One word on this Sunday for OWS -Bright.
Bright
Tag: photography
Thunder, And then it rained hard
Lens-Artist Challenge #307 – Tourist Attractions Near and Far
A massive thank you to Leanne for being our Guest Host this week. I have admired Leanne’s photography for years, when she first started to do Monochrome Madness I participated, so for a long time I have been a fan of her style. Her post is full of beautiful destinations and they are absolutely gorgeous images. Please go and visit her blog for inspiration.
Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that while I haven’t been able to indulge in much traveling lately or pursued photography actively, there is no shortage of remarkable places I’ve had the privilege to visit. Each location has left an indelible impression on me, and the memories I’ve collected continue to offer a source of joy and introspection. The difficulty lies in singling out just one favorite, as each destination holds its own unique charm.
I have not posted these photos taken on the beach in Stavros yet, but I am I sharing them with you now. Stavros, a very small town on the peninsula of Arkotiri on the island of Crete in Greece, nothing special in the town itself. Stavros is world famous because the film “Zorba the Greek” with Anthony Quinn was shot here in 1964 .The beach itself may not be the most visually stunning one we have visited, but the allure of its cinematic history enticed us to explore its shores and take these few photos further down the beach
The place itself is hardly worth a mention but the beach, the Bay of Stavros, is a bathing paradise for swimming. The fine sand slopes gently to the sea and the bay is protected here from strong waves by a small promontory. There is not a lot of shade… unless you hire an umbrella and beach chair. Lying on the beach there is always something different to focus on when viewing the mountains opposite.
This dog was having a great time at the beach
Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to her original post.
Next week Elizabeth of Albatz Travel Adventures will lead us with PAIRS, and on the 27th July, PR of Flights of the Soul will present BALCONIES.
Keep on smiling.
Posted for Leanne’s Lens-Artists Challenge
One word Sunday ~ yellow
At the Saturday market
Had a nice morning by the lakeside summer market at Vuolenkoski.
Johns Cellpic Sunday
Folks from their summer homes came to the market on boats, the marina was so full some people had to wait for open spots on the docks
A busy morning at the marina
Monochrome Sculptures
PR‘s Monochrome madness asked for statue photos, and it turns out that I don’t have all that many. The first one is from Oulu. The others are from Italy. And I don’t know anything about them other than for some reason I took photos of them many of them have wings 🙂
A special feature in Oulu’s police history were the market police, whose task was to monitor the discipline and order of the market. It was through them that a large part of the townspeople and the population of the province also got to know law enforcement and the police.
The time of market police lasted in Oulu from 1934 to 1979. From those times, the sayings ‘Are you from Oulu, are you afraid of the police’ and ‘Gents are good and go their separate ways’ have survived in Oulu. After the end of the market patrol, as a tribute to these policemen, a bronze statue, Toripolliisi, designed by Kaarlo Mikkonen, was erected in front of the Market Hall in 1987 as a result of a public gathering.
This 220-centimeter-tall, standing policeman from Oulu has over time become one of the sights and subjects that most reflect the Oulu community.
All photos in this gallery can be enlarged by a click
also posted to Leanne Cole
These two last one’s are of a sculpture I have made, these are taken when it was still a work in progress.
Wordless Wednesday
Beauty of Bird Cherry Flowers
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
Cellpic sunday – 070724
For Cellpic Sunday I am thinking of nourishment – food. So, I’m keeping it simple this week.
The first photo is Eromanga cafe situated in Helsinki.
Lunch at Bisto O’Mat in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. The patio had nice views over the city.
Capturing the Storm’s Symphony
This last image is AI generated, the first two mine taken by my mobile of the same situation. Capturing the Storm’s Symphony: Driving Through Heavy Rain on the motorway.
The raindrops furiously pounded against the windshield, blurring the lights of the cars ahead. The sound of the rain on the roof resonated throughout the car, creating a somber symphony. As the wipers rhythmically swept back and forth, I marveled at the storm’s raw power, appreciating the shelter and security of the car. The AI-generated image, although striking, couldn’t capture the sensory experience of being enveloped by the torrential downpour while cocooned in a metal shell.
One Word Sunday – TRANSPORT
Delicate Charm of Goldilocks
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
Happy Toes
Seagulls in the city
Seagulls in the city – taken with my mobile using the zoom, not the best of results, but I can live with these. The reflections was the main attraction, also “Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath” caught my eye.
Last on the Card – June 2024
Months pass so quickly. Already July. I had my grandkids visiting us for ten days. On the last day the the youngest enjoyed this sitting hammock and he was so cute I had to take a several shots this was one of them.
I took this with my iPhone 14 Pro
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This one is from my Olympus taken on the June 19th. I think I have not shared this one yet of the strawberry moon.
These Oak leaves photo is taken with my old, Sony camera with a macro lens on June 12th
For Brian’s Last on the Card – June 2024
Monochrome madness
Star
Star(s) for One word Sunday
Two stunt bikers from the death row group Diorios at one point there was five of them in the cage.
Lens-Artists Challenge #306 – Habitat
Theme is – Habitat and this week I am going to post images, nothing more nothing less. The theme it is so heartwarming to begin with it does not need works. I just felt joy looking at the images Tina showed us. Such beautiful and moving photos. I hope I will be able at least one smile from you when looking at this post, I just concentrated on animals. I had so much fun looking for these photos. I had to stop, because I found out that I have just few photos 🙂 of animals and as it is, I posted once aging way too many.
Thanks Egídio. He gave us a chance to learn something new, and while we may not have heard of it, we were happy to see that many of us were using it anyway 😊. It’s always exciting to test our skills and knowledge in a friendly challenge like this. The creative solutions and different approaches showcased by the participants were truly inspiring. Egidio’s initiative brought us together to celebrate our passion for learning and growing, and for that, I am truly grateful.
As in previous years, the Lens-Artists team will be on hiatus for the month of July. There will be no challenge on the 6th, but the rest of the month will be led by several amazing Guest Hosts. They include:
July 13: Leanne of Leanne Cole explores TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
July 20: Elizabeth of Alabatz Travel Adventures
July 27: PR of Flights of the Soul presents BALCONIES
The Lens-Artist team will be back on August 3 when Patti once again leads us on her Pilotfish Blog. Until then keep smiling ☺
Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.
Capturing the Ethereal Beauty of the Strawberry Moon
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?
Ritz entrance
Lens Artists Challenge #305: Two Rectangles
I found some in my archives, that’s a good sign. My did I have look hard for these images, and still not totally satisfied, but this is not that serious, even though I trend to take seriously. This week Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes, challenges us to show how we use rectangles in our photographs and how they help our composition.
Shape in photography is a powerful tool for creating compelling images. By incorporating strong lines, curves, and other shapes into a composition, we can add depth and dimension to our photographs, I have learned. We recognize the four basic shapes: circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles. Each of these shapes can be used to create a variety of different effects in your photographs. Circles are often used to create a feeling of harmony and balance, while triangles can add a sense of movement and drama. Squares and rectangles can help to create a sense of structure and order. AND this is what I am trying to show how I have unintentionally found it in my compositions.
The placement of shapes in a photograph can also have a significant impact on the overall composition. Placing shapes near the edges of the frame can help to create a feeling of tension, while placing them more centrally can create a feeling of balance.
Rectangles are used mostly as frames within a frame, but you also can use them as compositional elements by themselves. Rectangles may give you a sense of security, as well as confinement. Furthermore, when you use many of them in one composition, like the one below, you can create a sense of pattern, which might make your composition even more interesting.
I find cities and interiors to be the best place to find shapes, but someone else has already designed it, I just document it my own way.
Industrial and modern built – the best, No?
This time I stayed mostly in urban areas, but I had to find some in nature.
Thanks you all for your responses to my challenge last week, this is such a fun community. I always find new ways to look at things and see images from around the world. Your images did just that, gave food for thought
Next week, Tina is up next with an exciting challenge, so be sure to look for her post. She is always creative and her photos are always worth a look, as they are so beautifully, skillfully captured. You are bound to be inspired.
As those who follow her know, Lens-Artists team member Donna of Wind Kisses is taking a break from blogging for personal reasons. She will be very much missed but, hopefully be with us again before too long. We wish Donna and her family only the best, as our thoughts are with all of them.
Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge.
Lens-Artists Challenge #304 – Behind
This week is a lesson in paying attention to the background BEHIND your subject, does this not sound like a challenge, but it is, if you really start to focus on it. So, think about different techniques you use to elevate your photos and share them with us.
Backgrounds play an essential role in photography, significantly impacting the overall aesthetic of an image. When composing a photograph, the background serves as the canvas against which the subject stands out. The background provides context and narrative to your photo. How your main subject interacts with the background shapes the story within the frame.
Here are some key considerations: Whether it’s a serene landscape, a bustling city street, or a simple studio backdrop, the background influences the mood and message of the image.
Same cityscape – three backgrounds for the dome.
Different colors evoke specific emotions. For instance, blue backgrounds often convey calmness, while red can evoke passion or energy. Patterns in backgrounds can either enhance or distract from the subject.
Simplicity, achieved through minimal distractions, often yields powerful results. Additionally, controlling depth of field allows you to guide viewers’ attention to specific focal points in both foreground and background.
Remember, a well-chosen background enhances your photo, adding depth and visual interest.
Usually, this means making your background distraction-free. That is often when taking photos we’re laser-focused on our subject: a portrait, a flower, a couple on a bench.
A good background pairing (whether that’s making the background disappear with exposure or blur, or enhancing it with color or story will allow your SUBJECT to shine.
You can pair your subject with a colorful background to match or contrast your background to your subject.
You also may want to keep your background dark, relative to your subject, to allow your subject to pop, or vica versa.
You might want to elevate your photography to another storytelling level by creating a picture within a picture. You would see the main scene up front, but little scenes from the whole story would complement it on the side.
This can be children studying in a classroom, with a detailed scene behind them.
Or boys sitting, watching a document on a screen. Use your “canvas” to portray your entire creative story, from end to end, for both your subject and of course, your background.
Background Blur: Utilize depth of field to blur your background, keeping focus on your subject
Color Harmony: Harmonize or contrast colors between your subject and the background for visual impact.
Darker Background: Adjust exposure to darken the background, spotlighting your subject.
Negative Space: Embrace negative space, using it to highlight your subject against a minimal background.
Last week we stepped into the lovely world of connections with Donna’s beautiful photos to guide us. We were shown lovely interpretations of connection this week. There is always need to be connected…
I am already looking forward to next week’s challenge with Egídio. Join him Saturday 12:00 EST to enjoy his beautiful photography, captured through his Brazilian eyes.
Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.
I do love a delicious dessert
Busy doors
For Thursday Doors
Busy doors, sitting and watching people come in and out while waiting for my husband to come from his football match
Lens-Artists Challenge #303 – Connections
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 