This is stretching it a bit, first I noticed the woman with the orange scarf, she was sitting on the edge of the window – facing me and the sun having a smoke. Before I could get the shot she turned. The restaurant is out of business, well by the looks f the door. There is a lady coming out through the gate in the corner. So there is a door in this shot 🙂
Arena talo is a commercial and residential building located in Hakaniemi, Helsinki, which completely covers a triangular block on the north side of Hakaniemi market. The Danish-style red brick building was designed by architect Lars Sonck and was completed in two stages in 1924 and 1929. There is an Oxygenol light advertisement on the roof. And lots of doors on the street level.
Oxygenol has also been a part of Helsinki’s street scene for decades: the brand name can be read in two meters high letters on the roof of the Arena building near the Hakaniemi metro station from the direction of the Hakaniemi square. In these you can see it from the back 🙂
I was going to leave it to one photo, but I couldn’t resist capturing more of the breathtaking scenery. The misty sunset painted the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. Surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, there were no neighbors in sight, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. The absence of gnats or mosquitoes was a welcome surprise, and as the clock neared 11pm, the lingering light of the sunset filled me with a sense of contentment. It was a perfect ending to a busy day, leaving me feeling truly happy. 😃
I took photos to all directions but east, I was too lazy to go and walk to the road. Instead, I found a myself staying on our own plot of land , It ialways nice to see how the colors and light varies depending which direction I am looking at.
Our summer home and sauna looking towards South
South view
pointing my camera to the west in these two photos
Sunset at north west
You see what I mean, could you limit your photos to one, maybe, me no way. Sorry for the overload
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
The back of my mobile phone was the background for these colorful images, I obviously was not busy as I took time to try different things with these flowers
Bird cherry flowers showily in early summer. The heavy-scented flowers attract insects, especially flies and bees. Black fruits of the bird cherry are bitter-sweet. They can be used for making tasty liqueur, or for dyeing wool as they yield a pale lilac shade. Also called European bird cherry, Hackberry
I think these are suitable for this week. Ympyrätalo “Circle House”) is a circle-shaped office building located in the Hakaniemi district of Helsinki, Finland. The building is a local landmark. The building’s architecture has been seen as a high point in 1960s Finnish office building architecture.
Goldilocks is a common name for a whole group of buttercups. They often begin to flower already at the end of April and their flowering time peaks at the turn of May and June. The plant’s inflorescence is clearly more modest than meadow buttercup, which flowers a couple of weeks later.
I have taken some summer flower photos, but for some reason I have not posted them. I have been less on the computer, maybe that is one of the reason. This is For Cee’s Flower of the Day.
All photo can be enlarged with a click.
Spreading bellflower grows as a biennial in Finland, Spreading bellflower in Finland is usually easy to differentiate from its relatives by its more reddish and more narrowly based leaves. White-flowered plants can also be found, although they are clearly rarer than the purple ones. In southern and central Europe the species is not so clearly defined because several slightly different forms exist, as happens in Finland with harebell.
I spent some time in Helsinki and looked it with the eyes of a tourist. You rarely take photos of your own cities and towns that you frequently visit. Well last week I did, as I already posted we went to see Nick Cave and I took these on my way from the parking garage to the music hall and actually looked at the buildings, not just walked past them. Something we often do in familiar places, this goes to landscape and scenery too. I noticed a fare amount of door and windows, what a revelation to find them in the city 🙂
Kansalaistori is a new square and lawn area in the heart of the city located between the Music Centre and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma along Mannerheimintie in Helsinki. On the other side of there square there is the Central library Oodi. The square is partially paved and in the summertime popular especially among skateboarders. . Kansalaistori serves also as a venue for various events.
Kiasma from the back. All the photos in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.
Kiasma is a museum of contemporary art under the umbrella of the Finnish National Gallery. The primary focus in the museum collection is on Finnish contemporary art. Kiasma was designed by the American architect Steven Holl and opened to the public in 1998. At Kiasma there’s also a museum shop and café. These are all taken from the backside of the building.
Sanoma House with its glass facade is situated in Finlandia Park, a cultural oasis in the heart of Helsinki, north of the Helsinki railway station, beside the Museum of Contemporary Art-Kiasma, the Central library Oodi and the Music Centre. The first and second floors mainly consist of covered public space.
Finland’s 200-seat parliament gathers in this impressive building representing 1920s Classicism. The facade of the building is made of red granite from Kalvola. The main facade includes 14 Corinthian columns. It is across the road from the kansalaistori.
Musiikkitalo is an acoustically first-class concert hall as well as other facilities providing a wide range of musical experiences for people of all ages and a place to study music. The residents of Musiikkitalo are Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Sibelius Academy, Uniarts Helsinki. These are also taken from the back of the Music Hall
This a photo of Oodi, I’ve taken at spring, for some reason I did not take on this time, but as it is in the square I’ll add it here.
I have to admit that lately I have been a lazy photographer, and most of the time I’ve taken photos with my mobile. I have two previous posts about the beauty of summer nights and these were taken the same night. I took these first, then went to get my camera to take better shots of the moon. The iPhone has a great camera, with a RAW option, and you can get great photos with it; even the zoom is okay. But you can also edit and crop the images as a way of enhancing it.
It’s amazing how much the technology in smartphones has advanced, allowing us to capture stunning images without the need for additional equipment. The convenience of having a powerful camera always at hand has certainly made me rely more on my mobile for photography. Despite its compact size, the iPhone truly delivers remarkable image quality, especially in low light conditions. The ability to edit and refine the pictures directly on the device further adds to the appeal of mobile photography, providing a convenient way to enhance the visual impact of the captured moments.
The color of the sky, clouds and mist set such a beautiful view, that I only slightly edited the contrast and light in Lightroom app – nature did the rest.
Birch trees stand sentinel, white and tall, Their leaves a verdant canopy, a gentle sprawl. Mist weaves through their trunks, a spectral dance, As dusk paints the sky in hues of chance.
The evening cradles them in twilight’s hark. Silhouettes against the canvas of fading light, They sway, entwined, in nature’s quiet rite. And there, where fog and foliage converge, A sacred silence settles—a tranquil surge.
So let us linger here, beneath their boughs, Where time suspends, and dreams are allowed. In this ethereal embrace, we find our place, As birch and fog weave magic, leaving no trace.
I took these of the strawberry moon, but only now got around to posting them, I shared some taken with my mobile on Instagram, but these I took with my camera.
Strawberry moon
I was already in bed, all comfortable and ready to go to sleep, when my husband repeatedly said the mist is rising, the mist is even heavier, meaning get up, grab your camera, and take photos. Good on him or I would have missed some lovely midsummer moments.
The moon was so pretty.
It was such a serendipitous moment, being snug in bed and then being urged to capture such an ethereal sight. The mist rolling in created an otherworldly ambiance, and combined with the presence of the strawberry moon, it resulted in a truly mesmerizing spectacle.
I sat down and took a shot with the fence in the foreground
It’s moments like these that etch memories for a lifetime, and I’m grateful for the nudge that led to these stunning captures.
Clouds started to gather around the moon
so lovely moment
Were you able to capture or see the strawberry moon in June? The strawberry moon, also known as the June full moon, is a beautiful sight that occurs when the moon is at its fullest and appears with a warm, reddish glow. This phenomenon takes place in the month of June, marking the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. People often gather to witness this remarkable celestial event, and many photographers aim to capture its stunning beauty through their camera lenses. The strawberry moon has cultural significance in various traditions and is a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists around the world. So, did you have the chance to admire this enchanting spectacle?
This barn is across from the clubhouse that burned down, the Rockabilly festival is still on, but if they are able to pull it together is a big if, it was supposed to be held there.
We have reached the end of Becky’s Squares photo challenge, I was distracted by starting a full time job in the middle of it and stopped posting even if I had good intentions to follow the month through. Thanks for this challenge Becky.
Founded in 1695, the iron mill village has retained its unique atmosphere throughout the years. The people in the centuries-old environment continue to live in harmony with the old traditions by following in the footsteps of the local artisans, among other things. The lovely village offers unique atmosphere and past and also a wide variety of things to see and do.
Located in Southeast Finland the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland. The charming milieu offers an unforgettable glimpse into the rich history of the area. The iron lady Virginia af Forselles developed the village for 30 years with a modern touch and a firm hand. In addition to the ironworks, sawmill and mill, the area also featured a brewery along with a distillery, a tavern and a brick factory.
This week I will post this as Monday window and building that might we in need of a bit refurbishment. But i looks Ok in a photograph even if not in mint condition.
I’m so mad, this weather is just terrible – in December, I’d be all for it, but snow in April? No way! It’s been snowing non-stop since last night. I had a hair appointment, so I had to venture out. Luckily, my husband hadn’t switched to winter tires yet, so I was okay to drive. Many others weren’t so lucky , my hairdresser had most of her appointments canceled due to the fact that they could not get there.
I took some photos of this white nightmare. The first is from my car window as soon as I parked it.
I was closing the blinds when I noticed the moon behind the clouds, the trees on the hill beautifully framed it. I had my mobile at hand as I was about to place it on the bedside table for my night time clock. As we all know everything is on that thing. This is the last photo I took last night for Cellpic Sunday , otherwise you might have gotten a shot of Tinka.
I am rather amazing how great shots you can get with the mobile phone even in the darkness.
I did go and get my camera, and these are the comparison shots. There is a slight difference to be noticed I think.
Moonlit nightnight time in April
And as I’ve just done an abstract photo challenge – with a little handshake – this is what you get 🙂
These are from Tammisaari, it is an idyllic old coastal town . In the old town, the streets have been in the same places since the 16th century, and from the names you can tell what kind of professionals lived on which street, such as Liinakankurinkatu, (Weaver st.) I have photo of that one below. Hatuntekijänkatu ( Milliner street), Nahkurinkatu ( Tanner street), etc.
Liinakankurinkatu
In the windows of old houses in coastal cities, you can notice a stand with two mirrors attached to it. It is a street mirror whose name has become a gossip mirror in the mouth of the people. Gossip mirrors have mirrors curved in both directions that open outwards. Looking from the inside, you can see the events of the entire street through the mirrors. Old times security cameras ? 😂
This old , rustic wooden door has timeless beauty. Each weathered plank, each sturdy iron hinge and bolt, bears witness to the passage of years gone by, weaving together a narrative of resilience and enduring charm. This barn door stands surrounded by lush greenery, where green foliage delicately caresses its time-worn frame.
The earth in front of the door reveals its well-trodden path, marked by patches of grass and traces of constant use. I took this shot late afternoon as the sun casts enchanting shadows upon and around the door, adding an extra layer of depth to its rustic allure, an enduring appeal of ageless craftsmanship.
As I am so waiting for summer or even spring to really arrive I am posting this traditional window(s) for Monday Window
In the vast Finnish countryside, you’ll find the charming traditional Finnish falu red log houses, each one telling a story of generations past. These beloved structures, affectionately known as “Grandma’s cottages,” evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reflecting a simpler time when life was closely intertwined with nature. w
The distinctive falu red hue, derived from a traditional Scandinavian pigment, not only adds a striking visual appeal to these log houses but also serves to protect the wood from the elements, ensuring their longevity for years to come. As sunlight filters through the small, paned windows, it illuminates the cozy interiors.
Embracing the essence of hygge, the Finnish art of coziness and contentment, “Grandma’s cottages” beckon visitors to step inside and experience a slice of authentic Finnish hospitality. The red log houses stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and the enduring beauty of simple, rustic architecture.
Let’s Rock Your World this week – I will try my best to do as requested. Donna invites us to showcase anything from rocky landscapes to cobblestone streets. I know for sure this is a topic that is close to Donna’s heart, she has so often shared her love to rock formations – as she has showed once again in her beautiful photos. Her post gives us so many beautiful examples of how to approach this challenge. She does know her rocks and captures them beautifully.
I sometimes struggle to get terms right. The solid rock that exists below the ground surface is called bedrock. This type of rock is “in place,” unlike material that has been moved from another location by weathering and erosion. Bedrock forms the foundation for the layers of soil and sediment above it, which is super important for supporting entire ecosystems and shaping the landscape. Plus, the characteristics of bedrock can really affect how landscapes form, how groundwater moves, and even how soil develops. I live next to bedrock – a hill with trees and moss over it.
My life is built on a solid rock as Finland’s bedrock belongs to the old Precambrian (period 4,600 – 570 million years ago) in the bedrock area of Northern and Eastern Europe, or the Fennosarmatian bedrock craton, which is one of the oldest parts of the Eurasian continent.
Beaches and seaside are great places to enjoy the smooth surface of rocks, solid or not.
I love sitting at beaches, seaside watching the water hit the rocks and cliffs. Or piling them up. So meditative.
Stones, rocks are used in old castles this example is from Raasepori. The tunnel and walls of Suomenlinna fortress. Old Stone Church of Lammi is solid as a rock. As are the stone steps and walls from this old building.
I am ending this post same sentiment as Donna. He is as the song says, solid as a rock, is and has been for over 40 years.
Last week we learned so much froms Johns Before and After challenge. Next week I am hosting, hope I will be able to bring you something interesting enough to get your imagination flowing.
Until then, keep smiling ☺
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.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 