Tag: nature

Lens-Artists Challenge – 403 Perspective-Scale-Depth

lens-artists, Photography, Traveling North Norway

I have a tendency to overthink these challenges and am stuck with choosing the photos for them. Here I am once again caught in this mental spiral, feeling paralyzed by my own expectations. To be honest, it is suitably annoying every time, as I find myself questioning every little detail. I start to analyze the colors, the composition, and even how well the images resonate with the theme I’m trying to convey. This self-imposed pressure makes the task feel more daunting than it really is, which only adds to my frustration. I know I just need to pick something and move on, but the fear of making the wrong choice keeps pulling me back into this cycle of indecision. And all this over a weekly photo challenge 😂 I am totally aware no one looks at them that closely.

Delicate white wildflowers bloom in the foreground against a soft, blurred landscape under a cloudy sky.
A long, winding road cuts through lush green hills under a cloudy sky, with a few vehicles traveling along it.
A scenic Hatteng,mountain road lined with green trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds where the impressive Otertinden mountain, rising to 1356 meters, dominates the background.

I fell in love with North Norway, especially for its breathtaking mountains. The scale of the mountains is impossible to capture. The images captures Hatteng, located along the E6 road in the municipality of Storfjorden, where the impressive Otertinden mountain, rising to 1356 meters, dominates the background. This photo showcases a scenic highway, with the E6 winding through the verdant landscapes of the Lyngenfjord and Signaldalen valleys, flanked by dense trees. In the foreground, a black car drives away from the viewer, with a few caravans visible further ahead. Towering mountains with rugged, rocky peaks, some adorned with patches of snow, rise majestically under a bright blue sky dappled with clouds.

Standing on the Skibotn pier by the Lyngenfjord, you’ll be captivated by the incredible perspective offered by the vast landscape around you. The majestic Lyngen Alps loom impressively, their jagged peaks soaring over 1,800 meters, giving you a real sense of depth and scale that is simply breathtaking. As you take in the view, you can spot specific formations: Lyngen Alps (Lyngsalpene) dramatically lining the fjord’s western side, Nallagais, a notable local peak, and Imagais, the massif that rises directly above the scenery. Don’t forget Balggesvarr, which frames the area beautifully, along with Storfjellet, the “Great Mountain” that stands proud in Storfjord municipality, and the peaks around Steindalsbreen, bordering the nearby glacier valley, all enhancing the impressive scale of this stunning region.

A wide landscape photo showcases a serene coastal scene with shallow water and patches of exposed ground in the foreground, emphasizing the vastness of the beach. In the distance, a calm body of water stretches towards a majestic range of misty Lyngenfjord mountains partially covered in snow, which loom high above and are shrouded by low clouds, enhancing the sense of scale. Small boats dot the water, illustrating the scale of the landscape and providing perspective against the imposing mountains. Soft rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, casting gentle illumination on the rugged terrain and creating a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere. The sky above is mostly clear with scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil and expansive feeling of the scene.

Last week, your replies to Sofia’s challenge showcased some awesome wonders from all over the globe, highlighting the incredible variety of natural and man-made marvels that our planet has to offer. Big thanks to everyone who jumped in on the challenge and shared their unique perspectives! I am still continuing the theme here, as the views were so wondrous that I felt compelled to explore even more aspects of these remarkable sights. The majestic mountains, the beauty of our world.

Thanks to John for this week’s great challenge. I have to say I struggled with this one. I have worked on it for days, mostly trying to find new photos for it, and that meant editing my raw files. If you would like to join the challenge, please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #403: Perspective, Depth, and Scale.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, June 27 at noon eastern time when Beth will be hosting the challenge.

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.

Lens-artists Challenge #402 Wonders

iPhone photography, Landscapes, lens-artists, Photography

I just got back from north Norway, and I was in awe all of the time there. I have not had time to edit my photos from my camera, and I took most of them with it. I am now making a quick post from some of the wonderful wonders that I have just seen. Most are unedited taken with my iPhone.

The photos do not show the grandeur of it all

These are from our first stop in Yykeänperä translates to Skibotn in English (Norwegian). It is a village located in the Storfjord Municipality in Troms county, Northern Norway, situated on the southeastern shore of the Lyngenfjord. 

It is also known as Ivgobahta in Northern Sami and occasionally Markkina in Kven. The village sits roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Kilpisjärvi, Finland, making it a popular destination for cross-border day trips and that is why we are there.

This view was about 100 meters away from our room

I am sorry Sofia I did not have the time to do more well thought out post, but I did want to participate

Liked to Lens Artists at Sofia’s here

It was beautiful but so windy, and to be honest cold this evening

When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Today At midsummer Saturday John will post a new challenge be sure to check it out.

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Pikisaari: Nature and Culture in Oulu

Captures from Finland, Cities, iPhone photography

Still in Oulu, late afternoon 17:30, not that you would know that this time of the year it is so light. Our son is showing us places in in his hometown. Just a little fact about summer nights; last night the sunset was at 00:15 and sunrise at 2:21, creating almost a continuous twilight that casts a magical glow over the landscape.

Back to the topic of this post, I am sharing a few window shots from Pikisaari, located right next to the center of Oulu, which is a real gem! This charming area boasts lots of fascinating architecture, ranging from historical buildings to modern designs that harmonize beautifully with the surroundings. The beautiful nature surrounding Pikisaari, with its lush greenery and serene waters, creates a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the vibrant arts and culture scene here is truly inspiring, with local artists often showcasing their talents through various exhibitions and events, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to experience the rich cultural fabric of the city.

Bright red animal and abstract shapes decorate the exterior brick wall of a building surrounded by greenery.

The area around the Old Wool Factory is turning into such a cool cultural hub, and honestly, this little island is just so pretty! Pikisaari has such beautiful nature; almost half of the island is untouched, so there’s plenty of space to kick back and soak in the scenery and art you find along the trails. The running paths here in Oulu are honestly the best and they weave through this stunning island! We didn’t feel like running, i never do though, so we just strolled slowly along the river path instead, but I’ll save those picture for another post!

How do you feel about those chair legs, kind of cute?
My husband standing next to a large rusty metal sculpture that has art inside in front of a brick building

I hope this post has enough windows for Monday Window.

The Atmosphere of Nallikari Beach in Summer

Captures from Finland, Photography

So, it wasn’t exactly sunny at first, but then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting this gorgeous warm glow over the sand. We swung by Nallikari beach in Oulu— it’s such a picturesque spot with stunning scenery and a super lively vibe! The beach has this Blue Flag certification, which basically means it’s well taken care off.. The gentle slope and fine sand make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, especially for little kids and brave adults. In summer, it’s packed with beach lovers and sports junkies, while winter? That’s when the ice fishers, skiers, and Northern Lights fans show up! As we strolled along the shore, we caught sight of groups playing beach volleyball—talk about a blast, every group had different music and in my mind the ssome of the lyrics were too much for me.! Their laughter and cheers filled the air, making it so lively. Families gathered on the lush green lawn, chatting away and enjoying picnic lunches. Someone even hung up a hammock between two trees—it looked so inviting, and you could just kick back and soak in the sunshine! Not far away, couples and friends were happily savoring ice cream, while everyone seemed glued to their phones. It was such a lively scene!

A lifeguard tower on a sandy beach overlooks a calm sea with Nallikari Observation Tower, better known as Nallikari Lighthouse, on the top of the breakwater at the northern end of the beach in the background.
Children and adults enjoying a sandy beach with a unique rope climbing structure under a cloudy sky
A group of friends enjoying a sunny day playing beach volleyball by the water’s edge
To enjoy alone time by the Baltic ssea
Groups of people enjoying a sunny day picnicking and relaxing under tall green birch trees in a park
Time to enjoy Ice cream, it is a summer must.

Tired

Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

If you’re not in the mood for self pity, skip the text and enjoy the photo 😌

I had one of the worst nights in a long time. My sleep was in shambles, I couldn’t get a comfortable position in my bed, my feet were cold… from within, I was in and out of sleep. Yes I am whining about it… sorry for that. But on a a positive note, I am doing my best so I don’t fall asleep by sitting in my garden/ backyard enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the rhododendrons.

Continue reading “Tired” →

Lens-Artists Challenge # 401: Focus on the Subject

lens-artists, Photography

Have you ever looked at a photograph or piece of art and wondered what its focal point is? This week, Patti invites us to focus on what draws our attention in an image. She shares five effective techniques to help direct your viewer’s gaze to the focal point, highlighting the artistic decisions that influenced your capture of that moment. By grasping these methods, you can enrich the storytelling of your visuals and provide a more captivating experience for your audience.

Deep Depth of Field (High f-stops like f/11): When you set your camera to a high f-stop like f/11, you can keep everything in focus—from the blades of grass right in front of you to the mountains way off in the distance. It creates this beautiful, detailed scene that’s perfect for landscapes! With this technique, you can capture the fine textures of what’s close while also showing off the stunning views far away. It’s a great way to get that amazing clarity across everything in your shot, making it just right for those scenic moments where both near and far elements tell a complete story. Plus, it helps to highlight how different layers in your image interact, guiding the viewer’s eye through the gorgeous landscape and giving that feeling of depth and immersion.

More than 15000 German soldiers lost their lives during the Second World War in the Greek territory. The German military cemetery in Maleme (Deutschen Soldatenfriedhof in Maleme) is one of the two cemeteries in Greece where the graves of German soldiers are.

Here are images captured at the German War Cemetery in Maleme, showcasing the effective use of leading lines and negative space. The photographs emphasize the importance of varying perspectives by getting closer to the subjects and exploring different angles. This approach not only enhances the visual storytelling but also invites us to reflect on the solemnity and significance of the memorial site. It’s a journey of discovering diverse methods to portray the emotions and narratives contained within the landscape.

In this photo, I’ve placed the horizon roughly along the bottom third of the frame and the biggest and closest trees along the line to the right. The photo wouldn’t have the same impact if the larger trees had been placed in the center of the frame.

Selective Focus is one of the reasons I love macro photography. It let’s me concentrate on one place and find miracles close to home from the nature around me. and it is a great opportunity to Simplify Your Background with the Shallow Depth of Field (Low f-stops like f/1.8): The subject is crystal clear, but the background is beautifully blurred. Perfect for portraits and close-ups. Also the when you use the lines on your camera you can easily use one of the most used composition rules. The Rule of Thirds in your Subject Placement. The idea is to place the important element(s) of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect. We have a natural tendency to want to place the main subject in the middle. Placing it off-center using the rule of thirds will more often than not lead to a more attractive composition.

In this photo I used Selective focus, subject placement, and I simplified the background

Where you decide to focus in a photo can really change the whole vibe and atmosphere. Just the other weekend, I snapped some shots of these beautiful lupins blooming by the roadside. It’s pretty neat because even though I used an aperture of f5.6 for all of them, the way I shifted the focus altered the composition and how the flowers looked. It’s so interesting to see how switching up focal points can completely transform the feel of a shot, right? When you’re out there taking pictures, experimenting with focus can add a whole new layer of depth and emotion to your images.

Get closer to the subject…. no here the aperture is smaller f 2.8

Simplify Your Background, think about where you focus and gradually move closer, that is something I have been doing for years. These daisies are taken few years ago.

Returning to the basics of composition has me thinking! The next time I take my camera out, I’m excited to play around with some selective focus techniques—I really believe they can elevate the storytelling in photography in some intriguing ways. Huge thanks to you, Patti, for igniting this spark! I’m definitely going to keep this inspiration in mind as we head North to Finland and Norway next week. When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Just last week, Tina encouraged us to explore the Rule of Three, and it was awesome to see how much everyone enjoyed crafting their posts, really showing off your strong grasp of composition in photography!

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Sticky Catchfly is a Nature’s Survivor

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly

Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.

At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.

A Summer Tale of Friendship – A Short Story

Captures from Finland, Photography, Short Stories and Poems

The mid-summer sun beat down warmly over the small dirt roads as Leo and Olivia ran toward the edge of the woods, their excitement palpable in the golden rays of the sun. They were neighbors who shared the same summer place, but only for the short, intense duration of the summer holidays, which made their fleeting time together all the more precious.

Once autumn arrived and school started, daily routines and different hobbies would pull them into their own separate worlds, like two stars drifting apart in the vast sky. That was why every warm June day had to be treasured, for it held the promise of adventure and the magic of unbreakable bonds. They ventured along a narrow, sunlit path in a lush forest, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered the delights of summer friendship—moments filled with innocent secrets, whispered dreams, and shared aspirations. The sounds of the people quickly faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of pines and nature’s own calming silence, a serene orchestra that accompanied their journey.

Olivia walked ahead, her long hair swaying like golden waves, carrying her old fabric-clothed doll, whose sewn smile seemed almost to share in their joy. In her imagination, the ordinary forest transformed instantly into an uncharted jungle where they were brave explorers searching for lost temples and hidden treasures, her adventurous spirit breathing life into the woods around them.

Leo, on the other hand, was in no hurry, delighting in the small wonders that nature offered. He moved more slowly, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, utterly captivated by the artistry of the forest floor. He was kneeling in curiosity, marveling at the tiny wonders of the woodland floor, each leaf and pebble telling its own story. Leo pointed his finger at the bright green moss growing on the side of a fallen birch trunk and a shiny sugar ant climbing across it, diligently carrying crumbs to its hidden home. To him, the real world and its tiny details were just as big an adventure as Olivia’s elaborate stories.

“If we come back tomorrow,” Leo said, his eyes still scanning the brush, “we need to bring a jar. A big glass one. I saw a beetle back there that looked like it was made of green metal.”

Olivia turned around, cradling her doll securely against her shoulder. “A jar? No way, Leo. Explorers don’t lock things in glass. We need to build a proper base camp first. Did you see that massive oak tree near the bend? The roots make a perfect secret cave.”

“Caves are damp,” Leo countered, though a grin tugged at his mouth. “And what if it rains tomorrow?”

“Then the leaves will block it! Plus, my doll needs a safe place to stay while we hunt for the lost temple ruins,” she insisted, gesturing toward the thicker part of the woods ahead. “We can gather those large pine branches to make a roof.”

Leo thought about it for a second, looking back down at the mossy ground. “Okay, fine. We build the camp first. But only if we can make a tiny moss bed inside it for the beetles to visit.”

The vibrant green foliage enveloped them, with tall trees standing like guardians and cheerful shrubs dancing in the gentle breeze, as warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows around us, like fleeting moments captured in time. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, enhancing their joyful atmosphere, as butterflies flitted by, their delicate wings a kaleidoscope of colors. In that peaceful oasis, unforgettable memories were made, capturing a beautiful moment of exploration and wonder that forever bound their hearts in innocent joy. As the evening began to cool and it was time to head home for dinner, they both knew without words that this day would leave a mark lasting through the coming winter, all the way until the next summer—a beautiful reminder of fun and companionship.

Water Avens A Resilient Summer Flower

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

Summer flowers that keep up showing every year, this is so pretty and useful too. Water avens has these big, drooping reddish-brown flowers that really catch your eye and make it easy to recognize. It’s got a bunch of local Finnish names, showing how long it’s been part of Finnish life. If you’ve ever noticed honey bees and bumblebees buzzing around it, that’s where its name comes from! Interestingly, wasps also come by, but they don’t help with pollination.

The image features a close-up view of a delicate yellow water Avens bud, partially open, revealing intricate details of its central green and yellow reproductive parts. The flower and its hairy stems are sharply focused, while the background is a soft, blurred bokeh of greens and yellows, the natural outdoor setting with sunlight filtering through foliage. Other buds and leaves are visible but out of focus, adding depth and texture to the composition.

If you are looking at these on a computer, click the gallery to have a better look.

This plant is native to almost all of Finland, except for the fell Lapland areas, and you’ll mostly find it in the southern parts of the country, from the Bay of Bothnia all the way south. In the wild, water avens thrives in all sorts of damp and rich spots like hedgerows by the shore, streambanks, springs, and particularly in the lush swamps of the north. It’s also quite happy in human-made areas, often seen thriving along the sides of ditches. One fun fact is that its achenes have these hooked tips and stiff hairs that let them latch onto people and animals, helping it spread even more!

Wood Horsetail: A Living Fossil in Your Yard

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Every year, I notice the same things in my yard: how different plants pop up, showcasing vibrant colors and unique textures. I end up taking photos, even though I have so many already in my archive. It’s a delightful ritual, as I love capturing the changing seasons and the various stages of growth; each snapshot reflects nature’s resilience and beauty. But that’s how it usually works: every bloom is a fleeting moment that deserves to be immortalized. Now, I have edited some of my old images to highlight the intricate details that my eyes may have overlooked previously, breathing new life into them and allowing me to appreciate the wild plants in my yard in a fresh light.

The picture shows a cool shoot of Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), which people in Finland call metsäkorte.

A close-up of a horsetail plant featuring its segmented, cone-like spore-producing structure against a soft green background.

This plant is like a “living fossil” since it spreads by spores rather than seeds. You can spot Wood Horsetail by a few notable features: Branching: It has delicate green branches that form a whorl, unlike the upright Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Cone (Strobilus): At the top, there’s a structure resembling a pinecone, which holds the spore sacs. Growth Habit: It starts off tan and without leaves, but the shoots eventually turn green and sprout feathery branches. Sheaths: The stem is adorned with reddish-brown leaf sheaths that are fused into lobes. You’ll often find Wood Horsetail in moist areas such as peaty soils, damp woods, and marshes.

A close-up of a horsetail plants

A close-up of horsetail plant with a single water droplet resting on its leaves against a blurred natural background.

I have no last words for this post, other than have a great weekend, and I truly hope it is a sunny one. Embrace the little things constantly changing weather and the surprises it brings.

In the summer time

Captures from Finland, Flowers, iPhone photography, Photography

When the weather is fine you can enjoy the sunshine and…

The yellow dandelion fields they have turned white since our last visit, I reckon it looks pretty nice like this too.

Gravel road
Field of dandelions
They do look nice, I really enjoy taking pictures of them
Fluffy dandelions
How you frame your picture is so important

Have a happy Thursday🙂 I am enjoying it in the hammock

When the weather is fine 😁

Colorful Perspectives: Last on the Card for May 2026

Captures from Finland, Photography

Here are my photos for Last on the Card for May 2026 hosted by Bushboys World

I took this a close-up of a spruce tree branch with fresh, light green new growth at the tips of the needles with my Sony 7III . I wanted the focus to be sharp on the vibrant, young shoots, while the background is blurred with various shades of green and soft light bokeh, creating a dreamy and tranquil atmosphere. The composition highlights the contrast between the fresh spring growth and the more mature, darker green needles, evoking a sense of renewal and natural beauty. The mood is peaceful and refreshing, typical of a serene forest scene in springtime. I shoot in RAW so slight editing has been done.

I snapped a quick photo of this decorative bike that totally represents the Netherlands—there are bikes everywhere there! It was taken at my friend’s place. The shot features a close-up of a cute blue miniature bicycle resting on a wooden surface. It has some really neat details like a saddle, handlebars, pedals, and wheels with silver spokes, plus there’s a tiny wooden crate on it filled with little frames. Behind the bike, there’s a vibrant green leafy plant in a white pot that adds a nice natural vibe. In the background, you can see two ceramic vases—one’s taller and gradient blue, while the other is shorter with a rustic look—next to part of a framed painting with a fancy gold ornate border, which really gives the whole space a cozy and artistic feel. As you can maybe guess, it is taken with my IPhone 17 Pro. I always edit my photos, so here are both, original and edited.

Not so monochrome -lilacs

Flowers

On a request, here are my lilac photos on color, showcasing this flower that insists on flaunting its beauty in every possible lighting condition—it’s like the diva of the garden and the scent of her, aah!! Whether it’s posing against a clear blue sky, showing off its gorgeous self amidst lush greenery, or just casually lounging in the softness of a pastel backdrop, the lilac’s knack for stealing the spotlight, proving once and for all that flowers can outshine even the best of us in the color department!

White lilacs
Light purple lilacs stand for first love and early affection
White lilacs primarily symbolize purity and youthful innocence. In the traditional language of flowers, they represent a sweet, untainted soul, humility, and modesty

The Flower Hour #32

Monday window

Captures from Finland, Photography

This is fresh from the camera, one of my favorite spots to sit and relax Monday Window

Time to relax

Nature’s Details: Dark-Leaved Willow in Spring

Flowers, Photography

Debbies Six Word Saturday

The Dark-leaved willow (Salix myrsinifolia) is a willow species native to Europe and Western Siberia, known for its fuzzy, cylindrical catkins that appear alongside or just before new leaves in spring.

A close-up photograph of a slender willow branch adorned with fluffy white and green seed pods or flowers, set against a soft-focused green background. The vibrant green leaves surrounding the pods create a lively contrast with the delicate, almost feathery textures of the blooms. The fresh spring growth and natural beauty, with a gentle bokeh effect that highlights the details of the plant while softly blurring the surrounding foliage. and the green is refreshing, I am celebrating the intricate beauty of nature’s small details.

Cloudy Skies and Vibrant Dandelions

Captures from Finland, Photography

Cloudy skies, occasionally bit of rain, that is what we have had in the weather front in the past few days with couple hours off sunshine. So here are shots from the road leading to our summer place taken yesterday afternoon. Linking up with Skywatch Friday ~ 22/5/2026, I haven’t participated in skywatch for years, at one time I was a frequent visitor.

A vast field of bright yellow dandelions stretches under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.
A vibrant field of dandelions stretches alongside a winding gravel road under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.

The Short-lived Beauty of Spring Flowers

Flowers, Photography

Spring flowers in nature bloom and fade so quickly, their beauty often lasting only a fleeting moment. Last weekend, I took these shots of wood sorrels, capturing their delicate petals and delicate flowers while they were still alive in the warm sunlight. However, this week, there is only the green leaves left, as nature effortlessly transitions to palette of greens.

Oxalis acetosella, common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

The taste of the wood sorrel is familiar to many from childhood summers, used to pick them up while playing with friends in the woods. The flavor is refreshingly sour, now I know it is due to the oxalic acid it contains just like rhubarb. We never used it in fresh in salads, soups, and various sauces, where it adds a lemony tartness as fas as I remember.

common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

The beauty I came across during my walk in the woods was what I was searching for, I spotted these delicate wood sorrels, these white flowers, their thin purple veins and yellow centers really stood out. They were nestled among vibrant green clover-like leaves, surrounded by all sorts of other foliage. I took the photo so that the background was softly blurred, filled with warm earthy tones—think soil, dried leaves, and moss—creating a serene woodland atmosphere. Sunlight was gently illuminating the flowers and leaves, bringing out their textures and colors beautifully. Overall, it was just this quiet moment of wildflower beauty in the forest on a bright day.

common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock

Participating in Terri’s The Flower Hour #31

Apple Tree Blossoms: A Springtime Celebration

Flowers, Photography


I’ve been blogging on WordPress for 14 years now, and what learning curve it’s been! Today, I’m happy to share that I’ve hit a cool milestone—my posts have received views from over 150 different countries! That is pretty awesome is that? It’s odd, slightly unreal to think about how my little blog has reached such a diverse mix of people. The United Nations has nothing on me 😂, that’s what the achievement notice on my site; and honestly, that’s a pretty cool thing to be proud off. Every comment feels like a personal connection with someone out there, and it what keeps doing what I love—blogging and sharing my photographs and thoughts. This achievement notice really shows me how amazing digital platforms can be for bringing folks together.

So HUGE thanks for all the comments and likes. I really appreciate you! It means the world to me and motivates me to keep sharing my photography with you. It’s inspiring to see how our conversations grow and how your feedback helps shape what I do. Every like and comment not only boosts my confidence but also fosters a sense of community among us.

In Finland, spring brings the blossoming of apple trees. The fragrant white and pink flowers signal the arrival of spring. So this what I am happy to share with you this time.

Apple tree blossoms, like delicate clouds, bring forth pure joy

In spring’s gentle embrace, the apple trees whisper,
Their blossoms, like delicate clouds, bring forth pure joy.
Soft white petals blush, swaying gently in the warm morning light,
Rustling like a soothing lullaby to greet the day.
Bees flit about, wrapped in a sweet, buzzing haze,
As they blossom together in the soft warmth of sunlit rays.

A close-up of a delicate branch adorned with white apple tree blossoms and buds. The background is softly blurred creating a dreamy, natural atmosphere that highlights the freshness and beauty of the blooming flowers. The overall mood has the essence of springtime and renewal.

LAPC -Choose a Color!

lens-artists, Photography

For this week’s Lens- Artists challenge , you are to select one color (excluding black and white). Share a maximum of 6 photos where your chosen color is the prominent hue, or alternatively, you may share one photo featuring each of the following captivating colors in their various shades: red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.

Different cultures and different times throughout history connected various emotions to colors. And though we might argue about which color represents which emotion, we have to admit that adding color to a photo brings a whole new vitality to it.

We see color all the time, but we do not always notice it. Unless a particular amazing sunset catches your eye or you find yourself in a field of poppies or rows and rows of lavender. For this week we are not only looking for color but also paying attention to how subtle shades or bold colors affect our mood and perception of the world.

Your chosen color should be dominant in your photo, but colors are often paired with other colors in photos. So play with the different color relationships such as complementary colors, warm and cold colors, analogous colors and triadic colors.

Isolate your chosen color with monochromatic photography where you use a color scheme that is comprised of variations of one color.

A vibrant display of pomegranates, showcasing rich red hues that symbolize passion and vitality.

The color red, for instance, embodies sensations of desire, passion, blood, and transgression, while also representing bravery, selflessness, passion, love, and beauty.

Monochrome photography is frequently linked to black & white visuals, yet it truly encompasses any single hue, providing photographers with an expansive array of creative possibilities. This includes captivating images in shades such as red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.

Blue, In Western societies, it often symbolizes calmness, stability, and tranquility. In art, the use of blue can evoke a sense of depth and distance, creating immersive and serene scenes. In contrast, some Eastern cultures associate blue with spirituality, wisdom, and the divine.

A soft blue sky scattered with light, fluffy clouds. The horizon line subtly divides the frame, with the deep blue ocean and the expansive sky. The overall mood is calm and serene, enhanced by the gentle blending of blues and whites

The color green offers a variety of meanings, symbolizing growth and representing nature, environmental concerns, naivety, envy, and wealth. Its interpretations can differ across cultures, symbolizing prosperity in some and illness in others.

A lush spring, mountainous landscape. The surrounding hillside is densely covered with a variety of green trees and shrubs

Historically tied to royalty due to the steep cost of its dye, purple is an elite color that lends a regal air to your photographs.

Purple tulips symbolize royalty, admiration, and deep respect. They are often associated with nobility and elegance, making them a meaningful gift.

Orange, named after the fruit, signifies vitality and warmth, appearing gentler than red, which can symbolize anger. It exudes cheerfulness and approachability while still attracting notice, evident in its frequent use for warning signs.

A vibrant concert scene with orange lights, confetti, and cheering hands illuminating the excitement of the moment. The overall atmosphere is festive and electrifying
.

Yellow embodies both happiness and negativity, presenting opposing connotations; it signifies joy and optimism but also suggests cowardice, deceit, and aging.

A vibrant cluster of yellow flowers, showcasing the cheerful and warm qualities associated with the color.

Here is a quick guidance to colors start you off.

Finding triadic colors in nature involves practice and observation, exemplified by the Scarlet Macaw. A triadic scheme comprises a subject color and two complementary colors, like Orange, Teal, and Pink, or Red, Blue, and Yellow, which is beneficial in food and product design.

Ambiguous colors are hues lacking clear definitions, changing based on context and evoking various interpretations and emotions in art and design.

The traditional color wheel includes primary (red, blue, yellow), secondary (green, violet, orange), and tertiary colors formed by mixing them. Colors can be categorized into cool, associated with water and grass, and warm, linked to fire and sun. Warm colors can evoke feelings of anger, happiness, and excitement, while cool colors promote soothing and calming effects.

A huge thank you to Anne for the Texture challenge last week! The diversity of textures in your posts provided us with a wealth of inspiration for the future. Next week, it will be Egídio’s turn to lead us, so make sure to visit his site for more creative ideas.

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Not a Wordless Wednesday

Landscapes

Wordless Wednesday turned into something else; as I am asking which version do you prefer? I initially created it this post to share one photo without the clutter of words, allowing the imagery to speak for itself. However, adding a another edit of the same photo led me to ask which one resonates more. Now I find myself curious about your thoughts?

Snow-capped mountains emerging through misty clouds above a lush green landscape / version 1
Snow-capped mountains emerging through misty clouds above a lush green landscape .Version 2

Lens-Artists Challenge #397 – Texture

lens-artists, Photography

This week, Anne is our guide with a a very textured challenge: Texture! She tells us that texture really adds that visual kick to a surface—think of how rough, smooth, gritty, or soft something looks in a flat image. Check out her amazing site for some awesome tips!

Sharing colorful and tasty textures to start with…enjoy! Click on the galleries to enlarge them, if you are looking at the photos on a computer.

This set I took with my iPhone a few days ago while I was sitting on my patio, enjoying the warm sun day. As I pondered what to post, I looked around, taking in the surroundings of my garden, looking for textures. And to be honest everything is textured. Inspired by some of the things around me, I snapped a few shots, . Afterward, I went inside to find a few more images to contrast with the shots I took, hoping to curate a selection that would better resonate with this challenge.

We’d love to see your images that highlight texture! You might be surprised by how many you actually have. When you post, don’t forget to link back to Anne’s original post and add the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week I had great fun seeing your pairings with pictures and quotes! Many I had never seen before and many recognized but with new surprising combos. Thanks you to all who participated! Next week I will be presenting the challenge. I hope you will join me.

If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here we are, The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I Ritva.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset !

Mother’s Day’s flowers

Flowers, Photography

I got these this Mother’s Day traditional flowers that usually bloom for this occasion. I posting this for Johns Cellpic Sunday.

In Finland, white anemone is associated with Mother's Day and the progress of flowering, along with the common anemone and the blue anemone, as one of the first flowering wildflowers of spring.

White anemone