I got a request to show my new vase with flowers that I featured in my how to survive November round post. I am not happy with any of these, not even the edited one.But here they are for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
Emotional Minimalism
Tag: still life
Embrace Pink
“One Word Sunday: pink” my focus is on makeup essentials, featuring a vibrant pink, a soft pom-pom, and a compact mirror. Overall, conveying a playful yet chic vibe that appeals to beauty enthusiasts. How does that wording work for subscribing to this post?
“Still life with apricots”
“Still life with apricots” refers to a genre of painting and photography that depicts a collection of apricots alongside other inanimate objects, often used to explore themes of nature, transience, and the beauty of the everyday.
How to Survive November 2025 – 15
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.
How to Survive November 2025 – 14
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.
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.
Posted as part of Becky’s NovemberShadows
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.
Captivating timekeepers
This week, guest host Margaret also presents her take on the theme in her post, Clocks and Timepieces. and Leanne post is here Monochrome Madness
I was certain I wouldn’t stumble upon any clocks, yet how mistaken I was! My journey in search of clock’s began with a trip back to Riga, Latvia, where I recalled taking pictures of some remarkable timepieces and I was not wrong. After that, I made my way to Mustio Manor in Finland, which I recalled had an impressive collection of golden clocks with lots of details. I also discovered a few exquisite clocks at the Craigdarroch Castle Museum at Victoria Island, but I just posted one. These old house museums are fantastic venues that showcase some incredible clocks. In the end, I decided to set aside the vintage timepieces and conclude my collection with a row of more modern clocks from the bustling Flinder Street Station in Australia.
More timekeepers in from Riga below
So many more from Mustio Manor the gallery below
The Art of Ceramics in Monochrome
First time I saw this, my first thought was I have nothing to share on this topic.
I did try to find a neutral spot to take a shoe shot, considering various backgrounds and environments that might complement the shapes and textures of the shoe. I could have used more time on creativity, as I could have explored different lighting or settings to really make the shoes pop visually. However, with the next two images, I just got lazy and took the shots in the cupboard where I keep jugs and bowls, simply because it was the most convenient option. The ease of just snapping photos in the cupboard won out over my original intentions.
So first thing this morning I took these images, the ceramic shoe by artist Kipa Kirsi (2013) is a gift from a dear friend.
And these Heluna Cow jugs, the bigger one was my grandmother’s, and during our trip, we found the smaller cow jug in Canberra. We thought it was funny that someone had taken the trouble to bring it all this way, and now we are returning it back to Finland. They are Vintage Arabia, a milk pitcher pottery by Kaj Frank from 1950.
The bowl with the sea decoration is also Arabia; my husband rescued it from his father’s barn. I think it is really pretty; the colors are white and blue. It’s called Sampo. Based on the seal at the bottom of the bowl, the manufacturing date is from 1928-1932.
Then I remembered that I had these ceramic shots I took on Vancouver Island from the Craigdarroch Castle Museum, that showcases the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is the quintessential Victoria, BC experience, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, complete with exquisite furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy elite of that time.
The darkness descended
I noticed that needed to switch the light on. The evening was on its way
John’s Cellpic Sunday
Still life – Spiraea billiardii
Practice, that is what I am doing here. Practicing still life photography with a beautiful flower I picked up while walking in my yard. I adjust the angles and focus to create the perfect composition using my phone camera, and the TV as a background. With Each shot I try to find an angle that looks pleasant to me.
I tries to find a english name for this plant – Spiraea billiardii is all I could find.
Simply red – decoration
Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed
I tried different edits to this decoration I have in my garden; originally, it is a candle holder – decoration. However, over time, I noticed I don’t burn candles so often, so I use its visual appeal and blend it more harmoniously with the surrounding plants. Now the candle holder is a focal point on the table under the oak tree. Here are some edits of the same subject, sharing them just because I took and edited them 🙂
The scent was love
Square January
Let’s start with a simple ♥️ heart for this square month.
I could pop in for a photo here and there if I come across something suitable.
Linked to GeometricJanuary at Becky’s here
Still life – Just bottle in a row
Just bottle in a row and four edits, do you have a favorite.
This photo was taken in a recycling centre.
warmth of the candle light shines
Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
Flower of the day
I should say flowers of the day. Here are some still life photos of the flower bouquet I got myself for Easter. I took these and wanted to play with the idea of creating an art photography type of images.
That was the aim, did I succeed I’m not sure. I had fun editing the images, that I know. The rose captures my mood today, that’s for sure.
I read that , for photography to be Fine Art, it must be more than just a literal representation of something. The image must communicate that it was deliberately curated by an artist to convey an idea, not just snapped by a camera to immortalise a scene.
Cee’s FOTD
light, glass, and nature – mesmerizing scene
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
Big and small tool
These bigger and smaller tools are from Verla’s Groundwood and Board Mill, Finland’s first factory museum.
Verla was named a World Heritage site due to its status as a unique and culturally and historically significant example of an industrial settlement from the turn of the 20th century.
Cee’s Fun Foto Prompt – Any Kind of Tool.
cavalcade of accessories
This photo cavalcade shows a collection of jewelry and accessories that I have collected over the years. I like the natural materials and colors, such as wood, metal, leather, and stone. I also like that there added some colorful beads and tassels to make them more fun and unique. I hang them on a lamp in my room, so I can easily see them and choose what to wear. I took this photo , using a low angle and a dark background to create some contrast and focus on the jewelry.
I was bored, and this is the continued efforts to fill time in-house – yesterday I posted more “artistic” versions of the these necklaces. Here I did several variations of editing on a singular photo. The change need not be big to change the atmosphere of still life photo.
Abstract- Three versions
It is cold and did not feel like going out, so what did I do instead, I took photos of my dress jewelry that is hanging conveniently on my lamp next to my desk.
This image was the only more abstract version, as the focus is on a lamp detail. I am sharing with you the original and three processing versions of it. Is this abstract photo art or not and what do you feel is the best version ?
Las but not least the original one. The header is an added plus 🙂
XingfuMamas One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: December 2023
Pages
Photo of an old ledger and a book I am now reading, maybe this tells that I don’t have all that many grand ideas to take photos off 🙂
Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #246—still life
This week Patti challenges us with Still Life.
This is the topic I return to when I need something to photograph when the weather is bad or I am too lazy to leave the house. This is my contibution this week, enjoy, savour the tasty freshness.
The term “still life” describes a work of art that shows inanimate objects from the natural or man-made world, such as fruit, flowers, dead game, and/or vessels like baskets or bowls. Looked at another way: still lifes depict things that are “still” and don’t move. Still life is a genre that spans art history.
Fact: Food photography is a still life photography genre used to create attractive still life photographs of food. It is a specialization of commercial photography, the products of which are used in advertisements, magazines, packaging, menus or cookbooks.
Fruits, berries and candy…
Still life settings, flowers, product, fashion.
Odds bits from here and there.
contrasting colors
I am continuing to participate in 52 frames – this week the theme contrasting colors, as its still all snowy here in Finland trying to find contrasting colors in the nature is a real challenge, so I did not take it on.
I had oranges on the table – I have a blue wall in my living room, with light coming in from the side from a big window. I have a matching blue linen dress to place on the sidetable to get my still life props in order, Easy solution from thing found in the house.
As you can see all of them are VERY similar, with slightly different lighting and contrast , as well as the blue looks a bit different in all. This is something I spend too much time at… well that what I do, and then trying to pick a hopefully the best one for the challenge, second guessing my choice all the time.
Three versions of three onions
Since I do post editing on my art, and my photos, I also do several variations of them, so this is great challenge for me to participate in One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge-October. I used a photo of onions to play the edit game with. #tsc_1to3
52 Frames: Week 31: Choose Color!
Look around and we’ll see something we take for granted – color. Our wonderful world is filled with it, so this week we’re asking you to Choose A Color. Make that color the theme and inspiration behind your image. Colors evoke moods and feelings – how you choose to compose and use them is what will guide the viewer through the image.
Choosing to focus on a single color in particular is both creative and good use of light, contrast and saturation is what can make or break an image. Pick a color and make it the dominant and outstanding and leave no doubt about which color you wanted to make the main point of your shot.
I am having huge problems with my computer, so much that I need to buy a new one, so these are old shots that I have here already used in my previous posts over the years. I am not able to access my computer files, or additional hard drives to add photos or load new ones from the camera disk. I am able to access the internet for now, so I am using these here this week.
Think landscapes of rolling green hills, or food shots of red chilli peppers or the all encompassing golden color at sunset – there’s a noticeable dominant color there and that’s what we’re looking for.
- Composition: Compose your shot so there’s no doubt as to which color you’re trying to use. Think about any emotions or moods your photo can evoke and bring that to the forefront. You could use a lot of negative space to direct interest to your subject or go in full-tilt and fill the frame
- Lighting: Lighting and shadows add depth to an image and can change an image dramatically. An underlit and underexposed image brings to mind a different mood than a bright, well-lit one.
- White Balance: . Using and adjusting white balance while taking your photos will be valuable
- Contrast: If there are multiple colors and shades in your image, ensure that there’s one that’s visibly up front and recognizable – it contrasts and stands out from the other shades and tone of the image.
- Post-processing: Feel free to go nuts with post-processing and editing to render some cool color effects. But remember, less is more.
52 Frames: Week 30: Single Focal Point!
This time around, we want you to look closer at a Single Focal Point. This is not a technical challenge, it’s more compositional in nature – guide your viewer’s eye to a distinct part of your image. There are a number of ways that this can be done – depth of field can make it so a subject is in focus while almost everything else is blurred; or you could use negative space and a minimalist composition to draw in the viewer to one part of the image. Sometimes you can also use light as a frame to guide the viewer’s perspective to your subject – think spotlight and light shaping.
These photos I took from a car ferry while on my way to visit a small island of Högsåra were one of my ideas to this topic. Strong Focal Point: This is pretty much the crux of the challenge – but it matters the most: choose a strong focal point that’s easily identifiable as the main point of interest of your shot.
It’s all about tuning out the distractions and taking your viewer to the exact spot in your image you want their eyes to well… focus on. You might also want to consider getting some help from your editing software with vignettes, color pops and contrast to make your desired subject stand out. Even better, use a combination of these techniques and other skills to get this challenge sorted.
Depth Of Field: Use a shallow depth of field to isolate your subject. You might also want to consider getting some help from your editing software with vignettes, color pops and contrast to make your desired subject stand out. Even better, use a combination of these techniques and other skills to get this challenge sorted. That’s what I tried here with my strawberry shots.
Leading Lines to guide the viewer to your intended point of interest in mind I took these images of old buildings and this lush road. Consider using some sort of frames to bring in the watcher’s attention – a window, slats of a fence or some tree branches; shooting through something can also work to steer attention to your focal point.
I had this n mind when I took this image from an old mill window in Mathildedal, contrasting colors help the eye to easily differentiate the subject from the background.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 