winter

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, lens-artists

Check out John’s lovely post at Lens-Artists Challenge #328 – Winter

Winter will be upon those living in the northern hemisphere in only two weeks, well in my opinion it is already here .

For those who know me, know that winter is not my season, but you have to endure it. While I can appreciate the beautiful winter landscapes, with their pristine white snow and glistening icicles hanging from the eaves, and the seasonal lights that illuminate the dark nights, the cold weather is something I struggle with. The crisp air can feel invigorating at first, but it quickly turns into an unwelcome chill that seeps through even the warmest of layers. I know it is a matter of dressing accordingly, but the layer after layer can become cumbersome and stifling; not to mention the effort it takes to bundle up before stepping outside.

Winter season

I will give you a few facts below about the beloved season if you are interested, or you can just enjoy the photos I’ve taken of the beauty of the snow-filled landscape, which captures the serene essence of winter perfectly. There is something magical about how snow blankets the ground, transforming ordinary scenes into picturesque winter wonderlands that take your breath away. I enjoy it too—in the photos, where each pristine flake seems to reflect the beauty of nature and the quiet stillness that accompanies this season, inviting you to pause and admire the frosty charm that surrounds us.

FEW facts about Finland In winter, the mean temperature remains below 0°C, but warm airflows can raise the daily high above 0°C at times. Winter usually begins in mid-October in Lapland and during November in the rest of Finland, though not until December in the southwestern archipelago. It thus takes about two months for winter to proceed from Lapland to Åland. The sea and large lakes slow down the progress of winter. Winter is the longest season in Finland, lasting for about 100 days in southwestern Finland and 200 days in Lapland.

Arctic Circle, part of winter is the period known as the “polar night”, when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. In the northernmost corner of Finland, the polar night lasts for 51 days. In southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.

Permanent snow covers the ground about two weeks after winter begins, reaching its deepest around mid-March with 60 to 90 cm in eastern and northern Finland, and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland. Lakes freeze in late November and early December, with ice thickest in early April at about 50 to 65 cm. In severe winters, the Baltic Sea may ice over almost completely, while mild winters keep it open except for the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland’s far ends.

The coldest day of winter typically occurs after the winter solstice, at the end of January in most places, except for maritime islands and coastal areas, where it is delayed until early February. Coldest temperatures range from -45°C to -50°C in Lapland and eastern Finland, from -35°C to -45°C elsewhere, and from -25°C to -35°C in islands and coastal regions.

snowing
A quick dip to the sea?
Frost covered trees
Winter gray day ny the sea.

Please join and remember to link to John’s challenge when you post your response, and use the Lens-Artists tag. 

Last week, Sofia’s challenge focused on the Five Elements in her lovely post, and the responses were interesting to see. How we all interpreted it in our own way .

Next week, it is time for our annual year-end challenge. In December 2022, the Lens-Artists team introduced a “Last-Chance” challenge. The idea was to review the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. Go through your gallery and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.

celebration of 107 years of freedom

Captures from Finland, Still life

Yesterday, December 6th we celebrated the Independence day of Finland. It was a awesome reason to enjoy Champagne 🥂

For Debbies Six Word Saturday

Frost: Nature’s Winter Masterpiece

Flowers, Nature, Photography

“Frost is the greatest artist in our clime – he paints in nature and describes in rime.” ~ Thomas Hood

The first frost is the umpire’s final whistle in a game we don’t want to end.

~Adrian Higgins

Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World

Flowers

In its own way, frost may be one of the most beautiful things to happen in your garden all year . . . Don’t miss it. Like all true beauty, it is fleeting. It will grace your garden for but a short while this morning. . . . For this moment, embrace frost as the beautiful gift that it is.–Philip Harnden

In the end, this may be the most important thing about frost: Frost slows us down. In spring, it tempers our eagerness. In fall, it brings closure and rest. In our gotta-go world–where every nanosecond seems to count–slowness can be a great gift. So rather than see Jack Frost as an adversary, you could choose to greet him as a friend.–Philip Harnden,

Winter’s First Bite, The Beauty of Frosted Leaves

Photography

November frost, the first bite of winter on these colorful leaves of barberry, I think that is the name of this plant, is or not, it sure looks pretty. The crisp air carries with it a stillness that amplifies the vivid reds and yellows of the leaves. As I stood there looking for a right angle to take a photograph, I couldn’t help but marvel at how such a small shrub can capture the essence of the changing seasons, hinting at the chill to come while still clinging to its vibrancy. Each leaf seems to shimmer with the promise of winter, creating a breathtaking contrast that leaves a lasting impression.

Frosty Coniferous Branches

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Nature, Photography

While we had the cold and frosty days I took some close-ups of coniferous branches.

Lens-Artists Challenge #325 – Gratitude

lens-artists

I am grateful to Tina from Travels and Trifles for presenting this challenge today, as a reminder that I am quite a happy woman 🙂 Life is basically good, even thought I just last week became once again a woman of leisure, as my job ended after a short period of time. Now I find myself faced with the hassle, again, of trying to find a new job at my age, and the reality is that it feels like a daunting challenge that will not lead to success. However, I am grateful and acknowledge that I have a roof over my head and loving friends and family who support me. I have husband, three boys, four grandsons…what girl wouldn’t be happy surrounded by so many boys 😀

I live in a beautiful country that is a haven for both children and adults, allowing us to walk around freely and safely, whether in cities or nature. That reminds me to appreciate the little things. Hanging on to my positive attitude is a must, and although there are moments of doubt, I strive to remain almost happy, finding joy in the present

I live in the happiest country in the world, as recognized in the UN World Happiness Report for the 7th time. Why? Apparently, the answer is rooted in the fundamental trust present throughout Finnish society, which enables individuals to feel safe and relaxed in their daily lives. Another reason contributing to our happiness is the proximity of nature; the four seasons , the stunning landscapes, abundant forests, and serene lakes all provide a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a tranquil environment that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the simple joys of life.

However, in my opinion, our current Government is doing a huge amount of things to destroy this happy dynamic, pushing for policies that undermine social cohesion and environmental protection. It’s disheartening to witness changes that might jeopardize our well-being. Yet, despite these challenges, I still find moments of joy and connection in the everyday, almost happy… that is something to be grateful for.

And like many others in our lovely blogging community, which I am grateful for, I in a position where I can travel, meet new people, see wonderful places. Joy.

I want to thank Patti for last week’s In The Details challenge. I got bit carried away with it, but I did only link one to her beautiful original post that inspired me to go out and shoot 😀 I don’t know about you but I discovered some things that were a really nice surprise!

Finally I hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine once again leads our challenge. In the meanwhile, be happy for the things you are grateful for 🙂

PS. and who is not grateful for chocolate ❤

street views from Katajannokka

Captures from Finland, Cities, Photography

Last weekend we ventured outside and drove to have lunch in Helsinki , it’s about half hour drive, not much of an adventure. The restaurant is located in the area of Katajanokka is a neighbourhood of Helsinki,  with around 5000 inhabitants. The district is located adjacent to the immediate downtown area, though in the first major town plan for Helsinki from the mid-18th century, the area fell outside the fortifications planned to encircle the city.

This us driving away from Katajannokka on one of the bridges, in the corner is the part of the The Presidential Palace.

Katajanokka was originally a headland of the Helsinki peninsula but is now an island due to the canal dug in the 19th century. Four bridges connect it to mainland Helsinki. Urban settlement expanded to Katajanokka in the 18th century, remaining largely untouched until the canal’s completion in 1844, which linked the South and North Harbours. The south side features a busy passenger harbour for ferries to various destinations, while the area consists mainly of co-operative apartment buildings and small parks. The eastern part was once a military zone with a naval base, which evolved into a commercial shipyard.

These are from the eastern side looking towards the sea, my attention was on the house on the small island as the sun was casting the last light on it. for some reason I did not take photos of the newer buildings.

Here we are leaving the area, driving towards the Helsinki Cathedral

The western part of the residential area, known as the “Old Side” of Katajanokka, is an upscale neighborhood and a well-preserved example of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, though up until the mid-19th century – while the centre of Helsinki was being filled with stone buildings – the area was essentially still a wooden shanty town.

Thursday doors, these are door photos 🙂

Dans Thursday Doors

The westside has some restoration going on and the area is not built for the amount of cars that we nowadays have, a bit tricky to get a parking spot here,

November’s Tranquil Forests

Captures from Finland, Photography

Breath of the season, chill in the air, Winter’s fingers almost there, A forest still, calm and profound, In November’s grasp, so tightly bound.In tranquil beauty, time halts its flow. A moment’s peace, an endless roam, In this November forest, I find home.

A serene, misty forest scene with tall, bare trees and a lush, moss-covered forest floor. The fog wraps the woods in a veil, creating an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and introspective, capturing the quiet beauty of a November day. 

LENS ARTISTS CHALLENGE #321: ICM

Photography

ICM photography is super cool! It takes us beyond what we see every day and shows a whole new world that often gets missed in regular photos. These are all new photos from the past week, I have tried this before, but I have been a stickler for sharp and focused shots, so I haven’t really experienced it other than accidentally – mostly. These are my results and I am happy with few of them.

Into the woods I go, sideway movement

So, ICM, is all about using a slow shutter speed while moving your camera around on purpose. Instead of capturing everything in a crisp, clear way, this technique lets things blur and create a dreamy vibe. Shapes and colors blend together, making for some really interesting images.

Path many times photographed, this time with a twist.

These shots capture the feel of a scene instead of just what it looks like. The crazy mix of colors and shapes can stir up emotions and thoughts in a way that regular photography just can’t. You can play around with it too—I did some swirling, vertical panning, and horizontal shifts to really make the most out of ICM. But this is a style like every other that need to be practiced. I think I would achieve best results in night photography without a tripod.

walk between the trees

When you share your post, please link it to Ann’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. In the
meantime have fun learning and experimenting with ICM.

waves

Last week we all had fun picking images from the past as Sofia had us looking back last week. I enjoyed seeing your wonderful memories.  For sure memories are gold.

Next week is my week, and I hope you will join me in a discovery of photographs with emotions. Until then keep smiling.

It’s officially over, until next year

Photography
Last look before we leave
Here we go

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

So many fallen leaves 🍁
Maple Leafs

cellpic Sunday – half moon

Captures from Finland

I took these two half moon photos last night, with my mobile, and I must say that I am truly astonished by the amount of light it captured in these shots. The subtle glow of the moonlit sky combined with the shadows of the night created a beautiful contrast that I could hardly have anticipated. While it is obvious that the photos did not capture the half moon, the overall mood and atmosphere of the scenes were captured wonderfully. The cool hues of the night blended perfectly with the warm light emanating from the half moon, creating a dreamlike quality. I have to say, for a half moon, the brightness of it was really striking , I went out few times to look at it, illuminating everything around me and encouraging me to linger under the stars a bit longer, marveling at the beauty of the night sky. I

My contribution to John’s Cellpic Sunday

Autumn leaves 🍁

Captures from Finland, Photography
autumn 🍂
Festival of Leaves 2024: Week # 3 ~Splotches of Color