north Norway – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

I have to say, I really adore this photo; it has such a tranquil and gentle feel to it. It is from our trip to Norway in Sommarøy. As you might know, I enjoy editing, and this image has all the elements I love to work with, transforming it from serene to somewhat eerie. I can play with the clouds, adjust the contrast between light and darkness, and shift from soft colors to vivid tones. I even like to experiment with monochrome and deep black-and-white effects.

A tranquil coastal scene from Norway shows traditional red wooden boathouses standing on stilts above pale turquoise water. The buildings have weathered gray metal roofs, while the boathouse on the right is topped with a vivid green grass roof and bordered by rocky shoreline and tall grasses. Low islands and small distant boats sit beneath a dramatic overcast sky, creating a cool, quiet maritime atmosphere with soft natural light.

Red stilted boathouses line a quiet, misty shoreline beneath a dramatic gray sky – first edit

Northern Norway-635 — Red coastal boathouses stand on stilts above calm turquoise water beneath a dramatic overcast sky. – I enhances the colors, clarity and sky for the second edit

This image feels so chill with its muted, almost monochrome vibes. The buildings’ soft red siding is like the only splash of warmth popping against that hazy gray sky and silvery water. The overcast light gives it this dreamy, soft focus look, and those gentle ripples really amp up the peaceful, secluded vibe. Plus, the low vegetation and the distant land give it some nice depth in the background, making it even more inviting. I love how the editing brings it all together, giving a sense of calm that just makes you want to stay a while.

Northern Norway-634 — Red stilted boathouses line a quiet, misty shoreline beneath a dramatic gray sky.

An edited moody black-and-white coastal scene transforms the original view of weathered wooden boathouses . The heavy storm clouds now loom even more dramatically in the sky, enhancing the contrast and evoking a profound sense of isolation over the expansive, rippling water. This impactful editing elevates the emotional atmosphere, allowing the viewer to experience the quiet intensity of the landscape in a new light.

Boathouse -1 — Weathered boathouses stand along a calm shoreline beneath a dramatic, cloud-filled sky.

A color version of the ominous storm clouds gather in the sky, casting a dark shadow over the jagged shorelines and the distant, ghostly islands on the horizon. A desolate sandy forefield, bordered by swaying reeds, enhances the sense of isolation, enveloping the scene in a heavy, melancholic maritime atmosphere. How about this edit?

Boathouse -2 — Red waterfront boathouses stand along a quiet shoreline beneath a dramatic, stormy sky.

Now I am done with this image, and I would love to see which one you preferred and maybe even tell me why. Your feedback is invaluable to me, I am eager to hear about the aspects that resonated with you, whether it was the color scheme, the composition, or the overall vibe. Your insights are very much appreciated.

I am still sharing photos from our Norway trip, these are taken with my IPhone 17 PRO, when traveling taking shots with the phone also works as a dairy. Joining in John’s Cellpic Sunday

Sommarøy, Troms-12 — A cloudy sky looms over a tranquil beach in Sommarøy with scattered seaweed and small houses nestled among greenery.

The dark clouds that circled the area was what I wanted to capture, because when looking the other way you saw the turquoise waters glimmering like jewels beneath the faint light. Even if the clouds loom over the mountains, casting a shadow that blankets the landscape, the contrast between the foreboding sky and the vibrant hues of the sea creates a breathtaking scene. It was as if nature itself was putting on a show, with the cloudy atmosphere adding a dramatic flair to the serene beauty of the coastline. The combination of these elements stirred a deep sense of wonder in me, urging me to preserve this moment through my lens.

Sommarøy, Troms-14 — The crystal-clear turquoise water gently lapping against a sandy beach, the soothing sound.

As a photographer, I wanted to convey the beauty and tranquility of our coastal landscape. The crystal-clear turquoise water gently lapping against a sandy beach, the soothing sound. I wanted to highlight the shallow water, where you can see the sandy bottom, subtle ripples, and even a small patch of seaweed, adding to the setting’s authenticity. In the background, I included the rocky shoreline adorned with lush greenery, leading up to the rugged mountains that stand strong yet appear melancholic under the thick, gray clouds. This composition captures the calmness I felt in the moment, balancing the vibrant blues and greens with the moody sky, aiming to evoke a sense of peace and reflection in those who view it.

Sommarøy, Troms-32 — Wildflowers, rocks, and a weathered log with mountains and a calm North sea under a cloudy sky in the background.

Sommarøy or Sommerøya is a charming old fishing village nestled in western Tromsø Municipality, Norway. Located about 36 kilometers (22 mi) west of Tromsø city, it captivates visitors with its stunning white sand beaches and breathtaking scenery. Spanning 0.41 square kilometers (100 acres), this close-knit community has a population of 304 (2023), creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a density of 741 inhabitants per square kilometer (1,920/sq mi). Sommarøy embraces the beauty of both Store Sommarøya and parts of Hillesøya, as well as smaller surrounding islands. The village thrives on its rich local fishing industry, while also welcoming tourists who are drawn to its unique charm, offering a cozy hotel and inviting rental cabins for those seeking a peaceful getaway.