I took these this morning, first sunny day in a week, it was so welcome sight. This path leads to my summer house, sharing them with Johns Cellpic Sunday
Autumn Light on the Forest Path
Tag: nature
Lens-Artist Challenge #415 – Move Your Body
This week it is Anne´s turn to host us with a great theme, MOVE YOURSELVES. Photography, to me, is about showing what I see and how I compose it. You need a camera, a willingness to really look, and the freedom to move toward your subject to find the right angle, distance, and light. It is as much about quiet observation as it is about action, taking the time to notice small details and relationships in the scene. In the end, it is always a return to the basics: seeing clearly, moving with intention, and framing the moment in a way that feels true. Anne challenge is all about that.
Last week here in Finland, we had miserable weather. Rain, drizzle, low clouds – the day never really got bright. Yet with rain come droplets, and I’m known to show a lot of love toward that subject. On days like this, I slow down and simply watch how the droplets gather on leaves, branches, , each one holding a tiny, upside‑down world inside. The light is soft and diffused, wrapping gently around every surface so that even the smallest bead of water catches a quiet glow instead of a harsh reflection. Gloomy weather also simplifies the scene, removing distractions and letting subtle tones, reflections, and shapes guide the composition.
I found these mushrooms on a tree trunk that is on a path to decay. The photo shows many sheathed woodtufts (Kuehneromyces mutabilis), but telling them apart from the highly poisonous funeral bell (Galerina marginata) requires careful examination of the stem, because the caps look very similar.
The grass was covered in tiny droplets, each one catching the light in a slightly different way. I took my time, just looking—tracing the lines of the blades, noticing how the droplets clustered, how they broke into patterns and rhythms that I felt could become a strong photograph. The way the light slid across the surface, the soft reflections, and the contrast between sharp edges and blurred textures all started to suggest a composition. Because I was working with a macro lens that has no zoom, every change in framing meant that I had to move myself, slowly and deliberately, bending closer and adjusting my position by small increments to fine-tune the focus and preserve the delicate balance of light, texture, and form in the scene.
These were easier to take, as the branches were on eye level. Closer and closer I got… Billard’s bridewort had only this one flower left all the others had turned brown.
Check out Anne’s original post and link you post to hers. Please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts so people can find your challenge entries.
Ann-Christine had us thinking about HARMONY last week, and it reminded us just how deeply we need it in our lives. The challenge inspired so many different and creative ways to express harmony—quiet moments in nature, balanced compositions, gentle colors, and heartfelt stories—and the posts I saw were filled with the calm, connection, and beauty we were hoping for. Thank you to everyone who joined in and shared your unique vision; together, you created a rich, soothing tapestry of images and ideas.
Next week, I’ll be introducing a brand-new challenge, which will go live Saturday October 3rd at noon EST in the USA. Mark your calendars and stop by then to discover what I’ve been planning and how you can join in the fun; I can’t wait to see where our lenses take us next.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Lazy Days at Surf Beach: Photos, Waves and Friends
After visiting the mountains, it was time to check out some beaches nearby and soak up some rays. We basically had a lazy afternoon at Surf Beach. What’s not to like: lovely views and the relaxing sound of the waves. There were not many people around, as it was not the locals’ vacation time. Ritva sat on the beach taking photographs of seagulls and the waves, while I took a leisurely stroll along the seashore. I couldn’t help myself and collected seashells again. Sea urchin shells are so delicate, but I still managed to transport them to Finland intact. The waves on the beach were quite heavy for my liking, but I managed to swim anyway. The water of the Pacific Ocean felt cool at first, but after getting used to it, it was easy to stay in for a long time.
The following morning Ritva took portraits of Heli, Rod and Baxter the dog (I think they came out rather nice). After the photoshoot the destination was Ulladulla and Mollymook Beach, where we had lunch with Denise and Tracy, who live just before Ulladulla. Denise and Tracy are Heli’s friends whom we had met a couple of times before; they are so much fun—once in Finland and the other time at Caseys Beach. We can highly recommend Mollymook Beach for the scenery and most likely for swimming and surfing as well, although we didn’t try those last two. By the way, if you haven’t driven through places like Lillipilli, Ulladulla, Tumbarumba and Tilba Tilba, at least once in a lifetime, you haven’t really lived.
Heli and Rod are wonderful hosts and letting us stay there all that time is something we’re very appreciative of.
It’s easy to talk to Rod, for example, about politics. He is a timid and quiet ex-civil servant with hardly any opinions of his own. NOT! He’s a very loud person joking, laughing and swearing all the time. And he’s not afraid to speak his mind. However, we didn’t get into arguments or fistfights about anything. We basically agreed on most things political, at least. Rod is from a small community in Victoria, where his parents scraped by farming the land. It’s easy to understand he talked quite a bit for the rural communities and that way of living. On top of that Rod spent part of his career fighting for health services for the remote areas. Great bloke!
I didn’t talk to Heli that much. Us guys had our own discussions, and the girls talked about soap operas and crocheting, I think. (I will let you keep thinking that) Actually, Heli was constantly giving us ideas about what to see and where to go. We talked a lot about families, of course. And she kept us fed with beautiful meals from morning till dinnertime. After dinner the old fogies retired to their room and went to sleep. Caseys Beach was beautiful. Our hosts’ home is only about 30 meters from the sea, and you could see dolphin just about every other day. And waves hitting the shore was so relaxing. It was easy falling to sleep listening their hypnotic rhythm our bedroom window open.
Text Mara Sillanmäki
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 -NSW
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/25/sydney-from-qvb-to-manly-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/27/adelaide-arrival-and-glenelg-beach/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/30/escaping-the-heat-of-adelaide/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/30/unforgettable-views-at-barossa-valley/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/03/31/henley-beach-sunset-views-and-beach-rave/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/05/fleurieu-peninsula-1/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/05/unforgettable-sunsets-second-valley/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/07/a-day-in-mclaren-vale-wineries-and-scenic-views/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/08/the-robe-obelisk-a-historic-landmark/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/10/the-end-of-a-beautiful-relationship-lookout/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/04/28/cotton-candy-and-turquoise-waters/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/05/01/mount-gambier-blue-lake-and-sinkholes/
- https://sillarit.com/2025/05/23/stunning-views-of-aboriginal-cultural-landscape/
- https://sillarit.com/2026/03/09/lens-artists-challenge-your-journey-in-5-10-images/
- https://sillarit.com/2026/03/14/visual-diary-of-our-new-south-wales-day-trip/
- https://sillarit.com/2026/03/13/a-family-stay-at-caseys-beach-memories-made/
Talbingo Top Lake: Quiet Beauty in Kosciuszko National Park
Got a peaceful start to the day, after a long weekend, by walking along the beach and on the rocks. It was a good workout, climbing and balancing on the rocky beach and picking up seashells. We took it easy for the rest of the day, but in the evening we got the call that it would be okay after all to go and visit Ritva’s cousin, Kari, and his wife, Susan, in Talbingo. Talbingo is a small town in the mountainous area of Kosciuszko National Park and only 370 km, or about a 4-hour drive, from where we were staying in Batehaven, NSW. 😊
Up the Clyde Mountain again and around Canberra. We drove 3,5 hours until we stopped in town of Gundogai in a restaurant called Oliver’s. We had to stop there because one of our grandsons is called Oliver. Once again, we saw towns with cute names: Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga and Tumut. Tumut is a town closest to Talbingo that has grocery stores. The distance is 40 km.
Afternoon and evening were spent catching up with Susan and Kari. However, I took a little walk because I knew from the previous visit that the kangaroos would appear in the close by park. Got some pictures of the ‘roos even though they didn’t allow me to get close by. And I must not forget to mention the mountains that surround the town. Lakes, mountains, quiet, what more can you ask for your retirement home. Well maybe general store would be nice, but it closed few years ago.
Talbingo area has couple of dams built along Tumut River and power plant that produces plenty of electricity to a wider region. Two reservoirs were formed because of the dams: Talbingo and Blowering Reservoirs. In the morning, we drove to the Talbingo Reservoir that the locals call Top Lake. On the way we drove by the power plant. The pipes that we running to it from the reservoir didn’t look like much but actually you could drive a double-decker bus inside of them.
Being off-season Top Lake was really quiet. There were only two teenager and us four. Or I should say five because Susan and Kari have a beautiful Akita dog named Nischka. She is big but so peaceful. I’m digressing. Last time our host couple’s friends, Chris and Maggie, took us for a boat ride and waterskiing on Top Lake. Unfortunately, they don’t live there anymore, and we ended up just enjoying the scenery. Susan found a beautiful piece of driftwood on the beach, and she was gracious enough to give it to us. Now it has a special place on our dresser. I can only imagine how long it had been in the water to be so smooth.
As I mentioned before, Kari and his father and maybe one or two more of the brothers were laying the groundwork for the new Parliament House. I say maybe because I heard so many stories from all Ritva’s relatives it is hard to keep up with them.
Later in the afternood we headed back to Caseys Beach we didn’t want to bother our hosts. They were both under the weather. We only stopped at Braidwood, after a three-hour drive. Heli had recommended Braidwood Bakery. We got there too late, just before closing time, and there was hardly anything left to buy and eat. However, we got to Caseys Beach just in time to one of Heli’s scrumptious dinners.
Text Mara Sillanmäki
Capturing Seasonal Colors: Autumn
As Autumn approaches in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring arrives in the Southern, it is the perfect time to celebrate fresh blossoms and new foliage—and I am here to capture them in photographs.
Participating TheFlowerHour#49
Still Water
I was on a quiet autumn lakeshore, hands stuffed in my pockets because the air’s a bit colder than I expected. The water is almost completely still, like it can’t decide whether to move or not. It looked so beautiful. Rocks and a wall of dark green pines wrap around the bay, and here and there the birch trees have turned this bright, gold that really stands out against the evergreens. The low sun is coming in from the side, turning parts of the lake into streaks of warm amber, but other patches just look flat and gray. The grasses along the edge have that same soft, rusty light in them. There’s a tiny red fishing float right in front of me, barely moving, and off to the left a small, plain dock sits there under a pale blue‑gray sky.
Lens-Artist Challenge #414 – Harmony
Ann-Christine has us thinking about HARMONY this week, and do we so need in these times. The quote she ended with is so good that I am sharing it and placing it at the top. She gave us a set of beautiful reference images and a lot of freedom to interpret the theme, with just one condition: seven images should be enough to express our idea of harmony. I experience harmony mainly in nature; I’m not religious, yet I still sense a certain harmony in churches, so I included one photograph from there, knowing many people feel it in that space. And I have to confess I broke the rule and slipped in an extra image, because animals are such a comfort and bring so much harmony into our lives.
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony
– Mahatma Gandhi
There are all these elements, but I still feel that there is harmony in colors all muted. A wide coastal landscape is captured at sunset, with the sun glowing through layered clouds above a calm, gently rippling sea. Jagged rocky shoreline and small tidal pools stretch across the middle ground, while sandy paths, dense green shrubs, and tall golden grasses frame the foreground. The warm amber and violet sky creates a tranquil, atmospheric mood,
Ocean waves meet the shore in a steady rhythm, their sound carrying a quiet sense of harmony, don’t you think. Turquoise and deep teal water sweep toward the land in several parallel bands of foaming white surf. The textured swells form delicate, shifting patterns across the scene, while a thin strip of rugged, golden-brown coastal vegetation lines the bottom edge. The cool blue-green tones play against the warmth of the shoreline, creating a seascape that feels both dynamic and peacefully calm
A quiet, fog-shrouded woodland framed by a large eucalyptus tree on the right and sweeping, narrow-leaved branches overhead. Dense white mist obscures the distant trees and softens the muted gray-green landscape, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere where every tone feels gently in harmony. In the foreground, a dirt and leaf-covered path leads toward a low chain barrier and metal gate, with small garden beds and a faint red sign emerging through the haze, all held together by the same subdued, balanced color palette. This shot has a soft, atmospheric photographic style that feels calm and deeply cohesive.
I find harmony in the once again softened colors. A solitary broad-canopied tree stands on a sunlit, dry golden-grass hillside beneath a hazy blue sky. A rustic wire fence with dark wooden posts runs across the foreground, while softly layered rocky hills appear in the distant background, evoking a quiet, pastoral countryside.
I’ve always felt that churches hold a kind of quiet harmony, and this richly decorated historic chapel is no exception. Seen through the dark, carved wooden doors, it feels almost like stepping into another time. The colors are warm and a little faded, the vaulted ceiling and arches covered in old frescoes, gilded borders, floral motifs, and painted religious or mythological scenes that seem to whisper their own stories. Patterned marble panels line the walls, cool and solid, while a crystal chandelier glows softly above a small altar and framed painting. Rows of modern black chairs sit neatly on the black-and-cream checkered floor, a simple, contemporary counterpoint to all the Renaissance-style ornament. In this contrast between the ornate and the everyday, I find a strange calm, as if the space is quietly holding every voice, every silence, in balance.
At my summer house I love the misty night, its quiet, the nature and I are in harmony. In this tranquil landscape photograph, a dense mixed forest lines the edge of a mist-covered meadow as dusk settles in. The treetops create a dark, textured band stretching across the lower middle of the frame, while a soft, pale fog glides over the grass in the foreground. Above it all, the sky shifts from deep gray-blue into a warm, glowing gold at the horizon, wrapping the scene in a serene and atmospheric stillness.
I’m no fan of winter, but I have to admit there’s a strange beauty in the details: the way the snow pulls a white blanket over everything and quiets it all down. Here, a single delicate white flower stands in close-up, its tall stem sprinkled with tiny, frost-like blossoms and fine, crystalline textures that look almost unreal. The bloom stays sharp and clear while the background fades into soft grays, whites, and muted greens, and the whole scene feels cool, wintry, and a little otherworldly.
Veikka and Tinka, our cats, were in such harmony together; it was so lovely to see. This shows them cuddled together in warm sunlight beside a bright window. In the foreground, Tinka, the dark brown tabby, rests with her eyes closed, while Veikka, the white-and-orange one behind her, gently grooms her, eyes softly shut and pink tongue just visible. In this photo, the soft cream, golden, and brown tones create a peaceful, affectionate mood, and the softly blurred indoor background makes their textured fur and intimate little world feel even more tender and precious.
What a show Beth’s bridge challenge generated last week. Great images you all shared, wonderful bridges from around the world. I hope you will join Ann-Christine’s challenge, this week too. Please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts so people can find your challenge entries.
Next week, Anne will feature a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in then to find out more about the challenge.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
An Unexpected Moment of Golden Light
Participating in Six Word Sunday
Under Dark Clouds: Aronia, Cinquefoil and Hostas Still Shine
I am more bound to stay inside than go out in the rain, if I don’t have to. I am not a Brit who is so used to it. There was a pause from it and a moment of sunshine from behind the clouds. I took myself out to take photos of the few flowers left blooming this time of the year, mid-September. The black aronia berries were already dark and glossy, with raindrops clinging to them like tiny glass beads. The scrubby cinquefoil was still bravely holding on to a few small yellow blossoms, a bit battered but somehow charming in their stubbornness. Even the hostas, mostly past their best by now, looked refreshed, their broad leaves collecting little pools of water and reflecting the shy light. Raindrops on the ones I took after the rain are a nice added effect.
Shrubby cinquefoil (botanical name Dasiphora fruticosa) formerly known as Potentilla fruticosa).
Rosehips with droplets
Aronia or Clusters of black chokeberries
Dark Clouds Over a Peaceful Country Home
Just some dark clouds from yesterday, drifting in from the horizon like a slow-moving curtain. For a while it looked like they might swallow the whole sky. we watched them roll and build on themselves, a little in awe until they finally circled around us and moved on, leaving us with nothing but a moody sky and a big sigh of relief. Norain just amazing color in the sky against the sunlit trees
The Lush Forests of Aavasaksa
How enchanting is this vibrant northern forest scene, embraced by tall pine and birch trees beneath a breathtaking blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds! The lush green undergrowth and young conifers harmoniously blend with Aavasaksan hill, celebrated for its strikingly rugged terrain. This unique landscape tells a story of ancient eroded beaches and rugged formations looming above. As you ascend to the higher elevations, the resilient vegetation mirrors the tenacity of harsh pine forests and rocky woodlands, filled with hardy dwarf shrubs like bilberry, lingonberry, and heather, alongside a rich variety of mosses and lichens—most notably, the delicate reindeer lichen. In the foreground, you’ll find exposed rocks and a narrow rocky path, while a prominent dead and bare tree stands in poignant contrast to the flourishing woodland that envelops it. The verticality of the composition and its vibrant, natural hues invoke a deep sense of connection to the wild, dramatic wilderness all around us.
The Graceful Red Fox in Finnish Nature
Last summer, as we drove through the landscapes of Finland’s Lapland, with the serene beauty surrounding us. Suddenly, we spotted a graceful Red Fox sitting peacefully by the roadside, its vibrant orange fur contrasting beautifully with the lush greenery. We decided to stop the car,we grabbed our cameras and managed to capture a few stunning shots of the fox, whose piercing eyes seemed to observe us curiously. Just as we thought the moment couldn’t get any better, the fox gracefully stood up and began to stroll across a forest road, disappearing into the woods.
View from Korkee
Participating in Monochrome Madness
It Feels Like Autumn
We’ve mostly been at the summer house lately, with so much happening there, and we’ve been driving back and forth to home. Because of this, sightseeing at home has been almost nonexistent. However, we did pass by this beautiful countryside view that I usually can’t resist photographing, and this time was no different. We also spotted some cows—another one of those things I love to pause and admire, maybe even snap a pic.
Participating in John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lingonberries the Nutrient-rich “Nordic superberry”
I photographed these yesterday as they grow in my yard! If you don’t know about them, lingonberries are packed with vitamins C and E, tons of dietary fiber, and some awesome antioxidants. Plus, they keep pretty well because they have natural benzoic acid, so I can smash them up and they’ll stay fresh for ages without needing sugar or freezing. To be honest, I usually don’t bother doing that since they’re not my favorite, and there aren’t enough of them to make it worthwhile.
Participating in Debbies Six Word Saturday
Transforming a Coastal Scene: From Tranquil to Eerie
I have to say, I really adore this photo; it has such a tranquil and gentle feel to it. It is from our trip to Norway in Sommarøy. As you might know, I enjoy editing, and this image has all the elements I love to work with, transforming it from serene to somewhat eerie. I can play with the clouds, adjust the contrast between light and darkness, and shift from soft colors to vivid tones. I even like to experiment with monochrome and deep black-and-white effects.
A tranquil coastal scene from Norway shows traditional red wooden boathouses standing on stilts above pale turquoise water. The buildings have weathered gray metal roofs, while the boathouse on the right is topped with a vivid green grass roof and bordered by rocky shoreline and tall grasses. Low islands and small distant boats sit beneath a dramatic overcast sky, creating a cool, quiet maritime atmosphere with soft natural light.
This image feels so chill with its muted, almost monochrome vibes. The buildings’ soft red siding is like the only splash of warmth popping against that hazy gray sky and silvery water. The overcast light gives it this dreamy, soft focus look, and those gentle ripples really amp up the peaceful, secluded vibe. Plus, the low vegetation and the distant land give it some nice depth in the background, making it even more inviting. I love how the editing brings it all together, giving a sense of calm that just makes you want to stay a while.
An edited moody black-and-white coastal scene transforms the original view of weathered wooden boathouses . The heavy storm clouds now loom even more dramatically in the sky, enhancing the contrast and evoking a profound sense of isolation over the expansive, rippling water. This impactful editing elevates the emotional atmosphere, allowing the viewer to experience the quiet intensity of the landscape in a new light.
A color version of the ominous storm clouds gather in the sky, casting a dark shadow over the jagged shorelines and the distant, ghostly islands on the horizon. A desolate sandy forefield, bordered by swaying reeds, enhances the sense of isolation, enveloping the scene in a heavy, melancholic maritime atmosphere. How about this edit?
Now I am done with this image, and I would love to see which one you preferred and maybe even tell me why. Your feedback is invaluable to me, I am eager to hear about the aspects that resonated with you, whether it was the color scheme, the composition, or the overall vibe. Your insights are very much appreciated.
September’s Rose Hips: Nature’s Autumn Palette
Rose hip berries and flowers, it must be September, a time when the days begin to shorten and the air carries a hint of crispness. I took these on one of the few sunny days lately, when the golden sunlight bathed the landscape in warmth and vibrance, creating a beautiful contrast against the deep green foliage. The rose hips, with their rich red hue, are not only visually stunning but also herald the changing seasons as they ripen. Enjoy the beauty of this fleeting moment, as nature prepares for the transition into autumn, offering a reminder of the bountiful gifts that each season brings.
Participating in The Flower Hour #47
Lens-Artists Challenge #412—Places Shaped by Water
John’s Challenge: Share up to six waterscapes—images where water shapes the scene. Choose your favorite places, your favorite photos, or a single location that inspires you. Natural or man‑made, peaceful or wild—if water helps tell the story, it’s fair game.
I grew up by the sea in Espoo,, and it has left its mark on me. I still prefer the sea to lakes, even though I love lakes too. It is more about the feel, the scent of the sea. And I live in a country of a thousand lakes. This place comes to mind with this big, old boulder that’s partly underwater, surrounded by tall green reeds and grasses. It’s where my friends and I used to hang out and have fun. Across the sea, there’s this dense little island with a couple of saunas, and further back, a marina full of sailboat masts. But I don’t remember any of that from when I was a kid. There’s also a skerry where we used to wade through the water to get to. We even carved our names into the skerry, and believe it or not, they’re still there!
This next image from one of the lakes near our summer house. There are a few lakes near Ruuhijärvi, that are all connected through waterways. First up is Salajärvi, which is close to Ruuhijärvi and sits at the same water level. All the water here flows straight into Ruuhijärvi through the Salajoki River. Then there’s Sylvöjärvi, located a bit southeast of Ruuhijärvi. The water from Ruuhijärvi trickles down into Sylvöjärvi through the Immilänjoki River, and from there, it makes its way via Arrajärvi to the Kymijoki River. Last but not least, we have Oksjärvi, which is a little further north. the waters flow into Salajärvi via the Luhtaanjoki River, and then they continue on to Ruuhijärvi. Sorry for giving you more information you will never need and most likely I will forget this too.
Few facts for those who are interested: As I refreshed my memory about Finnish lakes, we are country with nearly 188,000 lakes scattered throughout its beautiful landscape! It’s amazing to think how this stunning scenery was crafted by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age, which carved deep depressions into the land. Picture those thick ice sheets covering Finland thousands of years ago, gently scraping away at the soft rock and soil to create those lovely hollows and valleys we appreciate today. When the climate warmed up around 10,000 years ago, the melted glaciers filled those pits with water, forming the lakes we enjoy now. Beneath it all lies the ancient Precambrian shield, a robust layer of rock that has helped maintain those charming shallow basins. With Finland’s cool, wet climate, there’s always plenty of rain and snow (not so much these days)to keep the lakes full, ensuring they never have to worry about drying up! Most of these lakes are shallow and connect through a serene network of rivers and streams, especially in the breathtaking central region known as Finnish Lakeland.
I fell in love with Norway during my first visit there this summer; in this image the beauty of the fjord’s landscape captures my heart with its turquoise-blue shimmering waters in the foreground, framed by rugged dark rocky shorelines and gently rolling green hills. The expansive snow-covered mountains rise dramatically, their peaks partially obscured by fluffy white clouds. Beneath a clear blue sky, the sunlight dances on the water and the crests of the mountains, serene wilderness atmosphere that resonates deeply within me.
I found the Fjords are truly fascinating! A fjord, as I’ve come to understand, is a stunningly long and narrow sea inlet, surrounded by towering cliffs or mountains. These natural wonders were shaped by the tremendous forces of ancient glaciers, which carved out their characteristic U-shaped valleys beneath the water. You’ll often find them exceptionally deep—some, like the incredible Sognefjord in Norway, plunge to over 1,300 meters! It’s interesting how these fjords typically feature a shallow ridge at their mouths, created from remnants of glacial debris. Norway is a treasure trove of these beauties, with more than 1,000 fjords dotting its coastline!
Henley Beach in South Australia holds a special place in my heart, as I actually lived there for a while just about 100 meters from this beautiful beach. It’s a place that deepens my connection to the sea – the ocean, in particular. I could have chosen to reminisce about Bondi Beach in NSW, where I had an unforgettable experience with the ocean currents nearly sweeping me away; I distinctly remember the sand slipping from beneath my feet… Thankfully, my older sister was there to grab my hand and pull me to safety. But since I never lived there, Henley Beach remains my choice.
San Diego – La Jolla. I have such fond memories of living in San Diego during the 90s in my twenties, and we often found ourselves visiting La Jolla Cove—a small, picturesque beach surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs. It was always a joy to see the resident sea lions and the vibrant marine life. I’m sharing this shot to reminisce about the lovely times we had there. Our son was just a year old, he loved running around the area,
We drove a few years ago along the Northern California coast, and I loved the scenic landscape, with its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches where waves gently washed ashore. In this shot, the foreground shows earthy, textured soil and lush green shrubbery covering parts of the cliffs, while the ocean extends into the distance under a bright blue sky. Several seagulls can be seen flying above the water, adding life to the tranquil morning scene. The horizon blends soft clouds with clear skies, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere. I don’t remember the name of this place, but I will always remember the feeling of being there.
Now I have shown my six waterscapes—images where water shapes the scene.
Plus in the Header image, you can observe the stunning vistas from the Bondi to Coogee Walk… a remarkable sandstone cliff situated in Sydney, Australia, close to the iconic Bondi Beach. The eastern coastline of Sydney features stratified, weathered sandstone cliffs overlooking the ocean.
A big thank you to Sofia for her fun “What Is It?” challenge! Next week, Beth will be all set with a new theme. Make sure to follow her here to catch her challenge on Saturday, September 12, at noon Eastern Time. But now, we are hosted by John. Don’t forget to link back to his original post in the comments and tag your entry with “Lens-Artists” to ensure we can discover it.
You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
After many years of posting – this
After all these years of sharing my photographs and thoughts, it’s such a nice moment to have this post featured in Freshly Pressed—what a delightful achievement! All I needed to do was enjoy a stroll along the dirt road by the meadow, surrounded by little flowers, busy bees, and graceful butterflies, which reminded me of the incredible beauty that surrounds us in everyday life that we so often forget. I am hopeful this will attract attention from new readers who may notice the post alongside my regular supporters, who continue to like and comment on my posts for which I am very happy see.
Misty Evenings in the Countryside
One of the joys of being able to spend time in the countryside, at least for me, is witnessing the mist enveloping the fields and the beauty of sunsets. Since I’m not really a morning person, I often, well to be truthful, always miss the sunrise. I find tranquility in a forest meadow, where the low evening mist blankets the area, tall grasses sway in the foreground, and the dark, layered horizon is defined by dense trees. The sky morphs from a warm golden yellow at the horizon to soft shades of peach and pink, eventually giving way to a cool lavender-blue overhead. Silhouetted pines, birches, and leafy trees perfectly frame this scene, crafting a serene, atmospheric landscape with gentle, natural contrasts. It’s one of those moments that stays with you.
Monochrome Landscapes: Road to My Summer Oasis
Monochrome Madness and here I am with another free week, and you might have thought I’d wrapped it all up after my stroll down Meadow Road. But no, we’re back at it! This time, I’m excited to share two versions of the images I snapped along the road where I found those beautiful flower photos—my pathway to my joyful retreat, my summer oasis. I’ve also included two monochrome takes of the plants I saw there to jog your memory.
Which version do you prefer, the darker or the lighter one, and what’s the reason for it?
Last on the Card – August 2026
I took this photo of Juniper needles on Saturday, August 29th, when the light hit them just right, making them really pop.
While walking by the meadow on August 20th, I spotted these delicate Fen Bedstraw flowers and couldn’t resist taking a photo. Then, on August 29th, I went to the cemetery to visit my parents’ grave, where I say this angel leaning on a rock that read, “We miss you.”
I captured this feature shot on August 20th, looking through an old window glass that beautifully distorts the image. For Bush Boy’s Last On The Card
Lens-Artists Challenge #411 – What is it?
Lens-Artists Challenge – What is it? What IS it? What is IT?
Sofia wrote: You’ll all be the quiz master setting the images and we’ll have to guess what is depicted. The only thing you need to do is find photos that will leave us puzzled, baffled, curious and asking out loud “What is it”? We’ll need to look again, maybe use our imagination… possibly even give up and just enjoy the image we have in front of us. How can we do it?
I don’t know, but I sure will give it a try; hope you will participate and take a guess at mine. These are fresh from the camera, as I took these during the last few days while exploring different things. Each shot captures the beauty and vibrancy of everyday things. Some are more obvious, revealing familiar while others are perhaps a bit more obscure, challenging your observation skills and sense of discovery. I look forward to seeing your thoughts and interpretations on these images, as they each have their own story to tell.
This past week, I encouraged you to delve into the various techniques you employ in image creation. I was truly impressed by the creativity displayed within the Lens-Artist community; thank you for sharing your artistic endeavors. Your posts have sparked some fantastic ideas for me. Sofia’s exciting challenge awaits us this week, so I invite you to participate and remember to link back to her original post and use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find your contributions easily in the WP Reader.
John will be back next week, bringing a new challenge for us to tackle at noon EST in the USA. Make sure to join us to learn more about the challenge at that time.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Number 1: bread Number 2: Peperomia – Radiator Plant Number 3: shimmering charcoal Number 4: Honey and honey dipper Number 5: fallen leaves in a puddle Number 6: one water drop
What I Discovered in August Wildflower Fields
I believe I’ve nearly captured the vibrant splashes of flowers at the meadow’s edge from my walk in August.
Creeping thistle, Sneezewort, Red clover, and Yellow toadflax are just a few of the diverse plants you might encounter in wildflower meadows. Among them, Imperforate St. John’s-wort stands out with its bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators. Additionally, Bitter buttons are known for their distinctive features and resilience, while Fen Bedstraw and Upright Bedstraw thrive in damp soils, contributing to the rich tapestry of vegetation. These plants play essential roles in their ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various insects and wildlife. It’s fascinating how nature weaves together such vibrant species, making each encounter in the wild feel unique. I think _I got the plants correctly.
Meadow Flowers and Bees of August
This on the same dirt road, gravel road, whatever 😂 by the meadow. If you thought that I was done, not, here are few more. No explanation this time. Just saying these little buzzers are so important
Captivating Sunflower in Autumn Beauty Stood
“And the yellow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood.” William Cullen Bryant
Sunflowers Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour
