A Glimpse of sunlit hallway

Just this one image, hope it creates a warm, comfy, and inviting mood to brighten up your day, filling you with positivity and joy. As you take a moment to absorb its mood, allow it to envelop you in a sense of tranquility and bliss, reminding you of the simple pleasures in life that bring warmth to your soul. Too much 😀 ?

A sunlit hallway showcasing elegant doors and a chandelier, inviting you into the upstairs of Villa Rullud

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Art’s Profound Impact on the Soul

A woman with a contemplative pose.

Six-Word Saturday:

Lens – Artists Challenge #319 – Setting a Mood

Thanks for this challenge Ann-Christine, I am so into this style of photography.

She wrote in her post: Atmospheric is the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation. It might be the mood of the mist, the collusion of clouds, or just a stunning structure. Ambience is another word for atmosphere in the sense of the mood a place or setting has.

Ominous sky in Oulu

I think that is what I can bring to the photo as a photographer: mood. There are so many wonderful places that I might never travel to, so making some everyday place interesting by capturing a mood to the scene is what I can bring to the table. I believe that every location holds a unique story waiting to be told, and as a photographer, it is my job to unveil that narrative. By paying close attention to the subtle details and the interplay of light and shadow, I can evoke emotions that resonate with me and hopefully with the viewer.

PInk and purple Sunset

I think weather and season is a great mood setter; whether it’s the soft glow of golden hour sun or the dramatic contrast of stormy skies, every atmospheric condition brings its own character to a photograph. I just need to capture it and show it how I saw it, allowing others to step into that moment and feel the same connection I felt behind the lens. This ability to encapsulate fleeting emotions and environments is, I believe, what transforms a simple image into an impactful work of art.


Summer mood captured


Light house in Oulu set against the dark sky

Shadows and lighting sets a mood in street photography and in interior shots, playing with light you can transform the photo into a visual narrative.

The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the scene. In street photography, the dramatic contrasts can highlight the energy and life of urban environments, while in interior shots, soft lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. By experimenting with different angles and intensities of light, you can discover unique perspectives that enhance the images.



These interior shots are from the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral


Street Photography can give you lots of opportunities for catching a mood


I want to thank Patti for making us see beauty everywhere – and somehow I feel this Ann-Christine’s challenge is a natural way to follow up to it. Next week Sofia is presenting the next challenge, be sure to check it out and join us.

Monochrome Madness – on the beach

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.

Clouds over the ocean on a cloudy day

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

Fencing at the beach

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

surfer’s

Lens-Artists Challenge #297: Music to My Eyes

Egídio has a topic this week Music to My Eyes, my first thought was panic. Music, love it, inspired by it, absolutely. Do I remember what and when inspired me…not really, not so clearly.

He wrote; Do you use music as inspiration? YES A song’s mood or lyrics can spark ideas for a photoshoot’s theme or location. I AGREE Sometimes, it happens before you capture the image, and sometimes after. ABSOLUTELY Thus, this is my twist (pardon the pun) for this week’s lens-artists challenge. What is music to your eyes? CHECK BELOW

My music taste has changed over the years. It has evolved that is a fact. I am really drawn to artists like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. That style of music is so stylish – emotional, full of timeless classics and soulful tunes that resonate with me on a deep emotional level, takes me on a nostalgic journey, evoking powerful emotions and painting vivid pictures in my mind.

Well, a song shot is Stormy Weather by Etta James

I love the sea the power, the moodiness and strength of it. This is a song that always gets a strong reaction from me – I tear up nearly every time. I have shared this before in my Saturday Classic posts, but here I go again. Myrskyluodon Maija by composed by Lasse Mårtenson. I encourage you to listen to this even if you do not listen to any other song here.

I grew up in the disco era, but it is not in no way my favorite style of music, it has few really great hits and I just saw an document of the beginning of disco and the death of it as it became commercialized. How about some Post-disco funk celebration by Kool & the Gang after all that stormy weather.

I listen often from all era’s and from many genre’s. Each musical style carries its own unique essence and can evoke such a range of emotions. Country music has a profound way of storytelling, capturing life’s experiences through its heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Alternative music, on the other hand, offers a diverse landscape of sounds and themes, constantly pushing boundaries and defying conventions. I could list many singers that inspire me and are meaningful to me, but then I would not have room for photos and that is what we are looking for.

I have many singers who inspire and hold special meaning for me. The impact of music on our lives is immeasurable, and the artists who create it often become an integral part of our own personal narratives.

Speaking of photos, they have a unique power to capture and encapsulate memories, just like music does. Combining the visual and auditory arts can create a truly immersive experience, allowing us to relive moments and emotions in a tangible way.

Sunsets often bring up vivid association with songs, John Hiatt was a singer I listened to at one point of time. Lipstick sunset often comes to mind when I see pink sunsets.

Lipsticks sunset

Or you could sail away with me by David Gray

Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts was playing in the back of my mind when I went through what photos I could post for this challenge.

I listened to this song and this is what I was able to create Near Light an instrumental Ambient Music piece by Ólafur Arnalds. I tried to match the captivating image that rose to my mind. I tried to evoke a sense of mystery and contemplation. The smoky, abstract background combined with the central figure I hope creates an atmosphere that feels both ethereal and introspective.

Once again, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who dedicated your time and energy to participate in my abstract challenge. Your contributions have truly enriched the experience, providing me with a wealth of ideas and inspiration. It’s truly fascinating to consider the diverse perspectives through which we perceive things: the unique lenses through which we view the world. Despite these differences, it’s amazing to recognize the common threads that bind us – the way that certain elements and experiences can ignite a spark of creativity and passion within us all.

Next week is Tina’s turn to host. Please visit her site Saturday 4th May for more information on the challenge I am sure she will once agains surprise us with something inspirational.

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.

Weather

I have been uninspired and slightly depressed ( I just had a birthday) about growing old, a small age crisis 🙂 plus for some reason I actually ache real physically. So much joy in getting old. So I have been absent from the blog world mostly. I will weather this, I am totally working on it. As a positive person I do not dwell on these for long.

I took these some days back when we had some rainy days. They someway reflect my mood…. I see a small light ahead, and it is getting brighter. A minimalistic take on the weather

Rainy highway
getting… slightly brighter 🔆

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #248—mood

This week Sofia challenges us to explore mood in photography. 

What is mood?

A mental or emotional state, composure.

A verb form that depends on how its containing clause relates to the speaker’s or writer’s wish, intent, or assertion about reality. A sullen mental state; a bad mood. A disposition to do something. A prevalent atmosphere or feeling.

What does moody mean in photography?

A moody photo is one where the light and composition combine with the subject to create an image that generates an emotional response from the viewer. My dictionary says: Giving an impression of melancholy or mystery. An interesting definition – melancholy and mystery are powerful, emotional words.

Lighting your subject from the front creates a less directional look than lighting from the side or the back, and the latter two are better suited to a dark and moody style. If you’re shooting outdoors, the dim light of late evening into dusk is excellent for a dark and moody look.

Morning light hitting the fisherman’s net

Light and airy photos are bright, light, and generally feature soft, pastel-colored subjects. By contrast, “dark and moody” photos are just that: lots of dark areas, images with deep shadows, rich colors, and lots of drama.

Creating mood and atmosphere in your photography helps the viewer to connect with your images. Depending on the mood you create, it can make bring out certain emotions or memories in the viewer. It can also make your photo more tactile and realistic.

Remember that you can add emotions to your photographs by carefully choosing the color palette. A darker, colder color palette may convey fear or sadness. A brighter, warmer color palette may communicate joy, or melancholy. Add atmosphere and color to your subject matter, and you’ll see the difference.

mood also comes from the expression, not only color palette, or contrast play

Black and white photography is a great way to create moody photos, this time I chose mainly color to show the difference it creates in the mood . Well if you have followed me for a long time you know I really like portraits in B&W, in these sets I have couple in both ways, pointing it out in case you didn’t notice. They have a slightly different mood. In the last post I said I like to shoot with side light… well now I know why, mood. I always try to add mood to the equation. Hope you enjoyed the visit.

I invite you to join us this week for Sofia’s Mood challenge. 

 lens-artist tag

taking a Selfie

I am posting this for no other reason than I like this, I might have posted this before in color. This shot says so much about our culture nowadays. Post yourself in all photos, all in glamorous or nice places. I do not do that many selfies, but I do also like to look my best in them.

I also played with the light and contrast in this, how it sets the mood of the photo. I prefer the darker image myself

How to survive November 2020-17

Art By Ritva

Today was a lazy day, I started this and did not finish. I ended up trying to come up with a Xmas Card Idea, yes, I still send actual cards. I also edited one photo of my grandson for today. I love the mood and the light in this photo even if I say so myself. I also did some digital art, this was one of them, you can see it below.

If you wish to participate in this survival of the darkest month challenge, use this link to add your post to it. PARALLEL LINES

Art By Ritva

Flowers

I am on an editing frenzy, trying to apply all the new skills I have required during the isolation period. I took these shots after a rainy moment. These are all rather dark, I am trying to capture the evening mood to them. How did I do? Too much?

June – the light

I love how the light touches the waves of different shades of blues, making the glitter brightly under the dark intense clouds above.sky & sea (1 of 1)-3

Crossing the bridge

experimenting with different techniques this is a reflection photo – rotated around…
on the road (1 of 1)-8