library – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #351 – Books

It is often said that a great book has the power to resonate with the human spirit, transport us to new realms, ignite our imagination, and shift our viewpoints in an instant… but are we discussing literature or photography here?! For Challenge 351, I invite you to embrace your inner book lover and share your most creative photographic interpretation of anything related to books. What significance do books hold for you? Can you inventively capture an image of one of the most timeless themes in existence?

I saw this elderly man engrossed in reading a book while seated on a bench, capturing the joy of reading in a serene setting.

I am looking for photos of books, any kind of books that inspire a love for reading. This could include someone deeply engaged in the act of reading a book, perhaps captured in a cozy nook, lost in a world of imagination. A shot of your favorite bookstore, with its enchanting display of titles and welcoming atmosphere, would also be wonderful to see. Alternatively, simply showcasing a book, whether it’s an old cherished classic or a trendy new release, can evoke a strong connection to the written word. I am not looking for book reviews, as they present another challenge altogether, but rather visual representations that highlight the beauty and allure of books, reflecting the passion of those who are truly bookworms amongst us.

An open book with glasses resting on it, symbolizing a love for reading?

It can be older books, these books were in the Library of Hvitträsk’s Museum

These newer books can be found in my own bookshelves. No rhyme or reason for the books in this shelve.

The Bookshelf is from our Library Fyyri in Kirkkonummi, a beautiful, modern architecture and welcoming atmosphere, where community members gather to enjoy books, attend events, and connect with one another. Meanwhile, the three men reading are in Oodi, the innovative central library in Helsinki, which serves as a vibrant hub for culture and creativity.

An open bible and a decorative bookmark, in Amalfi Church

A detailed page from a historical ledger, showcasing handwritten notes and financial records, I hope to create a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.

I took these photos of a book about Vintage bags, it is a gift from a friend of mine – I do love handbags 🙂

In conclusion, zooming this way was fun and, to many of us, a new experience. Anne’s challenge last week was an excellent reminder of the joy of experiencing and learning something new. Her post was, as always, a source of inspiration with amazing photos. I hope you have fun joining us again this week. Remember to tag Lens-Artists; also, please link back to my original post.

Next week is Sofia’s turn to host, Saturday 7^th June. Until then keep on smiling ☺

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

Let me end this post with book of vintage sheet music . “While strolling through the park one day, in the merry merry month of May….

Books are good for you

Captures from Finland, Interiors, Photography

Library

Becky’s Geometric Squares # 24

Reflective Library windows

Captures from Finland, Cities

You need to get some looks for Christmas – what better place to get them from but a library, where creativity and inspiration abound? These windows, showcasing the elegant architecture and modern design, are from Oodi Library in Helsinki. As you stroll through the space, you’ll find a plethora of stunning styles and ideas.

Monday Window 23 December 2024

Street photography – I walk alone

Captures from Finland, street photography

The night is cold and dark
A light drizzle was falling
I walk alone
With no one else to meet

Oodi is my destination
The light is my guide
I hope to find some inspiration
Or at least a place to hide

The Library welcoming light in the night

Street photography – silhouettes

Photography, street photography

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

In Helsinki library-the softness of the window gives the people on the move great contrast the silhouettes look crisp. The back-lit light made this shot for me.

Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.

Street photography – waiting

Photography, street photography

I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.

In Helsinki library- I saw this man waiting – alone for company and I liked how he had placed his hand on his chest. The back-lit light made this shot for me.

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

Mid-week Monochrome #127

Black and White photos, People

I have a soft spot for black and white photography, it is expressive and minimalist in and very mood enhancing.

Not finding the book you want? I had just done my civil duty at the library, voted. I sat waiting for my husband to lend some books.

I liked the line of the windows and the shelves making a leading line. So I set the camera -phone to the floor level and took this photo of three people, they seemed to be nicely situated in also in this lowpoint photo. I also got a shot of the person sitting by the desk reading.

“The eye is always caught by light, but shadows have more to say.” ~ Gregory Maguire

“There is strong shadow where there is much light.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“There’s something strange and powerful about black-and-white imagery.”

Compare to edit, color versus black and white version. But I also with the shadows.

Posted for Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome

52 Frames: Week 19: Architecture !

Black and White photos, Cities

We’re shooting Architecture this week. Go out to places and shoot structures that we might not pay enough attention to – the sleek glass façade of a modern skyscraper, or maybe something with an art-deco frontage from decades earlier. Architecture isn’t all about the outsides alone, there are many places with magnificent interiors from churches and temples to a modern airport lounge.

Old medieval church and new built modern Library in Kirkkonummi, Finland

The church and Fyyri library (2020) were reconciled with the help of building materials and so that the reading room and café opened towards the church. A large glass wall visually connects the church into the library.
Kirkkonummi’s medieval stone church is located in the center of Kirkkonummi. The exact time of construction is unknown, but work apparently began in the 15th century. Kirkkonummi Church is named after St. Michael the Archangel.

Originally, the Church was small. In addition to stone, brick was used as the material. In the 18th century, the church began to expand, and in the mid-19th century it was transformed into its present form as a cruciform church. The church bell tower was built in 1824.

It’s not just all about shots of buildings either – things like bridges and underpasses, tall radio masts, dams, windmills can all be amazing subjects. There’s also a lot of character in structures that are old or run-down: wabi-sabi is a concept that explores beauty in the imperfect and that ties in very well with many different kinds of structures.

Find an archway or opening you can use to frame a shot. Or use the architecture to create leading lines, symmetry, and repetition of shapes. Take your time, scope out your composition – maybe walk around a bit, looking for a nice perspective and shooting angles that work. A little bit of thought will make for some compelling and creative architecture images.

Texting and conversations

Black and White photos, Interiors, People

Texting is very loose in its structure. No one thinks about capital letters or punctuation when one texts, but then again, do you think about those things when you talk?

“Producing a photographic document involves preparation in excess. There is first the examination of the idea of the project. Then the visits to the scene, the casual conversations, and – talking, and listening, and looking, looking. … And finally, the pictures themselves, each one planned, talked, taken and examined in terms of the whole.”

How to Survive November 2020 – 2

Photography

I decided today go out, we have a new library here in Kirkkonummi. I have to say, I was impressed. It was bright, modern with lots of seating areas here and there.

There are so many pictures here from the library that I am going to leave out the old edited photo. This is more than enough content to this post. All and all it is a nice library from the inside, and the copper siding will in turn green eventually.