This week, for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness, our host Sarah (of Travel With Me fame) would like us to post numbers 😁
I got stuck on an idea, but after viewing some posts I realized that I do have other options than streets, but still that is what I’m starting with
And especially for today, just moments agony,I took this picture of old coffee can to end my post. That’s commitment 😂
50 years of satisfaction
For Dans Thursday Doors I am sharing doors to tourist traps in old town Tallinn, in Estonia
Here a photos from May trip to Rethymno, I took a lot of street photos in the towns we visited. Most are still not posted. The post features a collection of street photographs taken during a May trip to Rethymno, capturing the essence of the town. Among the highlights is a charming old building with a weathered door, ornate gate, and inviting café atmosphere. Other images showcase cozy alleys filled with quaint tables, vibrant storefronts, and charming pastel buildings. Each photo reflects daily life in Rethymno, conveying warmth and nostalgia. The author expresses a fondness for these moments, highlighting the interplay between the town’s beauty and human connection.
This photo captures the charming entrance of an old building, showcasing a weathered wooden door nestled within vibrant yellow stone walls and archways. I couldn’t resist the allure of the ornate metal gate, framed by delicate dry vines, which adds an enchanting touch. Two bicycles leaning against the gate feel like they belong to friends who’ve just popped in for a quick bite. Speaking of which, the blackboard to the left tempted me with its handwritten menu items like Greek salad, tzatziki, and a classic hot dog—perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The cozy wooden bench and cobblestone pavement create an inviting atmosphere, making this spot all the more special to capture.
This delightful image was snapped to capture a moment that feels like stepping into a charming little world. You can just picture yourself wandering down this narrow alleyway, flanked by those lovely beige and yellow buildings. The small outdoor tables with their quaint white chairs beckon you to sit a while and enjoy a coffee, perhaps a pastry, surrounded by little vases g with flowers that add a touch of warmth. And that trellis overhead? It’s like a cozy hug, with its bare branches weaving together to create a rustic canopy. In the background, you can see a few friendly faces enjoying the vibe, which just makes the whole place feel so inviting and relaxed. It’s the kind of spot that wraps you in its charm and makes you want to linger a little longer.
This photo captures a delightful little street in a charming Rethymno town in Crete, where time seems to slow down just for a moment. You can almost feel the inviting atmosphere of the outdoor café on the left, where locals and visitors alike enjoy their coffee under soft cream-colored awnings, the warm glow of lights adding a touch of magic to the scene. Just beyond, the vibrant display at “LINEN & COTTON in ARET” showcases an array of colorful t-shirts that dance in the breeze. I couldn’t help but notice the café staff member, who seems to draw the attention to the whole scene to life as she balances her tray and keeps an eye with the area around her. The cobblestone street, lined with charming buildings adorned with shutters and wrought-iron balconies, sets the perfect backdrop for this slice of everyday life, blending the charm of the picturesque with the warmth of human connection. It’s a moment I wanted to capture, to reminisce about those slow, beautiful afternoons spent soaking in the sights and sounds of street life.
This photo was taken during a late afternoon stroll down a charming urban street that blends the old with the new. I was drawn to the pastel hues of the buildings—beige, peach, and soft pink—that seem to whisper stories of the past. The central building with its shuttered windows and quaint wrought-iron balcony had me imagining the lives of those who once called it home. I couldn’t help but notice a line of scooters parked along the street, hinting at the vibrant life that fills this area. Just then, a woman in a dark coat caught my eye as she walked toward the camera, embodying the everyday hustle of city life. In the background, two men relaxed on a rooftop near the ASIKIKO restaurant sign, perfectly capturing that casual, laid-back vibe that makes urban exploration so enjoyable.
I liked how the group of people was at the top of the building, as I zoomed in it was a moment there was three instead of two friends found themselves on a terrace, just taking a break from work or chatting. It’s one of those light-filled days when the soft natural afternoon sunlight paints everything in a warm glow, making the weathered walls and stone surfaces feel alive with stories.
Dans Thursday Doors
I took this photo because I was hunting for interesting doors for Dans Thursday Doors and I was captivated by the old, weathered double wooden door. It was painted in a pale, muted color, but the significant peeling and chipping really revealed the underlying wood’s character. Each door panel had this interesting latticed section at the top, which added a textured pattern, while the bottom panels were solid and showed extensive paint deterioration. What struck me was how the doors were secured with a metal chain wrapped around two green handles, making it seem like they were locked or out of use. The yellowish wall surrounding the doors had its own story with patches of peeling paint and dark spots, giving off an overall vibe of age and neglect. Plus, the small white plaque above the doors with the number 18 and the letter of notice set under the door piqued my curiosity about what lay behind them.
Few more 😀🫢If using a computer to read my post, for a better view click the gallery to enlarge the photos
As an afterthought, I am adding these photos; it was not really my intention to do so. We also walked to the Rethymnon lighthouse, located on the island of Crete in Greece. This historical landmark, built of stone in the Venetian harbor, was constructed during the Ottoman period and continues to be one of the area’s most famous attractions.
Here is my submission for Monochrome-Madness #57 {Minimalism}, hosted this week by PR at Flights of the Soul. I tried to bring different topics and moods to this challenge.
I tried to expand the concept of minimalism; flowers are clearly minimalistic, showcasing their delicate beauty in simplicity, but how do you feel that other images work within this framework? I wanted to play with light intricately, experimenting with shadows and highlights to bring this artistic vision to life in urban pictures, emphasizing the contrast between nature’s elegance and the bustling city landscape. By incorporating various perspectives, I aimed to capture the essence of minimalism in a way that resonates, urging the viewer to reconsider their understanding of both nature and urban environments in harmony.
The black and white image depicts a small, childlike statue enclosed within a tall, rounded iron cage. The statue wears a hooded cloak and holds a rectangular tray or book, with hollow, dark eyes that give it an eerie appearance. The cage’s bars cast sharp shadows, adding to the ominous mood, while the background shows a window and some foliage in soft focus. The overall composition and lighting create a mysterious, haunting atmosphere, emphasizing themes of confinement and isolation. IS this minimalist and creepy ?
A close-up black and white photograph of a rose, my aim is to show its delicate petals in sharp detail. The petals are softly lit, creating a striking contrast between the highlights and the shadows, which enhances the textures and intricate folds of the flower. The background is dark and blurred, drawing full attention to the rose and giving the image a dramatic and intimate feel. Hope is that the overall composition emphasizes the natural beauty and complexity of the flower, evoking a mood of quiet elegance and subtle grace.
A delicate stem of lily of the valley flowers arches gracefully from left to right across the image. The small, white, bell-shaped blossoms hang evenly spaced along the slender green stalk, each flower showing subtle texture and curvature. The background is softly blurred in shades of muted gray and blue tones, creating a calm and serene mood that highlights the fragile beauty of the flowers. The overall composition is minimalistic and elegant, emphasizing the natural form and gentle color contrast of the subject.
This is street scene outside the Brasserie du Louvre, a historic Parisian café. Two silhouetted figures stand in the foreground, their details obscured by shadows, creating a strong contrast with the illuminated area behind them. The background reveals the façade of the brasserie, with large windows, signage, a vintage streetlamp, and a few motorbikes parked along the sidewalk. The overall mood is contemplative and atmospheric, with a play of light and shadow emphasizing the architectural and human elements of the urban setting. The idea was to make a street minimalist
A dimly lit urban street corner with a strong contrast between light and shadow in Riga. The cobblestone pavement in the foreground is brightly illuminated by sunlight, casting textured patterns, while the background buildings show signs of age with worn, cracked walls and darkened windows. The scene exudes a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere, enhanced by the deep shadows that obscure parts of the architecture and street. Minimalist in color, the photo emphasizes monochrome tones, focusing on the interplay of light, texture, and urban decay.
I have so many doors and lovely buildings from Riga that I have not shared. So I decided to look at them with new eyes and with much better editing skills than I had back then. While wandering through the charming streets, I was struck by the unique architecture that embodies the rich history of the city. I took a trip to Riga with my sister in 2012, so these most likely do not look the same today as they did then, but all the same, they look charming to me. Each building tells a story, and the intricate designs and vibrant colors evoke a sense of nostalgia. I can’t help but admire how these lovely structures reflect the character and culture of Riga, serving as a beautiful reminder of our journey together.
For Dan’s Thursday Doors
I am utterly enchanted by the beauty of old buildings, their majestic arches and rustic charm drawing me in, their textures revealing the stories of time in all their weathered glory. The intricate details and historical significance of these structures deeply captivate me. I adore how light dances and contrasts, creating a mesmerizing play across the surfaces, illuminating the unique features of each masterpiece. I captured these at Villefranche sur Mer, a town that radiates charm and character at every corner. Yet, I acknowledge a composition mistake; I inadvertently cut off the arch, an essential element that conveyed the building’s grandeur, while focusing on the door, a moment I didn’t realize while I took it. This experience serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to fully immerse oneself in a scene before pressing the shutter, as every element weaves together the photograph’s story.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
For Thursday Doors
Busy doors, sitting and watching people come in and out while waiting for my husband to come from his football match
A Street shot from a trip in 2016 to Vancouver, it was a rather rainy day.
This man seated next to table was relaxed, hiding a yawn maybe, selling vintage toys, and other old other miscellaneous objects caught my attention at the Níce market. The atmosphere was relaxed and casual, with other people seated at tables covered with white cloths in the background gave the shot depth.
A pedestrian area in the shopping area in Níce some years back. It was early October, but the weather was still nice and warm, and there were lots of people on the move. The shops were situated in lovely old buildings with Juliet balconies and green and white shutters in front of the windows. The atmosphere in the area was energetic and vibrant, as locals and tourists alike meandered through the charming streets, and the sight of colorful displays in the shop windows. The gentle warmth of the sun added to the allure of the scene, casting a soft golden glow over the picturesque architecture and creating a captivating ambiance.
Well, I do like playing with my images, so once again I did a monochrome version, but this time I am more inclined to go with the color version as my favorite, go figure :-) The golden glow more obvious in it.
I don’t know if this is really street photography, but let’s pretend so.
I took this yesterday at the mall. I needed to get out of the house. I was really proud, I didn’t buy anything, nearly did, but I reasoned with myself, I don’t need this, put it back to the rack.
Welcome to the marketplace, a happy place where time slows down and people smile. It’s a warm place where handmade things are made with love and care. Each stitch and thread tells a story, and the people who make them are filled with joy as they share their craft. Let the marketplace bring happiness to your heart and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer!
I have shared this image before, but now edited the tone of the shot and also made a monochrome copy of it. What I like about this is the father’s traditional shoes – his whole style of dressing compared the the children walking with him.
I took this shot several years ago in Paris, but something in it appeals to me. I think the leading lines, depth of field and composition works. Too much analyzing 🙂 ?
These are taken in front of the Helsinki railway station, in the first shot you can see Ateneum museum with its seasonal lights, couple years back.
Seasonal lights welcoming shopper to city center with the lights reflecting on the wet pavement,
Below is a digital artwork I made by being inspired by the first photo.
The street lights are my stars
They make a warm wave on the wet black path
I sail along their bright trail
They keep me safe from the dark wrath
Walking down a path in the dark can be both exhilarating and unnerving. With each step, uncertainty lingers, as shadows dance and imagination runs wild. So, with a flicker of determination in our hearts, we step forward, embracing the mystery that lies ahead on the path in the dark.
The night is cold and dark
A light drizzle was falling
I walk alone
With no one else to meet
Oodi is my destination
The light is my guide
I hope to find some inspiration
Or at least a place to hide
The Library welcoming light in the night
During the dark season the entrance and stairs at our local railway station in Kirkkonummi provides some bright colors and it is a nice contrast to the dark days. I have to say even so I prefer the monochrome images to the color ones. the Leading lines and structure is more defined. Thoughts?
The ramp down and the stair in color in monochrome. Totally different mood
Thick curtain of gray clouds, as if nature itself had decided to embrace the melancholy of the day. The sea, usually vibrant with colors reflecting the sky and the surrounding buildings, now seemed to merge with the somber atmosphere. People hurried along the sidewalk. Despite the gloom, there was a unique beauty in the stillness of picturesque Kanavanranta.
On the crossroad…in Hong Kong.
Crossroads are places where roads intersect and people have to make decisions. They can also be metaphors for important moments in life, where one has to choose between different options and face the consequences.
Crossroads are the tests of fate , where we must choose our path and wait, for the unknown to reveal itself and show us if we chose well or not.
Some crossroads are clear and easy, others are dark and messy . But all of them are part of our journey and shape us into who we are meant to be
Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge
In a Hurry on an Escalator
As the escalator propels forward, an interesting dynamic unfolds. Watch closely, and you’ll observe people in a hurry, their faces etched with determination, striding onto the moving steps. Their impatience fuels their urgency, causing them to bob and weave through the crowd.
it’s fascinating to witness the blend of efficiency and chaos. Some embrace the escalator as an opportunity to slow down, leisurely taking in the surroundings. Others view it as a race, attempting to reach the summit before their peers. How about embracing the escalator as a —a chance to catch our breath.
So, my fellow escalator travelers, let us take a collective breath and relish the journey, even in the midst of our hurried pace.
I took this yesterday though a window, enjoying the moose or elk on the sidewalk in Matinkylä, Espoo. It was late afternoon so the it was already a bit dark. Are you surprised if I say gray? I did not a have camera with me so I took this on my mobile and edited it on Lightroom that I have on my mobile. So this is really a Cellpic 🙂 I did three edits, in the first one I added light and enhanced the gray tones.
The two others are more real to the actual colors of the moment, One I added light and the other There is quite a bit of vignette to bring your focus to the center. That one is the most accurate of the light and tones. It is amazing how editing can change a shot.
Is it an elk? Is it a moose? If you’re in Finland, the answer is “BOTH”! The iconic, majestic forest dweller is known as a moose in North America and an elk in Europe. To make matters even more confusing, elk in North America is used for an entirely different animal – a kind of deer.
Helsinki – esplanade last summer.
The popular Esplanade Park, fondly referred to as “Espa” among locals, is the most famous park in Finland and the green heart of Helsinki. People come here to see and be seen, to listen to music and watch performances, and to enjoy picnics. This Brazilian lady was selling food there the summer day I shot this photo. What caught my attention was the matching colors of the seller and the biker that had stopped by to chat.
While The Rocks is the site of Sydney’s oldest European settlement, there are attractions here that are also thoroughly contemporary. The Rocks, at the to bustling Circular Quay, here you can take in the charming, historic streets of this former convict settlement. And here I saw this old style public telephone box and a lady speaking on the phone next to it – a nice touch don’t you think ?
Photos taken in Melbourne in Australia few years back.
Melbourne’s Chinatown has flourished for over 100 years. Established in the 1850s during the Victorian gold rush, it is notable for being the longest continuous ethnic Chinese settlement in the Western World and the oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere.
Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
I did three versions of this woman walking towards the light at the end of this narrow alley. It is always amazing how the colors can change the mood, I shoot with raw so the colors can be edited really differently. I think I like the more yellow toned one best.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
I am going to post images new and old of this genre in this new topic name. Shortly described below as what I want to convey in this photos.
Las weekend we drove to our summer house to turn the electricity off for the winter as we do not visit there during winter. My husband mowed the leaves, no need to rake them. Back story was that, them we drove to the city near by- Lahti. I took this autumn street shot as we walked down the road to get late lunch. On the hill on the other side you can see the City Hall of Lahti.
Located in the heart of Lahti, the city hall is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and an important part of Lahti’s cityscape. The monumental building, designed by architect Eliel Saarinen, was completed in 1912. The building stylistically represents late Art Nouveau. The over 100-year-old building, damaged in wars and fires, has been restored with respect to the original.
Street photography captures candid moments of daily life in public spaces. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, we try to document the raw and unscripted moments that unfold around us. With an emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene or the emotions of the people within it, street photography offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the world we inhabit. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a captivating composition, or an unexpected juxtaposition, street photography celebrates the beauty and intrigue found in everyday moments.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 