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,
At this time I was trying to capture lush, green mossy surface with intricate textures visible. The light was soft anddiffused, highlighting the delicate structures of both the moss and fungi without casting harsh shadows. I like that there is a mix of green hues, ranging from bright lime greens to deeper forest greens in the vegetation. Cup Lichens with slender stems and cup-shaped caps are emerging from the moss, adding diversity to the scene. Most cup lichens grow on the ground but some can also grow on deadwood or as epiphytes on trees.
Last week, Sofia asked us to think about day and night for our weekly challenge. I found it fun to go through my archives to find matching photos.
This week, Egidio of, Through Brazilian Eyes, joins us for his first, official challenge with the Lens-Artists. Visit his site for inspiration and guidance on today’s challenge: Warm Colors.
This week Egídio asked; have you ever thought about your images’ impact on viewers based on your photos’ color schemes? Yes I have :-) He invites us to look at own photo catalog or capture new images showing how warm colors appear in our world and their emotional significance to us, also to share how your images made you feel when you captured them.
the warmth of the fire – in colors and feelings
Now to my thoughts on colors – warm colors – we all know them. BUT, to me me the yellow of the first flowers of spring it is not warm, it blends more to the blue. I know it is but – it is bright and refreshing against the new green that delights us. The coltsfoot ad dandelion are first ones to pop up you look for these pops of yellows, Globeflower blooms also in May, a brightfull joy of spring.
Towards the end of the summer the yellow deepens and to me that is a warm yellow, it blends more to red, I know I am splitting hairs here.
Warm reds and brown take over in the fall and a sense of lost comes with it. It does not demise the beauty of the warm colors of autumn is the festive season for warm colors. I joy for a photographer.
Browns – the end of autumn. Soft muted tones, that slowly shows the way to hibernation. Gets us ready for winter,
Now to the question, about how your images made you feel when you captured them. When I take a photo, I mainly focus on and pay attention to the composition, how to best show of what I see, . My main thoughts are did I get on the”film” what I saw. I want to bring beauty to a shot, no matter what the topic even if the topic itself is not that pleasant. I want to see the beauty around me, even a glimpse of it. Positivity… that’s what I want to see 🙂 and I have very warm thoughts about this little boy :-9
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.
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of quotes and poems for Ann- Christine. Selecting only few images was a challenge for me 🙂
This week Sofia gave us a fun challenge to showcase the difference between day and night. As Sofia mentioned, now that we’ve passed the Winter Equinox, the days are gradually getting longer, and we can finally bid farewell to the never-ending nights. We still have a good month or two to truly savor the increasing light, but we’re on the right track. So, here I am, sharing summer photos in the midst of winter… It won’t be long now, summer is on its way! Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night.
Not to be totally biased, I am also showing photos from cities little further away. Only due to that, do I have more than ten photos 😂
Hong Kong – view from Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks.
The day light is still softly around, soft mist in the background, them blue moment arrives to slowly turning the day to night, the lights of the skyscrapers coming more visible changing the mood. Then darkness folds out the dark shield that hides out the scenery leaving the buildings in the lighted glory as main point.
Blue hour at the peakCity lights from the peak
White nights at a cosy Finnish summer house right by the water, relaxing baths at the sauna, skinny dipping in the clear lakes, magical moments in nature glowing in 50 shades of green and many more.
Finnish summer speciality is the fascinating natural phenomenon called Midnight Sun.
When nights are as bright as the day, you can do the same things you would like to do during the day. Go outside the house and enjoy the light and the calm. The purely magical moment is when the sun tries to set, and it paints the horizon from red to yellow and pink to purple. Everything around you is surrounded by beautiful bright light.
The Nordic region is known for its unique light conditions, influenced by drastic weather and daylight changes. The sun’s low position in the northern areas creates long shadows and side-oriented daylight, while the summer evenings are distinguished by a diffuse light. The distinct quality of Nordic daylight lies in its low angles and the gradual, breathtaking transitions of long sunrises, sunsets, and the enchanting “blue hour.”
People have developed a special relationship with light, intricately intertwined with the seasons and the variations in light. The high variability of light throughout the day, and especially between the winter and summer seasons, influences people’s traditions, color preferences, and overall connection to light. I for one, feel guilty in the summer if I spend too much time inside. When you have it you need to be outside.
Day, evening and night image from Sydney Harbour
Night and day in Níce
Key west day and night
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.
Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night. Be sure to visit her beautiful examples for the challenge.
Next week,Egidio (Through Brazilian Eyes) will host his first official challenge with the Lens-Artists. His topic is Warm colors .Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more!
I found this image from my archives, it captures a close-up view of a green barley field with individual barley stalks and their grains clearly visible, highlighted by sunlight. The grains are at various stages of maturity, with some appearing golden and others green.
I am rather happy with this, but I’ve never posted it before as I like the softness and movement of it. It shows how you see even your own images differently as time passes and you look at your photos with fresh eyes.
Peach-leaved bellflower is one of Finland’s most handsome wild flowers and has been grown as a perennial since the 17th century for its attractive flowers. Pollinators look to large flowers for nectar and pollen, but also shelter from the wind and rain. Peach-leaved bellflower’s most common pollinators are bumblebees, flies and large honey bees.
The recent weather has been quite challenging, with the continuous onslaught of snow. Sadly, this time around, the snowfall was accompanied by warmer temperatures, resulting in wet snow that has ultimately turned into a mix of sleet and ice on the ground. It’s a frustrating situation to witness, especially as we brace for the arrival of below freezing temperatures again on Friday. Winter can be enchanting and picturesque, but it also has a darker, more treacherous side, as evidenced by the slippery ice underfoot.
Admittedly, I’m finding it challenging to appreciate the beauty of the season in moments like these. In fact, I didn’t even muster up the motivation to venture outside to capture photos, opting instead to take them from the comfort of my windows. Now, looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my own laziness.
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of dramatic photography for Patti. Selecting the most fitting images for the challenge presented quite a delightful yet daunting task.
And as I reflect on it, this week does not appear to be any easier, given that Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. The abundance of choices certainly makes this a captivating yet challenging endeavor. This week’s challenge offers an opportunity to delve into the profound world of words and capture their essence through artistry.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Ultima Thule: The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls
The tide rises, the tide falls, The twilight darkens, the curlew calls; Along the sea-sands damp and brown The traveller hastens toward the town, And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Darkness settles on roofs and walls, But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls; The little waves, with their soft, white hands, Efface the footprints in the sands, And the tide rises, the tide falls.
The little waves, with their soft, white hands, Efface the footprints in the sands,
The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls; The day returns, but nevermore Returns the traveller to the shore, And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Returns the traveller to the shore
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.
I don’t know how you start you posts, but what I do is, I open a new blank post. I choose an image, them I start to think of a title and maybe some text to it. I always start with an photo. I mainly posts photos, lately I have started add some more words to my posts, but I am a strong believer that the photo should convey the message – I don’t know if it true, but it is what I want to believe.
This photo I took years ago in Koh Lanta in Thailand, this is the first time I’ve edited it. I don’t know why I haven’t shared it before.
The beautiful beach, the tall palm trees, and the serene waters all bathed in the golden light of sunrise created a truly lovely scene that morning. The untouched sandy beach and scattered rocks add the feeling of untouched natural charm, while the sky’s gradient from blue to golden yellow is uplighting the spirit. I still remember to calmness and peaceful atmosphere as I had the beach to myself, just me and the tranquility of the lovely morning. I wish I was there now 🙂
Just out of curiosity, do the words add value to the post?
Pine trees basking in the sunshine on a rocky hill covered with white snow.
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
Yesterday it snowed once again, covering the landscape in a pristine blanket of white. As I gazed out of my window, I found myself without any desire to step out into the chilly weather. The snowflakes gracefully descended, gradually accumulating into a soft, glistening snow bank.
Today I caught a beautiful sunset from my patio, we had huge rise in temperature in the past two days and the snow covered trees are now gone. The trees still gave a beautiful contrast against the colorful sky
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 