The essence of autumn is fallen leaves, no.
Fallen
Tag: nature
Autumn’s Beauty by the Lake
Autumn whispers softly by the lake,
Golden yellows merge with vibrant green,
Reeds, like brushstrokes, dance in the breeze,
Against the azure calm, a tranquil scene.
For Dawn’s Festival of leaves
The Beauty of Flowers A memory of summer
Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!
Lens-Artists Challenge #368—Looking Back to# 106: Autumn
Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumn here.
Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.
To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.
Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!
Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.
For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
last of September
Last on the card for September 2025
Wordless Wednesday
the Decay of Sunflowers
Lens Artists #367 – Everyone Should See This
When I think about the ocean, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. It’s this vast expanse that holds so many mysteries and beauty, evoking awe and humility in me. The ocean feels like this incredible force—both calming and powerful at the same time. There’s something magical about standing by the shore, where you can hear the waves crash and feel that deep connection to nature and time itself.
Joanne is this weeks host. Her challenge post is here. Her request is to share some photographs of things/people/places that are inspiring and that you want to share. This is my approach to it. Suggestion: all the images in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.
It’s hard to believe that around 60-70% of people around the world have never seen the ocean in person. That means over 2.5 billion folks haven’t experienced the delight of watching the waves or feeling the sand between their toes! For many, it’s just not possible—living in landlocked areas, dealing with financial constraints, or simply not having the chance to travel can keep them away from those tranquil blue waters. It’s a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone gets a taste of the ocean’s beauty.
I saw this firsthand in India when local people from the countryside came to see the ocean for the first time for the New Year celebration. They had no idea of the power of the water and did not know how to swim, yet the sheer joy radiating from the women, children, but mostly young men was a sight to behold. They were playing on the beach as you usually see children play, building sandcastles and chasing each other in the waves lapping at their feet. The lifeguards were driving up and down the beach giving warnings not to enter if you don’t know how to swim. Also, the amount of selfies and photos 😀 one can guess how many…
The ocean has inspired so many, including some amazing writers. Robert Wyla captures this perfectly when he says, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” That resonates with me! And Rainer Maria Rilke echoes similar feelings, sharing his experience of going to the sea when life gets heavy: “When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.” Doesn’t that just sound soothing?
I also love Christy Ann Martine’s lines, “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” It speaks to the joy of immersing ourselves in the ocean’s embrace. It reminds me that there’s this beautiful freedom found in the rhythm of the ocean.
Even if some haven’t been able to experience it firsthand, its essence resonates in our hearts and connects us all. The ocean isn’t just about its waves and shores; it’s about healing, inspiration, and that profound sense of belonging we all seek. So here’s to all the adventures waiting at the ocean!
I cannot end this post without sunset from by the ocean
Last week, you were so creative with your responses to Tina’s challenge! I love how different takes were on that theme. For Joanne’s challenge this week, make sure to link your post to hers and don’t forget to throw in the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily spot your post in the Reader.
Next week, John returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
under the dark clouds
I drove back to my summer house under these dark, very impressive clouds that loomed ominously over the horizon. A huge rain pour had just passed the area, leaving behind a fresh, earthy scent that filled the air, as the remnants of the storm clung to the landscape. All that was left to see were the swirling clouds and the distant rumble of thunder, echoing like a memory of the storm’s fury. As I navigated the winding road, I could feel the anticipation of the cool, refreshing breeze seeping through the open windows, mingling with the scent of wet pine trees and damp earth.
Stormy clouds gather thick,
veiling the winding road in a dark embrace,
their swirling forms whispering fervent secrets of August skies.
The air crackles with electric anticipation,
as nature’s breath draws in,
a symphony of windsong
passionately dances through the fields,
while the horizon sighs deeply,
cradled beneath the weight of rain,
painting the countryside
in lush hues of deep gray and fleeting light.
Nature’s stunning Canvas
We have had two beautiful sunsets this weekend, each more captivating than the last. The colors have been really intense, creating a display that left us in awe. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a vibrant canvas, splashed with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Nature truly does provide the best art with big and bold strokes, reminding us of its incredible power and beauty..
This first set is me facing the camera to the west sky. The photos in can be enlarges by clicking the photos, I even recommend you to do so 😀
Now facing north ern sky the colors were pink and blue, usually the colors are not so strong.
The same was at the south looking sky.
Nature’s Colorful Transformation
Dawn of ‘The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere and would love you to share what autumn is like in your part of the world.
Festival of leaves… I took these today September 26th
Leaves are scattered on the ground in shades of yellow and brown, making a soft, colorful carpet that crunches when you step on it. The tree still hangs on to a bit of green in its leaves, a little nod to the summer that just zoomed by. The wind tosses them around, sending some whispers through the air, while the sun shines warmly on the scene, giving those fallen leaves a golden glow that sways gently in the light.
Juveninkoski Waterfall A Hidden Gem
I am going to share these images from the summer in Juveninkoski, Finland for Sunday Stills: Fountains and Falls. The cascading water, while not enormous in size, offers a charm that captures the essence of nature’s beauty. There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of flowing water as it dances over the rocks, that appeals to all our senses. This place, surrounded by lush greenery makes you appreciate the simple joys that nature provides.
Juveninkoski is an almost vertical waterfall in the village of Partala, in the town of Jämsä. It gets its water from the small Nytkymenjoki river in the area. The water plunges down a rocky cliff for almost 7 metres, but the total drop height of the rapid is even more than that. After the fall, the flow of the river slows down.
Click to enlarge photos.
Juveninkoski is reportedly the highest and steepest free-flowing waterfall in Central Finland, which is why it is one of the most famous nature sights in Jämsä today. Especially during the spring. Later in the summer, too, the rapid is a pleasant attraction as one can see the rapid in the green embrace of the surrounding trees and bushes that is when we drove to see it in August.
There used to be a mill and a ski factory at the river and, in addition, the river has been used for log floating. The fall has been named after Heikki Juvén, a ski factory owner born in Partala on January 10th 1907. Some remains from these past times, such as blocks of concrete, can still be seen in the rapid.
The descent is quite steep on one side, but on the opposite side of the rapid, there is a path that offers an easier way down.
The village association in Partala has worked to refurbish the surroundings of the waterfall. They built an observation platform along with flower beds and a sign with information of the history of the rapid. There are also two millstones on the observation platform. Downstream of the fall there is also a small pond, where you can go to swim during summertime.
All in all, Juveninkoski is a beautiful waterfall, with perhaps one of its best qualities being its steepness: “traditional” waterfalls falling free like this are rare in Finland.
the Serenity of September Rain
September rain, it came down heavily and slowly and heavily again, drenching the earth in a soothing rhythm that seemed to echo the heartbeat of the world. The wind, both gentle and powerful, swirled through the yard, frolicking amid the vibrant green leaves and twirling branches of the trees that swayed almost rhythmically, while droplets moving fast in the dim light, creating a serene but moody atmosphere. That is the feeling of the day at my house.
Amidst the gentle rustle of tree branches, each drop a note that dances through the leaves. The air is fragrant with the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen petals, as nature sighs. Sunlight filters softly through the splattered droplets, creating a mosaic of light and shadow, while the world stands still, cradled in the embrace of autumn’s first whispers. Grateful, the trees sway gently, their limbs catching the rhythm of the rain, celebrating the transition to a season rich with change and renewal.
Lens-Artists Challenge #366– City Mouse/Country Mouse
Tina takes us to a theme inspired by “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,” also known as “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,” is a heartfelt Aesop fable that tells the story of a country mouse and a city mouse who venture into each other’s worlds.
I have lived in three continents – I have moved many times and the really important thing is that you are where you are with the ones you love. Home is where your heart is.
This tale gently reminds us of the stark contrast between the glamorous yet sometimes perilous hustle of city life and the comforting, simple joys of the countryside. Ultimately, it reflects a profound truth: that true happiness lies in finding joy in the place where we truly belong, even if it means letting go of some of the city’s flash and excitement.
I do not know which you prefer a more quiet life or the hustle and bustle of city life, but as I am getting older I am leaning more and more towards the countryside. I have never lived in the city, only the suburbs with 15 minutes commute to Helsinki and that not is considered a big city. But I used to spend lots of time in café’s and bookstores. Walk in the park and marketplace. As I wrote this it came to me I lived in San Diego, and Las Vegas, those are rather big cities even back then. Memory what it does to you…. Nowadays I am happy to retreat to my summerhouse in the summer to listen to birds and watch the leaves above my hammock move against the blue sky. In the winter it’s suburbia 😀 with nature at my doorway. I am a happy country mouse 😀
I am just happy to visit the cities for a day or two and to return the more relaxed small towns.
That it for me this week. I’m sure others have much more intriguing takes, and I eagerly anticipate reading their thoughts. Please make sure to connect your responses to Tinas’s lovely original here, and tag the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in Edígios’s Longing challenge last week, which led to so many emotions.
We are excited to announce that next week Lens-Artists will be guest-hosted by Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography, we hope you’ll join us again next Saturday, so be sure to check her post at noon EST. In the meantime, as always, keep on smiling.
Interested in joining our challenge? Click here .
There is melancholy in the air
There is a certain melancholy in the air when the midnight ladies bloom. They begin to be the last blooming flowers of summer.
budding amidst green leaves.
Ligularia dentata a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family and the genus Ligularia . It is native to China and Japan. Ligularia is a vigorous grower with kidney-shaped leaves that are very toothed. The leaf petioles can be over 30 centimeters long. Midnight Lady is also an excellent plant for butterflies and pollinators.
For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.
Sunflowers symbol of Positivity and Joy
Sunflowers are a vibrant symbol of positivity and warmth, their golden petals radiating joy and bringing light to everyone to see. They turn their heads to follow the sun, reminding us to seek the brighter side of life. As Vincent van Gogh once said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”
Calm Waters
Sharing soothing images in line with my week’s theme – Quiet Moments. These visuals capture the tranquility and serenity that come from the simplest things in life, calm waters to serene landscapes that inspire peace, a feeling of stillness and relaxation. As we navigate through our busy lives, take time to pause, appreciate these quiet moments, and find comfort in the beauty that surrounds us.
Wordless Wednesday
Finding Joy in Everyday Wonders
Once again as I sit in my living room and watch the sun light up the leaves, casting a warm golden hue upon them, it brings immense joy to look at these short moments of beauty that give me joy. Not much is needed, if you take the time to see the little wonders that happen around you, like the gentle rustle of the leaves in the breeze or the light causing the background to appear like colorful balls dancing in the air. These simple experiences are treasures, offering moments wonder into our everyday lives, reminding us to cherish each fleeting moment.
Foggy field – Nature’s morning Calm
In the field where whispers weave, fog blankets the morn,
Trees stand guard, their silhouettes adorned,
A rustic fence, weathered and worn,
Holds secrets of nature, in silence reborn.
Straight
Silent Sunday at Debbie’s here: Straight
Straight from the camera – Moon from last night, I learned how to get a moon shot that truly captures its ethereal beauty. During my attempts, I discovered techniques that allowed me to showcase the moon’s craters and surface details in a striking way. However, in the shots where you could see some of the atmosphere with the misty field below, I had some trouble with lighting, which made it challenging to strike the right balance between the brightness of the moon and the subtle shadows in the landscape. Despite these challenges, every photo is a new learning experience – straight from my editing table, I carefully adjusted contrasts and color balances to enhance the final images, hopefully resulting in a collection that reflects my best attempts with my new camera.
What do you think? Do you have a preference.
shush – wordless Wednesday
Just because: Tuesday garden
For no reason other than that I wanted to post these photos taken from my backyard is this post done. Struggling with what to post, why to post and contemplating the reasons behind sharing moments like these, I find myself lost in a sea of hesitation and uncertainty. The beauty of my surroundings often feels too mundane to share, yet there’s a certain charm in the ordinary that I can’t help but appreciate. Each photo captures a fleeting moment amidst the chaos of life, and while I grapple with the idea of their significance, I am reminded that sometimes it’s not about the grand stories or profound insights; it’s about celebrating the little things, embracing the simplicity of life, and allowing these images to resonate with anyone who might pause to look.
Click images to enlarge them.
Moody Cloudscapes: Embracing Nature’s Drama
Clouds. They always fascinate me, I am drawn to the intense and brooding skies that often envelop the horizon combined with the sea, I really love it. The way they shift and change, forming intricate patterns, creates an ever-evolving canvas that captivates my imagination, sparking a sense of wonder about the natural world. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to these formations, illuminating the rich colors and textures that define them. The mood that they give to a photograph can transform a simple scene into something dramatic and powerful, evoking emotions that resonate deeply within me .
I can almost feel the breeze, a touch of autumn in these photos. These are from Hailuoto, Oulu.
Lens-Artists Challenge #361- Looking Back to #20: Doors
Before I started this post, I enjoyed the beautiful images of doors in Tina’s and Sofia’s post, such a cavalcade of lovely doors and buildings that truly capture the essence of their surroundings. Each door tells its own unique story. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and diverse architectural styles showcased in their posts serve as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to explore the world of doors. Both posts give us lots of ideas on how to approach this challenge with creativity and enthusiasm, encouraging us to find beauty in the ordinary.
Like Sofia, I enjoy photographing doors and windows as intriguing opportunities to imagine life behind them, often sparking curiosity about the stories within those frames. Each door stands as a portal, and windows offer glimpses of the vibrant world inside, blending the exterior with the intimate. Street photography closely relates to door images for me, capturing the essence of the environment and moments that unfold silently, inviting us to ponder our shared human experiences. The interplay of light and shadow often evokes nostalgia, making each shot a narrative waiting to be explored.
How you crop the image makes you pay attention to different things, emphasizing various aspects of the subject and focus. By adjusting the frame, you can direct the viewer’s eye to specific details, creating a stronger emotional impact. This encourages deeper engagement with the visual narrative. (click the images to get a better view)
Details on doors that have gotten me to click the a shot.
I eagerly anticipate your posts, inspired by Tina’s 2018 challenge and Sofia’s current exploration of the same theme. Hope your search enjoyable! Do remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to Sofia’s post so that we can all effortlessly connect with your contributions.
Last week was truly remarkable, thanks to Ann-Christine’s challenge focused on Fairs, Markets, and Festivals. These vibrant cultural events are pivotal in defining a society, and it was a pleasure to explore a selection from across the globe. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate Beth’s leadership next Saturday, August 23rd. Until then, say positive and keep on smiling.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please click here.
Embracing the August days
Four weeks have gone by since the official summer holiday came to an end, and I find myself still spending this week at the summer house, relishing the warm weather that lingers. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, while soft breezes rustle the leaves of the trees surrounding me. Now the temperature has settled at a pleasant +20°C; it is nice enough to enjoy early morning coffee outdoors, Evenings are perfect , the horizon is painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun sets, creating a picturesque backdrop that makes it hard to believe that summer is truly slowly slipping away.
It has been an odd summer; the first half was so unseasonably cold that it hardly felt like summer at all. However, everything changed dramatically in the middle of July when our holiday commenced. To our surprise, we experienced the longest hot period in Finland’s recorded history—an astonishing 22 consecutive days of weather ranging between +25-30°C. This was a remarkable shift that caught many of us off guard, as such temperatures are not the norm for our region. We spent our days enjoying the sunny days in the shade, laying in the hammock, not really doing much. Lazy hazy summer days. Spending time with family, by the sea and lakes. Enjoying tasty fresh food prepared by others. I didn’t even take that many photos, hardly any. That is if I compare it to what I have done.
The increase in extreme weather has become a point of concern for many, as it is evident that these phenomena are occurring more frequently, likely due to the impacts of climate change. As I reflect on this summer, I cannot help but wonder what changes the future holds for our weather patterns and how we will adapt to them in the coming years.
I have made few posts, but I apologize for not commenting on posts, and I have also been slow in replying to comments. I feel bad about it, but the thing is I feel almost guilty when there is a lovely summer day and I choose to stay inside. So I don’t . The summer is so short here, and when you have the opportunity to enjoy the good weather, you have to take it. It’s a time for outdoor life, barbecues with friends, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. We have a long winter, and during that season, the days can feel endless as we spend more time indoors. Therefore, when summer arrives, I want to embrace every moment of it, squeezing in all the joy that I can before it slips away once again. I will try to do better …
Now I will post few photos, as this is a photography blog. Words have not really been my thing, but I am trying to include more …
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 