Macro Monday
Tag: photography
Lens-Artists Challenge #383 – Looking Back to #174 – Shapes and Designs
Tina from Travels and Trifles is hosting this week, and the theme is Shapes and designs. It’s such a cool topic that opens up a world of creativity and imagination! A lot of awesome designs actually come from nature, where we see the fun of stripes, the charm of round shapes, and the unique patterns on leaves. These natural vibes not only give us great ideas for art but also show how closely design is linked to the environment around us. Think about how creative the spirals of seashells and the designs of frost on a window can be—nature is like a big treasure chest of inspiration waiting for us to dive in! By creating designs that draw from these organic shapes, we can really deepen our appreciation for both art and the natural world, reminding us to notice and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us every single day.
They are everywhere in our lives, making a mark on everything from buildings and clothes to art and gadgets. These visuals do more than just look good; they also play a big role in how things work and how we feel about them. You can mix geometric shapes with more fluid, organic ones to spark emotions, create vibes, and set a mood in different spaces. Plus, when you get the hang of design basics like balance and contrast, you can really get creative and make shapes work for you—ensuring your designs hit home with whoever’s checking them out. All this creativity and structure is what keeps design fresh and pushes the boundaries of how we communicate visually in so many fields.
Last week, Thanks to Egidio who encouraged us to showcase some of our rejected alongside our edited images to highlight the contrasts. It provided with different and new perspective to our not so good images. It made for an interesting week of photos. Thank you all for sharing them with us,
Lastly, we invite you to join us next week for a challenge Beth will be hosting on Wandering Dawgs. In the meantime, smile and try to stay positive 😉
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Inside Out: Night Views from a Car
Inside out – well, it is two words, but I can work with that. This phrase evokes a sense of exploration and introspection, allowing us to delve deeper into the meaning behind the surface or go with the obvious,
Participating in Debbie’s One Word Sunday and Cellpic Sunday
Strollers and Lattes, Perfect Café Combination
I often found myself questioning the presence of tables and chairs outside the café until I observed the mothers during lunchtime, and it all became clear. Strollers require a bit of room. Outside the cozy café, two young women sit at a table, relishing their coffee and snacks. One sports a plaid jacket; her dog looks beggingly for a bite, while the other, a cheerful young mother, beams as she eats and keeps an eye on her baby in the stroller. In the distance, more young mothers with strollers engage in lively conversation. The café buzzes with laughter as mothers enjoy their lunch, sharing stories over coffee. Discussions naturally revolve around parenting hurdles and weekend plans, transforming the café into a delightful space for connection and cherished memories over food and drinks.
Six word Saturday ( today few more added 😁 )
Frozen Flowers in Winter
I had the fortune of capturing the intricate and fragile beauty of winter in a close-up of frost-laden branches and frozen blossoms. The branches display the frost’s elaborate designs, while the flowers shine with crystalline ice, producing a striking visual contrast against a gently blurred backdrop. A slight alteration in light and composition enhances the sparkle of one image, while the version with the blue background reveals more detail. These visuals underscore the tranquil and enchanting qualities of the winter season, showcasing nature’s craftsmanship in its chilliest state.
For FOTD
Snarl
SNARL…such a great word I had to look it up, so I don’t mess up, fuck up, snarl, growl, gnarl, snap,
Verb
(transitive) To entangle; to complicate; to involve in knots.
(intransitive) To growl angrily by gnashing or baring the teeth; to gnarl; to utter grumbling sounds.
(intransitive) To become entangled.
(transitive) To complain angrily; to utter growlingly.
(transitive) To place in an embarrassing situation; to ensnare; to make overly complicated.
(intransitive) To speak crossly; to talk in rude, surly terms.
(transitive, intransitive) To be congested in traffic, or to make traffic congested.
To form raised work upon the outer surface of (thin metal ware) by the repercussion of a snarling iron upon the inner surface; to repoussé
substantive
A knot or complication of hair, thread, or the like, difficult to disentangle.
The act of snarling; a growl; a surly or peevish expression; an angry contention.
An intricate complication; a problematic difficulty; a knotty or tangled situation.
A growl, for example that of an angry or surly dog, or similar; grumbling sounds.
A slow-moving traffic jam.
A squabble.
Curious Stairway: A Gateway to Mystery
For Dans Thursdays Doors
What can I express about this photograph? Is there truly a need for words? Should I begin by depicting an enchanting stairway that ascends to a vintage door, stirring emotions of curiosity and intrigue?
Does it have an inviting yet mysterious ambiance, prompting exploration and reflection? Or if I say: The stairway acts as a threshold, encouraging individuals to stop and consider what awaits beyond the door, amplifying the overall sense of fascination; is it true? Does the fusion of charm and appeal captivate the imagination, positioning the door as a central point of interest for anyone who comes across it?
Or should I just say – a door at the top of the stairs, standing tall and mysterious, inviting curiosity about what lies beyond its threshold? The staircase, worn from years of use, leads up to this intriguing entrance, leaving one to wonder if it guards secrets or simply offers a passage to another room filled with memories.
The Charm of Sidney’s Fish Market and Surroundings
Today, the temperature sits at -9°C, with snow gently drifting down throughout the day. The sky appears overcast, a soft white hue. It’s a chilly winter day, and I feel content being indoors, wearing my woolen socks and reminiscing over photographs from past trips. Remembering the blue skies and warmer weather. These are taken years ago, my nephew took me to the waterfront in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada for a visit. I loved the snow-covered mountains, standing majestic against the dark blue sea.
A view of a couple on a wooden pier, side by side, also memorizing the stunning landscape around them, with snow-capped mountains towering majestically in the background, their peaks adorned with fluffy clouds that seem to hover gently, casting a soft shadow over the tranquil water below. The air is crisp and refreshing, while the gentle lapping of waves against the wooden structure adds to the peaceful ambiance that enhances the breathtaking scenery, making it an idyllic moment. That’s what I recall, and hopefully, that is the essence of what this photograph captures.
I often end up taking photos of the seagulls when I am by a pier; this time, they were perched on a worn wooden pier, gracefully overlooking the serene blue waters and the distant mountains. Their calls carried across the waves, adding a sense of liveliness to the calm surroundings, while I captured the beauty of the moment through my lens, trying to freeze it all in time. The landscape was a perfect blend of tranquility and vibrancy, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Click the gallery to enlarge the images.
The image features a fish market building located on the waterfront in Sidney,
The Beauty of Dried Hydrangeas
It is cold, and the world outside is mostly white, blanketed in a thick layer of snow. The brown hydrangeas are still up under the snow, their once-vibrant blooms now a muted memory, yet they stand resilient in this wintry landscape. Here are some close-ups from their leaves, showcasing the unique textures and shapes that remain visible even beneath the frosty remnants.
Monochrome Madness #52 – Triples, threes and triptychs
Triptychs offer an enjoyable viewing experience, and this week, Elke from pictures imperfect blog has chosen the theme of Triptychs. She encourages you to create a triptych, using any three images that fit the challenge: whether it’s three of a kind, three that complement each other, or a narrative told in three stages.
I struggled to recall the process of creating a collage, so I decided to start with a single photo that I edited before compiling it in WordPress, allowing for a separate view of each image. I selected one image from the countryside and another from the city, arranging them in a traditional triptych format with the middle image slightly larger. For the city image, I took a daring approach and edited the tones; quite bold of me! 😂
The other three I remembered and did them with the intention to celebrate and enjoy art in all forms, appreciating the creativity and imagination that artists pour into their work. I find it truly inspiring, art can evoke a range of emotions and spark meaningful conversations, ultimately enriching our lives and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Icicles and Flowing Streams
The stunning beauty of winter, featuring icicles and frozen plants that perfectly frame a flowing stream. This picture captures all the cool details of the season, showing off the calm yet eye-catching sights that winter landscapes bring. The mix of cold elements and running water gives a fresh take on nature in this chilly time of year, making you appreciate the delicate balance and beauty found in winter’s embrace. I hope the vibe of winter’s charm in nature comes across.
Participating in Macro Monday.
red Mill and partially Frozen River
Winter and cold weather make for a nice backdrop for the old red mill in Immilä, Finland
I uncovered some historical insights, and here they are in a nutshell. The Immilä rapids have been the site of grain milling since the Middle Ages, with the earliest written record of mills dating back to 1548. The first sawmill emerged in the 1760s, by which point a settlement and an inn had already established themselves on the hill. As the 19th century unfolded, the population grew, and Immilä transformed into a vibrant village of craftsmen and millers. Following World War II, three mills were operational in the Immilä rapids; alongside two sawmills, there was also a power plant equipped with auxiliary machinery, including a bark planer. The final mill to close its doors was the Immilä district sawmill in May 1969. Of all the mill buildings, only the one erected in 1901 in the Immilä district remains today.
Monday Window: 26 January 2026
Sweet
Lens-Artists Challenge #382 – Rejected
This week, Egidio has encouraged us to showcase some of our rejected alongside our edited images to highlight the contrasts. I’ve encountered photographers who view editing as “cheating,” believing it undermines the integrity of the moment captured. Nevertheless, I regard editing as an equally vital skill as the art of photographing a subject or scene. It empowers us to emphasize particular features, enhance colors, and evoke emotions that may not be as prominent in the unedited image. Ultimately, the final image should represent not just what was observed but also the artist’s unique vision and perspective. By embracing both photography and editing, we can elevate our creations and convey more impactful stories through our visuals.
These are all from my visit to Hvitträsk and its surroundings some year ago except the last one. That was a so bad I did not pay any attention to it at all at the time, I just remember being very disappointed in it. I should have binned it, but luckily now with my approved editing skills I was able to do something with it.
The original image was flat and boring, and I never got around to publishing it, even though the picture has many layers and good elements. Perhaps I didn’t initially realize to crop it enough; for some reason, I wanted the trunk of the pine tree in the image even though it didn’t really fit there. The sky had remained flat and nothing really stood out.
I was drawn to this blurry image; there was something about it that appealed to me, so I decided to rework it in the hope that it would present better with a slight adjustment of contrast and colors. The top of the image was slightly overexposed and clearly out of focus. I am not entirely satisfied with the edit as the colors changed too much from the original—primarily because I try to keep the image as natural as possible.
A dimly lit dining room with a long wooden table covered in a white tablecloth, adorned with orange fabric. Red upholstered leather benches line the walls, and a decorative chandelier hangs from the ceiling. In the image above, there is a lot of good, but the picture was left languishing in the archives a bit subdued, and I couldn’t find its purpose; now I decided to boldly edit it in a more cinematic direction. I spent some time battling against making it too colorful, so the third edit is the final result 👇, where I wanted to bring the fabric on the table into focus with light.
In this last image pair, I wanted to highlight the minimalism of the previous challenge and the black-and-white image as it is a style I really enjoy. I sought to create an atmosphere in the picture and wanted to draw attention to the window and the light coming from it and how it came to the room, and eliminating most of the furniture.
In this picture, I managed to save an image that was clearly overexposed and additionally had completely off coloring. I didn’t know what I had adjusted back then, but for some reason, this remained in the archives. I couldn’t edit this photo to color, but the black and white turned out rather well.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Egidio for encouraging us to present some of the effort that goes into crafting an image we are proud to share. Don’t forget to check out his original post here, and remember to use the Lens-Artist Tag in your response so we can find you post.
I am grateful to all who took part in last week’s B&W / Minimalism challenge; it highlighted the remarkable power of simplicity when done effectively. I was taken aback by the amount of interest it created and glad to find out that there are so many interested in this style of photography, which emphasizes the beauty of minimalism and the striking impact of black and white imagery. This challenge inspired participants to explore their creativity among those who share a passion for this art form. I loved seeing all your contributions, as each one told a unique story and showcased different perspectives, proving that less truly can be more in the world of visual storytelling.
Lastly, we invite you to join us next week for a challenge Tina will be hosting on Travels and Trifles. In the meantime, smile and try to stay positive
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Imperfect Photography of a Cozy Café
This week, I sought something distinctive in John’s Cellpic Sunday. While the quality may not be top-notch, I genuinely relished the challenge of capturing the moment. I took a cozy café scene with my front camera while outside in the cold, featuring a customer getting dressed to leave in the background. It reminded me of the beauty in capturing unforeseen moments and the joy that comes from sharing those experiences. Even if the outcome isn’t technically perfect, what truly matters are the stories and memories that accompany the image.
Quick peek into a art gallery
The Art and Architecture of Espoo Cathedral
Here are some more images from this old church and a link to more information of Espoo Cathedral .
I have additional images taken, but I plan to share them separately, as I think these particular ones align well with Dan’s theme. I’m aware that people often overlook images when there are too many of them, which has been a common mistake in many of my earlier posts. I really strive to thoughtfully select and limit the number of images I include. Hopefully, I can keep the attention and ensure that every image adds value to the story, creating a more deliberate and enjoyable experience as they explore the content.
The church was crafted in the late 15th century by an anonymous “Espoo master” and constructed between 1485 and 1490 under his guidance. The only remnants of the medieval structure are the eastern and western sections of the nave. The armory was dismantled from 1804 to 1806, and several other portions of the church, including the original sacristy, were taken apart between 1821 and 1823 when the edifice was transformed into a larger cruciform layout.
Click the galleries to see the photos more clearly, that is if you are looking at them on your computer as most of my followers are, I saw in the stats that the number is 82% ☺
The vaults and walls of the older sections of the cathedral feature murals, predominantly painted in the 1510s, showcasing both biblical narratives and scenes from everyday life. These paintings were concealed in the 18th century due to perceptions of being “crude and superstitious,” but were exposed and restored during renovations in 1931. The current campanile of the cathedral was finalized in 1767, with its upper section remodeled between 1868 and 1869.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
wordless Wednesday
the rugosa rose
We have snow blanketing the ground and evergreens standing tall at the moment that I could photograph. Right now, I have no fresh flowers in the vase to add a splash of color. However, while sifting through my old photos, I stumbled upon these shots of roses from my visit to the Espoo Cathedral several years ago; there were several flowers to photograph They are not at their peek, but sometimes even the decay looks good. Nowadays these flowers are to be eradicated, but my images were captured before that suggestion was made. I took a bit of editing liberties with the first two images to enhance their vibrant hues and textures, hoping to capture the essence of those fleeting moments when nature’s beauty takes center stage.
Why should we eradicate the rugosa rose?
The rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is classified as an invasive species under Finnish legislation, and its spread must be prevented and populations eradicated. The cultivation of the rugosa rose and its white-flowered form (Rosa rugosa f. alba) is prohibited as of June 1, 2022.
Rosa rugosa in English is commonly called Rugosa Rose, Japanese Rose, Beach Rose, or Ramanas Rose, known for its tough, wrinkled leaves, fragrant pink/white flowers, large vitamin C-rich hips, and hardiness in coastal/harsh conditions, but it’s also an invasive species in many areas due to its vigorous spreading, making it great for hedges but needing management.
Participating in The Flower Hour
Espoo Cathedral in Monochrome
These Black and white images are from Espoon tuomiokirkko , Espoo Cathedral (or simply The Old Church of Espoo) Which is the city’s oldest building, a medieval stone church built in the late 15th century and a significant landmark in Espoo, Finland. I actually had my confirmation there in the end of 1970’s.
I was trying to capture more mood and how the light came into this church than all the details, even though I have to admit there are many, and I could have gone that way in the editing process. The interplay of light and shadow created a serene atmosphere that seemed to envelop the space. Additionally, the various architectural elements, from the towering arches to the intricate glass windows, added depth , highlighting the artistry involved in the design of the church. Those walls revealed something new, whether it was the soft glow illuminating the pews or the subtle play of light dancing on the stone surfaces as I looked more closely to the image. Participating in Monochrome Madness allowed me to focus more on the essence of these moments rather than getting lost in the precise details.
Alexander Theatre in Helsinki
We were delighted to find parking by the Alexander Theatre as all the streets were packed with cars due to LUX Helsinki, which we also came to see. So obviously I was going to take a photograph of it, for some reason I thought I might have use for it. This building has been a cornerstone of Helsinki’s cultural scene. Today, it provides outstanding facilities for various events, including concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances, making it an ideal venue for visiting groups.
Monday Window: 19 January 2026
A brief history of the building:
In the early decades of the 1800s, theatre troupes from Sweden, Estonia and Russia and also from Italy and Germany visited Helsinki. But this changed when Nikolai Adlerberg became the Governor General of Finland and established a Russian Theatre with a grant he organised from the Tsar’s funds.
Construction began in April 1876 and was completed in 1879. Originally the AlexanderTheatre was to serve the local Russian garrison. The bricks for the decorative building were transported all the way from Åland. The National Theatre and Opera companies moved to the building in 1918 and the National Opera remained on the premises until 1993, when they moved to the new Opera House on the Toolo bay. For this reason, AlexanderTheatre, the Old Opera House, is an important part of Finnish cultural history. Text from AlexanderTheatre page.
nature’s Winter Art – Pancake Ice
Pancake ice is a fascinating winter occurrence characterized by the formation of circular ice floes in rivers, resulting from water agitation in frigid temperatures. Witnessing this spectacle was enchanting, marking my first and final encounter with ice pancakes. Captured on January 26, 2014, it feels like a distant memory. In Finland, pancake ice creates stunning winter landscapes as rivers form these round, pancake-shaped ice floes when the water is disturbed in freezing conditions, showcasing beautifully rounded edges and a surreal ambiance adorned with snow and frost. This natural marvel attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, highlighting the Arctic charm of Finland in winter.
One Word Sunday: crossing
LUX Helsinki 2026: Highlights from a Chilly Evening
Last weekend, I attended the LUX Helsinki 2026 festival, which attracted large crowds despite the cold weather. Dressing appropriately helped, but my fingers did get really cold while taking the photos. Five of the twenty installations were situated near Hietalahti Market Hall.
The event featured colorful light displays, particularly at the eerily beautiful Old Church Park, also known as the “Plague Park” due to its historical significance. The Blue light and snow made the place look a bit eerie. It is also known as the “Plague Park” (Ruttopuisto), as victims of the plague in 1710 were buried alongside the church. The gravestones in the Old Church Park remind of the history of cemeteries in this part of town. The park is home to the second oldest church in Helsinki and remains a popular destination within the city center, blending art and history.
Participating in Johns Cellpic Sunday
Lens- artists Challenge #381 : minimalism in black-and-white photography
I am an avid enthusiast of black and white photography, often referred to as monochrome photography, which has its nuances that set it apart from color photography in remarkable ways. At Lens-Artists, we’ve explored minimalism and black-and-white photography separately, each offering its unique perspective and emotional depth, but when these two styles are combined, they create a powerful and engaging atmosphere that resonates deeply with us on multiple levels. The stark contrasts and the interplay of light and shadows in black and white can evoke a range of emotions, allowing the essence of the subject to shine through without the distraction of color. This week, I encourage you to embrace this artistic fusion and challenge yourself to capture images that marry minimalism and black and white, naturally you can also use you archives. Please limit your submissions to a maximum of ten images, a thoughtful reflection of your artistic vision and perspective.
By cutting out all the clutter and colors, you get rid of every little distraction, letting the heart of the subject shine through. This whole idea of simplifying things invites viewers to really think about what they’re seeing, encouraging them to dive into the tiny details and subtle nuances that might usually go unnoticed. Each shadow and highlight becomes way more important, sparking a conversation between light and form that pulls the audience in emotionally, ultimately leaving them with a clear narrative that’s not just powerful, but also super thought-provoking.
To master this aesthetic, consider these elements: Embrace negative space as essential to focus attention on the subject, recognizing that emptiness can be impactful; minimalism can convey emotions through tone and composition.
Focus on Geometry: Use striking shapes and contrasts to convey your narrative. Highlight a key gesture or bold silhouette while emphasizing patterns, curves, and symmetry for balance. Keep it simple.
Highlight Texture: Utilize textures like metal, stone, or fabric to add depth without color.
Simple: Eliminate distractions by featuring one strong element.
Utilize lighting to define your subject’s personality; side lighting adds drama, backlighting creates silhouettes, and overhead lighting highlights curves.
Aim for simplicity by eliminating unnecessary elements. Harsh light reveals structure while soft light creates mood, and contrasting blacks and whites deliver a striking visual impact.
Thank you, Anne, for your last week’s challenge: What’s around the corner. We got a great response to it; I really enjoyed it, seeing a glimpse of the places where we live, and apparently, you did too. Next week, be sure to check back on Saturday, January 24, at noon eastern time, when Egídio will be hosting the challenge. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people find your wonderful challenge entries
Please remember to link your post to mine
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
b&w weekend – light art
Lux Helsinki brought winter to the city and attracted an impressive 450,000 visitors between 6–11 January to experience moments of light, colour and stillness. By audience request, the Light Art Festival lasted six days this time, and next year’s event will be extended to eight days.
Posted for The Weekend in Black and White {16/1/2026}
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 