Silent Sunday
Tag: photography
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John’s Cellpic Sunday
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Lens-Artists Challenge #286 – Weather
Last week, Egidio had us looking at Warm colors. And I , for one enjoyed them, all the beautiful sunsets that came up in the posts. If you missed it, here is a link to the challenge of Warm Colors.
This week Anne from Slow Shutter Speed has us thinking and showcasing our weather shots. It is one of the favorite topics of discussion among us Finns. As the saying goes, the climate is what we expect, and the weather is what we get. Finland has four unique seasons. The temperature in Finland varies greatly by season and by region as the country is long and has differing coastal and inland climates. The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Eurasian continent to the east together create the actively changing climate of Finland. Due to our country’s location, the weather can also change quickly, which makes predicting a bit tricky . One moment the sun might be shining, and the next rain is pouring down – such is life up North.
Winter The coldest day of the season is usually at the end of January in most regions. I So you are protected from that cool winter breeze, especially in the coast.
February is a snowy and chilly winter month in all of Finland. The slower cooling of the Baltic Sea typically delays the coldest period on the Coast and the Archipelago until the beginning of February. The days are still relatively short but they are getting longer , the sun stays up for nine hours in Helsinki.
March, spring is starting to be on its way. After the spring equinox (March 21st) the days get increasingly longer. Warm clothes are still a must, as the month is likely to be cold with the deepest snow cover, especially in the north.
Spring After the long winter nature wakes up again in April. Spring begins early in the month in the coastal areas, and later in April elsewhere, In April, there’s an increasing amount of daylight and the snow starts to melt, yet it is still not summer.
The weather in May goes from warm to cool, so be ready for all kinds of weather. One thing for sure is that there will be more daylight.
In June, the Finnish summer kicks off. You can expect sunny and pleasant days, but there might be some rain, especially after midsummer. In June, you can experience the amazing midnight sun around the summer solstice.
July is peak summer and generally the hottest month of the year. Most Finns take their annual leave during this time. July is all about heat waves and sometimes even thundershowers, but overall, it’s the best of summer in Finland.
August is the second warmest month in Finland. Though it’s the rainiest in some areas, August usually brings many lovely summer days. The warm but darkening August nights are magical as summer comes to an end.
The autumn season may start pleasantly crisp and cool, but September can also get quite wet. You can expect cloudy skies and rain some of the time but also charming and cool sunny days. In northernmost Finland, the first snow often falls in September. Overall, it’s time to start dressing up warm again.
Autumn foliage makes October a beautiful month, yet the weather can be brisk, and the temperature is likely to drop from mild to frosty. November, the northern parts of the country usually have lasting snow cover already. Wind, rain, and slush are regular delights of the month. The grayest month of all. The month is quite cold, so adding warm layers underneath your winter gear is a must. December is dark, cold and mostly snowy.
I think I did all the months, but as a last note. I love taking misty photos. Droplets after rain, or a misty night. Frost is beautiful after a cold night. Clouds enhance the sunset photos. Rain, or snowing can be a great opportunity for a good shot. Hope you now have an ideal month in mind as when to visit Finland 😂
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.
Next week Donna leads us to the topic of sound, that should be an interesting one to tackle, I am already trying to come up with some ideas,
Whispers echo through glass, bridging worlds
For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.
Monochrome Madness #1 – Beach
Editing process: 1 to 3 images
The first photo shows the original image, which I started editing in Lightroom Classic, resulting in the displayed outcomes. I know there are four distinct edits, but I had to make a black and white version too, so I couldn’t stick to three as asked. I tried to give the editing a sense of seasonal transition; do you think I pulled it off? ☺
One to Three Photo Processing Challenge: February 2024
Macro Monday
Cup Lichens for Marco Mondays
At this time I was trying to capture lush, green mossy surface with intricate textures visible. The light was soft and diffused, highlighting the delicate structures of both the moss and fungi without casting harsh shadows. I like that there is a mix of green hues, ranging from bright lime greens to deeper forest greens in the vegetation. Cup Lichens with slender stems and cup-shaped caps are emerging from the moss, adding diversity to the scene. Most cup lichens grow on the ground but some can also grow on deadwood or as epiphytes on trees.
old warehouse windows
Visiting old barns and warehouses were most of the available things that are on sale are used is fun, and we often go to these places for fun and finds. We bought our bed head from one of these places – and old solid wood door. When we were fixing our summerhouse that is built in 1938 needed to have it’s windows fixed- these is were we were able find new ones, the old window frames are done with so much better wood. You can find even old nails, fireplace shutters ( I don’t know if that is at right word for them), lumber.
These photos are from Metsänkylän Navetta in Hattula
For Ludwig Keck’s Monday Window
Some finds from the warehouse, signs, nails, windows and frames also a batch of new hand colored alpaca wool.
Lens-Artists Challenge #285 – Warm Colors
Last week, Sofia asked us to think about day and night for our weekly challenge. I found it fun to go through my archives to find matching photos.
This week, Egidio of, Through Brazilian Eyes, joins us for his first, official challenge with the Lens-Artists. Visit his site for inspiration and guidance on today’s challenge: Warm Colors.
This week Egídio asked; have you ever thought about your images’ impact on viewers based on your photos’ color schemes? Yes I have :-) He invites us to look at own photo catalog or capture new images showing how warm colors appear in our world and their emotional significance to us, also to share how your images made you feel when you captured them.
Now to my thoughts on colors – warm colors – we all know them. BUT, to me me the yellow of the first flowers of spring it is not warm, it blends more to the blue. I know it is but – it is bright and refreshing against the new green that delights us. The coltsfoot ad dandelion are first ones to pop up you look for these pops of yellows, Globeflower blooms also in May, a brightfull joy of spring.
Towards the end of the summer the yellow deepens and to me that is a warm yellow, it blends more to red, I know I am splitting hairs here.
Warm reds and brown take over in the fall and a sense of lost comes with it. It does not demise the beauty of the warm colors of autumn is the festive season for warm colors. I joy for a photographer.
Browns – the end of autumn. Soft muted tones, that slowly shows the way to hibernation. Gets us ready for winter,
Now to the question, about how your images made you feel when you captured them. When I take a photo, I mainly focus on and pay attention to the composition, how to best show of what I see, . My main thoughts are did I get on the”film” what I saw. I want to bring beauty to a shot, no matter what the topic even if the topic itself is not that pleasant. I want to see the beauty around me, even a glimpse of it. Positivity… that’s what I want to see 🙂 and I have very warm thoughts about this little boy :-9
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.
Flower of the day – tulip
The arrival of tulips in stores signifies the start of a vibrant and colorful season. With advertisements promoting their beauty and availability, it’s hard to resist the allure of these elegant flowers. Personally, I can never resist the enchanting appeal of tulips
Their diverse colors and graceful appearance make them a perfect subject , whether you prefer capturing their vivid hues or showcasing their elegance in a minimalist style. Over the years, I’ve collected a delightful array of tulip photos, each one trying to capture the unique charm and beauty of these flower’s. Now is the time to indulge in some color therapy and celebrate the arrival of spring to the store’s.
Here’s to a joyous and vibrant Friday, filled with the enchanting beauty of tulips!
Monochrome – apple blossoms
The difference of light transforms the image of apple blossoms with droplets gives it a totally different mood.
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness: A Floral Tribute
Monochrome – canada Place
A Street shot from a trip in 2016 to Vancouver, it was a rather rainy day.
Doggies in the window
The photos shows the dogs in the window looking all curious and excited. They bark a welcome as we go by. It’s like they’re our neighbor’s official greeters when we drive towards our summer house. The way the dogs look and the reflection on the window give these photos a nice artistic mood.
Ludwigs Monday Window
Sweet memories
I was trying to get shots with theme. Create a movie scene – and as I was at it very late in the challenge this was one idea. I did not end up using these, but since I took and edited them why not share them – I did take them and edit them on my mobile.
Last rays of light fell on to the bed, where the lonely lady had placed her loved childhood toys to rest on the pillows. I hoped to create a different mood by changing the colors and contrast and light. The last one is the most positive, the two first ones I wanted a to create a more sad and lonely mood to to them
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #284 – Day and Night
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of quotes and poems for Ann- Christine. Selecting only few images was a challenge for me 🙂
This week Sofia gave us a fun challenge to showcase the difference between day and night. As Sofia mentioned, now that we’ve passed the Winter Equinox, the days are gradually getting longer, and we can finally bid farewell to the never-ending nights. We still have a good month or two to truly savor the increasing light, but we’re on the right track. So, here I am, sharing summer photos in the midst of winter… It won’t be long now, summer is on its way! Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night.
Not to be totally biased, I am also showing photos from cities little further away. Only due to that, do I have more than ten photos 😂
Hong Kong – view from Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks.
The day light is still softly around, soft mist in the background, them blue moment arrives to slowly turning the day to night, the lights of the skyscrapers coming more visible changing the mood. Then darkness folds out the dark shield that hides out the scenery leaving the buildings in the lighted glory as main point.
White nights at a cosy Finnish summer house right by the water, relaxing baths at the sauna, skinny dipping in the clear lakes, magical moments in nature glowing in 50 shades of green and many more.
Finnish summer speciality is the fascinating natural phenomenon called Midnight Sun.
When nights are as bright as the day, you can do the same things you would like to do during the day. Go outside the house and enjoy the light and the calm. The purely magical moment is when the sun tries to set, and it paints the horizon from red to yellow and pink to purple. Everything around you is surrounded by beautiful bright light.
The Nordic region is known for its unique light conditions, influenced by drastic weather and daylight changes. The sun’s low position in the northern areas creates long shadows and side-oriented daylight, while the summer evenings are distinguished by a diffuse light. The distinct quality of Nordic daylight lies in its low angles and the gradual, breathtaking transitions of long sunrises, sunsets, and the enchanting “blue hour.”
People have developed a special relationship with light, intricately intertwined with the seasons and the variations in light. The high variability of light throughout the day, and especially between the winter and summer seasons, influences people’s traditions, color preferences, and overall connection to light. I for one, feel guilty in the summer if I spend too much time inside. When you have it you need to be outside.
Day, evening and night image from Sydney Harbour
Night and day in Níce
Key west day and night
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.
Thank you to Sofia for inspiring us with Day and Night. Be sure to visit her beautiful examples for the challenge.
Next week, Egidio (Through Brazilian Eyes) will host his first official challenge with the Lens-Artists. His topic is Warm colors .Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more!
Golden barley sways in sunlight breeze
I found this image from my archives, it captures a close-up view of a green barley field with individual barley stalks and their grains clearly visible, highlighted by sunlight. The grains are at various stages of maturity, with some appearing golden and others green.
I am rather happy with this, but I’ve never posted it before as I like the softness and movement of it. It shows how you see even your own images differently as time passes and you look at your photos with fresh eyes.
For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday.
essential factors in a joyous life
Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. I also did this, and in the end decided to enter my other take as an entry to Lens-Artists Challenge, but since I had already done this I decided to post it separately
I selected this quote to convey positivity. We all need a little bit of that in our lives. I added few more smiles than requested, but it is a smile ☺ of joy.
“Laughter and smiles are essential factors in a joyous life”
~Maya Angelou
Happy faces and lovely smiles are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, illuminating the world with their warmth and brightness. The simple act of smiling has the power to uplift spirits, spread joy, and create a ripple of positivity. When we encounter a genuine smile, it’s as if a little piece of happiness has been shared with us, making the day feel a little brighter and the heart a little lighter.
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #283 – Illustrate a favourite quote or poem
Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of dramatic photography for Patti. Selecting the most fitting images for the challenge presented quite a delightful yet daunting task.
And as I reflect on it, this week does not appear to be any easier, given that Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. The abundance of choices certainly makes this a captivating yet challenging endeavor. This week’s challenge offers an opportunity to delve into the profound world of words and capture their essence through artistry.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Ultima Thule: The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls
The tide rises, the tide falls,
The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveller to the shore,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
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.
Here is the link link to Ann-Christine’s original post
Next week Saturday Sofia will be hosting the challenge, so please visit her inspirational site for more!
golden light of sunrise
I don’t know how you start you posts, but what I do is, I open a new blank post. I choose an image, them I start to think of a title and maybe some text to it. I always start with an photo. I mainly posts photos, lately I have started add some more words to my posts, but I am a strong believer that the photo should convey the message – I don’t know if it true, but it is what I want to believe.
This photo I took years ago in Koh Lanta in Thailand, this is the first time I’ve edited it. I don’t know why I haven’t shared it before.
The beautiful beach, the tall palm trees, and the serene waters all bathed in the golden light of sunrise created a truly lovely scene that morning. The untouched sandy beach and scattered rocks add the feeling of untouched natural charm, while the sky’s gradient from blue to golden yellow is uplighting the spirit. I still remember to calmness and peaceful atmosphere as I had the beach to myself, just me and the tranquility of the lovely morning. I wish I was there now 🙂
Just out of curiosity, do the words add value to the post?
Monochrome – flower bouquet
Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Street Photography – walking street
A pedestrian area in the shopping area in Níce some years back. It was early October, but the weather was still nice and warm, and there were lots of people on the move. The shops were situated in lovely old buildings with Juliet balconies and green and white shutters in front of the windows. The atmosphere in the area was energetic and vibrant, as locals and tourists alike meandered through the charming streets, and the sight of colorful displays in the shop windows. The gentle warmth of the sun added to the allure of the scene, casting a soft golden glow over the picturesque architecture and creating a captivating ambiance.
Well, I do like playing with my images, so once again I did a monochrome version, but this time I am more inclined to go with the color version as my favorite, go figure :-) The golden glow more obvious in it.
Winter landscapes from Kirkkonummi #6
Pine trees basking in the sunshine on a rocky hill covered with white snow.
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #282 – Dramatic
This week, Patti from is asking this question: what makes a photo dramatic? Maybe it is processed in black and white, or it has vivid colors. Maybe a person, place, or object is captured from a unique perspective or it is a macro shot.
I took this from the plane, the mountains make a dramatic scene behind the clouds.
The word “dramatic” holds immense significance for me – it encapsulates the sense of grandeur and intensity that is ever-present. It’s remarkable how the play of light in photographs can be so distinctive and impactful. In contrast, everyday life may not exude the same overt drama; seemingly mundane events can often hold hidden depths of emotion and sentiment beneath a tranquil facade. Being of Finn, I acknowledge that we may not be the most openly expressive people, yet our emotions are profoundly felt and deeply rooted.
These I took In Níce, France
For me, the sea stands as one of the most profoundly dramatic elements, alongside the ever-changing canvas of clouds. Nature, or rather the weather, serves as the catalyst for many of these breathtaking phenomena.
Furthermore, the architectural details has the potential to evoke a dramatic impact through the interplay of light, shadow, and contours.
This is detail of the roof Monte Carlo Casino. The interplay of dark skies and beautiful old architecture creates a mesmerizing contrast that captivates the senses. The looming presence of the dark skies serves as a backdrop, intensifying the timeless allure of the architectural marvels.
Skyline from Monte Carlo some years back.
“An event or circumstance sudden and striking,”
I sometimes capture documentary shots, sometimes I see people who are down on their luck. Even though I don’t know their stories, seeing these homeless men sitting on the streets of Las Vegas was truly a poignant and sad sight. They are not sharp images on purpose…
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.
Winter landscapes from Kirkkonummi #5
As the winter wraps the world in its chilly embrace, it presents us with scenes of enchanting tranquility. The stark contrast of the vibrant blue skies against the snowy landscapes is a sight to behold, a true testament to the captivating allure of the winter season.
With every image, I aim to convey the unspoken elegance of winter, without the need for accompanying explanations.
it’s just me
Trying to keep up with appearances. For a challenge I took a different kind of selfie with my mobile and now chose it for John’s Cellpic Sunday
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 