Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. Yesterday’s visit to the hospital, I ended up driving around for 15 minutes, not that bad, but I ended up being there earlier than I wanted, but at least I was not late. Results of these these tests will be released to me in December, still got one more test next week.
Today, again I want to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November. I don’t think many, if any, people type with old-fashioned typewriters anymore, but they do have so much more photographic appeal than laptops. There’s a certain charm to the keys. Unlike modern laptop’s, they transport us back to an era when writing was a more deliberate, thoughtful process. The errors were certainly harder to erase, so one put more thought to before typing the first thing to mind.
Close-up of typewriter keys with vintage design and classic typography.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A Sotage/workspace filled with colorful paper materials and a large window revealing a outdoor view, just right for inspiration and creativity.
I initially had this photo in mind for NovemberShadows, but let’s be real—there was no way it could work as a square. Doing that would totally lose the key aspect that sticks with me—the story behind the space. The scene has so much depth that it pulls you in, making you want to dive deeper into the tale that plays out through the light and shadows. On the flip side, this image fits perfectly for the Monday Window project, which is all about windows acting as cool portals into different times and places. I genuinely think the way this photo is framed matches the vibe of the Monday Window initiative, giving a sneak peek into another world and encouraging you to really think about and appreciate the story of that space. Which do you prefer color or black and white version?
An artist’s workspace filled with shelves of paper and a window revealing the quiet outdoors.
How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” You can find his very thorough introduction to the challenge here Johnbo .
Travel first thought was airplanes, automobiles, and trains, all symbols of movement across vast distances and gateways to new experiences. I’ll post photos of them to capture their majestic presence and the adventures they facilitate. Not this time, however! Instead, I wanted to take simple approach to this – one drive home.
A vibrant sunset reflected in the window of a restaurant, showcasing a neon burger sign.
This perspective struck me while we were driving home from Lahti, a city located about 100km north of our home. The journey was beautiful due to the sunset, adorned with forest, fields and gas stations. What truly captivated my attention was the fact that the sunset we witnessed was a full 10 minutes earlier than the one occurring in Kirkkonummi. This little detail made me reflect on how small variations in geography can significantly change sunset time. Well, anyway, I took a shot from the spot where we paused for a late lunch; the sky was painted in vibrant hues just as the sun was setting at 15:39, marking the time when we started our ride home
Sidenote: I was also looking for shadows 😅 in this square crop. I found a strong contrast shadows in the shot below for NovemberShadows.
A silhouette of a building and chimney against a vibrant sunset sky, capturing a moment from the journey home.
As we started to drive home, we were amazed at how much traffic there was; but compared to some other roads traveled, not that much; everything is relative. Back to this drive: then again, we don’t usually make this drive at this time of the year, so what do we know? One thing I do know is that I love watching the sky and clouds while in the car; today, the sky was colorful and beautiful for most of the drive. The hues of orange, pink, and purple blended seamlessly, painting a breathtaking canvas that caught our attention at every turn. At one point, it was cloudier with a bit of a drizzle, but that phase lasted just a while.
I like being in the car, on the move, going somewhere; it gives a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy that, without distraction, we talk more and share stories that we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We listen to music; this time it was a Classic Rock mix. We would sing or mumble along to our favorite songs, letting the rhythm of the melodies fill the air, creating a traveling atmosphere. Doing nothing as the world outside passes by, we are lucky enough to observe it together. Stepping out of the topic for a bit, I’ve realized that I hardly listen to music anymore, and when I do it’s mostly in the car. It’s interesting how our lifestyles change and how certain habits fade away over time. Music used to be such a significant part of my routine, from playing my favorite albums at home to discovering new artists while hanging out with friends. Have you noticed that in your life?
A monochromatic view of a busy highway( same shot as below), captured during a road trip home, illustrating the journey and movement amidst nature.
A stunning sunset observed during a drive home, the vibrant colors and cloud formations. The shadows of the trees against the clouds behind them. In this shot I also like how the curve is wet and how the light brings it out
A nighttime view of a busy highway, showcasing the flow of traffic and illuminated road signs.
We appreciate Egidio for leading us back to Lens-Artists Challenge #31. His theme of “Looking Back” opened the door to a wide array of stunning landscapes. Next week, Patti will take over as the host of the challenge, set to launch on Saturday, November 22, at noon Eastern time. Don’t forget to follow her Pilotfish Blog to ensure you catch her challenge announcement.
To wrap this up, the theme is: How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” Be sure to link your response to Johns post or leave your link in a comments Also, use the “lens-artists” tag to help people find your post in the Reader. To find out more about responding to Lens-Artists Challenges, check here.
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. I’m on my way to the hospital for a few tests. Honestly, the parking situation there is such a pain. There are only a few spots available, which makes everything more stressful. I usually end up driving in circles, trying to find a place to park, all while hoping I won’t be late for my tests. The thought of missing my appointment because of parking just makes me more anxious, making this day drag on even longer than it already feels.
Today, I wanted to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November theme. But at the moment, time is on my mind. So, check this out: I have this vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR that my son discovered years ago in an old, abandoned house. It has such a classic design that really emphasizes both timelessness and functionality. The funny thing is, it hasn’t worked a day since we found it, and I can’t quite remember why we’ve held onto it for so long. I guess it’s just one of those quirky reminders of an era gone by. These days, it seems like no one really uses clocks like these anymore; we all rely on our phones to wake us up. It’s funny how quickly things change over time!
A vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR, highlighting its timeless design.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.
Today my post is going to include, obviously,How to Survive the Novembertheme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.
A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.
Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.
A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, and the trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the apple tree branches. There is still a dusting of snow on the grass from the first snow that came last night, and a few red berries still glow in the sunlight. That is what I see from my window at this moment—a perfect snapshot of another November day.
And my photo for today has nothing to do with the weather; I love all kinds of jewelry, mostly gold and silver. I occasionally make the mistake of buying other things, like these vintage-style earrings, which happen to be round. My sister at least once called me Hely täti, which translates as bauble aunt, trinket aunt, gewgaw aunt. I don’t know which is the most appropriate translation; maybe the trinket aunt. Someone can correct me 😀
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I’ve been painting, so I haven’t been on the computer much – honestly, I spend way too much time here anyway. I’m trying to learn a new art medium, though! Check out my latest attempts if you wanna swing by my other blog ArtByRitva and take a look.
Flowers are good for all occasions and places, so I’ve forgotten to post flowers lately, but here is one for , a bit late but I don’t care if she doesn’t. Terri’s The #Flower Hour
I have two photos with slightly different compositions; also, the chosen color schemes are different, one with blue tones and the other with warm tones. So different in mood—same flower. One feels more welcoming; the blue tones have a somewhat distant, unapproachable feel. Am I still talking about a flower? 😂
A delicate white flower, highlighting its intricate petals and vibrant yellow center in warm tonesA beautiful white flower, showcasing its delicate petals and yellow accents in blue tones
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning, the sky is blue, trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the branches, slightly moving in the wind. There are still signs of the cold night on the grass and a few red berries glow in the sunlight. The light created shadows across the landscape, illuminating everything with a gentle warmth. That is what I see from my window at this moment, a perfect snapshot of nature awakening to another day.
A beautifully arranged floral bouquet in a textured vase, embodying the theme of ’round’ for November.
I was going to post these for the round theme only, but I have created shadows here too, adding a layer of depth to the overall composition. So why not at it to the shadow theme too. I have had this vase for years, and I still like it; its elegant roundness and simple detailing speak to me in a way that few other pieces do. It says something about its timeless design that transcends trends and fads, making it a constant part of my décor.
A decorative vase atop a book titled ’20th Century Photography,’ showcasing a blend of artistic elements.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Here we are, and it’s that time again for the 13th entry for surviving November 2025. Food photography truly is a delightful endeavor; however, to capture those stunning shots, it’s essential to have an uncluttered space and a serene background. In my home, creating that perfect setting requires a bit of rearranging, given the abundance of items I have scattered about. Onions are surprisingly popular subject for photography; they possess a unique visual charm that is oddly captivating and beautiful. Their round shape lends itself perfectly to various creative interpretations across artistic mediums. Interestingly, I’ve even managed to sell a photo featuring onions—though I have to admit, it’s not one of these two.
A round onion reflecting softly on a dark surface, showcasing its warm hues and natural beauty.
A close-up shot of three onions artistically arranged on a wooden tray, highlighting their natural beauty.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I’m still hanging out in the deserted barn in Veklahti, Kirkkonummi, which has been charred for years. Over the weekend, I found out that it’s a protected structure and that a film crew was on site—apparently shooting a war movie. This information was shared with me, though I haven’t verified it myself, but my source is trustworthy! 😀
A dimly lit hallway in a dilapidated building, featuring a doorway illuminated in the background.
The place is a photographer’s dream, and I have SO many shots to share! The views are absolutely stunning, with every angle offering something unique to capture. I really like these images, both in black and white and color, as they evoke different moods and feelings. I enjoy how the light streams in, illuminating the scene while shadows adds depth to each shot. Also, all the junk scattered around lets one’s imagination run wild, inspiring countless stories in one’s mind. There’s endless possibilities here that truly fuels creativity. Do you agree with me?
A dimly lit, cluttered hallway leading to a door, illustrating decay and neglect.
I don’t necessarily need to explain this shot, but I will. What stands out is that glass display cabinet filled with an array of artistic ceramic pieces and sculptures, complemented by a person seated at a table in the background. To begin the story, I had been cutting my paper – it’s large, high-quality paper that we have to cut ourselves to fit the size we need for our graphic prints. As I made my way back to my chair, I caught sight of the lady visible through the glass, along with the subtle reflections and shadows. Now you understand why I captured the shot; it has an artistic feel, indeed, and it includes those intriguing shadows.
A glimpse of an art studio showcasing various handmade ceramic pieces and sculptures
Artistic reflections in a glass display showcasing pottery and sculpture, with an artist visible in the background. Doesn’t that hedgehog look kind of sadP
Here we are, it is time for the 12th entry for surviving November 2025. Capturing the muted color and round shape of this light is kind of a fun challenge, bringing that cozy vibe even on the chilliest days. The soft glow that comes from this fixture creates a welcoming atmosphere, turning any space into a comfy hangout, perfect for those laid-back moments inside, snuggled up in blankets with a good book or a warm drink in hand. Mood light for the dark months not only brightens things up but also lifts our spirits, helping us find a little beauty in the gray and gloom of the season.
A cozy round light fixture casting a warm glow, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Delicate round decorative light casting a warm glow on a map.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Here we are, it is time for the 11th entry for surviving November 2025. In this ever-evolving journey, I find myself needing to dig deep for inspiration from within. Food Photography has always helped me when lacking inspiration— this time more specifically, the art of Candy Photography. Capturing the vibrant color and round shape is a delightful challenge. The meticulous arrangement of each piece, 😂 the play of light reflecting off the glossy surfaces, and the textures begging to be experienced all come together beautifully in a single frame. And to top it all off, being able to indulge in these sugary masterpieces afterwards is truly the cherry on the cake. 😂
I am really trying to make it as I really worked hard on this, enjoy the sweets
Close-up of round, copper-colored caramel LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW candy on a light blue surface, surrounded by soft, blurred lights. These taste so good.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
While making art, I decided to stroll around the building and check out the shadows and round stuff. This is from one of the rooms, and you can really see how gloomy it is outside—grey skies and bare trees, not exactly inspiring? But, the vibe inside was pretty good, and each shadow brought a little joy to me as I roamed around. I found it wild how the dreary weather clashed with my creative energy. It felt like the shadows were telling their own stories, nudging me to look beyond the obvious. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the idea! This post is for Becky’s November Shadows #11.
A workspace featuring a cutting table with paper, a rolling cutter, and a view of trees outside.A view of a creative workspace framed by gloomy winter trees outside, capturing the contrast between the indoor energy and the overcast weather.
Six images are requested by Egídio. Landscape is one of the most frequent topics I photograph. It can be autumn with all its glory, a sea view – nothing beats a beautiful ocean in its vastness. Or mountains. The possibilities are endless. Limiting the number of them to six is a challenge.
The four pillars of landscape photography really play a vital role in helping you capture those breathtaking moments. First, there’s Location, which is about finding that perfect setting that speaks to you; then, Composition, which guides you in how to arrange everything thoughtfully; Light, so essential for creating the right mood and highlighting beautiful textures; and finally, Processing, where you can refine and enhance your image to reflect your vision.
With those guidelines in mind, here are my picks.
A breathtaking landscape view from Blue Mountains in Australia, the lush green mountains under a dramatic sky, with wildflowers in the foreground.A autumn landscape featuring vibrant orange and yellow trees reflecting in a tranquil lake Kukkanen in Lahti, Finland.A scenic landscape featuring grazing goats amidst rocky terrain in Crete, with lush greenery and distant hills.A landscape rolling green hills and scattered trees under a cloudy sky, exemplifying the beauty of nature photography. This is at Korkee, Finland, a place I photograph every year.A winter landscape, frosted trees and a snow-covered field, embodying the beauty of nature in cold seasons in Finland.A striking desert landscape from Las Vegas, Nevada, a cholla cactus against a backdrop of distant mountains.
Last week’s challenge for Tina was titled Ephemeral. I appreciate everyone who took part; your responses were fantastic and I really enjoyed all the imaginative images of things that exist for just a brief moment.
I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists tag and include a link back to Egidio’s post
Be sure to check back on Saturday, November 15 at noon Eastern time when John will be hosting the challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
Someone made the request to see what I created this weekend. You should be careful what you wish for 😂
A quick introduction to Monotype as a printmaking technique.Result: The resulting print is a “one-off” or “mono” type, as it is the only one of its kind that can be produced from that specific matrix. Process: Monotype is a form of printmaking where an artist creates a unique image on a non-absorbent surface, like glass or metal. We used metal. Image transfer: The image is then transferred to paper by pressing the two surfaces together, either by hand or using a printing press. We used a press.
A series of monotype prints with vibrant blues and abstract cityscapes. These came out rather nice, I am rather happy with these.Three monotype prints g expressive portraits, highlighting the artist’s technique and creativity. These not so much, these were so hard to do, but it was good practise.monotype prints created using metal as a surface, showcasing intricate textures and layers these were inspired by birch tree trunk.Vibrant trees in autumn hues same plate, two prints.
As a last note, these were the ones I most liked.
Two monotype prints featuring abstract cityscapes in shades of blue, highlighting the unique texture and color application technique.
The post shares the 10th entry for surviving November 2025. I found this mirror in the building I was in during the weekend; I believe this to be in the teachers’ room amongst the clutter in the room.
Reflection of a cluttered teachers’ room in a round mirror, showcasing a mixture of items and a hint of the photographer.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
The post for Monday Window gives us a look at this abandoned room with a cool arched window that shows off some bright autumn leaves outside. It’s pretty wild how the colorful leaves clash with the graffiti-covered walls, showing off that mix of nature and city decay. The whole scene kind of hits you with those feels of decay and the leftover marks of human creativity on the walls. All in all, it really captures a unique moment in time.
An abandoned room with a window revealing a view of autumn leaves outside, contrasting against graffiti-covered walls.
NovemberShadows can easily be seen on how the light comes into the space, and it is highlighted by the square crop, creating an intriguing interplay between illumination and shadow. This contrast adds depth and character to the scene.
An arched window framed by rustic walls and graffiti.
The post shares the nineth entry for surviving November 2025, have a closer look… these are shadows around the round and the crop is square. This is also forJohn’s Cellpic Sunday
Yesterday on my way to my course to learn more about graphic monotype I took this image, for some reason it looks like a good photo opportunity everytime I pass it 😀 I’ll see it itn 15 minutes again so, this is just a quick post. Have a good Sunday.
A weathered round post shows intricate details, perfect for the theme of ’round’ in November’s photography challenge.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This haunting scene featuring a shattered window in an abandoned room, offers a striking view of a desolate landscape. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, as well as the presence of a broken chair and scattered debris. This imagery is shared in response to Debbie’s One Word Sunday theme, focusing on the concept of “shadow” also sharing with Becky’s NovemberShadows.
A shattered window overlooks a desolate landscape, capturing the interplay of light and shadow in an abandoned space.
A haunting view from an abandoned room, highlighting a broken chair, shattered glass and debris.
The post shares the eighth entry for surviving November 2025, have a closer look… these are shadows around the round and the crop is square. This is also for Becky’s NovemberShadows
Aview of a magnifying glass reflecting colorful accessories against a blurred background.A close-up of a magnifying glass with dust
A close-up of a magnifying glass placed on a wooden table surrounded by colorful beads and various items.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This weekend, I’m diving back into learning monotypia again, and man, it’s tough! The results are hardly ever what I’m going for. But honestly, I still find it pretty hard and rewarding the same time. There’s something really special about those unexpected outcomes that pop up with each try. Mostly disappointments. Each print tells a little story and gives me a peek into my struggling journey. I’m just hoping that through all this experimenting, I can pick up some techniques that boost my skills over time. I’m determined to figure this complex art form out, knowing that getting it right takes a whole lot of patience and practice.
Yes, more than six word. Happy weekend to all 😀
An array of colorful paints and tools arranged on a workspace, showcasing the creative process.
The post shares the seventh entry for surviving November 2025, and I’m throwing this out there as round, even though I know its an oval, but hey, 😂 we let it pass in my yesterdays post. As I have done something in the kitchen – like baking – I needed eggs. Here is one.
a single white egg, and a minimalistic background.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Keeping it simple, I thought I’d stick to shooting indoors and went with still life for my photo today. The way light and shadow has almost a jazzy feeling; music came to mind while I was wondering what to write here. It’s hard to try to write deeply about a mixer. I picked this object to share because I baked an apple pie; by the way, it is all gone.
A close-up of a metal whisk showing intricate curves and soft shadows, embodying the artistic still life concept.
The post shares the sixth entry for surviving November 2025, and I’m throwing this out there as round, even though it’s kind of oval, but hey, let’s be creative with how we express things, right? 😂 So, is this OK? We’re not exactly rule enforcers here, and honestly, being flexible and innovative usually sparks the funnest conversations and ideas!
And yes, it is from my archives, a reminder of a season that seems distant now; no green or, come to think of it, not leaves on the trees anyway, just the stark silhouettes against the sky, a symbol of the cold embrace of coming winter.
A view through an oval window showcasing lush greenery and sunlight filtering in, embodying the theme of ’round’ for November.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 