Lens-Artists Challenge #268 – Tell Us Why – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical Ann-Christine hosts the challenge this week. It brought focus to what really matters in life – magic moments. Rare – mostly. But they leave a lasting impression. I could post many of the previous challenge photos here too – unique and magical are so closely intertwined together .

Magical scent of spices at the market place in India

Magic has always captivated the human imagination. Whether portrayed as the ability to manipulate the elements, cast spells, or perform extraordinary feats, magic is often associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Magical traditions can be found in cultures around the world, each with their own unique beliefs and practices.

However, magic is not confined to the realm of fiction. In the real world, magic can also be seen as a metaphor for the wondrous and inexplicable. It represents the beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we sometimes struggle to comprehend. Whether it is a radiant sunset, a shimmering waterfall, or the birth of new life, these moments can often feel magical in their own right.

On a winter’s day the ray of light can seem magical.

Magic is a fascinating concept that holds different meanings and interpretations for each individual. It is shaped by our unique histories and life experiences, making it a subjective and personal phenomenon. What may seem like magic to one person might be commonplace for another.

The largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the magnificent and iconic blue whale, was previously hunted almost to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling activities and remains an endangered species today. The blue whales found in Sri Lankan waters, in the Northern Indian Ocean, are non-migratory and believed to be resident in these waters year-round

We were so lucky to see this magical sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet and having listened to the captains orders; the whale came to check out our boat. It swam around us and under our boat, so we were able to see it so close – It was impressive!

Our personal experiences contribute to our understanding of what is wondrous, extraordinary, or even inexplicable. For some, magic may be found in the intricate beauty of nature, while for others it might lie in the bonds of love and human connections.

The magic of Christmas for children

Ultimately, the notion of magic transcends any singular definition or explanation. It is a realm where imagination, wonder, and awe converge, offering a glimpse into the mysterious and extraordinary aspects of life that go beyond rational understanding.

I find magic mainly in nature, first flowers of spring, the new green, bird nests, summer colors, autumns tones and winters small details

Reading can open to the world to magical…. yes.

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Lens-Artists Challenge #268 – Tell Us Why

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Many thanks to Tina for this challenge.

She challenges us to choose up to a MAXIMUM OF TEN images which are your all-time favorites and tell us why you chose them.

I enjoyed looking through my archives to choose my favorite images. I have to say that I had really hard time picking the images. I had already a picked some images that I like to my blogs side banner. I noticed there are few that I chose here too. Some of my favorite shots .

Tina’s images for “Tell Us Why” are beautiful, check them out be inspired.

This image has the mood , an element that I enjoy catching. It is sea and clouds two topics that I love.

I took this on a supposed beach day in Florida, Del Ray Beach, that did not happen, instead I did get this

Again, I love the atmosphere in this night street shot, it was early October night, a bit of drizzle in the air as we walked in old town Nice, in France. I like the framing in this photo and the feeling of waiting that I sense in this photo.

Taken in Thailand in a temple in Phuket. This monk statue placed so that it looked at the mountains with well wishing bell hanging in front of it. Yes, Mood and I like how the photo is composed. If I would now edit it, I would remove the rope hanging that causes distraction.

Black and white still life from Verla It is a unique UNESCO World Heritage site that brings the turn of the 20th century to life. This is a detail from the THE MILL MUSEUM . I was given permit to take photos for a photograph exbibition that I had. This is one of my favorite shot of used cogwheels placed on the wall. The side window gave the shot beautiful light.

This is from Australia, taken from the twelve apostles. That coastline is so beautiful, I could have picked one of many shot I took there. I like the natural colors and the composition in this one, it is balanced and you can feel the cool wind.

I took this at the Helsinki Zoo as the brown bears were playing in the water. I le the movement and action in this animal photo. I like how the bears fits the frame and you can feel the energy they created in the moment.

This is from my home town of Kirkkonummi in Southern Finland. A road in afternoon light. The leading line of the gravel road and shadows from the low light gives it a mood and invite you to go t the light.

Composition and simplicity of the nature make this shot.

Well this one of my favorite shots of my husband, it fills the frame it is authentic in expression and you can see signs of life lived.

Sunset are lovely. spectacular color shows, but in my mind if you have something else also frame it is more interesting. This from Key West, Florida the sun setting and the pelican flying in front of a pier. The composition works and the silhouette’s of the background gives it depth.