urban environment – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Here is my entry for Monochrome-Madness I think these are my newest photos taken, so I am going to use them for this week’s post. They are just snapshots of urban city life that I took with my cell phone, capturing fleeting moments that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. I love how the editing can change the mood of the photographs, transforming simple scenes into evocative imagery.

A sepia-toned photograph capturing a moment on an escalator, mother and her two daughters, the tone evoking a sense of nostalgia.

These were taken a few minutes apart, but the sepia tones add nostalgia to the first one, evoking a sense of timelessness that draws the viewer in. The second two are more recent shots; I played with the other, adding color to the person on the escalator, creating a striking contrast against the monochrome background that emphasizes their presence. This technique not only highlights the subject but also evokes a feeling of aloneness amidst the chaos.

I would love to hear any thoughts about these shots and how they resonate with you, as feedback is always appreciated

A monochrome view of an escalator in a bustling shopping center, capturing the movement and vibrancy of urban life.

I have often expressed that I enjoy editing photos, even though I tend to post mainly realistic images, having them look like I saw them. On that note, all of my images have been edited, mostly I adjust the light and contrast—highlights and shadows—to enhance the overall feel of the photograph. Contrast plays a crucial role in making certain elements stand out and giving depth to the image. I do it so that it reflects the image I saw in my mind’s eye—hence the title; the world as I see it. Photography, for me, is not just about capturing moments but also about expressing my unique perspective and interpretation of the scenes before me, allowing viewers to experience the beauty and intricacies that I wished to convey. Through careful editing, I strive to invite others into my vision, ensuring that they appreciate the subtleties that might go unnoticed in a more straightforward representation.

Original image without the edits other that cropping it.

I am going to start editing cityscapes, buildings, and industrial places in a more creative way. For a long time, I have wanted to venture towards this direction, and now I am excited to explore various artistic approaches that can bring a fresh perspective to my work. I plan to experiment with techniques such as dramatic lighting, unique angles, and vibrant color palettes to enhance the visual appeal of my photographs. By prioritizing these innovative methods in my editing process, I hope to creatively showcase buildings and cityscapes, transforming my photographs into something more artsy and captivating.

I am going to explore various angles to highlight architectural details. Finding unique vantage points can elevate the way buildings are presented in your images. Adjusting contrast can enhance the structural elements of buildings, making them stand out.

Vintage or black-and-white filters can transform standard images into stunning artistic representations.

Use color grading to enrich urban atmospheres.. Pay attention to the distinct textures found in urban environments, such as brickwork or glass in post-processing to create depth and interest in your cityscape photos. Play with the color tones in the image.