wildlife – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #354 – reflections

A reflection of boats and masts on calm water, hopefully showcasing the beauty and artistry of reflections in photography.

Lens-Artists Challenge this week is hosted by Anne, and the theme is reflections, please visit her lovely post for inspiration and guidance. I for one often find myself searching for a beautiful reflection. I believe many of us photographers are. “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”

Lake Kukkanen reflection in autumn colors and rustic cottages in Nastola Finland.

“Water’s mirror., “Reflection perfection., “Stillness captured., “Nature’s looking glass., and “Water’s silent poetry.

Shots below I took at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi, a stunning location known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene landscapes. The area is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Finland, which reflect the vibrant colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset. As I wandered along the rocky coastline, I was captivated by in this environment, this picturesque region.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a stunning nature preserve located in Delray Beach, Florida, celebrated for its rich diversity of wildlife and picturesque walking trails. Spanning over 50 acres, it boasts a charming boardwalk that invites visitors to explore the wetlands and delight in observing a variety of species, including playful alligators, curious turtles, and a vibrant array of birds, such as graceful herons and elegant egrets. The preserve not only serves as a vital habitat for wildlife but also offers excellent educational resources about the local ecosystem, making it a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers eager to connect with the beauty of the natural world. That is were the shots below have been taken, while searching for birds and reflections.

Reflections in photography frequently introduce an element of depth, curiosity, and artistic nuance to an image. They can signify duality, uncover concealed angles, or merely elevate the visual allure of a scene. Numerous photographers and viewers have noted the potency of reflections, employing expressions that convey their capacity to turn the mundane into something enchanting or intellectually stimulating.

A contemplative moment captured through reflective surfaces, showcasing the interplay of light and color.

A vibrant reflection of urban life captured in glass, showcasing the interplay of architecture in Helsinki.

Below you can see reflections from from different locations.

Thanks for last week’s challenge Beth and everyone who participated in last week’s challenge; it was a tumultuous end to the week with the stormy moments you all contributed. Lastly, we invite you to join us next week as Ann-Christine leads us with something new next Saturday, June 28 at noon Eastern Time . Until then, keep on smiling.

For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

Lens-Artists Challenge #342 – It’s a Wild Life!

animals, lens-artists

First many thanks to Egidio for this challenge Lens-Artists #341 – It’s a Wild Life

I was totally lost at first with this theme, feeling like I had nothing wild or exciting in my photo archive to contribute. It was a bit disheartening to think that at first. However, after seeing several impressive posts from those who have already joined the community, I found that I actually do have some unique photos that capture wildlife that are meaningful to me.

Here are some animals that I have been able to capture with my camera over the years. Observing a koala in its natural habitat was truly a joy to see, as they seem to embody the essence of Australia with their gentle demeanor and tree-hugging ways. A penguin waddling through its natural habitat was something I never thought I would witness, as it brought a sense of whimsy and curiosity. Kangaroos, for us Australian visitors, are undoubtedly a treat, hopping gracefully across the landscape and reminding us of the unique wildlife Australia has to offer. Watching monkeys nurturing and feeding their young was heartwarming during my travels in Thailand, where their familial bonds were on vivid display. Encountering a giant grizzled squirrel in Sri Lanka was a new acquaintance, and seeing it scurrying through the lush greenery was also a memorable moment that stands out in my mind. Additionally, capturing a glimpse of an alligator in the Everglades of Florida with her baby was an experience I hadn’t anticipated, amplifying the thrill of wildlife encounters. Lastly, lizards, with their vibrant colors and quick movements, are always a delightful treat to observe, adding a splash of life to the environments I explore.

I found out I had seen more wild animals than I thought, and reflecting on those experiences brought a wave of nostalgia. I always tend to overshare, so I will stop here for now. Thanks, Egídio, for this challenge; it really had me thinking about the concept of ‘wild’ in more than one context. Even if I ended up remembering some of my encounters with the animals in their natural habitats, it made me appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of the wilderness. I could have chosen flowers, birds, or bugs, but instead, I focused on the captivating interactions I’ve had with these creatures, each unique and memorable in its own way.

Please remember to link to Egidio’s beautiful post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. I was happy to see that most all of us had a hard time choosing our images last week in Tina’s challenge! Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine leads us once again on her always-wonderful Leya post. Until then keep on smiling ☺

Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Alligators

Nature, Photography

We got very lucky, we took a air boat ride in the everglades and in the natural habitat we spotted several alligators, one lifted its head right next to the boat and me- I kind of jumped a bit… but I was also able to spot this alligator with a baby on on it. Experience to remember. everglades-alligators-4