For Thursday Doors
Busy doors, sitting and watching people come in and out while waiting for my husband to come from his football match
Busy doors
Tag: photography
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.
Summer room
Bee happy
Have a great weekend 🐝 be happy 😃
Thursday doors ~ Helsinki
Nothing grand, just few doors and windows Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Lens-Artists Challenge #302 – AI and Photography
John is our hero this week for leading us tp a controversial and rapidly-evolving development in photography. He is challenging us to experiment with AI. For those of you who use any of the Adobe programs, I’m sure you’ve been stunned with the speed of development of AI tools.
Artificial intelligence is already everywhere, not least in photography, where it turns the creation of images on its head. In many photo contests, judges have awarded pictures created with artificial intelligence-based image generators, thinking they are genuine. It’s scary and fascinating at the same time.
I am not in my comfort zone in this challenge, as a serious hobbyist photographer I like to take my own photos and edit them myself to my style.
I used my photo as a starting point, I changed the sky to two different sunsets. One is more believable..
Regarding the edit process, I am comfortable removing distractions and, on occasion, replacing the sky. It is a very delicate process, the art of replacing the sky in a photograph requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of light, perspective, and atmosphere. Ensuring that the new sky seamlessly integrates with the rest of the scene, taking into account the direction of the sun, the play of shadows, and the reflections, It’s a meticulous process that, when executed skillfully, can elevate the entire mood and narrative of the photograph, transporting the viewer to a captivating and immersive visual experience. It can easily go wrong.
An other sample of sky edits…original and edited version, can you tell which is which?
The approach I usually take is to carefully frame the shot at the location to naturally exclude most distractions. However, this is not always feasible. In some cases, I am comfortable with the idea of removing objects like garbage cans and electric cables, or even editing out certain branches from the periphery of the image.
For this challenge I was going to try Photoshop to create something, but as my heart was not into it, I got nowhere, but I did get really frustrated. Then I found t Craiyon free site to create these two photo. Prompts: green field set against dark clouds and Lighthouse during a storm.
These two (below) were my first attempts to create anything on word prompts- done with free version on copilot – these came out as illustrations. Not to my taste. Hence my frustration after seeing others create lovely images.
I don’t condemn anyone using AI, but it not for me at least now at least in photography. I strongly believe that something is lost, the soul , the personal touch. I might take it up when my own inspiration is lost, but most likely not. Art is about individual creativity to me.
As an Contemporary digital artist, which I like to label myself (not to be too modest) I can use editing tools to create art, but I do not want a AI to create art on a prompt. These are from my own images. Art is about individual creativity to me.
Thank you, Sofia, for last weeks floral enchantments, the floral inspiration we got was amazing.
The challenge host next week will be Donna, be sure to visit her inspirational site and see what she is up to! If you’d like to participate in the challenge responses each week but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.
Last on the card, May
Last photo on my mobile tLast on the card May
Lilies of the valley
Lilies of the valley are so beautiful and delicate, and yes also poisonous
Dandelion times 4
I took these dandelion shots yesterday and edited them on my phone using Lightroom John’s Cellpic Sunday
Busy 🐝 Bee
For Cee´s Flower of the Day.
Midnight in the summer is magical
For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday
Square 31.5.24
We have reached the end of Becky’s Squares photo challenge, I was distracted by starting a full time job in the middle of it and stopped posting even if I had good intentions to follow the month through. Thanks for this challenge Becky.
Lens-Artists Challenge #301 – Floral
Lens-Artists #301 – Floral hosted by Sofia wrote: I sincerely believe it to be difficult to have photo of a flower that is not beautiful. But for this challenge, I’d like us to think of how we either capture them or how we process the image afterwards.
First I would like to say all my photos for this post are from past week. Somehow it feels like this year we skipped spring all together, we got summer temperatures now and all the flowers are in bloom at the same time. Most of them I’ve taken with my mobile, because last week I felt the camera’s to the summer house in the belief that there would be nothing to photograph, I was wrong. Everything seemed to bloom overnight. and to the how I capture them – mostly close-ups.
I have now real angle this week, my mind is all overloaded with new things and NUMBERs – my least favorite thing .
First here is a look at one tulip. I took a these few days apart, from different directions and I did some editing with lightroom app on my mobile.
The apple tree blossoms beautifully just few days ago and now the really warm weather , not at all normal at this time of the year has wilted them.
random flowers-
Last week Ann-Christine challenged us with the Delicate things, her recent travels to Japan gave us wonderful inspiration. I loved all your examples and how varied they were. This is what makes these challenges so interesting, we all think in different ways and that makes us grow as photographers.
Next week is John’s turn to lead, so please visit his unique site to see what he’s up to, I am sure looking forward to it.
If you want more information on the Lens-Artist Challenge, please click here.
Totally destroyed clubhouse
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Today, our local youth clubhouse at our summer home village burned down. Nothing left, fortunately no lives were lost.
MAY Squares #13
Becky’s Squares has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
I have been busy, the amount of energy it takes to learn is amazing – I am just not ready to sit by the computer at home after having been on it for 8 hour in the office. But I so love this blogging community that I’m trying to keep up posting something here and there.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Least gagea is the smallest lily that grows wild in Finland. Modest-sized least gagea blooms early in the spring while the land is damp, before other plants hide it from view. In Finland it is named after the cuckoo as it blooms when the first of these birds return, and they are in full bloom around Finnish Mothers’ Day, which falls on the second weekend of May. The flowers attract flower flies and beetles to pollinate it, but still it doesn’t produce many seeds.
Spring flowers, that’s it.
White doors from Strömfors Ironworks
Founded in 1695, the iron mill village has retained its unique atmosphere throughout the years. The people in the centuries-old environment continue to live in harmony with the old traditions by following in the footsteps of the local artisans, among other things. The lovely village offers unique atmosphere and past and also a wide variety of things to see and do.
Located in Southeast Finland the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland. The charming milieu offers an unforgettable glimpse into the rich history of the area. The iron lady Virginia af Forselles developed the village for 30 years with a modern touch and a firm hand. In addition to the ironworks, sawmill and mill, the area also featured a brewery along with a distillery, a tavern and a brick factory.
Joining Dans Thursday Doors
I love these charming red and white buildings and the location is so pretty. As always the images in the gallery can be enlarged by a click 🙂
Monochrome Madness | crossroads
I’m just posting this crossing from our trip to Charleston last year. Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Töölö Windows
Ludwigs Monday Window
Spent few moments in Töölö, Helsinki looking for Windows on a Friday evening. I was able take these without cars. There is one shot I took, just to show movement on the road, it is usually a very busy road. Not on a Friday evening with summer temperatures 😊
Watching wood pigeons from the hammock
Title says it all, for six word Saturday
Peeking at the door
Monochrome Madness #8 – Windows
The Monochrome Madness theme this week has been set for us by Dawn, from The Day After. She thought Windows would be a good challenge and I have to agree, as I post windows weekly 🙂 anyway, also shared with Monday window
Old Dairy in Kuivanto – Finland
Broken windows make a great photo opportunity in Kirkkonummi
I think the signs reveal the locations for these two.
MAY Squares #13
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
Spring flowers, that’s it.
MOnday window 13-05-24
This week I will post this as Monday window and building that might we in need of a bit refurbishment. But i looks Ok in a photograph even if not in mint condition.
Lens-Artists Challenge #299 Hopeful
What makes me hopeful? That is Patti‘s question. I’m glad she asked!
Here are a few thoughts and images.
The spring season is truly a time of hope and renewal, as nature comes alive with vibrant colors and fresh energy. There’s something truly magical about witnessing the world bloom after the quiet slumber of winter. The emergence of new, fresh greenery brings a sense of vitality and optimism, symbolizing new beginnings and growth. I really love this time of the year, a season full of hope.
One of the most delightful aspects of spring is the return of migratory birds, signaling the changing seasons and reconnecting us with the rhythms of the natural world. Their cheerful songs and graceful flights add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape. I am hopeless in recognizing different species, but past weekend there where so many geese and swans flying in flocks over our summer place – they are rather noisy and you can easily hear when they are approaching.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement for the warmer days ahead and to feel the embrace of spring, filling our hearts with a renewed sense of adventure and possibility. This year the late arrival has been bit upsetting, but now I am hopeful.
And the light! Oh, the light in spring is truly a marvel to behold. The extended daylight hours bring so much joy, allowing us to bask in the golden glow of sunsets that linger well into the evening. The longer days also mean early sunrises, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange as the world awakens to a new day.
In fact, the sunsets around in the middle of May at 21:40 and the sunrise at 4:46 create a symphony of light and color that can only be experienced during this magical time of year. It’s a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the natural world, inspiring us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the fleeting yet wondrous moments that define the spring season.
When observing the vibrant energy and open-mindedness of children and young people, it instills a sense of hope for the future. My kids and grandkids keep me hopeful, their unwavering optimism and fresh outlook on life inspire a renewed belief in the potential for positive change and progress. Witnessing their curiosity, creativity, and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. This hopeful perspective encourages an emphasis on nurturing and supporting the next generation, as they hold the key to shaping a brighter tomorrow.
On a more personal note, I have started a full time job and it is bound to take toll, and in a way already has the time and energy will mostly forward to learning the new job, but I will do my best to keep up with this challenge. I am hopeful that I will learn it 🙂
Tinka was so hopeful that she would get some food 🙂
Last week was full of memories and images of young ones, it was lovely to see the images full of candid and open expressions. no one really yearned to be young again, something to be said to required life experience. Thanks so much for this lovely challenge.
Next week is Ann- Christine’s turn to host. Please visit her site Saturday 18th May for more information on the challenge, I am sure she will once agains surprise us with something inspirational and truly beautiful images.
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.
MAY Squares #12
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
New green
MAY Squares #9
Becky’s Square challenge,has me mostly documenting the arrival of spring, but who knows I might surprise you with something different too, but not today.
This month’s theme is Renew. Or Burgeoning. Or Moving Forward. Or Reconstructing. You get the idea
wood sorrel
