people watching – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

monochrome Shots of Daily Life

Here is my entry for Monochrome-Madness I think these are my newest photos taken, so I am going to use them for this week’s post. They are just snapshots of urban city life that I took with my cell phone, capturing fleeting moments that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. I love how the editing can change the mood of the photographs, transforming simple scenes into evocative imagery.

A sepia-toned photograph capturing a moment on an escalator, mother and her two daughters, the tone evoking a sense of nostalgia.

These were taken a few minutes apart, but the sepia tones add nostalgia to the first one, evoking a sense of timelessness that draws the viewer in. The second two are more recent shots; I played with the other, adding color to the person on the escalator, creating a striking contrast against the monochrome background that emphasizes their presence. This technique not only highlights the subject but also evokes a feeling of aloneness amidst the chaos.

I would love to hear any thoughts about these shots and how they resonate with you, as feedback is always appreciated

A monochrome view of an escalator in a bustling shopping center, capturing the movement and vibrancy of urban life.

Everyday Moments

Captures from Finland, Photography

While my son was busy with last-minute Christmas shopping at the mall, I took the opportunity to do some people-watching. I was searching for shots that might fit an upcoming challenge and ended up capturing these. Although they didn’t meet the challenge criteria, I felt I should share them now. During the editing process, I aimed to highlight different aspects of the images—after all, John’s Cellpic Sunday provides a wonderful platform to showcase these everyday moments.

People enjoying the festive atmosphere in a mall with a vibrant food counter and holiday decorations. Just a moment captured, of everyday life.

I sought to express the reasons behind my choice to take these photos – I really didn’t, but what the heck – I took them, and now I am sharing them with a sense of both no reason and trepidation. Each image captures a fleeting moment as all photos do, even if I can’t pinpoint exactly why. The moment may not be very important or significant as is the case with these.

Two women interact near a pastry display in a mall, in this crop and lightning I noticed the cup on the countermore that in others, the expression of the woman looking towards me and the bottle in her hand. The lightning is was aimed to capture the actual moment.

If you have an opinion on whether I should have or should not have shared them, I am open to your thoughts and can take it whichever way you think about them, knowing that it is subjective. Your perspectives ,understanding of these images may even inspire me 😀

Two women browsing a bakery display in a mall, showcasing a variety of pastries and shadows, also the cups. I for some reason like this best as an edit – more drama and interpretation.

spots of Simply red

Captures from Finland

We have been on 16 day hot spell with temperatures around +30C – not a very usual occurrence here. We spent one of the days having lunch at Lehmonkärki Resort which is located on a stunning headland on the shore of southern Lake Päijänne, right next to the Päijänne National Park. One of the reason to go there is food offering has been centred on good ingredients and great taste. This means food from farmers and producers in the local villages. They order their root vegetables, garden berries and juices from them, among other ingredients. Also berries and mushrooms from the nearby forests and fish from Lake Päijänne. You are guaranteed a tasty fresh meal.

150-year-old Vääksy canal has plenty to offer for an entire day. Watch how the lock of the canal works, and there were lots of people young and old watching this happening. Many enjoying ice cream at the same time or walk to the Vääksynjoki river side of the canal and take a breather beside Wine&Cafe Jokiranta.

Linked to SimplyRed at Beckie’s here

A stream with greenery and a charming **Wine&Cafe** beside it, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

The spring signs – open water

Captures from Finland, Cities

Here are some spring shots from my walk in Helsinki. There were many people about due to the sunny day, one even went for a swim.

On our walk you could see Suomenlinna. the winter setting in this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower is a part of a church Given the winter setting and architectural elements, this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower appears to be a significant landmark, perhaps part of a church or another notable building.. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the them.