This week is a “themed” Monochrome Madness week, and Sarah at Travel With Me is hosting with the theme “Trees”.
Trees yes, here are some trees for you that have caught my attention. The first and the last one is from few nights ago…trees are a great choice for monochrome images.
All images in the gallery can be enlarged with a click.
The back of my mobile phone was the background for these colorful images, I obviously was not busy as I took time to try different things with these flowers
Bird cherry flowers showily in early summer. The heavy-scented flowers attract insects, especially flies and bees. Black fruits of the bird cherry are bitter-sweet. They can be used for making tasty liqueur, or for dyeing wool as they yield a pale lilac shade. Also called European bird cherry, Hackberry
click to enlarge
Goldilocks is a common name for a whole group of buttercups. They often begin to flower already at the end of April and their flowering time peaks at the turn of May and June. The plant’s inflorescence is clearly more modest than meadow buttercup, which flowers a couple of weeks later.
Click on the photos to enlarge it
I have taken some summer flower photos, but for some reason I have not posted them. I have been less on the computer, maybe that is one of the reason. This is For Cee’s Flower of the Day.
All photo can be enlarged with a click.
Spreading bellflower grows as a biennial in Finland, Spreading bellflower in Finland is usually easy to differentiate from its relatives by its more reddish and more narrowly based leaves. White-flowered plants can also be found, although they are clearly rarer than the purple ones. In southern and central Europe the species is not so clearly defined because several slightly different forms exist, as happens in Finland with harebell.
I have to admit that lately I have been a lazy photographer, and most of the time I’ve taken photos with my mobile. I have two previous posts about the beauty of summer nights and these were taken the same night. I took these first, then went to get my camera to take better shots of the moon. The iPhone has a great camera, with a RAW option, and you can get great photos with it; even the zoom is okay. But you can also edit and crop the images as a way of enhancing it.
It’s amazing how much the technology in smartphones has advanced, allowing us to capture stunning images without the need for additional equipment. The convenience of having a powerful camera always at hand has certainly made me rely more on my mobile for photography. Despite its compact size, the iPhone truly delivers remarkable image quality, especially in low light conditions. The ability to edit and refine the pictures directly on the device further adds to the appeal of mobile photography, providing a convenient way to enhance the visual impact of the captured moments.
The color of the sky, clouds and mist set such a beautiful view, that I only slightly edited the contrast and light in Lightroom app – nature did the rest.
Whispers of Birch
Birch trees stand sentinel, white and tall, Their leaves a verdant canopy, a gentle sprawl. Mist weaves through their trunks, a spectral dance, As dusk paints the sky in hues of chance.
The evening cradles them in twilight’s hark. Silhouettes against the canvas of fading light, They sway, entwined, in nature’s quiet rite. And there, where fog and foliage converge, A sacred silence settles—a tranquil surge.
So let us linger here, beneath their boughs, Where time suspends, and dreams are allowed. In this ethereal embrace, we find our place, As birch and fog weave magic, leaving no trace.
I took these of the strawberry moon, but only now got around to posting them, I shared some taken with my mobile on Instagram, but these I took with my camera.
I was already in bed, all comfortable and ready to go to sleep, when my husband repeatedly said the mist is rising, the mist is even heavier, meaning get up, grab your camera, and take photos. Good on him or I would have missed some lovely midsummer moments.
It was such a serendipitous moment, being snug in bed and then being urged to capture such an ethereal sight. The mist rolling in created an otherworldly ambiance, and combined with the presence of the strawberry moon, it resulted in a truly mesmerizing spectacle.
It’s moments like these that etch memories for a lifetime, and I’m grateful for the nudge that led to these stunning captures.
Were you able to capture or see the strawberry moon in June? The strawberry moon, also known as the June full moon, is a beautiful sight that occurs when the moon is at its fullest and appears with a warm, reddish glow. This phenomenon takes place in the month of June, marking the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. People often gather to witness this remarkable celestial event, and many photographers aim to capture its stunning beauty through their camera lenses. The strawberry moon has cultural significance in various traditions and is a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists around the world. So, did you have the chance to admire this enchanting spectacle?
Connections, Donna wrote so beautifully about this topic and gave such great inspiration as how to approach the challenge, it gave ideas I could not have thought about.
It’s simple.
The connections we make to people, places, things and ideas, are what give purpose and meaning to our lives.
I have photographed this path – road so many times during the 28 summers we have spent here. I have an emotional connection to it. I love to watch how the light and shadows play on it during different times of the day and during different seasons depending on the sun level. It looks totally different in the summer versus autumn. But to the topic, I have a connection to it. I have spent so much time here I’ve watched my boys grow here and be connected to this place, we have moved several times , but our summer place is a constant. We have with our own hands refurbished and built to what it is now our own getaway.
As a child, we lived by the sea. I wandered through forest to be at the seaside, my bare feet sinking into dew-kissed grass on the way. The forest whispered secrets—how to listen, how to observe. I learned the language of birds—their melodies echoing through the canopy of trees. The scent of pine needles and damp earth seeped into my skin, becoming a part of me. The forest next to the sea has its own distinctive scent, I can still remember it.
Spring unfurled delicate blossoms, and I danced with dandelions, their seeds carried away by the wind. Summer brought lovely shades of green, flowers of many colors and light, warm nights. The wonder of light filled nights surprises me every year. You know they come but you are still amazed. Autumn was a symphony of crunching leaves, bright colors, musky scent and soft tones that comes with low light. I am not going to touch winter , I grant you that it can be beautiful, a big but, I do not feel no connection to it. I am connected to my homeland, my roots are here.
Animals and people, the connection so important so comforting, and it unconditional. The comfort of a cat purr at your touch, dog looking at you with trusting eyes, the loyalty of the constant companionship. Animals have an innate ability to understand our emotions, connect with us on a spiritual level, and offer us healing when we need it most. They remind us that we are all connected and to be mindful of our relationship with the natural world.
I am not going to touch the topic of family… too much to say about that. But it is obviously one of the most important connections we have in good and bad. We all have our own story …
Last week we stepped out of reality with John’s challenge, AI. There is always room to learn something new, and John sure gifted us that opportunity, though I was rather reluctant to do so. I am already working on next week’s challenge, you will see what I come up with by checking my blog. Join me Saturday 12:00 EST to find the next challenge.
Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.
Have a great weekend 🐝 be happy 😃
Lilies of the valley are so beautiful and delicate, and yes also poisonous
For Cee´s Flower of the Day.
We have reached the end of Becky’s Squares photo challenge, I was distracted by starting a full time job in the middle of it and stopped posting even if I had good intentions to follow the month through. Thanks for this challenge Becky.
Lens-Artists #301 – Floral hosted by Sofia wrote: I sincerely believe it to be difficult to have photo of a flower that is not beautiful. But for this challenge, I’d like us to think of how we either capture them or how we process the image afterwards.
First I would like to say all my photos for this post are from past week. Somehow it feels like this year we skipped spring all together, we got summer temperatures now and all the flowers are in bloom at the same time. Most of them I’ve taken with my mobile, because last week I felt the camera’s to the summer house in the belief that there would be nothing to photograph, I was wrong. Everything seemed to bloom overnight. and to the how I capture them – mostly close-ups.
I have now real angle this week, my mind is all overloaded with new things and NUMBERs – my least favorite thing .
First here is a look at one tulip. I took a these few days apart, from different directions and I did some editing with lightroom app on my mobile.
The apple tree blossoms beautifully just few days ago and now the really warm weather , not at all normal at this time of the year has wilted them.
random flowers-
Last week Ann-Christine challenged us with the Delicate things, her recent travels to Japan gave us wonderful inspiration. I loved all your examples and how varied they were. This is what makes these challenges so interesting, we all think in different ways and that makes us grow as photographers.
Next week is John’s turn to lead, so please visit his unique site to see what he’s up to, I am sure looking forward to it.
If you want more information on the Lens-Artist Challenge, please click here.
Becky’s Squares has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
I have been busy, the amount of energy it takes to learn is amazing – I am just not ready to sit by the computer at home after having been on it for 8 hour in the office. But I so love this blogging community that I’m trying to keep up posting something here and there.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Least gagea is the smallest lily that grows wild in Finland. Modest-sized least gagea blooms early in the spring while the land is damp, before other plants hide it from view. In Finland it is named after the cuckoo as it blooms when the first of these birds return, and they are in full bloom around Finnish Mothers’ Day, which falls on the second weekend of May. The flowers attract flower flies and beetles to pollinate it, but still it doesn’t produce many seeds.
Spring flowers, that’s it.
Founded in 1695, the iron mill village has retained its unique atmosphere throughout the years. The people in the centuries-old environment continue to live in harmony with the old traditions by following in the footsteps of the local artisans, among other things. The lovely village offers unique atmosphere and past and also a wide variety of things to see and do.
Located in Southeast Finland the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland. The charming milieu offers an unforgettable glimpse into the rich history of the area. The iron lady Virginia af Forselles developed the village for 30 years with a modern touch and a firm hand. In addition to the ironworks, sawmill and mill, the area also featured a brewery along with a distillery, a tavern and a brick factory.
Joining Dans Thursday Doors
I love these charming red and white buildings and the location is so pretty. As always the images in the gallery can be enlarged by a click 🙂
Title says it all, for six word Saturday
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Spring flowers, that’s it.
What makes me hopeful? That is Patti‘s question. I’m glad she asked!
Here are a few thoughts and images.
The spring season is truly a time of hope and renewal, as nature comes alive with vibrant colors and fresh energy. There’s something truly magical about witnessing the world bloom after the quiet slumber of winter. The emergence of new, fresh greenery brings a sense of vitality and optimism, symbolizing new beginnings and growth. I really love this time of the year, a season full of hope.
One of the most delightful aspects of spring is the return of migratory birds, signaling the changing seasons and reconnecting us with the rhythms of the natural world. Their cheerful songs and graceful flights add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape. I am hopeless in recognizing different species, but past weekend there where so many geese and swans flying in flocks over our summer place – they are rather noisy and you can easily hear when they are approaching.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement for the warmer days ahead and to feel the embrace of spring, filling our hearts with a renewed sense of adventure and possibility. This year the late arrival has been bit upsetting, but now I am hopeful.
And the light! Oh, the light in spring is truly a marvel to behold. The extended daylight hours bring so much joy, allowing us to bask in the golden glow of sunsets that linger well into the evening. The longer days also mean early sunrises, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange as the world awakens to a new day.
In fact, the sunsets around in the middle of May at 21:40 and the sunrise at 4:46 create a symphony of light and color that can only be experienced during this magical time of year. It’s a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the natural world, inspiring us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the fleeting yet wondrous moments that define the spring season.
When observing the vibrant energy and open-mindedness of children and young people, it instills a sense of hope for the future. My kids and grandkids keep me hopeful, their unwavering optimism and fresh outlook on life inspire a renewed belief in the potential for positive change and progress. Witnessing their curiosity, creativity, and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. This hopeful perspective encourages an emphasis on nurturing and supporting the next generation, as they hold the key to shaping a brighter tomorrow.
On a more personal note, I have started a full time job and it is bound to take toll, and in a way already has the time and energy will mostly forward to learning the new job, but I will do my best to keep up with this challenge. I am hopeful that I will learn it 🙂
Tinka was so hopeful that she would get some food 🙂
Last week was full of memories and images of young ones, it was lovely to see the images full of candid and open expressions. no one really yearned to be young again, something to be said to required life experience. Thanks so much for this lovely challenge.
Next week is Ann- Christine’s turn to host. Please visit her site Saturday 18th May for more information on the challenge, I am sure she will once agains surprise us with something inspirational and truly beautiful images.
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.
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
New green
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
wood sorrel
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has a theme, Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing.
I thought I would take another not so obvious choice, moving forward. they moved, stopped and moved forward in a circle. Sadly I only have these shots taken with my mobile and from rather long distance back, so they are not as crisp as I would prefer, but that’s life. Move one … 🙂
As I am going to post mostly photos of me documenting the spring, these are taken at early spring 🙂 in Australia.
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but not today 🙂
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
When it comes to urban development, it’s a constant process in bustling cities. The skyline is often filled with cranes as new structures rise and old ones undergo renovations. It’s an ever-changing landscape, and the presence of construction cranes has almost become a symbol of progress and transformation. Even though the specific view may have changed over the years, the sight of cranes shaping the city’s skyline remains a familiar one. Helsinki reflects the continuous evolution and growth of the city, offering a blend of modernity and history for all of us to experience.
cranes
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Sadly after a warm and lovely week, and for the most part of it I have stayed outside – and am I glad I did, because the forecast for the coming week is so depressing – temperatures dropping by 10 degrees at least. Yesterday it was +19 C to day 9C.
We are going to our summer house for an extended weekend before I start work on next Monday and the forecast is not promising. This spring is just depressing, come on. Enough of this cold weather.
Maple tree buds.
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has returned. I sadly thought so some time back, but now it appears that it is really back.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Lesser celandine is a spring flower which shines in broad-leaved forests and on river banks – until midsummer it is lost, apart from the last remaining white, withered leaves.
Its splendid inflorescence is not just a burden for the species: it is attractive to the human eye and clergymen, farmers and the gentry have planted it in their yards to such an extent that it became a symbol of the better-off classes. Plants that were introduced to flowerbeds to provide some colour in the spring have spread to lawns and park-like nearby forests, where they would not have reached without human help.
As I am going to post mostly photos of me documenting the spring, here are two found yesterday. The bottom one I took because of the background of the photo.
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has returned. I sadly thought so some time back, but now it appears that it is really back.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Wood Anemone , When Mothers’ Day arrives in Finland at the beginning of May, the broad-leaved forest floors in the south of the country are a sea of wood anemones as nature comes back to life in all her glory. The time when the anemones flower is called the ‘spring aspect’ of the forest, meaning the time when tree leaves don’t yet cast a shadow on the forest floor.
As I am going to post mostly photos of me documenting the spring, here are two found yesterday. The bottom one I took because of the background of the photo.
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has returned. I sadly thought so some time back, but now it appears that it is really back.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
As I am going to post mostly photos of me documenting the spring, here are two found yesterday. The bottom one I took because of the background of the photo.
Becky’s Squares photo challenge has returned. I sadly thought so some time back, but now it appears that it is really back.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 