So this week, our challenge is to share images of the people we’ve captured along the way. That’s what Tina from requested for this weeks challenge. Simple request.
Like many, when I started taking photos, they were mainly of friends and family. When I got my kids… you know how the story continues. I still love taking photos of people here, there, and everywhere. No explanations, simply just some people shots I’ve taken. Street photography is interesting and at events, you can find lots of interesting people.
Last week Patti‘s challenge gave us tour around the world with beautiful cities to discover. I truly enjoyed discovering the new cities. Next week Sofia from PHOTOGRAPHIAS will come up with something new for us to tackle with, looking forward to seeing it. Until then, keep smiling ☺
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Possible topics for this weeks CMMC: reservoir, lake, landscape, brown, blue, teal, green, water, green, layers, etc. I think I got most of these covered in this post from Lake Mead, Nevada.
Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States. . It is the largest reservoir in the US in terms of water capacity.
This week Leanne has given us a topic – travel. I visited her beloved Melbourne some years back.
I hope these monochrome images give you a glimpse of Melbourne, allowing me also to reminisce about my own visit to this enchanting city. The evocative play of light and shadow in the evening and night captures Melbourne’s charm. The subtle details in the photographs subtly hint at the time of the year, eliciting fond memories of our December visit. No wonder, that I also harbor a desire to revisit this wonderful destination.
Today is the vernal equinox, when night and day are roughly the same length all over the globe. I greet this information with joy.
Days grow longer and nights become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere as we approach the summer solstice, which falls on June 20th this year. This transition marks a period of increasing daylight, here (Finland) the daylight hours are expected to extend by approximately 5 to 10 minutes each day until the end of June. This gradual shift brings about a delightful change, the extended sunlight and the promise of warmer days brightens my mood as days grow longer and warmer.
As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.
Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.
As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.
Patti from P.A. Moed – CREATIVE EXPLORATION IN WORDS AND PICTURES wrote: Show us buildings, skylines, the streets, the people, and life in public spaces. Or, if you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. This is an interesting challenge, I am sure to come across to many places I have never visited and have an urge to visit – add them to my bucket list of unseen destinations.
I don’t have that huge amount of city shots from many cities, when we travel we mostly visit nature locations. When we visited Australia, my cousin was the best host and travel guide to Brisbane. He drove us around and showed us places we wouldn’t have thought about or, to be truthful, known about. It was a truly eye-opening experience, discovering hidden gems and local secrets that only a native would be privy to. It’s amazing how much richer a travel experience can be when guided by someone with a deep connection to the place. Our trip to Australia remains a cherished memory, and it’s all thanks to the unique perspectives and insider knowledge provided by my wonderful cousin.
Brisbane buildings
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the image.
Brisbane, port, capital of Queensland, Australia, and the country’s third largest city. It lies astride the Brisbane River on the southern slopes of the Taylor Range, 12 miles (19 km) above the river’s mouth at Moreton Bay. You can see my photos of Brisbane CBD , Wheel of Brisbane, and Story Bridge just naming few.
We also visited Streets Beach at South Bank Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach boasts a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It is an oasis in the middle of Brisbane City.
Brisbane from another angle.
I enjoyed Ann-Christine’s circular challenge last week, who would have thought of how many circular things there are around us. Next week Tinafrom TRAVELS AND TRIFLES will once again bring us a new topic to challenge ourselves with. Until then, keep on smiling ☺.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
I spent the day studying – doing graphic art – monotype. The day outside the window was foggy- a white or actually a grey blanket covering the view. I took these photos of foggy roads while on my way home.
Actually these images are very suitable for an inspiration for monotype technique. It is funny how much energy goes into this creative process of doing and learning. Mostly being disappointed in the outcome.
The cold icy signs of spring greeted me with a serene beauty that took my breath away. As I gazed at the tranquil blue sky and observed the icy waters glistening in the sunlight, I couldn’t help but feel happy by the enchanting sights that surrounded me. It was as if the ice itself had a story to tell, weaving a tale of nature’s artistry and resilience, resulting in a series of beautiful blue photos that serve as a testament to the ephemeral yet captivating essence of the season.
Bubbles in ice
The bubbles trapped within the frozen expanse of ice are truly a wondrous sight to behold. It’s as if nature itself has meticulously crafted a breathtaking work of art, with each delicate bubble suspended in time, waiting to be admired. It serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
I loved this moody and atmospheric scene with silhouetted trees against a cloudy sky, I took it while in a moving car when traveling in Australia. I loved edited it to a minimalist style. The stark contrast between the dark silhouettes of the trees and the cloudy sky creates a sense of depth and mystery. In the end the edit came out serene and slightly ominous mood.
The sun, a gentle artist, paints the world in hues of serenity. In this frozen tableau, the shoreline stands as a sentinel, its icy armor glistening under the morning light. The partially frozen water whispers secrets of seasons past, its surface etched with delicate patterns.
hues of serenity
Beyond, the open expanse of water cradles vessels—silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of time. Their hulls, weathered and wise, navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms. Against the vast canvas of sky, they appear as mere brushstrokes, their purpose inscribed in the dance of wind and current.
Vessels navigate the boundary between liquid and frozen realms.
The heavens, too, play their part. Wisps of cloud drift lazily, casting fleeting shadows upon the ice. The azure expanse stretches infinitely, inviting contemplation and wonder. And there, on the distant horizon, where sky meets sea, a promise lingers—a promise of journeys yet to unfold.
As the day unfolds, this frozen symphony will thaw, yielding to life’s perpetual rhythm. But for now, let us linger—a moment suspended in time—captivated by the quietude of this frozen seascape.
A building with a warm, yellow facade, features rectangular windows, each framed in white. On the left side, a small balcony french balcony. Shadows of bare tree branches are cast upon the building’s facade, creating an artistic pattern. The blue sky reflected in the windows show the fair weather of this day.
The warm yellow hue of the building’s facade, the crisp white window frames, and the intricate patterns created by the tree shadows make this shot interesting.
On this March day, it was windy, a bit cold but sunny. I watched these – I am assuming that these people walking on the icr are artists living on the island. I was, as were many other walkers taking photos of then walking on the ice – as there was open sea and under currants there. We could not believe that they were doing it – too dangerous, all of us saying, no one will be able to come and rescue them if they fall into the ice. Yes, we finns do speak to each other even if we don’t know each other 🙂
Harakka Island is located a few minutes’ boat ride away from Kaivopuisto, by the open sea and in the middle of the delicate nature of the archipelago. The richness of the island’s vegetation and bird population is unparalleled. There are four nature reserves on the island.
March day in Helsinki
There is also Harakka Artists’ House on Harakka island houses 30 studios for professional artists and artisans.
These artists walking home over the ice, it caused many of us watcher’s missed heartbeats as there was open sea very close and undercurrents that might cause the ice to break.
What a beautiful cavalcade of photographs Ann- Christine presented us in her unique challenge this week. Circular wonders is something that does make your think first of moon, sun, and ball. No? But you can find it in unexpected places when you take a moment to think about it. Half or full circle …
I did some digging and this is what I found. To enlarge the images just click on any of them the the separate galleries – I recommend it 🙂
Now that I covered the obvious choices it is time to concentrate finding something more creative. Few days ago we took our grandkids at the end of their visit to the Helsinki train station and went to have lunch at one of the restaurants there. It used to be a ticket office. It is a big hall, but the interior is softened by circular interior.
Half circle is a log time hit in architecture . The images are from a jewel of national romantic architecture Hvitträsk museum in Espoo ( the darker photos) and the other two from Villa San Michele in Capri.
I did mentions a ball ⚽ Well come on, I could not, not mention fruits and berries.
And then round – circular things that came up and I couldn’t help myself – just had to post them
Thanks John for last week’s journey to the basics of photography. I truly enjoyed it, as it gave the opportunity to reflect on what is essential in photography. Next week we have Patti challenging us with something else, we will have to wait and see what she comes up with.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Charles Aznavour – Tous les visages de l’amour / She
This popped up – and it is such recognized song, mostly as sung by Elvis Costello in ‘Notting Hill’
Aznavour recorded the song in several different languages aside from English, including Spanish, German Italian and his native French.
This was the theme from the UK TV series The Seven Faces of Women. It was written by Herbert Kretzmer, the lyricist of Les Miserables, and Aznavour, who wrote the music.
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.
A serene and secluded forest path, enveloped by tall, lush green trees in Queensland. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, inviting trail. It was a delight to venture along this winding path.
I could not resist, I did two edits of this photo.
I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.
From an aerial vantage point, we peer down onto a nondescript sidewalk. The pavement, a patchwork of square tiles, stretches ahead like a monochromatic ribbon. But it’s not the pavement that captures our attention; it’s the lone figure treading upon it. A person walks, the posture suggests introspection—a deliberate escape from the cacophony of urban life or just maybe she is lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the world around her .
On either side of the sidewalk, lush trees stand sentinel. Their leaves form a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns. Their branches reach out, as if urging the wanderer to pause, to breathe, to listen. Adjacent to the trees, empty bicycle racks stand in orderly rows. They wait patiently, like forgotten companions, for riders who haven’t arrived. Numbers—cryptic symbols—adorn the road. “20” and “20.” Are they parking spots? Coordinates? We can only speculate. Yet, these markings lend an air of mystery, inviting us to unravel their meaning.
Have a I captured this fleeting moment, preserving it for eternity, a glimpse of quietude.
In this shot you are invited to step into the wanderer’s shoes. To feel the coolness of the pavement, the rustle of leaves, and the weight of our own thoughts. It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle, we can find stillness; in the ordinary, we discover the extraordinary.
So, take a breath. Walk alongside the solitary figure. Let the greenery envelop you. And in this urban reverie, find your own moment of reflection.
Remember: Sometimes, it’s in the spaces between footsteps that life speaks loudest.
20/20
The scene unfolds like a forgotten interlude—a pause in the symphony of urban life. The buildings, stoic and weathered, stand shoulder to shoulder, their walls bearing the marks of time. The beige structure, unassuming yet dignified, seems to lean slightly, as if sharing a secret with its crimson neighbor. And there, nestled between them, lies the narrow street—a silent conduit for wheels and footsteps.
The cars, like obedient sentinels, rest in neat rows. Their colors—pearl white, midnight black—mirror the monochrome palette of the pavement.
And then, the trees. Ah, the trees! their branches stretch upward, defiant against the rigid geometry of man-made structures. Leaves flutter in the breeze, casting fleeting shadows on the asphalt. No bustling crowds disturb this tableau. Only one’s hurried footsteps echo off the walls.
Amidst the beige and the red, the cars and the trees, we glimpse the poetry of stillness.
Here are some photos I took from our visit to the EMMA museum in Espoo.
Below ROLAND PERSSON, PANAMA PAPERS, 2016
Glass and ceramics are made from natural raw materials. When cared for properly, they can last forever. Their enduring appeal rests upon a legacy of skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The visionary artists featured in this collection have been inspired and influenced by international trends, but their work is also informed by local traditions. The result is a unique creative fusion.
Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro House is a round, prefabricated dwelling that resembles a flying saucer. Its unique shape and airplane hatch entrance have made it an iconic piece of architecture.
Exhibition Centre WeeGee in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, houses the first-ever mass-produced Futuro house (No. 001)
This week it’s very straightforward – photos of different textures. I took my time looking for these and ended up with, once again, too many images. I took lead from Sarah’s great samples.
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Of the many composition factors in photography, this challenge focuses on Shape, Form, Texture, and Light, that’s what John’s from Journeys with Johnbo challenge this week is about. I really had to concentrate on this one, not the easiest to tackle. Thank you John for providing great samples to get me started.
Photographers often capitalize on the architects’ use of triangles, circles, rectangles, arches, and other basic shapes.
Click on the photos to see the larger images of this Amalfi Catholic church and the many shapes it has. Also the last shot from Capri has some nice arches.
For Geometric form I am taking you to Paris 🙂
The difference between shape and form can be muddy, but artists typically consider shape to be two-dimensional while a form is three-dimensional. Organic form in flowers – in black and white from my garden.
Texture images entice viewers, create moods, and communicate ideas. Old rusty tools, newspaper clippings on wood show the time added textures. The spiders’ web with droplets and decay of the flower has a lovely texture. The vibrant orange jellyfish gracefully floating. The jellyfish exhibits delicate, translucent tentacles that appear to glow, and its bell-shaped body displays intricate textures and layers.
Capturing light.
Photos wouldn’t be possible without light and since the first cameras, capturing light is what photography is all about. This is the most important thing about photography. I still have tons to learn more about it. There are so many ways to describe light in photography; Ambient Lighting, Long Exposure, Key Light, Light Soft or Hard . It does not matter what you call you need to use it , or you don’t have a photo’s.
Last week I hosted my first official challenge as team member. I was happy to see all your responses and how you all have interpreted the topic. So many beautiful posts. Thank you for the nice welcome you gave me. I did my best to notice all your entries.
Next week Ann-Christine of (aka Leya) is hosting, and she always has interesting topics and her photography is beautiful and inspirational, always a blog worth a visit.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
I don’t often crop my photos to square, but since I did one, why not try few more just for the fun of it. It does sometimes bring different things to the main focus.
For some reason I have lots of window shots newly edited, due to having gone through the archives lately looking for forgotten gems . This looked good as a square, a view to a bar. As I played with it I did two edits and I prefer the one on the top with the faded colors and haze finnish.
I do like editing and see if can capture mood I was in when I took the shot. Mellow maybe?
This year we did not fly to the sun vacation due to many reasons, so this week we have been visiting few museum. We went to see the collection exhibition; A Question of Time reflects on the major questions of our time through art. The exhibition also offers fresh perspectives into Finland’s oldest and most extensive art collection and how it was built.
Here are few doors from the Ateneum – Finnish National Gallery entrance and few doorways at the museum.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 