I hope with these images to paint a moment of a serene forest scene at sunset, where you can really appreciate the beauty of nature. Pine trees and spruce trees, the evergreens that give us color during the winter, and I want to share them this Friday. Tomorrow is our 108th Independence Day, so I am sharing some quintessential Finnish nature images.
A tree stands tall with its unique structure amidst a forest backdrop and evening sky.
Image of a tall old pine tree with a unique structure standing proudly against the evening sky. Beneath those towering trees, there’s a moss-covered rock, softly illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. The imagery brings forth a tranquil atmosphere, with silhouetted trees contrasting beautifully against the vibrant colors of the sky, crafting a picturesque and peaceful moment in the nature.
The mood of the image captures the golden hours of late afternoon, just before sunset, in a natural environment where sunlight streams through the trees, lighting up the forested area behind a rugged hill. Resilient conifers, such as pine trees, flourish under the intense sun and withstand frost with ease. This scenery features a rocky foreground adorned with lichen, set against a verdant wooded backdrop.
A lmoss-covered rock beneath tall trees, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
This wooded panorama is observable at sunset by the lakeside. The outlines of the trees contrast vividly with the horizon. The clouds in the sky are tinted by the low-glowing sun. The vista represents a quintessential Finnish natural landscape.
A typical forest scene in the winter at sunset with silhouetted pine and spruce trees against a colorful sky
Four weeks have gone by since the official summer holiday came to an end, and I find myself still spending this week at the summer house, relishing the warm weather that lingers. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, while soft breezes rustle the leaves of the trees surrounding me. Now the temperature has settled at a pleasant +20°C; it is nice enough to enjoy early morning coffee outdoors, Evenings are perfect , the horizon is painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun sets, creating a picturesque backdrop that makes it hard to believe that summer is truly slowly slipping away.
enjoying a sunny day by the waterfront, exploring the pier in a picturesque summer setting.
It has been an odd summer; the first half was so unseasonably cold that it hardly felt like summer at all. However, everything changed dramatically in the middle of July when our holiday commenced. To our surprise, we experienced the longest hot period in Finland’s recorded history—an astonishing 22 consecutive days of weather ranging between +25-30°C. This was a remarkable shift that caught many of us off guard, as such temperatures are not the norm for our region. We spent our days enjoying the sunny days in the shade, laying in the hammock, not really doing much. Lazy hazy summer days. Spending time with family, by the sea and lakes. Enjoying tasty fresh food prepared by others. I didn’t even take that many photos, hardly any. That is if I compare it to what I have done.
The increase in extreme weather has become a point of concern for many, as it is evident that these phenomena are occurring more frequently, likely due to the impacts of climate change. As I reflect on this summer, I cannot help but wonder what changes the future holds for our weather patterns and how we will adapt to them in the coming years.
A boy sitting on a dock by the serene lake, enjoying the warm summer day.
I have made few posts, but I apologize for not commenting on posts, and I have also been slow in replying to comments. I feel bad about it, but the thing is I feel almost guilty when there is a lovely summer day and I choose to stay inside. So I don’t . The summer is so short here, and when you have the opportunity to enjoy the good weather, you have to take it. It’s a time for outdoor life, barbecues with friends, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. We have a long winter, and during that season, the days can feel endless as we spend more time indoors. Therefore, when summer arrives, I want to embrace every moment of it, squeezing in all the joy that I can before it slips away once again. I will try to do better …
Now I will post few photos, as this is a photography blog. Words have not really been my thing, but I am trying to include more …
A tranquil lakeside with a rowing boat moored at the water’s edge, embodying the essence of a lazy summer day.
Relaxing in a hammock at the summer house, enjoying the warm weather and the tranquility, plus a good book.
A beautifully plated dish featuring fresh ingredients, perfect for enjoying summer flavors .
I was trying to find a name for this plant, commonly known as Bishop’s goutweed, Bishop’s weed, Ground-elder, or Herb gerard. Regardless of its various titles, it is a perennial, winter seeder, herbaceous plant that thrives in many different environments and has a fascinating life cycle. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it a frequent garden challenge. In Finland, we affectionately call it talventörröttäjä, which translates to “Winter stickout,” a name that captures its resilience against the harsh winter elements.
Watching the lights across the road, the kelvins seem to be low as all the windows glow in a warm yellow color, casting an inviting aura that contrasts sharply with the icy chill outside. The atmosphere feels cosy, as if the world is wrapped in a gentle embrace of light, creating a sanctuary amid the frosty scenery. Even though the wind blows snow sideways outside the building, the warmth emanating from the interiors provides a sense of comfort and peace.
Winter will be upon those living in the northern hemisphere in only two weeks, well in my opinion it is already here .
For those who know me, know that winter is not my season, but you have to endure it. While I can appreciate the beautiful winter landscapes, with their pristine white snow and glistening icicles hanging from the eaves, and the seasonal lights that illuminate the dark nights, the cold weather is something I struggle with. The crisp air can feel invigorating at first, but it quickly turns into an unwelcome chill that seeps through even the warmest of layers. I know it is a matter of dressing accordingly, but the layer after layer can become cumbersome and stifling; not to mention the effort it takes to bundle up before stepping outside.
Winter season
I will give you a few facts below about the beloved season if you are interested, or you can just enjoy the photos I’ve taken of the beauty of the snow-filled landscape, which captures the serene essence of winter perfectly. There is something magical about how snow blankets the ground, transforming ordinary scenes into picturesque winter wonderlands that take your breath away. I enjoy it too—in the photos, where each pristine flake seems to reflect the beauty of nature and the quiet stillness that accompanies this season, inviting you to pause and admire the frosty charm that surrounds us.
FEW facts about Finland In winter, the mean temperature remains below 0°C, but warm airflows can raise the daily high above 0°C at times. Winter usually begins in mid-October in Lapland and during November in the rest of Finland, though not until December in the southwestern archipelago. It thus takes about two months for winter to proceed from Lapland to Åland. The sea and large lakes slow down the progress of winter. Winter is the longest season in Finland, lasting for about 100 days in southwestern Finland and 200 days in Lapland.
Arctic Circle, part of winter is the period known as the “polar night”, when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. In the northernmost corner of Finland, the polar night lasts for 51 days. In southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.
Permanent snow covers the ground about two weeks after winter begins, reaching its deepest around mid-March with 60 to 90 cm in eastern and northern Finland, and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland. Lakes freeze in late November and early December, with ice thickest in early April at about 50 to 65 cm. In severe winters, the Baltic Sea may ice over almost completely, while mild winters keep it open except for the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland’s far ends.
The coldest day of winter typically occurs after the winter solstice, at the end of January in most places, except for maritime islands and coastal areas, where it is delayed until early February. Coldest temperatures range from -45°C to -50°C in Lapland and eastern Finland, from -35°C to -45°C elsewhere, and from -25°C to -35°C in islands and coastal regions.
snowingA quick dip to the sea?Frost covered treesWinter gray day ny the sea.
Please join and remember to link to John’s challenge when you post your response, and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, Sofia’s challenge focused on the Five Elements in her lovely post, and the responses were interesting to see. How we all interpreted it in our own way .
Next week, it is time for our annual year-end challenge. In December 2022, the Lens-Artists team introduced a “Last-Chance” challenge. The idea was to review the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. Go through your gallery and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.
In its own way, frost may be one of the most beautiful things to happen in your garden all year . . . Don’t miss it. Like all true beauty, it is fleeting. It will grace your garden for but a short while this morning. . . . For this moment, embrace frost as the beautiful gift that it is.–Philip Harnden
In the end, this may be the most important thing about frost: Frost slows us down. In spring, it tempers our eagerness. In fall, it brings closure and rest. In our gotta-go world–where every nanosecond seems to count–slowness can be a great gift. So rather than see Jack Frost as an adversary, you could choose to greet him as a friend.–Philip Harnden,
We had a few days of spring, so I took advantage of the opportunity to capture the mandatory photos of snowbells. As one of the first flowers of spring, they symbolize new beginnings, hope, rebirth, and the ability to overcome challenges. The sight of these delicate blooms filled me with hope and positivity.
Snowbells in April
However, nature had a surprise in store for us – a fresh coat of snow arrived just two days ago. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I seized the opportunity to capture the enchanting snow-covered landscape. It’s fascinating how the same scene can take on a different, yet equally captivating, appearance with a layer of snow.
As I’m writing this, a snow blizzard rages outside. While witnessing a snow blizzard at this time of year wasn’t what I had in mind, it’s a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the beauty it holds, even in the midst of unexpected circumstances.
As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.
Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.
As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.
The cold icy signs of spring greeted me with a serene beauty that took my breath away. As I gazed at the tranquil blue sky and observed the icy waters glistening in the sunlight, I couldn’t help but feel happy by the enchanting sights that surrounded me. It was as if the ice itself had a story to tell, weaving a tale of nature’s artistry and resilience, resulting in a series of beautiful blue photos that serve as a testament to the ephemeral yet captivating essence of the season.
Bubbles in ice
The bubbles trapped within the frozen expanse of ice are truly a wondrous sight to behold. It’s as if nature itself has meticulously crafted a breathtaking work of art, with each delicate bubble suspended in time, waiting to be admired. It serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
Last week, Egidio had us looking at Warm colors. And I , for one enjoyed them, all the beautiful sunsets that came up in the posts. If you missed it, here is a link to the challenge of Warm Colors.
This week Annefrom Slow Shutter Speed has us thinking and showcasing our weather shots. It is one of the favorite topics of discussion among us Finns. As the saying goes, the climate is what we expect, and the weather is what we get. Finland has four unique seasons. The temperature in Finland varies greatly by season and by region as the country is long and has differing coastal and inland climates. The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Eurasian continent to the east together create the actively changing climate of Finland. Due to our country’s location, the weather can also change quickly, which makes predicting a bit tricky . One moment the sun might be shining, and the next rain is pouring down – such is life up North.
Snow covered lake and trees in Lahti
Winter The coldest day of the season is usually at the end of January in most regions. I So you are protected from that cool winter breeze, especially in the coast.
February is a snowy and chilly winter month in all of Finland. The slower cooling of the Baltic Sea typically delays the coldest period on the Coast and the Archipelago until the beginning of February. The days are still relatively short but they are getting longer , the sun stays up for nine hours in Helsinki.
March, spring is starting to be on its way. After the spring equinox (March 21st) the days get increasingly longer. Warm clothes are still a must, as the month is likely to be cold with the deepest snow cover, especially in the north.
Spring After the long winter nature wakes up again in April. Spring begins early in the month in the coastal areas, and later in April elsewhere, In April, there’s an increasing amount of daylight and the snow starts to melt, yet it is still not summer.
The weather in May goes from warm to cool, so be ready for all kinds of weather. One thing for sure is that there will be more daylight.
In June, the Finnish summer kicks off. You can expect sunny and pleasant days, but there might be some rain, especially after midsummer. In June, you can experience the amazing midnight sun around the summer solstice.
July is peak summer and generally the hottest month of the year. Most Finns take their annual leave during this time. July is all about heat waves and sometimes even thundershowers, but overall, it’s the best of summer in Finland.
August is the second warmest month in Finland. Though it’s the rainiest in some areas, August usually brings many lovely summer days. The warm but darkening August nights are magical as summer comes to an end.
The autumn season may start pleasantly crisp and cool, but September can also get quite wet. You can expect cloudy skies and rain some of the time but also charming and cool sunny days. In northernmost Finland, the first snow often falls in September. Overall, it’s time to start dressing up warm again.
Autumn foliage makes October a beautiful month, yet the weather can be brisk, and the temperature is likely to drop from mild to frosty. November, the northern parts of the country usually have lasting snow cover already. Wind, rain, and slush are regular delights of the month. The grayest month of all. The month is quite cold, so adding warm layers underneath your winter gear is a must. December is dark, cold and mostly snowy.
I think I did all the months, but as a last note. I love taking misty photos. Droplets after rain, or a misty night. Frost is beautiful after a cold night. Clouds enhance the sunset photos. Rain, or snowing can be a great opportunity for a good shot. Hope you now have an ideal month in mind as when to visit Finland 😂
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
Next week Donna leads us to the topic of sound, that should be an interesting one to tackle, I am already trying to come up with some ideas,
The recent weather has been quite challenging, with the continuous onslaught of snow. Sadly, this time around, the snowfall was accompanied by warmer temperatures, resulting in wet snow that has ultimately turned into a mix of sleet and ice on the ground. It’s a frustrating situation to witness, especially as we brace for the arrival of below freezing temperatures again on Friday. Winter can be enchanting and picturesque, but it also has a darker, more treacherous side, as evidenced by the slippery ice underfoot.
Admittedly, I’m finding it challenging to appreciate the beauty of the season in moments like these. In fact, I didn’t even muster up the motivation to venture outside to capture photos, opting instead to take them from the comfort of my windows. Now, looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my own laziness.
As stated summer is a state of mind and age is just a number.
Usually we are somewhere in warmer weather at this time of the year, away from the cold and dark winter, we usually fly to catch some sun, D- vitamins and new places to be refreshed and relaxed. And when we come you can already notice the increased light that is more visible in February.
Well you need the catch the rays where every you can. 😂
Yesterday it snowed once again, covering the landscape in a pristine blanket of white. As I gazed out of my window, I found myself without any desire to step out into the chilly weather. The snowflakes gracefully descended, gradually accumulating into a soft, glistening snow bank.
Today I caught a beautiful sunset from my patio, we had huge rise in temperature in the past two days and the snow covered trees are now gone. The trees still gave a beautiful contrast against the colorful sky
It is the time to look forward, think positively about what the year ahead may bring. Hope for the best, fear the worst. Life does not always happen as one plans, so I have years ago stopped planning. Life throws curveballs and one needs to adjust, go where the road of life leads you. Accept and get on with it. Good things happen and bad things, it’s a balance. I am mainly happy and have many things to look forward to, such as spending time with loved ones, embarking on new adventures, and creating lasting memories.
On the other hand, I recognize that there are some issues that I just need to go with the flow, as there’s nothing I can do to change the situation. Instead of dwelling on them, I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life and the opportunities that lie ahead. By maintaining a positive mindset and embracing the unpredictability of life, I can navigate through both the joys and challenges that come my way.
The passion for photography is just awesome, isn’t it? It’s like freezing time, capturing moments, and telling stories with just a click. And hey, who doesn’t love hitting the road? There’s this incredible feeling of freedom and excitement, like anything could happen around the next curve, right?
Life can sometimes feel a bit dull, you know, like we’re stuck in a rut. But when we’re on the move, it’s like the whole world is full of potential. Who knows what or who is waiting for us just around the corner?
As we gear up for the new year, let’s think of this road as a guide to a fresh start. Here’s to a year full of good times, growth, and unexpected surprises. Let’s roll with it and make it a truly happy new year!
Last day of year 2023 was sunny and cold here where I live, the temperature -13C /10F and no wind, so it wasn’t all that bad. Even though I do not like winter, sometimes it looks really beautiful. The way the sunlight glistened off the snow-covered branches filled the whole landscape with a magical glow. I couldn’t resist taking a walk and admiring the picturesque scenery. The crisp air made everything feel so serene and peaceful, almost as if the world had slowed down just for a moment. Sometimes, despite the cold, winter has a way of enchanting us with its natural beauty.
With these pictures I wish you all the best for 2024!
I took a short stroll to capture a cell pic for John’s Cellpic Sunday . I got few nice shots, but these are the ones I chose to post here. Most likely I will post few later on.
Yesterday we visited the Tuomaan markkinat – Helsinki Chrismas Market little bit too early if we had waited for the sunset the lights would have been more brighter, but even thought we were a bit early it was crowded hard to get to the the vendor booths. It was rather windy and cold, but it is winter 🙂
Providing a more responsible alternative to mass-produced gifts and decorations, Helsinki Christmas Market brings to Senate Square a significant number of artisans and small producers from all over Finland. The market’s atmospheric core consists of the Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which also serves alcoholic beverages, where one can enjoy seasonal treats and festive holiday spirit.
With the winter solstice, and these citylights I am now starting Christmas preparations and I take this opportunity to
I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
I want to thank you all who have taken the time to look at my photos, press like and I really appreciate all the encouraging comments I’ve gotten this year.
These I took yesterday when doing my last minute shopping. The cobblestone streets in Helsinki with the rain made it hard to get really great shots of the season lights in the city from a moving car, but I ended up with moody, artistic shots and with a little help from the editing they came out OK.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 