Thank you, Becky. I have enjoyed your and the others’ company during the month November Shadows. It is one of the darkest months of the year for us, filled with long nights, short days and the chill of autumn settling into winter. This, along with some other challenges has kept me going and provided a much-needed sense of connection.
A winter landscape with snow-covered trees and shimmering light across a frosty scene and casting long shadows.
These are from my archive; we have a dull gray day here, and there are more to come in the foreseeable future, casting a monotonous light over everything. Today, the sunrise was at 8:58, and sunset is already at 15:25, with still 21 days to go until the winter solstice, a time when daylight feels like a distant memory. These images are wishful thinking – it could be, should be like this. As I said, wishful thinking, not a real possibility here in southern Finland, where the reality of winter often envelops us in a chilly embrace and grey dull days, leaving us longing for those bright, sunlit moments.
A winter landscape in southern Finland, with a snow covered sea and trees illuminated by the sun.
A thoughtful black-and-white portrait of a man shows a ton of emotion and introspection. You can really see the lines on his face and feel the heaviness of his thoughts. The play of shadows and light highlights his furrowed brow and slight frown, hinting at some personal struggles and deep reflections. Every little detail makes you think about the quiet stories behind his gaze, sparking a sense of empathy and a better understanding of what it means to be human.
How to describe this portrait I took was a bit tricky, but this is what I came up with, does it resonate with you?
A contemplative black and white portrait of a man, reflecting deep emotion and introspection.
This reflects the mood I’m in, gloomy, but with several bright moments in between. A tranquil lake, its surface smooth like glass, is surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal hues of amber, crimson, and gold. A very slight breeze casts delicate patterns on the water’s surface. This interplay of light birch trees and evergreens creates a mesmerizing mix of gloomy and vibrant colors. I sit quietly, absorbing the beauty of nature’s transition.
A lake reflecting autumn colors and moody scenery.
A calm lakeside scene with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors, their oranges, and yellows beautifully reflected in the calm water, creating a stunning mirror effect. The woods in the backdrop, completing this idyllic escape into nature’s splendor.
I posted photos on November 7, showcasing the beautiful carnations that I had carefully bought, and yesterday I took these images of the flowers still left, vibrant and resilient. They have proved to give me a little bit of everyday happiness for nearly three weeks, brightening my space and lifting my spirits amidst the usual routine. The simple joys in life, allowing me to pause and appreciate their beauty, as they subtly transform each day.
I did lots of edits so I could get all these challenges into one post; my internet connection is acting up, and it kept breaking up constantly yesterday. I made comments, but they did not show up for me as done, etc. It has cut me off a few times already, so after this post, I am going to paint for the rest of the day. This is too frustrating for me. Wishing everyone a great day.
Oh to continue about frustrations, I learned this morning that out water would be got of for a day, hopefully less. But I found this out after the fact. Great start for the day, no coffee for me,
Carnations in a vase, adding a touch of elegance to the table. Square for NovemberShadowsA close-up of a delicate pink carnation in a glass bottle, capturing the essence of everyday beauty and resilience.⬜
A serene arrangement of pink carnations in delicate glass vases, beauty and resilience. For how to Survive November
Veikka was a lovely and loved cat, a cherished cat whose striking white fur glistened in the sunlight, making her the center of attention wherever she went; you could not miss her, as she was the size of a small dog. Her gentle purring provided a soothing soundtrack to quiet evenings, and her warm presence filled the hearts of her human companions with an unexplainable happiness. Veikka passed away years ago, but the photos pop up so often when I search my archives; her memory lives on through photographs; she was an inspiring model for me.
A cat sitting on a wooden step by the window, surrounded in soft natural light.
A picturesque autumn scene visible from a window, showcasing tall pine trees standing majestically in the low late Autumn light, their trunks painted in warm hues of golden-brown and fading green. Below, are men by the water’s edge, as they enjoy the beauty of the season. The sun casts a soft, golden glow across the scene, illuminating the crisp air infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
A view from a window showcasing pine trees in low late Autumn light and a people by the water’s edge.
Today I need to do my nails because it’s time to party! We’re headed to this awesome tradition that’s been going on for ages, where the same group of friends gets together to enjoy good vibes and great times. The smell of food whipped up by the host couple fills the air, and trust me, each dish is so tasty, showcasing their cooking skills. Plus, the complimentary wine is flowing, making everything even better and leading to some fun conversations. We make new memories and celebrate all the amazing bonds we’ve built over the years.
A bottle of shimmering nail polish perfect for a festive party look.
Looking for shadows for Becky’s November Shadow #21 in all the places I go has become an intriguing quest, also always keeping a keen eye on anything round. However, this place proved to be difficult, especially here in the long, sterile halls of the hospital, where shadows play hide and seek in the corners and round objects are few and far between. Each step I take in these long corridors, all I find are the shadows. Despite the challenge to find round objects for How to Survive November, I remain hopeful and in the end, as I look out of the window – the search is over, something round is outside.
A solitary figure stands at the end of a long hospital corridor, in the search for shadows amidst sterile surroundings.
Construction crew working on landscaping the hospital entrance courtyard. Found round area for How to survive November.
I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.
An inviting doorway with the rustic charm of traditional architecture, with a glimpse of a well-maintained outdoor space. Please be kind and wipe your feet on the rag rugs before entering 😀
The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.
An inviting open door leading into a rustic building. Would you like to step in?
A pathway leading to a rustic wooden door framed by lush greenery.
An inviting entrance to a rustic cabin, framed by lush greenery.
This is one of my favorite challenges as I love black and white photography; it captures the essence of the topic in many cases, allowing viewers to focus on shape, texture, and emotion without the distraction of color. The interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary scenes into dramatic compositions that tell a story. I am still returning to the burned down barn for this week’s Monochrome Madness and NovemberShadows, as it evokes images in my mind that nurtures my creative vision. Each revisit to the photos reveals new angles and perspectives as how to edit and capture its haunting presence, inviting me to experiment and refine my technique while deeply connecting with the subject matter.
An abandoned interior showcasing a stark contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of decaying walls and debris.
Here in these two sets of images and different frames, I’m checking out how the crop’s aspect ratio changes these images. It’s pretty interesting to think about whether cropping a photo to a square actually adds something to the mood compared to keeping it in its original rectangular shape weather it is landscape or portrait. This change can really shift the focus, often guiding the viewer’s eye to specific details more easily. But you’ve also got to wonder if this tighter framing means losing some important context or details, which could totally alter the story the photo tells. Cropping can either amp up the emotional punch or totally take it down a notch, so it’s definitely a key choice in the editing process that we need to think about.
I have to admit these are more black and white photographs than monochrome, but the rules are not too tight in these challenges.
An abandoned room filled with debris, showcasing the contrasts of light and shadow in black and white photography.
An abandoned corridor with stark black and white contrasts, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow in decay.
A haunting black and white photograph of an abandoned interior space, showcasing dramatic contrasts and urban decay.
How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” You can find his very thorough introduction to the challenge here Johnbo .
Travel first thought was airplanes, automobiles, and trains, all symbols of movement across vast distances and gateways to new experiences. I’ll post photos of them to capture their majestic presence and the adventures they facilitate. Not this time, however! Instead, I wanted to take simple approach to this – one drive home.
A vibrant sunset reflected in the window of a restaurant, showcasing a neon burger sign.
This perspective struck me while we were driving home from Lahti, a city located about 100km north of our home. The journey was beautiful due to the sunset, adorned with forest, fields and gas stations. What truly captivated my attention was the fact that the sunset we witnessed was a full 10 minutes earlier than the one occurring in Kirkkonummi. This little detail made me reflect on how small variations in geography can significantly change sunset time. Well, anyway, I took a shot from the spot where we paused for a late lunch; the sky was painted in vibrant hues just as the sun was setting at 15:39, marking the time when we started our ride home
Sidenote: I was also looking for shadows 😅 in this square crop. I found a strong contrast shadows in the shot below for NovemberShadows.
A silhouette of a building and chimney against a vibrant sunset sky, capturing a moment from the journey home.
As we started to drive home, we were amazed at how much traffic there was; but compared to some other roads traveled, not that much; everything is relative. Back to this drive: then again, we don’t usually make this drive at this time of the year, so what do we know? One thing I do know is that I love watching the sky and clouds while in the car; today, the sky was colorful and beautiful for most of the drive. The hues of orange, pink, and purple blended seamlessly, painting a breathtaking canvas that caught our attention at every turn. At one point, it was cloudier with a bit of a drizzle, but that phase lasted just a while.
I like being in the car, on the move, going somewhere; it gives a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy that, without distraction, we talk more and share stories that we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We listen to music; this time it was a Classic Rock mix. We would sing or mumble along to our favorite songs, letting the rhythm of the melodies fill the air, creating a traveling atmosphere. Doing nothing as the world outside passes by, we are lucky enough to observe it together. Stepping out of the topic for a bit, I’ve realized that I hardly listen to music anymore, and when I do it’s mostly in the car. It’s interesting how our lifestyles change and how certain habits fade away over time. Music used to be such a significant part of my routine, from playing my favorite albums at home to discovering new artists while hanging out with friends. Have you noticed that in your life?
A monochromatic view of a busy highway( same shot as below), captured during a road trip home, illustrating the journey and movement amidst nature.
A stunning sunset observed during a drive home, the vibrant colors and cloud formations. The shadows of the trees against the clouds behind them. In this shot I also like how the curve is wet and how the light brings it out
A nighttime view of a busy highway, showcasing the flow of traffic and illuminated road signs.
We appreciate Egidio for leading us back to Lens-Artists Challenge #31. His theme of “Looking Back” opened the door to a wide array of stunning landscapes. Next week, Patti will take over as the host of the challenge, set to launch on Saturday, November 22, at noon Eastern time. Don’t forget to follow her Pilotfish Blog to ensure you catch her challenge announcement.
To wrap this up, the theme is: How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” Be sure to link your response to Johns post or leave your link in a comments Also, use the “lens-artists” tag to help people find your post in the Reader. To find out more about responding to Lens-Artists Challenges, check here.
I took a bunch of pics of the same thing at different times, and of course, the way I framed them is a bit different. You can really see that. All the photos have shadows, but since I hit the same spot around the same time every time, the shadows look pretty much the same. The topic, the log, partially submerged in the lake and covered in moss and small plants is taken at Lake Humaljärvi in Kirkkonummi; for some reason, it appeals to me, so here I am sharing it with you for NovemberShadows.
A submerged log adorned with moss and small plants, reflecting the serene autumn landscape.A view of a calm water body reflecting autumn foliage, featuring a moss-covered log emerging from the water.A lake scene framed by autumn leaves and a weathered log.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.
Today my post is going to include, obviously,How to Survive the Novembertheme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.
A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.
Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.
A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, and the trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the apple tree branches. There is still a dusting of snow on the grass from the first snow that came last night, and a few red berries still glow in the sunlight. That is what I see from my window at this moment—a perfect snapshot of another November day.
And my photo for today has nothing to do with the weather; I love all kinds of jewelry, mostly gold and silver. I occasionally make the mistake of buying other things, like these vintage-style earrings, which happen to be round. My sister at least once called me Hely täti, which translates as bauble aunt, trinket aunt, gewgaw aunt. I don’t know which is the most appropriate translation; maybe the trinket aunt. Someone can correct me 😀
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning, the sky is blue, trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the branches, slightly moving in the wind. There are still signs of the cold night on the grass and a few red berries glow in the sunlight. The light created shadows across the landscape, illuminating everything with a gentle warmth. That is what I see from my window at this moment, a perfect snapshot of nature awakening to another day.
A beautifully arranged floral bouquet in a textured vase, embodying the theme of ’round’ for November.
I was going to post these for the round theme only, but I have created shadows here too, adding a layer of depth to the overall composition. So why not at it to the shadow theme too. I have had this vase for years, and I still like it; its elegant roundness and simple detailing speak to me in a way that few other pieces do. It says something about its timeless design that transcends trends and fads, making it a constant part of my décor.
A decorative vase atop a book titled ’20th Century Photography,’ showcasing a blend of artistic elements.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I’m still hanging out in the deserted barn in Veklahti, Kirkkonummi, which has been charred for years. Over the weekend, I found out that it’s a protected structure and that a film crew was on site—apparently shooting a war movie. This information was shared with me, though I haven’t verified it myself, but my source is trustworthy! 😀
A dimly lit hallway in a dilapidated building, featuring a doorway illuminated in the background.
The place is a photographer’s dream, and I have SO many shots to share! The views are absolutely stunning, with every angle offering something unique to capture. I really like these images, both in black and white and color, as they evoke different moods and feelings. I enjoy how the light streams in, illuminating the scene while shadows adds depth to each shot. Also, all the junk scattered around lets one’s imagination run wild, inspiring countless stories in one’s mind. There’s endless possibilities here that truly fuels creativity. Do you agree with me?
A dimly lit, cluttered hallway leading to a door, illustrating decay and neglect.
I don’t necessarily need to explain this shot, but I will. What stands out is that glass display cabinet filled with an array of artistic ceramic pieces and sculptures, complemented by a person seated at a table in the background. To begin the story, I had been cutting my paper – it’s large, high-quality paper that we have to cut ourselves to fit the size we need for our graphic prints. As I made my way back to my chair, I caught sight of the lady visible through the glass, along with the subtle reflections and shadows. Now you understand why I captured the shot; it has an artistic feel, indeed, and it includes those intriguing shadows.
A glimpse of an art studio showcasing various handmade ceramic pieces and sculptures
Artistic reflections in a glass display showcasing pottery and sculpture, with an artist visible in the background. Doesn’t that hedgehog look kind of sadP
Here we are, it is time for the 11th entry for surviving November 2025. In this ever-evolving journey, I find myself needing to dig deep for inspiration from within. Food Photography has always helped me when lacking inspiration— this time more specifically, the art of Candy Photography. Capturing the vibrant color and round shape is a delightful challenge. The meticulous arrangement of each piece, 😂 the play of light reflecting off the glossy surfaces, and the textures begging to be experienced all come together beautifully in a single frame. And to top it all off, being able to indulge in these sugary masterpieces afterwards is truly the cherry on the cake. 😂
I am really trying to make it as I really worked hard on this, enjoy the sweets
Close-up of round, copper-colored caramel LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW candy on a light blue surface, surrounded by soft, blurred lights. These taste so good.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
While making art, I decided to stroll around the building and check out the shadows and round stuff. This is from one of the rooms, and you can really see how gloomy it is outside—grey skies and bare trees, not exactly inspiring? But, the vibe inside was pretty good, and each shadow brought a little joy to me as I roamed around. I found it wild how the dreary weather clashed with my creative energy. It felt like the shadows were telling their own stories, nudging me to look beyond the obvious. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the idea! This post is for Becky’s November Shadows #11.
A workspace featuring a cutting table with paper, a rolling cutter, and a view of trees outside.A view of a creative workspace framed by gloomy winter trees outside, capturing the contrast between the indoor energy and the overcast weather.
The post shares the 10th entry for surviving November 2025. I found this mirror in the building I was in during the weekend; I believe this to be in the teachers’ room amongst the clutter in the room.
Reflection of a cluttered teachers’ room in a round mirror, showcasing a mixture of items and a hint of the photographer.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
The post for Monday Window gives us a look at this abandoned room with a cool arched window that shows off some bright autumn leaves outside. It’s pretty wild how the colorful leaves clash with the graffiti-covered walls, showing off that mix of nature and city decay. The whole scene kind of hits you with those feels of decay and the leftover marks of human creativity on the walls. All in all, it really captures a unique moment in time.
An abandoned room with a window revealing a view of autumn leaves outside, contrasting against graffiti-covered walls.
NovemberShadows can easily be seen on how the light comes into the space, and it is highlighted by the square crop, creating an intriguing interplay between illumination and shadow. This contrast adds depth and character to the scene.
An arched window framed by rustic walls and graffiti.
This haunting scene featuring a shattered window in an abandoned room, offers a striking view of a desolate landscape. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, as well as the presence of a broken chair and scattered debris. This imagery is shared in response to Debbie’s One Word Sunday theme, focusing on the concept of “shadow” also sharing with Becky’s NovemberShadows.
A shattered window overlooks a desolate landscape, capturing the interplay of light and shadow in an abandoned space.
A haunting view from an abandoned room, highlighting a broken chair, shattered glass and debris.
The post shares the eighth entry for surviving November 2025, have a closer look… these are shadows around the round and the crop is square. This is also for Becky’s NovemberShadows
Aview of a magnifying glass reflecting colorful accessories against a blurred background.A close-up of a magnifying glass with dust
A close-up of a magnifying glass placed on a wooden table surrounded by colorful beads and various items.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 