We had a few days of spring, so I took advantage of the opportunity to capture the mandatory photos of snowbells. As one of the first flowers of spring, they symbolize new beginnings, hope, rebirth, and the ability to overcome challenges. The sight of these delicate blooms filled me with hope and positivity.
Snowbells in April
However, nature had a surprise in store for us – a fresh coat of snow arrived just two days ago. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I seized the opportunity to capture the enchanting snow-covered landscape. It’s fascinating how the same scene can take on a different, yet equally captivating, appearance with a layer of snow.
As I’m writing this, a snow blizzard rages outside. While witnessing a snow blizzard at this time of year wasn’t what I had in mind, it’s a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the beauty it holds, even in the midst of unexpected circumstances.
The delicate beauty of hydrangea petals as they slowly deteriorate during the winter months is truly captivating. The intricate lace-like patterns that emerge from this natural process are a testament to the mesmerizing transformation that nature undergoes throughout the seasons. It’s truly remarkable how something as fleeting as the delicate decay of flower petals can create such a stunning visual display.
I love trying to bring it out details in my edits. If you are not familiar me as a photographer, I love the editing process. The framing of the subject and capturing the mood and details. Mostly, I do my best to stay true to the subject, just to enhance it a bit. Sometimes, well quite often I take artistic liberty when editing. I often convert the images to black and white as I find it it brings the essential part to focus. Or I play with the tone of the photos. Both styles shown in this post.
The last two images are true to what I saw. The last image is the original RAW shot, no edits. Above it is a a cropped and slightly edited version and on the top you see how I played with the image.
Water, the very essence of life, is rarely still. It flows, it crashes, it tumbles – a mesmerizing display of motion that has captivated humanity always. For this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, Sofia came up with this topic. Her post has beautiful inspiration to us all. I absolutely love the water element, she could not have chosen a more boundless topic for me.
The ocean, Earth’s pulsating heart, breathes life into every corner of our existence. Its currents carry warmth and coolness, shaping climates and nurturing ecosystems. As we gaze upon its boundless blue, we sense eternity.. The oceans salty embrace cradles memories, dreams, and the promise of distant lands.
Also the sea, with its endless horizon. It cradles life within its depths. The salty air invigorates our senses, reminding us of our primordial connection to the vast expanse beyond. Standing on a rocky shore, waves crashing at our feet, we feel both insignificantly small and profoundly connected.
Rapids are a symphony of whitewater, a chaotic dance of water rushing over rocks and churning into frothy pools. Rapids are a playground for the adventurous, and experience the rush of nature’s power.
Waterfalls are nature’s grand displays of cascading beauty. A curtain of water plunges down a cliff face, mist rising like a mystical veil. The sound is a deep, resonant roar, a constant reminder of the force of gravity. Waterfalls leave you breathless, humbled by the sheer power and timeless elegance of water on the move.
Lakes, nestled between mountains or hidden in forested valleys, mirror the sky’s moods. Their stillness invites contemplation. We watch ripples expand, carrying our thoughts across the water’s surface. In their quietude, lakes hold our reflections, revealing both our vulnerabilities and resilience. Still waters, their glassy surfaces reflect the world above—a mirror for our innermost musings. Here, we find solace. In the quietude, we glimpse eternity—the timeless dance of light and shadow.
From the rhythmic pulse of waves to the heart-pounding rush of rapids and the serene majesty of waterfalls, water in motion offers a mesmerizing spectacle for all. Whether you’re a beach bum, a whitewater enthusiast, or simply an admirer of nature’s beauty, there’s a form of water motion that will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more.
Last week Tina‘s challenge gave beautiful faces from around the world with so many emotions on display. I truly enjoyed seeing all these people in your posts. Next week John will present us with a new challenge, looking forward to seeing what he came up with. Until then, keep smiling ☺
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
As the sun timidly rises, it casts a soft glow upon the rolling hills, shrouded in a delicate veil of morning fog. The mist clings to the rugged peaks, blurring their edges and lending an ethereal quality to the scene. It’s as if the hills themselves are reluctant to reveal their secrets.
The Veil of Morning Fog
A narrow trail winds through the landscape, disappearing into the mist. Perhaps it was once a well-trodden route, but now it lies almost forgotten.
Here, silence reigns supreme. The only sounds are the occasional cry of a bird. Even the wind seems to hold its breath, respecting the stillness of this beautiful place.
I delved into my collection of photographs and found some of my all-time favorites monochrome images. The captivating essence of the sea is a recurring theme in most of these photos. However, amidst the sea-themed photos, there are two exceptional ones that stand out – “The wheels” and “The monk.” These images hold a different kind of allure, offering a unique perspective and adding depth to the collection.
There’s something about the sea and its surroundings that resonates deeply within me. The tranquil yet dynamic atmosphere, the soothing sound of the waves, and the rugged beauty of lighthouses never fail to captivate my heart. These elements have a way of inspiring a sense of adventure, peaceful introspection, and a profound connection with nature. It’s moments like these that remind me of the sheer beauty and wonder that surrounds us, urging me to capture them and hold onto their essence forever.
Monochrome Madness – Some of my all time favourites was what Leanne had on her blog, I thought I’d follow her lead.
So this week, our challenge is to share images of the people we’ve captured along the way. That’s what Tina from requested for this weeks challenge. Simple request.
Like many, when I started taking photos, they were mainly of friends and family. When I got my kids… you know how the story continues. I still love taking photos of people here, there, and everywhere. No explanations, simply just some people shots I’ve taken. Street photography is interesting and at events, you can find lots of interesting people.
Last week Patti‘s challenge gave us tour around the world with beautiful cities to discover. I truly enjoyed discovering the new cities. Next week Sofia from PHOTOGRAPHIAS will come up with something new for us to tackle with, looking forward to seeing it. Until then, keep smiling ☺
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
The arrival of a new season brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings and sun-filled days. As I eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to share this photo taken a few years ago. The minimalist aesthetic of the image and how the bokeh in the background adds an ethereal quality. It serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty found in simplicity, and the art of capturing fleeting moments in time.
Possible topics for this weeks CMMC: reservoir, lake, landscape, brown, blue, teal, green, water, green, layers, etc. I think I got most of these covered in this post from Lake Mead, Nevada.
Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States. . It is the largest reservoir in the US in terms of water capacity.
Today is the vernal equinox, when night and day are roughly the same length all over the globe. I greet this information with joy.
Days grow longer and nights become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere as we approach the summer solstice, which falls on June 20th this year. This transition marks a period of increasing daylight, here (Finland) the daylight hours are expected to extend by approximately 5 to 10 minutes each day until the end of June. This gradual shift brings about a delightful change, the extended sunlight and the promise of warmer days brightens my mood as days grow longer and warmer.
As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.
Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.
As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.
Here are some spring shots from my walk in Helsinki. There were many people about due to the sunny day, one even went for a swim.
On our walk you could see Suomenlinna. the winter setting in this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower is a part of a church Given the winter setting and architectural elements, this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower appears to be a significant landmark, perhaps part of a church or another notable building.. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the them.
I loved this moody and atmospheric scene with silhouetted trees against a cloudy sky, I took it while in a moving car when traveling in Australia. I loved edited it to a minimalist style. The stark contrast between the dark silhouettes of the trees and the cloudy sky creates a sense of depth and mystery. In the end the edit came out serene and slightly ominous mood.
The sun, a gentle artist, paints the world in hues of serenity. In this frozen tableau, the shoreline stands as a sentinel, its icy armor glistening under the morning light. The partially frozen water whispers secrets of seasons past, its surface etched with delicate patterns.
hues of serenity
Beyond, the open expanse of water cradles vessels—silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of time. Their hulls, weathered and wise, navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms. Against the vast canvas of sky, they appear as mere brushstrokes, their purpose inscribed in the dance of wind and current.
Vessels navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms.
The heavens, too, play their part. Wisps of cloud drift lazily, casting fleeting shadows upon the ice. The azure expanse stretches infinitely, inviting contemplation and wonder. And there, on the distant horizon, where sky meets sea, a promise lingers—a promise of journeys yet to unfold.
As the day unfolds, this frozen symphony will thaw, yielding to life’s perpetual rhythm. But for now, let us linger—a moment suspended in time—captivated by the quietude of this frozen seascape.
What a beautiful cavalcade of photographs Ann- Christine presented us in her unique challenge this week. Circular wonders is something that does make your think first of moon, sun, and ball. No? But you can find it in unexpected places when you take a moment to think about it. Half or full circle …
I did some digging and this is what I found. To enlarge the images just click on any of them the the separate galleries – I recommend it 🙂
Now that I covered the obvious choices it is time to concentrate finding something more creative. Few days ago we took our grandkids at the end of their visit to the Helsinki train station and went to have lunch at one of the restaurants there. It used to be a ticket office. It is a big hall, but the interior is softened by circular interior.
Half circle is a log time hit in architecture . The images are from a jewel of national romantic architecture Hvitträsk museum in Espoo ( the darker photos) and the other two from Villa San Michele in Capri.
I did mentions a ball ⚽ Well come on, I could not, not mention fruits and berries.
And then round – circular things that came up and I couldn’t help myself – just had to post them
Thanks John for last week’s journey to the basics of photography. I truly enjoyed it, as it gave the opportunity to reflect on what is essential in photography. Next week we have Patti challenging us with something else, we will have to wait and see what she comes up with.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
A serene and secluded forest path, enveloped by tall, lush green trees in Queensland. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, inviting trail. It was a delight to venture along this winding path.
I could not resist, I did two edits of this photo.
This week it’s very straightforward – photos of different textures. I took my time looking for these and ended up with, once again, too many images. I took lead from Sarah’s great samples.
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Of the many composition factors in photography, this challenge focuses on Shape, Form, Texture, and Light, that’s what John’s from Journeys with Johnbo challenge this week is about. I really had to concentrate on this one, not the easiest to tackle. Thank you John for providing great samples to get me started.
Photographers often capitalize on the architects’ use of triangles, circles, rectangles, arches, and other basic shapes.
Click on the photos to see the larger images of this Amalfi Catholic church and the many shapes it has. Also the last shot from Capri has some nice arches.
For Geometric form I am taking you to Paris 🙂
The difference between shape and form can be muddy, but artists typically consider shape to be two-dimensional while a form is three-dimensional. Organic form in flowers – in black and white from my garden.
Texture images entice viewers, create moods, and communicate ideas. Old rusty tools, newspaper clippings on wood show the time added textures. The spiders’ web with droplets and decay of the flower has a lovely texture. The vibrant orange jellyfish gracefully floating. The jellyfish exhibits delicate, translucent tentacles that appear to glow, and its bell-shaped body displays intricate textures and layers.
Capturing light.
Photos wouldn’t be possible without light and since the first cameras, capturing light is what photography is all about. This is the most important thing about photography. I still have tons to learn more about it. There are so many ways to describe light in photography; Ambient Lighting, Long Exposure, Key Light, Light Soft or Hard . It does not matter what you call you need to use it , or you don’t have a photo’s.
Last week I hosted my first official challenge as team member. I was happy to see all your responses and how you all have interpreted the topic. So many beautiful posts. Thank you for the nice welcome you gave me. I did my best to notice all your entries.
Next week Ann-Christine of (aka Leya) is hosting, and she always has interesting topics and her photography is beautiful and inspirational, always a blog worth a visit.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Donna from Wind Kisses has given us a challenge to show sound in our photos. What an interesting and challenging task. I really had to give this some thought.
The presence of sound is constant, a never-ending symphony of life reverberating through the air. the haunting wail of the wind can be heard through the window. Its mournful howl seems to intensify the chill in the air, permeating every corner of the room.
The soothing sound of water is a timeless melody that resonates with the soul. The gentle pitter-patter of raindrops falling on the earth creates a comforting rhythm, symbolizing nature’s embrace. The rush of rapids flowing downstream echoes with an invigorating energy, reminding us of the unstoppable force of life. Waves crashing on the shore produce a symphony of power and grace, a dance between water and land that captures the essence of both strength and serenity. Meanwhile, the calming lapping of water on a lake’s edge invokes a sense of tranquility, weaving a sense of peace and harmony with every ripple. Each of these sounds forms a unique part of the intricate song of water, a melody that has captivated and inspired humanity throughout the ages.
Music was the first thing that came to mind…
I can hear the beating of the drums, the cello’s sound is full, like a canvas painted with emotion. When you listen to a harp, each pluck resonates with clarity, like dewdrops on a spider’s web at dawn. Saxophone, you’ll notice a rich warmth in its tone. It’s as if the sound wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening
We often say we want silence, but most of us never experience total silence. Does it mean to us a moment of silence in nature, like listening to the wind, waves and sounds of birds for example? Or something totally different? Maybe it’s about sitting and reading a book, listening only to our own thoughts. Are these the moments of silence? It’s interesting to ponder the different forms of silence we encounter in our lives. Nature’s sounds can indeed offer a form of serene stillness, a chance to pause and be present in the moment. On the other hand, the tranquility of being engrossed in a book, completely absorbed in our thoughts, can also bring about a sense of inner quietude.
Silence itself is multifaceted, woven into the fabric of our experiences in diverse ways. It can be the absence of external noise, but also the opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. Perhaps, it’s not just about the absence of sound, but about finding harmony within ourselves despite the cacophony of the world around us. Whether it’s the gentle rustling of leaves or the whispered pages of a book, these moments offer a chance to embrace the essence of silence in its various forms.
Cacophony, a blend of unharmonious sounds that we encounter on a daily basis. From the hustle and bustle of people going about their business in malls and cafes to the clatter of construction work and the cacophony of voices in food markets, it seems that we are constantly surrounded by a symphony of discordant sounds. Even the perpetual traffic on our streets adds to this auditory mix, creating an overwhelming atmosphere that can be quite challenging to ignore. This auditory cacophony is the soundtrack of our modern lives, a chaotic medley that, in its own way, reflects the vibrant energy and diversity of the bustling world around us.
While we may long for moments of tranquility and peace amidst this cacophony, it also serves as a testament to the liveliness and diversity of human activity and interaction. It serves as a constant reminder of the vivid tapestry of human existence, a reminder that in the midst of dissonance, there is a harmony waiting to be discovered.
I will be hosting my first challenge as a member of the team next week, so I hope to see you visiting my post to see what I have come up with 🙂
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
The persistence of snowfall can be quite the test of patience, especially when all one longs for is the arrival of warmer days and the blossoming of nature. It seems that winter’s grasp refuses to loosen, creating a landscape that feels perpetually locked in the icy embrace of the season.
Last week, Egidio had us looking at Warm colors. And I , for one enjoyed them, all the beautiful sunsets that came up in the posts. If you missed it, here is a link to the challenge of Warm Colors.
This week Annefrom Slow Shutter Speed has us thinking and showcasing our weather shots. It is one of the favorite topics of discussion among us Finns. As the saying goes, the climate is what we expect, and the weather is what we get. Finland has four unique seasons. The temperature in Finland varies greatly by season and by region as the country is long and has differing coastal and inland climates. The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Eurasian continent to the east together create the actively changing climate of Finland. Due to our country’s location, the weather can also change quickly, which makes predicting a bit tricky . One moment the sun might be shining, and the next rain is pouring down – such is life up North.
Snow covered lake and trees in Lahti
Winter The coldest day of the season is usually at the end of January in most regions. I So you are protected from that cool winter breeze, especially in the coast.
February is a snowy and chilly winter month in all of Finland. The slower cooling of the Baltic Sea typically delays the coldest period on the Coast and the Archipelago until the beginning of February. The days are still relatively short but they are getting longer , the sun stays up for nine hours in Helsinki.
March, spring is starting to be on its way. After the spring equinox (March 21st) the days get increasingly longer. Warm clothes are still a must, as the month is likely to be cold with the deepest snow cover, especially in the north.
Spring After the long winter nature wakes up again in April. Spring begins early in the month in the coastal areas, and later in April elsewhere, In April, there’s an increasing amount of daylight and the snow starts to melt, yet it is still not summer.
The weather in May goes from warm to cool, so be ready for all kinds of weather. One thing for sure is that there will be more daylight.
In June, the Finnish summer kicks off. You can expect sunny and pleasant days, but there might be some rain, especially after midsummer. In June, you can experience the amazing midnight sun around the summer solstice.
July is peak summer and generally the hottest month of the year. Most Finns take their annual leave during this time. July is all about heat waves and sometimes even thundershowers, but overall, it’s the best of summer in Finland.
August is the second warmest month in Finland. Though it’s the rainiest in some areas, August usually brings many lovely summer days. The warm but darkening August nights are magical as summer comes to an end.
The autumn season may start pleasantly crisp and cool, but September can also get quite wet. You can expect cloudy skies and rain some of the time but also charming and cool sunny days. In northernmost Finland, the first snow often falls in September. Overall, it’s time to start dressing up warm again.
Autumn foliage makes October a beautiful month, yet the weather can be brisk, and the temperature is likely to drop from mild to frosty. November, the northern parts of the country usually have lasting snow cover already. Wind, rain, and slush are regular delights of the month. The grayest month of all. The month is quite cold, so adding warm layers underneath your winter gear is a must. December is dark, cold and mostly snowy.
I think I did all the months, but as a last note. I love taking misty photos. Droplets after rain, or a misty night. Frost is beautiful after a cold night. Clouds enhance the sunset photos. Rain, or snowing can be a great opportunity for a good shot. Hope you now have an ideal month in mind as when to visit Finland 😂
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
Next week Donna leads us to the topic of sound, that should be an interesting one to tackle, I am already trying to come up with some ideas,
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 