If you’re not in the mood for self pity, skip the text and enjoy the photo 😌
I had one of the worst nights in a long time. My sleep was in shambles, I couldn’t get a comfortable position in my bed, my feet were cold… from within, I was in and out of sleep. Yes I am whining about it… sorry for that. But on a a positive note, I am doing my best so I don’t fall asleep by sitting in my garden/ backyard enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the rhododendrons.
Continue reading “Tired”Have you ever looked at a photograph or piece of art and wondered what its focal point is? This week, Patti invites us to focus on what draws our attention in an image. She shares five effective techniques to help direct your viewer’s gaze to the focal point, highlighting the artistic decisions that influenced your capture of that moment. By grasping these methods, you can enrich the storytelling of your visuals and provide a more captivating experience for your audience.
Deep Depth of Field (High f-stops like f/11): When you set your camera to a high f-stop like f/11, you can keep everything in focus—from the blades of grass right in front of you to the mountains way off in the distance. It creates this beautiful, detailed scene that’s perfect for landscapes! With this technique, you can capture the fine textures of what’s close while also showing off the stunning views far away. It’s a great way to get that amazing clarity across everything in your shot, making it just right for those scenic moments where both near and far elements tell a complete story. Plus, it helps to highlight how different layers in your image interact, guiding the viewer’s eye through the gorgeous landscape and giving that feeling of depth and immersion.
Here are images captured at the German War Cemetery in Maleme, showcasing the effective use of leading lines and negative space. The photographs emphasize the importance of varying perspectives by getting closer to the subjects and exploring different angles. This approach not only enhances the visual storytelling but also invites us to reflect on the solemnity and significance of the memorial site. It’s a journey of discovering diverse methods to portray the emotions and narratives contained within the landscape.
In this photo, I’ve placed the horizon roughly along the bottom third of the frame and the biggest and closest trees along the line to the right. The photo wouldn’t have the same impact if the larger trees had been placed in the center of the frame.
Selective Focus is one of the reasons I love macro photography. It let’s me concentrate on one place and find miracles close to home from the nature around me. and it is a great opportunity to Simplify Your Background with the Shallow Depth of Field (Low f-stops like f/1.8): The subject is crystal clear, but the background is beautifully blurred. Perfect for portraits and close-ups. Also the when you use the lines on your camera you can easily use one of the most used composition rules. The Rule of Thirds in your Subject Placement. The idea is to place the important element(s) of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect. We have a natural tendency to want to place the main subject in the middle. Placing it off-center using the rule of thirds will more often than not lead to a more attractive composition.
Where you decide to focus in a photo can really change the whole vibe and atmosphere. Just the other weekend, I snapped some shots of these beautiful lupins blooming by the roadside. It’s pretty neat because even though I used an aperture of f5.6 for all of them, the way I shifted the focus altered the composition and how the flowers looked. It’s so interesting to see how switching up focal points can completely transform the feel of a shot, right? When you’re out there taking pictures, experimenting with focus can add a whole new layer of depth and emotion to your images.
Simplify Your Background, think about where you focus and gradually move closer, that is something I have been doing for years. These daisies are taken few years ago.
Returning to the basics of composition has me thinking! The next time I take my camera out, I’m excited to play around with some selective focus techniques—I really believe they can elevate the storytelling in photography in some intriguing ways. Huge thanks to you, Patti, for igniting this spark! I’m definitely going to keep this inspiration in mind as we head North to Finland and Norway next week. When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Just last week, Tina encouraged us to explore the Rule of Three, and it was awesome to see how much everyone enjoyed crafting their posts, really showing off your strong grasp of composition in photography!
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly
Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.
At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.
The mid-summer sun beat down warmly over the small dirt roads as Leo and Olivia ran toward the edge of the woods, their excitement palpable in the golden rays of the sun. They were neighbors who shared the same summer place, but only for the short, intense duration of the summer holidays, which made their fleeting time together all the more precious.
Once autumn arrived and school started, daily routines and different hobbies would pull them into their own separate worlds, like two stars drifting apart in the vast sky. That was why every warm June day had to be treasured, for it held the promise of adventure and the magic of unbreakable bonds. They ventured along a narrow, sunlit path in a lush forest, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered the delights of summer friendship—moments filled with innocent secrets, whispered dreams, and shared aspirations. The sounds of the people quickly faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of pines and nature’s own calming silence, a serene orchestra that accompanied their journey.
Olivia walked ahead, her long hair swaying like golden waves, carrying her old fabric-clothed doll, whose sewn smile seemed almost to share in their joy. In her imagination, the ordinary forest transformed instantly into an uncharted jungle where they were brave explorers searching for lost temples and hidden treasures, her adventurous spirit breathing life into the woods around them.
Leo, on the other hand, was in no hurry, delighting in the small wonders that nature offered. He moved more slowly, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, utterly captivated by the artistry of the forest floor. He was kneeling in curiosity, marveling at the tiny wonders of the woodland floor, each leaf and pebble telling its own story. Leo pointed his finger at the bright green moss growing on the side of a fallen birch trunk and a shiny sugar ant climbing across it, diligently carrying crumbs to its hidden home. To him, the real world and its tiny details were just as big an adventure as Olivia’s elaborate stories.
“If we come back tomorrow,” Leo said, his eyes still scanning the brush, “we need to bring a jar. A big glass one. I saw a beetle back there that looked like it was made of green metal.”
Olivia turned around, cradling her doll securely against her shoulder. “A jar? No way, Leo. Explorers don’t lock things in glass. We need to build a proper base camp first. Did you see that massive oak tree near the bend? The roots make a perfect secret cave.”
“Caves are damp,” Leo countered, though a grin tugged at his mouth. “And what if it rains tomorrow?”
“Then the leaves will block it! Plus, my doll needs a safe place to stay while we hunt for the lost temple ruins,” she insisted, gesturing toward the thicker part of the woods ahead. “We can gather those large pine branches to make a roof.”
Leo thought about it for a second, looking back down at the mossy ground. “Okay, fine. We build the camp first. But only if we can make a tiny moss bed inside it for the beetles to visit.”
The vibrant green foliage enveloped them, with tall trees standing like guardians and cheerful shrubs dancing in the gentle breeze, as warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows around us, like fleeting moments captured in time. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, enhancing their joyful atmosphere, as butterflies flitted by, their delicate wings a kaleidoscope of colors. In that peaceful oasis, unforgettable memories were made, capturing a beautiful moment of exploration and wonder that forever bound their hearts in innocent joy. As the evening began to cool and it was time to head home for dinner, they both knew without words that this day would leave a mark lasting through the coming winter, all the way until the next summer—a beautiful reminder of fun and companionship.
Summer flowers that keep up showing every year, this is so pretty and useful too. Water avens has these big, drooping reddish-brown flowers that really catch your eye and make it easy to recognize. It’s got a bunch of local Finnish names, showing how long it’s been part of Finnish life. If you’ve ever noticed honey bees and bumblebees buzzing around it, that’s where its name comes from! Interestingly, wasps also come by, but they don’t help with pollination.
If you are looking at these on a computer, click the gallery to have a better look.
This plant is native to almost all of Finland, except for the fell Lapland areas, and you’ll mostly find it in the southern parts of the country, from the Bay of Bothnia all the way south. In the wild, water avens thrives in all sorts of damp and rich spots like hedgerows by the shore, streambanks, springs, and particularly in the lush swamps of the north. It’s also quite happy in human-made areas, often seen thriving along the sides of ditches. One fun fact is that its achenes have these hooked tips and stiff hairs that let them latch onto people and animals, helping it spread even more!
Every year, I notice the same things in my yard: how different plants pop up, showcasing vibrant colors and unique textures. I end up taking photos, even though I have so many already in my archive. It’s a delightful ritual, as I love capturing the changing seasons and the various stages of growth; each snapshot reflects nature’s resilience and beauty. But that’s how it usually works: every bloom is a fleeting moment that deserves to be immortalized. Now, I have edited some of my old images to highlight the intricate details that my eyes may have overlooked previously, breathing new life into them and allowing me to appreciate the wild plants in my yard in a fresh light.
The picture shows a cool shoot of Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), which people in Finland call metsäkorte.
A close-up of a horsetail plant featuring its segmented, cone-like spore-producing structure against a soft green background.
This plant is like a “living fossil” since it spreads by spores rather than seeds. You can spot Wood Horsetail by a few notable features: Branching: It has delicate green branches that form a whorl, unlike the upright Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Cone (Strobilus): At the top, there’s a structure resembling a pinecone, which holds the spore sacs. Growth Habit: It starts off tan and without leaves, but the shoots eventually turn green and sprout feathery branches. Sheaths: The stem is adorned with reddish-brown leaf sheaths that are fused into lobes. You’ll often find Wood Horsetail in moist areas such as peaty soils, damp woods, and marshes.
A close-up of a horsetail plants
A close-up of horsetail plant with a single water droplet resting on its leaves against a blurred natural background.
I have no last words for this post, other than have a great weekend, and I truly hope it is a sunny one. Embrace the little things constantly changing weather and the surprises it brings.
When the weather is fine you can enjoy the sunshine and…
The yellow dandelion fields they have turned white since our last visit, I reckon it looks pretty nice like this too.
Have a happy Thursday🙂 I am enjoying it in the hammock
Here are my photos for Last on the Card for May 2026 hosted by Bushboys World
I took this a close-up of a spruce tree branch with fresh, light green new growth at the tips of the needles with my Sony 7III . I wanted the focus to be sharp on the vibrant, young shoots, while the background is blurred with various shades of green and soft light bokeh, creating a dreamy and tranquil atmosphere. The composition highlights the contrast between the fresh spring growth and the more mature, darker green needles, evoking a sense of renewal and natural beauty. The mood is peaceful and refreshing, typical of a serene forest scene in springtime. I shoot in RAW so slight editing has been done.
I snapped a quick photo of this decorative bike that totally represents the Netherlands—there are bikes everywhere there! It was taken at my friend’s place. The shot features a close-up of a cute blue miniature bicycle resting on a wooden surface. It has some really neat details like a saddle, handlebars, pedals, and wheels with silver spokes, plus there’s a tiny wooden crate on it filled with little frames. Behind the bike, there’s a vibrant green leafy plant in a white pot that adds a nice natural vibe. In the background, you can see two ceramic vases—one’s taller and gradient blue, while the other is shorter with a rustic look—next to part of a framed painting with a fancy gold ornate border, which really gives the whole space a cozy and artistic feel. As you can maybe guess, it is taken with my IPhone 17 Pro. I always edit my photos, so here are both, original and edited.
On a request, here are my lilac photos on color, showcasing this flower that insists on flaunting its beauty in every possible lighting condition—it’s like the diva of the garden and the scent of her, aah!! Whether it’s posing against a clear blue sky, showing off its gorgeous self amidst lush greenery, or just casually lounging in the softness of a pastel backdrop, the lilac’s knack for stealing the spotlight, proving once and for all that flowers can outshine even the best of us in the color department!
This is fresh from the camera, one of my favorite spots to sit and relax Monday Window
Debbies Six Word Saturday
The Dark-leaved willow (Salix myrsinifolia) is a willow species native to Europe and Western Siberia, known for its fuzzy, cylindrical catkins that appear alongside or just before new leaves in spring.
A close-up photograph of a slender willow branch adorned with fluffy white and green seed pods or flowers, set against a soft-focused green background. The vibrant green leaves surrounding the pods create a lively contrast with the delicate, almost feathery textures of the blooms. The fresh spring growth and natural beauty, with a gentle bokeh effect that highlights the details of the plant while softly blurring the surrounding foliage. and the green is refreshing, I am celebrating the intricate beauty of nature’s small details.
Cloudy skies, occasionally bit of rain, that is what we have had in the weather front in the past few days with couple hours off sunshine. So here are shots from the road leading to our summer place taken yesterday afternoon. Linking up with Skywatch Friday ~ 22/5/2026, I haven’t participated in skywatch for years, at one time I was a frequent visitor.
Spring flowers in nature bloom and fade so quickly, their beauty often lasting only a fleeting moment. Last weekend, I took these shots of wood sorrels, capturing their delicate petals and delicate flowers while they were still alive in the warm sunlight. However, this week, there is only the green leaves left, as nature effortlessly transitions to palette of greens.
The taste of the wood sorrel is familiar to many from childhood summers, used to pick them up while playing with friends in the woods. The flavor is refreshingly sour, now I know it is due to the oxalic acid it contains just like rhubarb. We never used it in fresh in salads, soups, and various sauces, where it adds a lemony tartness as fas as I remember.
The beauty I came across during my walk in the woods was what I was searching for, I spotted these delicate wood sorrels, these white flowers, their thin purple veins and yellow centers really stood out. They were nestled among vibrant green clover-like leaves, surrounded by all sorts of other foliage. I took the photo so that the background was softly blurred, filled with warm earthy tones—think soil, dried leaves, and moss—creating a serene woodland atmosphere. Sunlight was gently illuminating the flowers and leaves, bringing out their textures and colors beautifully. Overall, it was just this quiet moment of wildflower beauty in the forest on a bright day.
Participating in Terri’s The Flower Hour #31
I’ve been blogging on WordPress for 14 years now, and what learning curve it’s been! Today, I’m happy to share that I’ve hit a cool milestone—my posts have received views from over 150 different countries! That is pretty awesome is that? It’s odd, slightly unreal to think about how my little blog has reached such a diverse mix of people. The United Nations has nothing on me 😂, that’s what the achievement notice on my site; and honestly, that’s a pretty cool thing to be proud off. Every comment feels like a personal connection with someone out there, and it what keeps doing what I love—blogging and sharing my photographs and thoughts. This achievement notice really shows me how amazing digital platforms can be for bringing folks together.
So HUGE thanks for all the comments and likes. I really appreciate you! It means the world to me and motivates me to keep sharing my photography with you. It’s inspiring to see how our conversations grow and how your feedback helps shape what I do. Every like and comment not only boosts my confidence but also fosters a sense of community among us.
In Finland, spring brings the blossoming of apple trees. The fragrant white and pink flowers signal the arrival of spring. So this what I am happy to share with you this time.
In spring’s gentle embrace, the apple trees whisper,
Their blossoms, like delicate clouds, bring forth pure joy.
Soft white petals blush, swaying gently in the warm morning light,
Rustling like a soothing lullaby to greet the day.
Bees flit about, wrapped in a sweet, buzzing haze,
As they blossom together in the soft warmth of sunlit rays.
For this week’s Lens- Artists challenge , you are to select one color (excluding black and white). Share a maximum of 6 photos where your chosen color is the prominent hue, or alternatively, you may share one photo featuring each of the following captivating colors in their various shades: red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.
Different cultures and different times throughout history connected various emotions to colors. And though we might argue about which color represents which emotion, we have to admit that adding color to a photo brings a whole new vitality to it.
We see color all the time, but we do not always notice it. Unless a particular amazing sunset catches your eye or you find yourself in a field of poppies or rows and rows of lavender. For this week we are not only looking for color but also paying attention to how subtle shades or bold colors affect our mood and perception of the world.
Your chosen color should be dominant in your photo, but colors are often paired with other colors in photos. So play with the different color relationships such as complementary colors, warm and cold colors, analogous colors and triadic colors.
Isolate your chosen color with monochromatic photography where you use a color scheme that is comprised of variations of one color.
The color red, for instance, embodies sensations of desire, passion, blood, and transgression, while also representing bravery, selflessness, passion, love, and beauty.
Monochrome photography is frequently linked to black & white visuals, yet it truly encompasses any single hue, providing photographers with an expansive array of creative possibilities. This includes captivating images in shades such as red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.
Blue, In Western societies, it often symbolizes calmness, stability, and tranquility. In art, the use of blue can evoke a sense of depth and distance, creating immersive and serene scenes. In contrast, some Eastern cultures associate blue with spirituality, wisdom, and the divine.
The color green offers a variety of meanings, symbolizing growth and representing nature, environmental concerns, naivety, envy, and wealth. Its interpretations can differ across cultures, symbolizing prosperity in some and illness in others.
Historically tied to royalty due to the steep cost of its dye, purple is an elite color that lends a regal air to your photographs.
Orange, named after the fruit, signifies vitality and warmth, appearing gentler than red, which can symbolize anger. It exudes cheerfulness and approachability while still attracting notice, evident in its frequent use for warning signs.
Yellow embodies both happiness and negativity, presenting opposing connotations; it signifies joy and optimism but also suggests cowardice, deceit, and aging.
Here is a quick guidance to colors start you off.
Finding triadic colors in nature involves practice and observation, exemplified by the Scarlet Macaw. A triadic scheme comprises a subject color and two complementary colors, like Orange, Teal, and Pink, or Red, Blue, and Yellow, which is beneficial in food and product design.
Ambiguous colors are hues lacking clear definitions, changing based on context and evoking various interpretations and emotions in art and design.
The traditional color wheel includes primary (red, blue, yellow), secondary (green, violet, orange), and tertiary colors formed by mixing them. Colors can be categorized into cool, associated with water and grass, and warm, linked to fire and sun. Warm colors can evoke feelings of anger, happiness, and excitement, while cool colors promote soothing and calming effects.
A huge thank you to Anne for the Texture challenge last week! The diversity of textures in your posts provided us with a wealth of inspiration for the future. Next week, it will be Egídio’s turn to lead us, so make sure to visit his site for more creative ideas.
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.
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
Wordless Wednesday turned into something else; as I am asking which version do you prefer? I initially created it this post to share one photo without the clutter of words, allowing the imagery to speak for itself. However, adding a another edit of the same photo led me to ask which one resonates more. Now I find myself curious about your thoughts?
This week, Anne is our guide with a a very textured challenge: Texture! She tells us that texture really adds that visual kick to a surface—think of how rough, smooth, gritty, or soft something looks in a flat image. Check out her amazing site for some awesome tips!
Sharing colorful and tasty textures to start with…enjoy! Click on the galleries to enlarge them, if you are looking at the photos on a computer.
This set I took with my iPhone a few days ago while I was sitting on my patio, enjoying the warm sun day. As I pondered what to post, I looked around, taking in the surroundings of my garden, looking for textures. And to be honest everything is textured. Inspired by some of the things around me, I snapped a few shots, . Afterward, I went inside to find a few more images to contrast with the shots I took, hoping to curate a selection that would better resonate with this challenge.
We’d love to see your images that highlight texture! You might be surprised by how many you actually have. When you post, don’t forget to link back to Anne’s original post and add the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week I had great fun seeing your pairings with pictures and quotes! Many I had never seen before and many recognized but with new surprising combos. Thanks you to all who participated! Next week I will be presenting the challenge. I hope you will join me.
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 I Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset !
I got these this Mother’s Day traditional flowers that usually bloom for this occasion. I posting this for Johns Cellpic Sunday.
In Finland, white anemone is associated with Mother's Day and the progress of flowering, along with the common anemone and the blue anemone, as one of the first flowering wildflowers of spring.
Silent Sunday May 10th
For The Flower Hour on May 6th, I want to share these striking poppies I noticed by the roadside; they truly stood out in their vibrant brightness.
This week, you have the option to select either one quote along with up to five images, or up to five quotes each paired with a single image. Let us experience your quote(s) through your captivating pictures! This is the challenge presented to us by Ann-Christine.
I chose to do this the other way, I opted for a photo first and then put my creative energy into crafting a quote that resonates with the image. This approach feels easier and more intuitive for me as it allows the visual element to inspire my words. By focusing on the imagery, I find it simpler to capture the essence of a moment or an emotion that the picture evokes. Each photo serves as a unique spark, guiding my thoughts into meaningful expressions that reflect the sentiment captured in the shot.
Lets start with love: Love is a profound and multifaceted emotion that inspires, connects, and transforms our lives.
My Fashion motto is “Buy less, choose well, and make it last.” — Vivienne Westwood, the photo does not really say that 😂
Art -“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.” — Oscar Wilde
Nature: “Beauty is found in the tangled and the wild.”
This week I was mindful and kept it short and hopefully sweet. Please share your chosen and illustrated quote(s)! us and with Ann-Christine. Please use the Lens-Artists tag and link to her original post.
A big shoutout to Beth for last week’s reflective challenge. I was fortunate to have recently come back from an island hugged by the sea; it seems we all share a love for water. The variety and beauty of your posts offered us plenty of inspiration for what’s to come! Next week, it’s Anne’s turn to guide us, so be sure to check out her lovely site for some inspiration.
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.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
Could this be a large, light-colored marine animal, which could be a shark or another large marine mammal, such as a manatee or possibly a dolphin, or perhaps something totally different altogether?
Participating in Six Word Saturday
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 