I took these yesterday as I watched the snow melt on the hill behind my backyard. I was able to sit outside as our patio is such that the house safeguards us from the wind. Am I happy to see the green emerging- the moss is so bright.
For John’s Cellpic Sunday.
The remarkable influence of tonal suggestion and color memory is unmistakable. Even when a scene appears solely in shades of gray, our minds—shaped by years of experience—can easily “imagine” the recognizable colors we anticipate. We overlay our memories onto the image. This week, we are encouraged by Egídio to delve into this cognitive phenomenon, illustrating how the lack of color can often lead to a more profound and personal perception. This is the challenge we face this week: perceiving color within the confines of black and white.
It was rather hard to find images the we all associate with the same way. Sky, trees, water- even that is hard to precisely say, as there are so many shades.
These are my photos on this challenge; how did I perform? This one had me contemplating for some time as I tried to find suitable colors, I aimed to make sure that my suggestions were both easily identifiable within the given limitations.
It is clear that we all enjoy relaxing, and many of us name nature as one of its main factors, as replies for Anne’s Time to Relax challenge last week showed us. I hope you will participate this week in Egídio’s challenge, too. Please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people discover yours. Also, tag them to his original post.
Next week, Tina will feature a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here we are:
The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
A serene lake under swirling clouds,
Dramatic shades of gray and white,
Sky ever-shifting in reflection,
Where light and shadow play in hues,
With ripples stirred by a gentle breeze,
Moody tones as the sun blends hues.
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“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.”
Green fields of summer stretch endlessly, painted in vibrant shades of green under the dazzling blue skies. Birds chirp, their melodies harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves as the wind slowly blows through the tops of the trees, creating a soothing symphony of nature. While laying in the hammock, I feel a sense of peace enveloping me. The warmth of the sun kisses my skin, and I watch fluffy clouds drift lazily overhead, time seeming to stand still in this serene oasis. The sweet scent of wildflowers mingles with the fresh air, heightening the tranquility of this perfect day.
Waves crashing against a rocky shore, relaxing by the tranquility of nature, is one of the most enchanting experiences when visiting warm places by the ocean. The rhythmic sound of the surf, as it crashes and recedes, creates a soothing melody that caresses the ears and invites peaceful thoughts. As you breathe in the salty air, each breath seems to wash away the stresses of daily life, replacing them with a deep sense of calm. The warm sun, while seabirds glide gracefully overhead, adding to the idyllic scenery. This harmonious blend of sights and sounds encapsulates the essence of coastal bliss, making it an unforgettable moment that lingers long after the visit.
Art, in its many forms, serves as a profound source of relaxation for me. Photography, sculpture, and painting all offer unique avenues for creative expression that help me unwind . Engaging with these mediums brings a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to replicate elsewhere. I often find myself lost in the moment while capturing the world through my camera lens or molding a piece of clay into something beautiful. Listening to music also plays a crucial role in my relaxation ritual; the genre I choose often varies depending on my mood but regardless of the selection, the melodies wash over me and ease my mind. Singing along in the car is another delightful escape, letting me let loose and enjoy the freedom of expression. Furthermore, taking the time to look at and genuinely appreciate the artwork created by others adds another layer to this experience; observing their techniques and emotions often inspires my creativity and cultivates a greater appreciation for the artistic journey we all share.
That is me relaxing- shared some my personal ways.
Thank you, Anne, for this inspiring challenge! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re improving daily. If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out Anne’s amazing website. Don’t forget to tag Lens-Artists and link back to Anne’s original post so we can find your creations easily.
Last week, Ann-Christine shared her recent adventurous trip to Africa with us and encouraged us to recount our own stories. I loved the pictures and appreciated the experiences you described even more.
Next week is Egídio’s turn to lead us, Saturday 21st March. Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Posted for Anne’s Lens-Artists Challenge
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
As I have said, I have tons of images from our trip; now here is an overload that captures the essence of our incredible experiences. This is the addition to the LAPC /Your Journey 5-10 images, where you will find a small selection that highlights the beauty and adventure we encountered along the way.
Each gallery can be enlarged by a click, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant details and stunning scenery; I might even be bold enough to recommend it as a visual diary that tells our story, evoking the memories tied to each moment.
Our first stop was to look at the views at Kianga Beach on the southern coast of New South Wales, a tranquil 700-meter-long destination known, according to the South Coast Travel Guide, for its stunning views of the Tasman Sea and Montague Island. It is located near the town of Narooma.
Narooma (/nəruːmə/) is a town in the NSW on the far south coast. The town is on the Princes Highway, which crosses the Wagonga Inlet to North Narooma. We just drove through it. The name Narooma is said to be derived from a word in the local Aboriginal language (one of the Yuin dialects) meaning “clear blue waters”.We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops.
We were going to stop for a break in the charming town of Tilba Tilba, a hidden gem protected by National Heritage listing! I read that this delightful spot came alive during the gold rush back in the 1890s and 1900s, and you can still wander among its beautiful Victorian timber buildings. Nestled right at the foot of the majestic Gulaga (Mt Dromedary), it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring this spiritually rich land of the Yuin people. And to me, I loved spotting the cows and the sheep on the hills.
Have you ever heard of Wallaga Lake? It’s the largest lake in southern NSW, nestled beneath the stunning Gulaga Mountain. I was amazed by the peaceful atmosphere— The sunsets there? Absolutely breathtaking I heard, I wish I could have captured the magic around Beauty Point and Wallaga Lake Heights, we had time just to drive through it. Plus, I learned that this area is culturally significant for the Yuin-Monaro people, with Merriman’s Island being an Aboriginal Place where access is limited.
Bermagui, with its inviting Blue Pool, from our previous visit had stayed in our minds, so we decided to head there for a relaxing day. It’s truly a hidden gem along the Sapphire Coast, showcasing stunning opaline hues that blend from azure to turquoise, then blush, and finally to a cheerful canary yellow. After carefully making my way down the cliff, I arrived at the stunning 50-meter seawater swimming hole—interesting fact: it was enlarged to its present dimensions in 1937 by local philanthropist Bill Dickinson.
The snow is melting so fast at the moment, you almost feel the spring. One of the first signs of spring in my backyard is the rise of the snowdrops. So near, but not yet there.
Soon…and from the ground, a gentle hum
as vibrant snowdrops reach for the sky
in just a week, a wave of change will come
and white blooms where life begins to thrive
with people arriving, pursuing bold dreams
they say the seasons can’t dictate our path
but one glance at a snowdrop, and optimism awakens.
Participating in SixWordSaturday
During our visit in February 2025, we stayed two weeks with my cousin at Casey’s Beach. Casey’s Beach is a sheltered, 800-meter-long sandy beach located in Batehaven, near Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, ideal for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It extends south from Observation Point, a lookout point offering panoramic ocean views of the Tasman Sea and Snapper Island, often used for whale watching.
It was our base for the second part of our Australia trip. We are so grateful for the warm hospitality of my cousin and his husband for allowing us to stay there, as their generosity made us so welcome. Each evening, it was nice to go to sleep listening to the soothing sounds of the waves hit the shore, providing a calming soundtrack to our nights. In the morning, we would awaken to the beautiful, panoramic view that greeted us, a breathtaking sight to marvel at. I have always dreamt of living by the coast, now I got the taste of it. Enjoying freshly made coffee crafted by our thoughtful host while enjoying breakfast on the balcony became a cherished routine. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater. We appreciated the warmth of family and the wonders of Australia even more.
Here are some photos taken in the morning, day, dusk and sunset and blue hour after it. Night shots are missing 😂 Click on the gallery to enlarge the images.
I have posted several posts about the first half of our trip, I will add the links to them if you wish to have a look, they are in the order I posted them Sydney – Adelaide – South Australia – Victoria
Describing and illustrating trips packed with activities can feel like a monumental task—at least for me. It often seems like too much, and while I usually tend to overshare for the sake of my friends and readers, I’m now hit with a real challenge: Anne-Christine wants us to pull it off with just 5-10 pictures! Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images
My husband and I recently ( a year ago 😁, that is recently) took a trip to Australia, and let me tell you, editing all the photos has been quite the challenge! I didn’t write the texts; that was all him, but I’m having a hard time putting everything together, especially with the annoying hiccups from my hard drive issues. I had edited everything before but lost it all, so now I’m facing the daunting task of redoing it. Anyway, I just wanted to share a quick summary of part of our adventure. I definitely plan to post more pictures from our stops, because there was so much to see and experience at each location! Let’s get started, thanks for the text Mara!
This was going to be a day with nothing to do besides drive. The GPS said 750 km and 8 h 6 min from Bendigo to Caseys Beach in Bateman Bay. Start of the journey was full of twists and turns on narrow roads again, which actually made the drive more enjoyable than just staying on highways. The directions seemed to be always wrong, I felt like we going to Melbourne instead of the direction of Sydney. We managed to see plenty of small towns again with funny names. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the names, but if you are not used indigenous names and languages, they seem humorous sometimes. Even though I don’t even know if these following names are indigenous: Colbinabbin, Wanalta, Moora, Waranga. Anyway, they were next to impossible to remember afterwards. I had to look them up from a map. I remember driving through Murchinson and Violet Town, though. From Violet Town we turned to Hume Highway, and I could just turn the cruise control on and coast – boooring!
We spend 450 km on Hume Highway, and even though the drive was boring, the scenery never was. Just before turning from the highway, we stopped at Yass for lunch. Yass, finally something to eat! After Yass we were directed again to smaller roads to bypass Canberra. We passed Little Billabong, Tumblong, Gundagai, Jugiong, Molonglo, Murrumbateman and Durran Durra (weren’t they a famous band in the 80’s?), before hitting and passing historical Braidwood. Soon after Braidwood we began descending from Clyde Mountain towards the coast,
The descend was exciting. For a while, very steep and winding road surrounded by lush flora, eucalyptus trees and mist. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping to take pictures, but the going was sometimes so slow, that Ritva was able to take some photos from the car.
We finally arrived at Ritva’s cousins Heli’s and her husband house in Caseys Beach just before 7 pm. Heli is one of nine children of Family Saarikko that emigrated to Australia in 1969. Can you imagine immigrating to any country with nine children? Most of us can’t even imagine having nine children. And Finland is also pretty far from Australia. And none of them spoke hardly any English. But Australia was very inviting during that era, because the country needed more people. And 11 people at the same time must have been a jackpot to Australia. The father and quite a few of the seven boys ended up in lumber and building industries because they had some previous experience. Few of them ended up building the Parliament House in Canberra. But that is another story and I’m not the right person to tell it. Ritva’s family, with only three girls, emigrated at the same time but didn’t end up staying. The evening after a long day was spent correcting everything that is wrong with the world.
Day after we had it easy. I took a 1,5 h walk from Caseys Beach to town center, to Corrigan’s Beach, to observation point and back to the house. The observation point had been renovated since 2019. Now it had walkways, signs, murals on sidewalk and lookout decks. Nice! After the walk I had to do some shopping for necessities. First, I drove to drive-through bottle shop for beer and white wine, then to petrol station and finally to electronic store to buy an adapter for SD-card, so Ritva could transfer the photos to laptop. Also, some time was spent playing with Baxter the Dog. He is a Jack Russell.
On Thursday we took a little drive. Bermagui with its Blue Pool seemed tempting, so off we went. On the way we saw Narooma and Tilba Tilba but we decided to stop on the way back. The Blue Pool was still amazing with its combination of natural and man-made swimming pools. You get the picture, if you look at the pictures. I was lucky enough to video a sea lion cleaning itself between the rocks. Our lunch was grapes, chips and water at the Blue Pool. Catching some rays and taking it easy and people watching, of course. ( Click the gallery to see enlarged images)
Wallaga Lake was also on the way there, with white sands and birds
We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops. Tilba Tilba is a pretty old village that at present is meant for tourists. It has quaint little shops and cafes worth the visit, if you like that sort of thing. On the way over to Bermagui I had spotted the Bodalla Cheese Factory and I had a craving for ice cream. When we stepped in to the Factory, they told us that they just lost the power and naturally none of their machines was working and we couldn’t have ice cream. Bummer.
Last town before Batemans Bay was Mogo and no ice cream there either because everything was closed or closing. Mogo is a small touristy town. We didn’t want to disrupt our host’s normal schedule, so we ended up in observation point to see the sunset.
This was taken about a year ago, a rural landscape and farmhouse amidst lush greenery and distant hills in Mittagong, NSW, Australia. The scene was idyllic, under the cloudy sky. I did three edits and let the AI capture them; it was fun how it changed with each edit.This was fun, allowing me to explore various artistic interpretations and styles that breathed new life into the original image. Each version revealed a different aspect of the scenery, from subtle alterations in light and shadow to more pronounced changes in color saturation that transformed the overall mood of the photograph.
One-to-three Photo Processing Challenge hosted by The Squirrel Chase
Last one on the card – February 2026
This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday
This is a challenge to my heart; this is what photography is truly about. Thanks John for this theme. Your post helped me to find inspiration to mine. I, in advance, apologize for way too many photographs, as I understand that sometimes less is more. However, I can’t help but feel that each image tells a story worth sharing. Recently, I’ve been trying to limit them, focusing on quality over quantity, yet the temptation to document everything that stirs my compulsion to share proves to be an ongoing struggle.
Shadows in a photograph really bring things to life, don’t they? They add depth and dimension that can turn a basic shot into something pretty amazing. The way light plays with shadows is key to photography; it creates this cool contrast that totally grabs your attention.
One odd thing stood out when looking for photographs for this challenge: I noticed that most of my images are taken in portrait mode. I wonder why? I had never thought about this before. I really had to search for the ones in landscape composition. Another thing is that I tend to have my best shadowed shots in monochrome, so finding ones in color… I have spent way too much time composing this post; my butt is numb 😂
Shadows can really stir up feelings, set a vibe, and bring to life textures and shapes that you might miss otherwise. When you get a handle on how to play with lighting, you can really grab those little details in shadows, making your photos pop and your stories come alive. A shadow in just the right spot can lead to some fascinating interpretations, pulling viewers in to really connect with the image and what it’s all about. It’s this cool dance between light and shadow that creates contrast, which is key for highlighting the main parts of a shot.
Shadows can really tap into some deep themes like mystery or nostalgia, creating a special bond between us and the artwork. When photographers mess around with different angles and light intensities, it’s amazing to see how shadows can change the way their subjects look, adding some serious meaning and emotion to the story they’re telling. Playing with shadows not only shakes up the usual ideas of beauty but also invites us to reflect a bit more while we’re looking, making those captured moments stick with us long after we’ve moved on.
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As I stood there, I was drawn to the silhouetted child gazing at the shimmering water, a moment that spoke of the beauty of light and shadow. The sunlight danced across the surface, reflecting the gentle innocence in their expression, a delicate interplay I captured in my black and white photograph. Each click of the shutter echoed the wonder I felt, revealing a story in every shade.
If you wish to have a closer to look at enlarged images , click the gallery.
Last week, thanks to Patti for hosting. The challenge was juxtaposition – it was interesting and your responses were varied and imagery.
I hope you will join in for this week’s Shadowed challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to John’s original post
Make sure to return on Saturday, March 7, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from Ann-Christine at Leya – To See a World in a Grain of Sand…. I hope you’ll be there to join us! In the meantime, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset ❤️
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Leanne is our host this week, and she was inspired by one of the Lens-Artists Challenges from last year to come up with this theme. Specifically, it stemmed from challenge #367 – Everyone Should See This, which prompted her to consider what is nearby to one’s home. I chose to focus on WITHIN 10KMS FROM HOME. as requested. For those more familiar with miles, that equates to roughly 6 miles.
Living just 10 km away, we have a mix of landscapes around us, from farmland and sea to lively urban spots that make our surroundings interesting. This time, my photos might not be my best, but they show some fresh moments from my recent outings. Espoo, with its own unique vibe, is about 10 kilometers from home; this area is where I often get inspired by the sea, since I used to live close to it in Espoo. That’s what I really miss from my current place—being just a short walk from the seafront . It’s not that far away, though. I snapped these first two photos with my iPhone on Monday during a nice trip out to meet a friend for lunch at a café that has a great view of the waterfront, showcasing the beautiful mix of nature and city life.
About 10 km from home, I snapped this as I was heading back from the hairdresser. It’s in Espoo, where I’ve been going for over 20 years, even before we moved to our current place. Once you find a hairdresser who does a great job, it’s tough to switch things up. I’m sure the ladies would agree with me on that 😀. It’s in a busy area with a bunch of apartment buildings. Not the most creative shot, but I liked the leading lines, which is why I took it.
In the monochrome winter landscape, trees rise against a blanket of snow covering the field, showcasing the beauty of the season. I captured this moment yet again with my iPhone, approximately 5 kilometers from a quaint ski resort in Kirkkonummi.
Country roads very near our home. The day temperatures have been warmer so the main roads are free of snow.
Participating in One word Sunday Blue
I do not know my plants, if they are pretty that is mostly enough information for me. I googled this flower and flower enthusiasts may appreciate this.
The image displays the plant known as the common pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), also referred to as the Eastern pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens) in some contexts.
Key characteristics of the plant: Form: It is a perennial herb with a short, upright rootstock.
Height: The plant typically grows 5 to 25 cm tall.Flower: The flowers are radial to bell-shaped, purplish-blue, and 5.5–8.5 cm wide. They bloom early in spring, often in April or May, as one of the first perennials to flower.
Leaves: Basal leaves are stalked and develop after flowering. The stem leaves form a whorl below the flower.
Habitat: It grows in dry heathlands and is also a popular ornamental garden plant.
Status: In Finland, the species had disappeared from the wild but has reappeared in some locations. The Eastern pasque flower is a protect in Finland
These were photographed at the Botanical garden last spring.
What an Unusual Crop! No, I cannot do this; it’s too hard. No, it’s not. Give it a try, be bold, be creative. You can do it. Exceed yourself, like they say in the Olympics.
Cropping stands as one of the most potent yet frequently underutilized compositional elements in photography. This week, we encourage you to deliberately defy traditional framing conventions. Consider slicing off parts of your subject or positioning it at the far edge of your shot. You might even depict only a hint of an object or an intriguing shadow or reflection. Unconventional crop photography often employs tight, asymmetrical framing techniques—like truncating limbs, using extreme close-ups, or positioning subjects right at the frame’s border—to evoke mystery, abstraction, and artistic tension. Approaches include using a 1:1 aspect ratio to hone in on specific details, employing diagonal lines in your compositions, or leveraging negative space to highlight elements such as the intricate surface of a leaf.
In-Camera Versus Editing: Although many unique crops are achieved through post-processing, capturing these moments in-camera encourages more intentional and artistically satisfying results. When deploying these techniques, be mindful to avoid cropping at joints, as this can give the impression of amputation. Instead, aim for narrower points like mid-thigh or forearm for a flattering yet bold appearance.
Experiment with framing as a narrative device by illustrating the story of what’s absent; consider capturing a hand reaching into the frame or a smiling mouth peeking from the corner, or even a bicycle wheel without the bike itself. Crop closely for an intimate feel or employ an off-center approach for added intrigue. Think like a graphic designer—make your images striking, graphic, and unexpected.
Notable techniques for unconventional cropping involve:
Disrupting the Subject: Intentionally cutting through heads, hands, or limbs in portraits creates a dynamic composition rather than a conventional one.
Detail-Oriented Macro Shots: Extreme cropping can accentuate textures, lines, and shapes, transforming everyday objects into pieces of abstract art.
Overriding the “Rule of Thirds”: Position subjects at the frame’s extremes or allow them to extend beyond the edges entirely.
Utilizing Negative Space: Generating significant areas of emptiness can convey minimalism or create striking tension.
TIPS: Frame With Purpose: Make deliberate cuts through heads, hands, or objects; a bold crop can ignite curiosity. Strategic Use of Space: Marry tight framing with negative space to establish either tension or tranquility based on your subject matter.
Instill Mystery: Leave out enough to provoke viewers’ imaginations about what lies beyond the visible.
Emphasize Textures or Shapes: Get close to highlight features like contours, lines, or surfaces that might typically go unnoticed.
Imply Wholeness: Showcase just part of your subject, encouraging viewers to engage their imaginations.
Use the Frame Purposefully: Position your subject near the edge or let it extend beyond the frame to create dynamic imagery.
Disrupt Visual Norms: Surprise audiences by presenting familiar subjects in unusual manners—making them appear strange or abstract.
Consider the Crop During Shooting: Approach cropping not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of your initial composition strategy.
Last week, Beth introduced us to a theme that truly astonished us. The world brims with wonders, whether they’re grand or subtle, close by or distant, and this was vividly showcased in the photos we all shared.
I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to my post. And Happy Valentines day to you all! Hope you have a lovely day. ❤️💙💚💛🧡💜💞❣️
Make sure to return on Saturday, February 21, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from Patti at Pilotfishblog. I hope you’ll be there to join us! In the meantime, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset ❤️
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
We got a fresh coat of new light snow as the weather is continuing to be cold 🥶 but it looks really pretty in my backyard.
What have you seen or experienced that has astonished you? Beth from Wandering Dawgs asked.
Beth was inspired by these words by Mary Oliver from her poem “Sometimes” for this weeks challenge.
Pay attention
Be astonished
Tell about it”
I have been astonished many times in my lifetime by children, people, young and old, revealing layers of beauty and complexity in humanity. So often by nature, I find myself in awe of the vibrant colors of a sunset, the intricate patterns of leaves, and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. Each moment is a reminder of the wonder that surrounds us, and I cherish these experiences, life’s fleeting magic. The older I get more I appreciate the small wonders that surround me.
I lived in Las Vegas many years ago, and I was astonished by the nature of the desert, with its stunning, expansive views that stretched endlessly beneath a brilliant blue sky. The rock formations in the Valley of Fire, with their vibrant hues of red and orange, seemed almost otherworldly, as if a painter had splashed the landscape with bold colors. I was especially fascinated by how much life there is in the desert, from resilient cacti standing tall against the harsh conditions to small creatures that thrive despite the intense heat and dryness. Each visit revealed new wonders, as the desert’s beauty and complexity continued to surprise and captivate me, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of nature.
Enlarge the images in the collage by clicking them for a better view.
THose who follow me know; I am always impressed and taken by the power of water is truly astonishing; it manifests in various forms such as the vastness of the sea, the depth of the ocean, the swift flow of rivers, and the majestic splendor of waterfalls. Each of these elements have the relentless force and beauty of water, which can provide life and nourishment while also possessing the ability to create destruction. The gentle pitter-patter of rain, for instance, can refresh the earth and bring forth new growth, yet in larger quantities, it can lead to floods that reshape landscapes and communities. From the tranquil lakes reflecting the sky to the raging torrents of rivers carving through mountains, water is indeed a vital and powerful element of our world.
Mountains captivated me at every glance, their grandeur towering sharply against the skyline, with their immense presence enveloping them in a nurturing hug. The sunlit, snow-draped summits shimmer in the warmth, while the rugged ground narrates stories of age-old geological events. Surrounding forests flourish with vitality, their lush green shades strikingly set off by the stark whites and grays of the summits. The air is invigorating and clear, rich with the aroma of pine, the numerous pathways and hollows that weave through this stunning terrain.
I am going to stop here. I have added way too many photos, but that is due to the fact that nature always, constantly amazes me with its incredible beauty and diversity. From lush green forests to serene mountain ranges, deserts, there is an endless variety of landscapes to explore and appreciate. When we travel, we mostly look for natural sights to see that inspire awe and a sense of wonder. I love capturing nature, be it landscapes or close-ups, as each photograph tells a story and preserves a moment in time that can be cherished forever. Look and see – pay attention, and you will be astonished by the intricate details and the vibrant colors that surround us every day, reminding us of the magic that exists in the world.
Last week, Tina welcomed us with a theme centered around Shapes and Designs. The world is teeming with inspirational creations, many of which are derived from nature. Our designs, whether in architecture, fashion, or the everyday items we utilize, reflect this connection. This was clearly visible in the photos we all contributed.
I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Share us what astonishes you. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, February 14, at noon Eastern Time, when I will once again host; I know it’s Valentine’s Day, still, I hope you will join me then. Until then, let’s continue to explore, expand our knowledge and stay positive ❤️
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
I enjoy capturing the details of winter; these were not taken recently, but they have been recently edited. I love how I was able to find new, interesting, and beautiful aspects while doing this, and I am happy to continue sharing my winter finds.
Icicles, resembling the sharp teeth of the season, elegantly hang from branches and rugged rocks, forming a scene that is both picturesque and enchanting, ideal for photography. A blanket of sparkling white snow covers the ground, beneath the soft winter sunlight, while a partially frozen stream winds gently through the landscape. It was quite chilly. The icy stones along the banks provide an artistic element to the surroundings, reflecting the glimmering light as the water flows softly over them. The fragile beauty of frozen grass, embellished with countless shimmering icicles, amplifies the wintry allure, instilling a sense of peace and awe. This breathtaking landscape captures the essence of winter’s beauty; it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the serene, cold elegance crafted by nature.
I added a gallery of the same images if you wish to look at them enlarged.
I have not ventured out much in January; too cold for my taste. Despite the biting chill, I’ve admired the beauty of the season from the warmth of my home. I should have gone out at least in the past few days, as the sunshine has made the white wintry landscape look shimmering and beautiful. However, it remains way too cold—-18°C at the moment, not my kind of weather. The frosty air keeps me indoors. So my last on my phone is a shot I took through my window at the frost, I would not have normally shared this, but it is the last on my mobile, and it shows a bit of the weather. Last on the card
The same excuse goes for this shot taken with my camera. Our grandson came over and obviously, I had to take photos of him. They grow up so fast, and they are so precious at this age.
In the coming days, the frost will remain intense in the southern parts of the country. Overnight, temperatures of -25 degrees are common in the interior, while the coast is slightly milder. During the day, temperatures will rise to around 15–18 degrees below zero. The high pressure over Northern Europe keeps the weather mostly dry, with widespread sunshine over the weekend. However, there is still some uncertainty in the cloudiness forecast. In Lapland, cloud cover will increase and the weather will milden on Sunday. The Meteorological Institute warns of severe frost in the southern, eastern, and northern parts of the country.
That was our forecast for the weekend. At the same time, I read news about the hot weather in Australia and that there has been snow in Florida, which makes me think of climate change.
Today, the temperature sits at -9°C, with snow gently drifting down throughout the day. The sky appears overcast, a soft white hue. It’s a chilly winter day, and I feel content being indoors, wearing my woolen socks and reminiscing over photographs from past trips. Remembering the blue skies and warmer weather. These are taken years ago, my nephew took me to the waterfront in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada for a visit. I loved the snow-covered mountains, standing majestic against the dark blue sea.
A view of a couple on a wooden pier, side by side, also memorizing the stunning landscape around them, with snow-capped mountains towering majestically in the background, their peaks adorned with fluffy clouds that seem to hover gently, casting a soft shadow over the tranquil water below. The air is crisp and refreshing, while the gentle lapping of waves against the wooden structure adds to the peaceful ambiance that enhances the breathtaking scenery, making it an idyllic moment. That’s what I recall, and hopefully, that is the essence of what this photograph captures.
I often end up taking photos of the seagulls when I am by a pier; this time, they were perched on a worn wooden pier, gracefully overlooking the serene blue waters and the distant mountains. Their calls carried across the waves, adding a sense of liveliness to the calm surroundings, while I captured the beauty of the moment through my lens, trying to freeze it all in time. The landscape was a perfect blend of tranquility and vibrancy, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Click the gallery to enlarge the images.
The image features a fish market building located on the waterfront in Sidney,
The stunning beauty of winter, featuring icicles and frozen plants that perfectly frame a flowing stream. This picture captures all the cool details of the season, showing off the calm yet eye-catching sights that winter landscapes bring. The mix of cold elements and running water gives a fresh take on nature in this chilly time of year, making you appreciate the delicate balance and beauty found in winter’s embrace. I hope the vibe of winter’s charm in nature comes across.
Participating in Macro Monday.
Winter and cold weather make for a nice backdrop for the old red mill in Immilä, Finland
I uncovered some historical insights, and here they are in a nutshell. The Immilä rapids have been the site of grain milling since the Middle Ages, with the earliest written record of mills dating back to 1548. The first sawmill emerged in the 1760s, by which point a settlement and an inn had already established themselves on the hill. As the 19th century unfolded, the population grew, and Immilä transformed into a vibrant village of craftsmen and millers. Following World War II, three mills were operational in the Immilä rapids; alongside two sawmills, there was also a power plant equipped with auxiliary machinery, including a bark planer. The final mill to close its doors was the Immilä district sawmill in May 1969. Of all the mill buildings, only the one erected in 1901 in the Immilä district remains today.
Monday Window: 26 January 2026
In my monochrome photographs, I strive to capture the essence of icy water tumbling over rocks during winter. There’s a certain vibrancy in the flow of the partially frozen water that contrasts beautifully with the serene stillness of the surrounding landscape. This juxtaposition between the rushing water and the frigid scene creates a captivating portrayal of nature’s elegance in the chilly air, allowing me to highlight the delicate features of both the water and its environment.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 