An old, weathered building caught my eye, its facade worn and crumbling. The central focus for me was the wooden door, partially broken and barricaded, as if guarding secrets from the past. The door is framed by a stone archway, its edges chipped and revealing the bricks beneath made me stop to look more closely as it gave the entrance so much depth.
On either side of the door, partially closed white shutters cover windows, hinting at a time when life once thrived within. Nature has begun to reclaim the space: grass grows defiantly, and tree branches reach out, casting shadows. I felt the overall mood was somber yet serene, evoking feelings of nostalgia and the inexorable passage of time.
The image below suggests it’s the same building by the first glance, or very similar one, by the looks of it also looks like it’s been abandoned. I have no recollection if this is the case. In this shot the main focus is an old, curved wooden door it is set within a worn-out stone archway, where the stones have eroded to reveal the bricks underneath, but not so obviously as in the previous entrance.
There are several white-framed windows along the walls, each with a small ledge below. One of the windows on the upper left side holds potted plants on its ledge, bringing some life to the otherwise deserted scene. Some of the windows suggest that this is not totally abandoned, just a wild guess on my part. I took these photo several year back in Estonia.
The essence of age and wear.“Bound in Time” Old, rusted chains and weathered ropes are tightly bound to metal rings attached to a wooden surface of the ship. The chains, thick with visible rust, tell a story of exposure to the elements over time. The frayed and worn ropes add character, while the aged wooden surface bears lines, cracks, and discoloration that caught my attention.
I thought this rustic image, evokes a sense of history and nostalgia.
This buildings evokes a sense of nostalgia, mystery, and the passage of time. The building stands as a silent witness to stories untold, waiting for someone to unravel its secrets. The old, weathered building with visible signs of wear and tear. The architecture, though aged, has a distinct character that draws the eye.
Its walls, once proud and white, now bear the scars of time—cracked bricks, peeling paint, and a sense of melancholy. The window, a relic of better days, gazes out onto the road.
A bittersweet nostalgia hangs in the air—the ache of what was and the whisper of what might have been. The window yearns for a pair of eyes to look through it once more, to see beyond decay and find beauty in fragments. The overcast sky casts a soft light, enhancing the eerie and abandoned feel of the scene.
Ludwig’s Monday Window I found these from my archive – do not know the state of the building now as this was taken several years ago.
Donna from Wind Kisses has given us a challenge to show sound in our photos. What an interesting and challenging task. I really had to give this some thought.
The presence of sound is constant, a never-ending symphony of life reverberating through the air. the haunting wail of the wind can be heard through the window. Its mournful howl seems to intensify the chill in the air, permeating every corner of the room.
The soothing sound of water is a timeless melody that resonates with the soul. The gentle pitter-patter of raindrops falling on the earth creates a comforting rhythm, symbolizing nature’s embrace. The rush of rapids flowing downstream echoes with an invigorating energy, reminding us of the unstoppable force of life. Waves crashing on the shore produce a symphony of power and grace, a dance between water and land that captures the essence of both strength and serenity. Meanwhile, the calming lapping of water on a lake’s edge invokes a sense of tranquility, weaving a sense of peace and harmony with every ripple. Each of these sounds forms a unique part of the intricate song of water, a melody that has captivated and inspired humanity throughout the ages.
Music was the first thing that came to mind…
I can hear the beating of the drums, the cello’s sound is full, like a canvas painted with emotion. When you listen to a harp, each pluck resonates with clarity, like dewdrops on a spider’s web at dawn. Saxophone, you’ll notice a rich warmth in its tone. It’s as if the sound wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening
We often say we want silence, but most of us never experience total silence. Does it mean to us a moment of silence in nature, like listening to the wind, waves and sounds of birds for example? Or something totally different? Maybe it’s about sitting and reading a book, listening only to our own thoughts. Are these the moments of silence? It’s interesting to ponder the different forms of silence we encounter in our lives. Nature’s sounds can indeed offer a form of serene stillness, a chance to pause and be present in the moment. On the other hand, the tranquility of being engrossed in a book, completely absorbed in our thoughts, can also bring about a sense of inner quietude.
Silence itself is multifaceted, woven into the fabric of our experiences in diverse ways. It can be the absence of external noise, but also the opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. Perhaps, it’s not just about the absence of sound, but about finding harmony within ourselves despite the cacophony of the world around us. Whether it’s the gentle rustling of leaves or the whispered pages of a book, these moments offer a chance to embrace the essence of silence in its various forms.
Cacophony, a blend of unharmonious sounds that we encounter on a daily basis. From the hustle and bustle of people going about their business in malls and cafes to the clatter of construction work and the cacophony of voices in food markets, it seems that we are constantly surrounded by a symphony of discordant sounds. Even the perpetual traffic on our streets adds to this auditory mix, creating an overwhelming atmosphere that can be quite challenging to ignore. This auditory cacophony is the soundtrack of our modern lives, a chaotic medley that, in its own way, reflects the vibrant energy and diversity of the bustling world around us.
While we may long for moments of tranquility and peace amidst this cacophony, it also serves as a testament to the liveliness and diversity of human activity and interaction. It serves as a constant reminder of the vivid tapestry of human existence, a reminder that in the midst of dissonance, there is a harmony waiting to be discovered.
I will be hosting my first challenge as a member of the team next week, so I hope to see you visiting my post to see what I have come 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.
As I drove through the rural area of Kirkkonummi, my eyes were drawn to an old barn building standing by the roadside, quietly whispering for attention through its weathered exterior. The barn, which has clearly weathered the passage of time, seemed to exude a quiet charm that piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t resist the urge to pull over and capture its essence.I spent some time capturing the details of the barn doors. Surrounded by the enchanting hues of autumn foliage, the scene evoking a sense of nostalgia and peacefulness.
The persistence of snowfall can be quite the test of patience, especially when all one longs for is the arrival of warmer days and the blossoming of nature. It seems that winter’s grasp refuses to loosen, creating a landscape that feels perpetually locked in the icy embrace of the season.
Clouds are a timeless muse, offering a canvas of ever-changing patterns and colors to capture. Whether they serve as a stunning backdrop to a landscape or take center stage as the main subject, clouds bring a sense of dynamism and depth. There’s something truly captivating about the interplay of light and shadow within the billowing forms of clouds, particularly when the gentle rays of sunlight peek through, creating a mesmerizing contrast of brightness and darkness.
Dark clouds over the bay
“Clouds in the sky very much resembles the thoughts in our minds! Both changes perpetually from one second to another!”
These are from an old building that at this time was converted to an office, but obviously we were in a hurry to move in as the desk is set even if the work was not completed.
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 Annefrom 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.
Snow covered lake and trees in Lahti
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,
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
At this time I was trying to capture lush, green mossy surface with intricate textures visible. The light was soft anddiffused, 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.
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
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.
the warmth of the fire – in colors and feelings
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Blue hour at the peakCity lights from the peak
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!
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 