Monochrome Madness – Page 3 – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Monochrome Madness – clouds

This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Brian is hosting. He chose clouds for a theme.

I love clouds; there’s something so captivating about their ever-changing forms and colors. Mostly, I take photos of them over water or a field, as the reflections and open spaces amplify their beauty. Ever so many of my favorites come from moments spent on the road, where the sky seems to stretch infinitely above. I can spend hours gazing at the clouds while traveling by car, —sometimes they look like soft animals, at other times like in the last shot – people. I find joy and inspiration in the simple act of observing the sky.

In Finland many could associate this cloud to a band …Leningrad Cowboys have listen and look at the hairdos 🙂

for some reason I could not find my “best” on the road cloud shots so I went with these..

Monochrome Madness – frosted

Black and White photos, Flowers

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Madness – Pelicans

animals, Black and White photos

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

I converted the images to Black and white for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness, but I do prefer them in color.

Monochrome Madness – Day lily

Captures from Finland, Flowers

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Steps along the way

Black and White photos, Cities

“Every step you take is a step away from where you used to be.”

I did manage to find some steps for Monochrome Madness #18.

Capturing Rainy Lake Views in Monochrome

Captures from Finland, Photography

This is for Monochrome Madness, I did some conversions of my photos to Monochrome that I took on a rainy day by the lake in Nastola – Kumian Mylly. I usually find landscapes in color more impactful, with their vibrant hues invoking emotions and memories, but in monochrome, something different can be found within the images. The absence of color allows for a heightened focus on the textures and contrasts present, revealing more details that might otherwise go unnoticed when colors are distracting the attention. The interplay of light and shadow takes on new significance, drawing the viewer’s eye into the depths of the scene. I hope I was able to capture the essence of that rainy day in a way that stirs the imagination.

Click to see Leanne’s post is seen here.

Reflection in Monochrome

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

Monochrome madness

The Beauty of Eerie Monochrome Landscapes

Black and White photos, Photography

This week, my focus is on capturing the mood for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. The leafless trees, with their intricate branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, create an eerie and almost haunting atmosphere that resonates deeply with me. As I explored the landscape, I found a certain beauty in the starkness of the scene, where the absence of color allows the viewer to truly appreciate the shapes and forms around us. Hopefully, I have been able to transport that hauntingly beautiful mood into these three images, and the stillness and quiet that often accompany such desolate yet captivating settings.

For the header, I chose a striking red/brown as the monotone colors, as I found it brought totally different vibes to the image, creating a warm atmosphere that draws in. This color combination enhances the visual appeal. The deeper tones of red paired with the earthiness of brown create a balanced aesthetic that resonates differently transforming the overall essence of the piece.

historic Kwai River Bridge

Black and White photos, Photography

Kwai River Bridge in monochrome stands as a poignant symbol of history, capturing the essence of a time when the world was engulfed in conflict. This engineering marvel, with its timeless design and eerie beauty, offers a glimpse into the harrowing stories of those who labored to construct it under dire conditions. The stark contrast of black and white enhances the bridge’s formidable structure. Surrounded by the serene landscape of lush greenery, the bridge creates a striking juxtaposition between nature and the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. The monochrome palette not only adds a layer of nostalgia but also invites viewers to reflect on the past, eliciting a sense of melancholy intertwined with admiration for the resilience displayed throughout the years.

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Madness – Sibelius Hall

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Interiors

My last photos are from the concert Hall where the Orchestra played a part of Sibelius Karelia Suite.

Most of the photos in this series are in Monochrome, capturing the essence and mood of the scene in a timeless black and white aesthetic. As you scroll through the collection, you’ll notice that amidst the artistic monochrome compositions, there is a solitary color photo strategically placed. This serves as a captivating contrast, a glimpse of vivid reality in an otherwise grayscale narrative. The deliberate inclusion of this color photograph is a nod to the diverse and multi-faceted nature of the experience I’m sharing. Reflecting on the captivating imagery, I found that the music shots particularly stood out in Monochrome. There’s a grandeur and timelessness to them, evoking a sense of history and significance. Do you share this perspective?

Additionally, I’ve complemented the visual story with two brief yet impactful videos capturing the music in motion. These videos serve as an immersive extension, bringing the rhythmic melodies and vibrant energy to life, inviting you to experience the music in a new dimension. They can be found at the conclusion of this post, inviting you to immerse yourself further in the ambiance and emotion of the moment.

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness challenge.

The beginning

a moment from the middle.

I filmed these with my iPhone, and the last one with cinematic video mode

Monochrome Madness – on the beach

Black and White photos

Beach, seaside, and coastal areas , in general have always been one of my favorite places to be. There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of the sea, the rhythmic symphony of waves crashing against the shore, and the vastness of the ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. Walking barefoot on the soft, warm sand, feeling the grains beneath my feet, brings a sense of relaxation that is unparalleled. Whether it’s the gentle sea breeze, the mesmerizing colors of the sunset reflecting on the water, or the endless opportunities for exploration and discovery along the coastline, the beach is a place where I find true happiness.

It doesn’t matter if its a bit windy or cold, the seaside has its own lure whatever the weather.

Searching for beautiful seashells on the beach is a delightful pastime . Whether it’s the vibrant hues of a sun-bleached conch , each shell is a unique . As you wander along the shore, there is joy in spotting the intricate patterns the sea has sculpted into the sand, creating a fascinating canvas that changes with each tide.

Posted for Brian’s Monochrome Madness and Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Madness – flowers

Black and White photos, Flowers

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness flowers are beautiful, captivating in both their natural, colorful state and the elegant monochrome interpretations. As I have immersed myself in the process of searching for photos, I found myself drawn deeper into the intricate details and unique characteristics of various flowers. From vibrant roses to delicate lilies, each bloom tells a story of resilience and beauty. It’s truly fascinating how the monochrome concept brings forth a fresh perspective on these natural wonders, allowing us to appreciate their forms and textures in a new light. So, in keeping with this theme, I am continuing exploring and capturing the timeless allure of flowers through monochrome photography.

Monochrome Madness #14 – Shadows and Silhouettes

Black and White photos

Dawn hosts this week Monochrome Madness, I also linked to Leanne’s post. I am so proud of myself, I was able to limit my photos to four. As Leanne also pointed out in her post , I don’t really photograph shadows much, or if I have I can’t remember them.

sorry for the life of me I cannot remember where I took this and I am too lazy at the moment to do the research. ( update, Leanne kindly recognized the city as Melbourne. Thanks 🙂

Forsyth Park Savannah’s largest and most popular park. The City’s most famous fountain—installed in 1858 and modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris—crowns the northern edge of the park.

Monochrome Madness #13 – Trees

Black and White photos, Photography

This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Sarah at Travel With Me is hosting with the theme “Trees”.

Trees yes, here are some trees for you that have caught my attention. The first and the last one is from few nights ago…trees are a great choice for monochrome images.

I have shared this before, but I do like…So here it is again.

All images in the gallery can be enlarged with a click.

Monochrome madness – under the clouds

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland

The weather has been rather unpredictable over the past week, with a mix of rain, clouds, and sunshine. It’s one of the hallmarks of summer, especially in July, when the weather can fluctuate dramatically from one day to the next. This kind of variability keeps everyone on their toes, as you never quite know what to expect when you step outside.

For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.

Monochrome madness – roads

Black and White photos, Cities

Dawn is hosting and the theme is roads. I have taken several road shot, and i am sharing five with you. I am so proud of myself for been able to keep it in the limits I set for myself, I have a bad habit of sharing too many photos in each post.

I do like the quieter roads better, cities traffic is a given.

Road in Kirkkonummi taken on a rainy and foggy winter day

Misty morning on the road in Queensland

Traffic in San Francisco

Back street in Miami

Traffic in Brisbane

Monochrome Madness | crossroads

Black and White photos, Photography, Travel, Traveling US

I’m just posting this crossing from our trip to Charleston last year. Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Madness – flowers

Black and White photos, Photography

The Monochrome Madness challenge from 2014 holds a place in my memory. It was a wonderfully coordinated endeavor, involving the talents of Leanne and Laura. I recall that the images were sent by email and Leanne coordinated the post. That is a lot of work to do. Reflecting on the past, I recall participating in that engaging challenge, and it feels like it happened just yesterday.

Considering the present, as we embrace a non-theme week, I’m inspired to delve into my archives and unearth some of my black and white images captured during that same period in 2014. Following in the footsteps of Leanne, I’m focusing my lens on the enchanting subject of flowers. It’s fun to ponder how I’ve evolved and honed my skills as a photographer and editor since then. While there’s always room for growth, I can’t help but feel that I have improved a little bit since then

As always all photos can be enlarged by a click.

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome – clouds

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

Clouds are a timeless muse, offering a canvas of ever-changing patterns and colors to capture. Whether they serve as a stunning backdrop to a landscape or take center stage as the main subject, clouds bring a sense of dynamism and depth. There’s something truly captivating about the interplay of light and shadow within the billowing forms of clouds, particularly when the gentle rays of sunlight peek through, creating a mesmerizing contrast of brightness and darkness.

“Clouds in the sky very much resembles the thoughts in our minds! Both changes perpetually from one second to another!”

– Mehmet Murat ildan

Hope- slight change of light among the clouds

“There’s a bright spot in every dark cloud.”

“Behind the clouds is the sun still shining.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Monochrome Madness #1 – Beach

Black and White photos

Dreaming of beaches at the moment 🙂

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #1 The Letter B

Monochrome Madness Week – Log Sauna by the lake

Black and White photos

It’s …Monochrome Madness ~ Week 17, what a wonderful challenge and a wonderful group of people participating. I am enjoying different subjects and approaches, picking new ideas along the way. I do my new post right after the previous one so I won’t forget.

This is an old log sauna I saw a week ago, I find old building to look good in BW.