I have never participated in a number challenge before here inCFFCor Numbers game, but today I excitedly played with the number 256, which I picked from an archive of photos I had stored away since 2016. As I explored this collection, I realized that, before posting any of these images, I would need to edit most of them, as I had initially saved them in RAW format. The original sizes were far too large for sharing without some careful enhancement and resizing. It was actually quite fun to see the photos that popped up; each one carried a memory from that year, evoking nostalgia. However, one shot of flowers caught my attention for being in particularly poor quality — I have no idea why I still had it in my collection. The vibrant colors of the blooms were completely dulled, and the focus was all off, making it a rather unfortunate representation of nature’s beauty.
The photos in the gallery can be enlarged, it is even recommended by me 🙂
My phone brought me a memory from nine years back, and well, it was truly a blessing to revisit that moment. As I scrolled through the gallery, I stumbled upon a picture that seemed so suitable for this occasion. At that time, my mobile phone camera was not so great, the quality of the stunning scene in front of me does not do justice to the building. I did try to edit it in three different ways to enhance its clarity and colors. And obviously I started with the monochrome version.T his particular snapshot was taken in a beautiful church in Goa, India, known for its intricate architecture.
November 2nd – B is for Bensa-asema – Gas station. I was going to go with the word bisse ( beer) but I might use it later as we have at least two more words for it. Olut and kalja.
Note to the Finns – this was a pick-up stop, not to buy gas.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
I am sitting here and trying to make up my mind if I should use English or Finnish words on this challenge or both, that would make it so much easier. I will most likely take these photos with my mobile – this is taken on the road of a AJONEUVO ( Vehicle ) the company by chance starts with an A.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Sofia asked for us to look back. Her post is ➡ Looking Back can be found there with memories and lovely photos.
I had trouble as which way to go with this challenge my first thought was to share photos of a photo album of my father, as in months time will be father’s day here in Finland.
I have looked back as I found my computer was full and I needed to make space for new photos, but instead of getting them from there I did the following.
Then I took a random photo album from the shelf and took photos with my mobile of the photos placed there. One way to scan photos and preserve those fleeting moments of the past. Here are a few memories that transport me back to a simpler time. I lived in San Diego in the early 1990s, a beautiful coastal city that captured my heart, and I have always loved the sea. We spent many days in La Jolla park by the sea, where the waves crashed gently against the shore, and the salty breeze filled the air. And I have several shots of the turquoise sea, shimmering under the bright California sun—a vivid reminder of those carefree days. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of the beach evoke nostalgia.
Also in this album are few shots of old Victorian houses in Memphis, their were supposed to be haunted houses, steeped in history and mystery. I visited these house with my sister, her son, and my mom, alongside a man who I have no reflection off; I think he was an associate of my sister’s husband who was there for business. He even attended our very small wedding, adding an unexpected touch to the day. My sister’s family, as she lived there, provided the venue, her backyard, while my mom came over from Finland, and—two Finnish businessmen I didn’t know, yet they seemed delighted to be part of such an intimate gathering. Out off all places, I would never have guessed that this is where we would get married, in Memphis.
And as we were there, the riverboats were indeed a must-see, providing a picturesque view that felt like stepping back in time. Memphis had so much richness to offer, and while we were there, visiting Graceland was a significant part of our journey. However, it’s strange to think back on it now because I have no photos to capture that moment. I have a vivid memory of stepping into Elvis’s home, and as I crossed the threshold, an overwhelming sense of distress washed over me—it was as though the walls whispered tales of sorrow. The atmosphere was oddly heavy, and the emotions were so strong that it affected me deeply as I explored the rooms, each filled with relics of a life that once thrived but seemed steeped in melancholy. For some inexplicable reason, I ended up not taking any photos, as if somehow the experience itself was meant to remain untouched and sacred, preserved only within my mind. But the feeling and the memory of it remains, a testament to the powerful connection we can have with places that hold a history far beyond our own experiences.
Sunglass fashion in 1980 – the one’s my husband’s had are back in fashion now, and it’s amusing to see how styles from that era are making a strong comeback.However, mine, which were a bit more trendy, are not so much in vogue these days. It’s interesting how fashion evolves and circles back, but sometimes, certain styles just don’t seem to resonate with the current crowd.
Marlon Brando on cruise with us ?? 😀
My parents both passed when I was in my twenties, so these are memories from way back, before my time. This album has memories from my parents youth.
Link your photos to Sofia’s post and tag Lens-Artists so we can find your post. Doing both is best as WP reader sometimes plays up a bit.
A big thank you to Ann-Christine for hosting with a wonderful Setting a Mood challenge. It’s incredible how we can create moods with our photos and how we all interpret them.
Next week Anne’s challenge will be on Intentional Camera Movement. You can learn all about it by checking out the various online tutorials or wait for instructions from Anne. Anne says it’s all about having fun and there’s no wrong way to do it!
I took these two half moon photos last night, with my mobile, and I must say that I am truly astonished by the amount of light it captured in these shots. The subtle glow of the moonlit sky combined with the shadows of the night created a beautiful contrast that I could hardly have anticipated. While it is obvious that the photos did not capture the half moon, the overall mood and atmosphere of the scenes were captured wonderfully. The cool hues of the night blended perfectly with the warm light emanating from the half moon, creating a dreamlike quality. I have to say, for a half moon, the brightness of it was really striking , I went out few times to look at it, illuminating everything around me and encouraging me to linger under the stars a bit longer, marveling at the beauty of the night sky. I
So today’s topic is balconies. PR has presented us with this topic and has provided lovely shots to be inspired by. I have a few balcony shots myself, although I’m sure I’ve posted them before. My focus is mainly on nature photography, so I have fewer shots from cities. However, I must admit that balconies make for a nice photography topic. There’s something charming and delightful about capturing the unique character of different balconies, each telling its own story. Whether it’s the intricate designs of wrought-iron railings, the colorful array of potted plants, or the cozy nooks for outdoor seating, balconies offer a myriad of photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on a balcony can create captivating compositions, while the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces adds depth and interest to the photographs. Overall, exploring the world of balconies through photography provides an exciting visual journey, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of these architectural features.
This above shot is from Amalfi. The gallery below is balconies from Savannah (click to enlarge)
Charleston balconies
Above we are back in Italy and the below shot is from Nice.
I reallythought I wouldn’t be able to find that many balconies, I,m happy to have found some interesting and colorful balconies . Please go discover your set of balconies and be sure to link them to PR’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Elizabeth for last week’s Pairs challenge. It was great seeing the many variations of the theme and creative approaches to her subject.
Next week we return to our normal schedule with Patti leading the challenge on her Pilotfish post. We hope you’ll join us then. Until then, keep on smiling.
Looking for more information on joining our challenge? Click here.
This week Any wants us to showcase unique. What is unique.
My husband, my children and grandkids are unique to me. That is what first came to my mind. Life changing. One of a kind. I am not going to post photos of them, even thought that was the first thought.
The word unique has different meanings depending on the context.
being the only one of its kind
being without a like or equal
distinctively characteristic or peculiar
able to be distinguished from all others of its class or type
For example, a unique signature is the only one of its kind and cannot be copied by anyone else, see my header 😀 . A unique achievement is unparalleled and incomparable to any other. Things that are very remarkable or unusual. Sometimes, people use the word unique to describe themselves or their qualities. They may want to emphasize what makes them different from others, or what makes them stand out in a positive way.
Nothing what have I photographed is that unique, that is something I really think, i an sure someone else has capture them also, some better than me some less so, but in a a way they are unique none of them are totally the same. Here are my attempts of capturing something unique – to me.
Watching the waves , Each wave is unique every time, the movement, colors…so on. So yes here is a photo of waves.
Turquoise movement
Beauty is in everyone’s eyes, also, so is what we think is unique
California hosts the most unique trees , the redwoods. Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. While there are three types of the trees in the world, sequoia and sequoiadendron are the type found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, I was at awed by the nature in Sequoia
The art nature does… so unique. Beautiful details, every stone is different, frost on the glass, flowers pedals..
Why are we in a lookout for sunsets, because they are all unique. Glorious colors
I would like to think that my art is unique 🙂 Mixed media, statues, oil paintings and aquarelle are few mediums I have dappled with
If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.
it is nearly new year and I decided to make a bold move. I changed my theme here on WP – what do you think? My aim was to lessen the clutter and give the spotlight on my photos.
As you know I am not a writer, I don’t have that much to say at least I do not think that too many would be interested in my rambling style of writing. My writing reflects the clutter in my mind, hopping and popping from one thought to an other. So to get a something other than a mind flow kind of text from me here is a challenge. I reserve that to my work. This is for my photos, the way I see the world through my lens.
As a hint of the coming month – I am once again picking a theme. I will be visiting friends in Florida in January, so my photos will be filled with sunshine and sights. I am posting some photos from my previous trip to begin with and when I get there, my uploads will all from my mobile as I an not going to carry my laptop with me – you know I will be on holiday.
Nearly done with this month! YES! Drove to work and it was dark. Came home it was dark. I did go to a training for work and on the way there visited an art gallery. Not too bad for a slush filled day.
Hi, just in case if someone misses my photos or notices that I am absent from the blogging world. I will be visiting Lapland and the Arctic Circle until Saturday evening, work can be fun.. So most likely you will see lots more photos of snow in days coming, maybe a rain deer or two…huskies.
See you at the end of the week. These photos are near my house in Southern Finland and all can be enlarged by a click 🙂
This is my next (the first photo) entry to the Monochrome Madness Challenge (MM) hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky so happy to be able to be part of this talented group!. I have not done a black and white entry of a flower for them for this week( 25), so here is Succisa pratensis, Devil’s-bit or Devil’s-bit Scabious ,…. I think it looks good in monochrome.
Original photo below. All details can be seen better by clicking at an image to enlarge them.
This is my submission to week 24 to the Monochrome Madness Challenge hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky. I like the expression caught by the camera, my son had just woken up and was in no mood to be photographed. I think it is captured in this shot. I like that is not a posed shot.
Original photo below. All details can be seen better by clicking at an image to enlarge them.
The top one of these photos is my submission to week 23 to the Monochrome Madness Challenge hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky. This light house is from California, Point Vicente Lighthouse. I did various versions of this, the original photo is at the bottom of the post.
The top one of these photos is my submission to week 22 to the Monochrome Madness Challenge hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky.This wall is from an old barn,it is now days used as a junk store. I liked how the light came through the wooden planks. This time I also like the original photos, maybe even a bit more.
All details can be seen better by clicking at an image to enlarge them.
I am again ahead of time, as last time I was late with my entry.Did not make it , my bad. More beautiful photos at Monochrone Madness Tuesday July 29th.
One of these photos is my submission to week 21 to the Monochrome Madness Challenge hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky.
I saw this wooden train(1952) in Porvoo, it still regulary takes tourist on a ride it is pulled bya steam locomotive .All details can be seen better by clicking at an image to enlarge them.
One of these photos is my submission to week 20 to the Monochrome Madness Challenge hosted by Leanne Cole and Laura Macky.
I chose these photos because I liked the looks of these books as they are, old hardcover books are so beutifully binded.They are also well read and that is the so important in a book… I thought they would look good also in BW. Hope you agree.
All details can be seen better by clicking at an image to enlarge them.
“Art” isn’t just paintings and sculptures, it can be anything in which we find beauty and meaning — even food. Show us a thing, place, or person that’s a work of art to you.
Art is in the eyes of the beholder, flowers, nature are art in its self. Churches are full of art, in an outside. Landmarks, statues, paintings, everyday cutlery can be art. Jewels….
“Art” isn’t just paintings and sculptures, it can be anything in which we find beauty and meaning — even food. Show us a thing, place, or person that’s a work of art to you.
I am going to raise my own tail, here are photos of some of my own “ART” work. Oil paintings, sculpture, digital art. Word is free, let me know what you think 🙂 I’ll have to do an other post with a different take on the topic .
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 