Participating in One word Sunday Blue
Blue
Lens-Artists #386: The Power of Juxtaposition
This week, Patti invites you to delve into juxtaposition as a photographic method. While out on a stroll, seek out subjects that differ in color, shape, texture, structure, or scale, highlighting contrasts between various environments, cultures, landscapes, and individuals. Feel free to apply post-processing techniques such as modifying brightness and contrast or cropping to ensure your subject(s) are prominent.
Juxtaposition refers to the act of placing two or more things, ideas, or concepts alongside each other, often to highlight their differences or similarities. A simple explanation; that is what resonates most with me. I must admit that I invested time in searching for photos for this, which isn’t as easy a task as one might assume, at least not for me. Even having an idea of where to find the appropriate photographs was a bit of a challenge. However, this is indeed part of the challenge.
First thing that came to mind – young, old, mother and a child, each representing the different stages of life and the unbreakable bond between generations. Photo was taken in Thailand. Same in the animal world, the header image is of the black bear and its cub I saw in Whistler in British Columbia.
Even if I don’t have a photo of this, I can vividly picture a scene that captures this essence, showcasing the mother or father with her child playing joyfully in the park, while the older generation watches fondly from a nearby bench, sharing smiles and stories. This moment encapsulates the beauty of familial love and the lessons that are passed down through the ages, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every fleeting moment together.
Some years ago, we saw this albino mallard and the usual brown female side by side in Padasjoki here in Finland. This unexpected sighting was particularly captivating, as the contrast between the striking white feathers of the albino and the rich brown of the female created a beautiful tableau against the backdrop of the shimmering lake. It was a first for me, and I found myself drawn to the uniqueness of the moment, marveling at the wonder of nature. I thought it would be suitable for this challenge, as it perfectly encapsulated the beauty and diversity of wildlife that often goes unnoticed in our everyday lives.
A city skyline in Singapore that beautifully merges contemporary skyscrapers with historical structures, illustrating the contrast between past and present in urban architecture. The harmonious fusion of sleek glass and steel designs with intricate buildings from earlier times crafts a compelling visual story, encouraging us to value the deep history while also celebrating cutting-edge architectural trends. I was really struck by the contrast, and it was even more concrete as I took in the view from a higher viewpoint.
When visiting Hong Kong, this contrast was fascinating to me. A traditional Chinese junk boat sailing in the harbor, with its vibrant red sails, juxtaposed with the stunning skyline of sleek skyscrapers, beautifully highlights the contrast between the rich historical maritime culture and contemporary urban architecture. As I stood looking at these boats sail against this backdrop, it felt unreal in a way, even though I knew the tourists were using them.
A solitary figure perched on a rocky peak, (my husband) I savored the breathtaking mountain landscape that unfolded before me, feeling the beauty of nature envelop me, illustrating the delicate balance between the grandeur of the natural world and my humble existence within it. I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, invigorating air, rich with the scent of pine and earth. The silence was profound. This scene became a poignant reminder of the simplicity and peace found in moments like these, where every detail—from the vibrant hues of the sky to the intricate patterns of the stones—spoke to the timeless beauty of the environment and humbly reminded me of our place within it.
I saw this in Florida, a man interacts with an egret on a pier, the connection between humans and wildlife. This moment illustrates not just a simple act of feeding, but a deeper bond formed through respect and understanding of nature. The majestic egret, with its striking white feathers, captivates with its grace and poise, reminding us of the beauty that exists in coexistence.
These to cows came to share our umbrella, on a Goa beach shows the mix of Indian culture with a lively tourist scene. As they graze on the sand, under the colorful beach umbrellas and sunbathers go on with their sunbathing .Their curious looks contrast with their farm origins against the busy atmosphere of holidaymakers. This scene captures a moment where rural life, connected to the sacredness of cows in Indian culture, blends with the relaxed vibe of the coast, sure made me to think about the coexistence of different worlds.
Last week, I sought out unique crops, and you all came through. I was thrilled by the diverse approaches you took, even though you mentioned it was challenging. It wasn’t apparent. There are numerous discoveries to be made if we present them differently to uncover the often overlooked curiosities that exist. Thank you all for participating.
I hope you will join in for this week’s interesting challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Patti’s original post
Make sure to return on Saturday, February 28, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from John at Journeys with Johnbo. I hope you’ll be there to join us! In the meantime, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset ❤️
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Vibrant
Saturday classics – 21.2
I came across this song while listening to songs on Spotify; I hadn’t heard it in a long time, and I liked it then, I like it now. It has emotion, the song’s depth, and emotional connection. That is always important to me in music, Rockferry, explores the enduring impacts of heartbreak from a relationship that was never meant to last.
In a March 2009 interview with Independent Magazine, Duffy reflected on the song’s unexpected success, stating, “I wrote it from a secretive perspective. Everyone is talking about it now. It meant something different to me all those years ago.” The poignant music video features almost exclusively a single shot of Duffy crying in the back seat of a black cab. Initially, the video was intended to show her walking down the street with a red balloon, but the director opted for the cab scene for its deeper emotional resonance.
The well-known song “Warwick Avenue” was co-written by Aimée Ann Duffy (Duffy), Eg White, and Jimmy Hogarth, and was released in 2008, produced by Jimmy Hogarth.
Chocolate namelaka, pear sorbet, & crushed pistachio
Chocolate namelaka, pear sorbet, and crushed pistachio, and keeping with my weeks theme in Lens-Artists, three different crops.
Post participation in Debbies Six Word Sunday
Gregarious
Ragtag Daily Prompt Thursday: Gregarious
Adjective:
of a person) Who enjoys being in crowds and socializing.
(zoology) Of animals that travel in herds or packs.
(botany) Growing in open clusters or colonies; not matted together.
Pertaining to a flock or crowd.
White and Red Clover (Trifolium repens): Often forms vast, low-growing, white colonies in lawns and, fields.
Paris: a look at Montmartre
For this weeks Thursday Doors, I am continuing with the theme from my Monochrome post from yesterday, reflecting on our trip to Paris in 2006; these are such old photos that it’s enjoyable to edit them with more freedom than I typically do, allowing me to enhance the characteristics and emotions captured in each image. I can also work with images that aren’t the clearest due to this editing approach, breathing new life into them and revealing details that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
These photographs are from the renowned Rue du Calvaire in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris way back 20 years ago, a place filled with vibrant history and artistic passion. This district is noted for its elevated terrain in the northern section of the city and has long been home to many artists who have found inspiration in its picturesque streets and charming buildings. Rue du Calvaire is especially well-known for its steep staircase that ascends the hill, where each step leads to breathtaking views and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This location is a favored spot for providing stunning vistas of Paris, where visitors can gaze across the cityscape, absorbing the iconic skyline that has captivated hearts for generations. The ambiance evoke feelings of nostalgia and creativity, as one imagines the countless stories that have unfolded in this enchanting corner of the world.
To view the enlarged images, click the gallery.
The Timeless Beauty of Paris Rooftops
This week, once again, I am dipping into my archives, reflecting on the memories captured during my travels. I don’t think these cityscapes from Paris are like this anymore; the city evolves with each passing year, transforming its landscape and spirit. There are sure to be changes since I took these photographs, and I find myself both nostalgic and curious about how much has shifted in that time. I think these particular images date back to 2006.
Participating in Monochrome Madness 18.02.26
Click the gallery to see enlarged images to see my editing choices.
Spring Blooms: Eastern Pasque Flower
I do not know my plants, if they are pretty that is mostly enough information for me. I googled this flower and flower enthusiasts may appreciate this.
The image displays the plant known as the common pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), also referred to as the Eastern pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens) in some contexts.
Key characteristics of the plant: Form: It is a perennial herb with a short, upright rootstock.
Height: The plant typically grows 5 to 25 cm tall.Flower: The flowers are radial to bell-shaped, purplish-blue, and 5.5–8.5 cm wide. They bloom early in spring, often in April or May, as one of the first perennials to flower.
Leaves: Basal leaves are stalked and develop after flowering. The stem leaves form a whorl below the flower.
Habitat: It grows in dry heathlands and is also a popular ornamental garden plant.
Status: In Finland, the species had disappeared from the wild but has reappeared in some locations. The Eastern pasque flower is a protect in Finland
These were photographed at the Botanical garden last spring.
The Delightful dilemma
Indulge in These Irresistible …
I’m in a bit of a jam trying to pick what to grab from all these delicious choices. Seriously, everything looks so good—cupcakes with fluffy frosting, fruit tartlets bursting with fresh fruits, and those classic cakes in tons of flavors. Each dessert is practically begging me to take a bite with promises of pure sweetness and joy. How can I resist a rich chocolate cupcake, the zingy flavor of a fruit tartlet, or a cozy slice of freshly baked cake? It’s such a tough choice, but also exciting, as I think about treating myself to one, or maybe even a little bit of everything!
Macro Monday
Look up and see; windows
This weeks Monday Window was shot in Brisbane
RED, red, red, red repeated
Here is some Red from my archives, showcasing the beauty and versatility of the same object through many compositions. Each piece captures a different essence and perspective. Click the collage to see them enlarged, where you can see more details and variations that might be overlooked at first glance. There are endless possibilities for artistic interpretation of the red apples 😂
A Peek into My Artistic Desk
I have already shared the photos I’ve taken this week, but here are a few fresh ones straight from my phone. I captured these at my other desk — I have two: one for computer work and another for my small artistic projects; these are from that workspace. Just a little peek into my study.
Participating in Johns Cellpic Sunday
Lens-artists challenge#385 – unusual crop
What an Unusual Crop! No, I cannot do this; it’s too hard. No, it’s not. Give it a try, be bold, be creative. You can do it. Exceed yourself, like they say in the Olympics.
Cropping stands as one of the most potent yet frequently underutilized compositional elements in photography. This week, we encourage you to deliberately defy traditional framing conventions. Consider slicing off parts of your subject or positioning it at the far edge of your shot. You might even depict only a hint of an object or an intriguing shadow or reflection. Unconventional crop photography often employs tight, asymmetrical framing techniques—like truncating limbs, using extreme close-ups, or positioning subjects right at the frame’s border—to evoke mystery, abstraction, and artistic tension. Approaches include using a 1:1 aspect ratio to hone in on specific details, employing diagonal lines in your compositions, or leveraging negative space to highlight elements such as the intricate surface of a leaf.
In-Camera Versus Editing: Although many unique crops are achieved through post-processing, capturing these moments in-camera encourages more intentional and artistically satisfying results. When deploying these techniques, be mindful to avoid cropping at joints, as this can give the impression of amputation. Instead, aim for narrower points like mid-thigh or forearm for a flattering yet bold appearance.
Experiment with framing as a narrative device by illustrating the story of what’s absent; consider capturing a hand reaching into the frame or a smiling mouth peeking from the corner, or even a bicycle wheel without the bike itself. Crop closely for an intimate feel or employ an off-center approach for added intrigue. Think like a graphic designer—make your images striking, graphic, and unexpected.
Notable techniques for unconventional cropping involve:
Disrupting the Subject: Intentionally cutting through heads, hands, or limbs in portraits creates a dynamic composition rather than a conventional one.
Detail-Oriented Macro Shots: Extreme cropping can accentuate textures, lines, and shapes, transforming everyday objects into pieces of abstract art.
Overriding the “Rule of Thirds”: Position subjects at the frame’s extremes or allow them to extend beyond the edges entirely.
Utilizing Negative Space: Generating significant areas of emptiness can convey minimalism or create striking tension.
TIPS: Frame With Purpose: Make deliberate cuts through heads, hands, or objects; a bold crop can ignite curiosity. Strategic Use of Space: Marry tight framing with negative space to establish either tension or tranquility based on your subject matter.
Instill Mystery: Leave out enough to provoke viewers’ imaginations about what lies beyond the visible.
Emphasize Textures or Shapes: Get close to highlight features like contours, lines, or surfaces that might typically go unnoticed.
Imply Wholeness: Showcase just part of your subject, encouraging viewers to engage their imaginations.
Use the Frame Purposefully: Position your subject near the edge or let it extend beyond the frame to create dynamic imagery.
Disrupt Visual Norms: Surprise audiences by presenting familiar subjects in unusual manners—making them appear strange or abstract.
Consider the Crop During Shooting: Approach cropping not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of your initial composition strategy.
Last week, Beth introduced us to a theme that truly astonished us. The world brims with wonders, whether they’re grand or subtle, close by or distant, and this was vividly showcased in the photos we all shared.
I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to my post. And Happy Valentines day to you all! Hope you have a lovely day. ❤️💙💚💛🧡💜💞❣️
Make sure to return on Saturday, February 21, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from Patti at Pilotfishblog. I hope you’ll be there to join us! In the meantime, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset ❤️
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
In silent whispers, love takes form
Icicles sparkle in a gentle sway,
Suspended like wishes in winter’s display.
A sturdy branch cradles, steadfast and wise,
Over a frozen lake that mirrors the skies.
Nature’s hold, both chilly and kind,
In hushed murmurs, affection unwinds. Icicles draping from a limb above a shimmering ice lake, embracing the essence of winter’s charm.
Saturday Classic – 14.2
This week Saturday Classic is a classic and with a good message it features Graham Nash’s song “Teach Your Children,”I think it says it all. I know it’s valentine’s Day but no love songs from me. Only you need to have a code you live by. Love is a good one.
The video is a collaboration between Graham Nash and celebrated filmmaker and animator Jeff Scher.
The imagery frames the youth-led liberal activism of 2018 against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and Peace demonstrations of the 1960’s, providing a powerful visual aid to Graham Nash’s relevant-as-ever appeal to teach not only our children but also our parents well.
“I wrote Teach Your Children because we have much to teach them. Conversely, I believe we as parents have much to learn from them as well. I think that Jeff Scher did a wonderful job of animating my lyrics and positioning the song in a contemporary setting.” – Graham Nash (2018)
Fresh coat of snow
We got a fresh coat of new light snow as the weather is continuing to be cold 🥶 but it looks really pretty in my backyard.
Random Encounters: Street Photography Reflections
We were cautioned about the significant issue of homelessness during our visit to San Francisco several years ago; I’m uncertain about the current situation, but I doubt it has improved significantly. Still, I hope it has. It was quite disheartening to see as we drove through the city; these random shots reflect that experience. RDP Friday: Random
Photographs of Everyday Life: Moments Captured
People watching is one of the things I enjoy most, as it allows me to observe the intricate dance of human interactions and emotions. Here are some photos of the results of doing so, each snapshot telling a unique story of a moment in time. Whether it’s a pair of friends sharing a laugh, a couple lost in conversation, or a solitary figure deep in thought, these images capture the essence of life unfolding around us.
Click the gallery to see better or scroll quickly up to you to explore a variety of images and details that can give you a more immersive experience. Never Lose Hope is good message 😀 As you can see from the amount of images I do like this topic.
Calm Moments Behind Open Door
For Dans Thursday Doors this time I am just leaving you with this calm view from a monastery in Sri Lanka, where the serene landscape creates a peaceful atmosphere.
wordless Wednesday
Understanding Circles vs. Rounds
This got me thinking about the nuances between circles and rounds. I try to be as accurate as I can when I participate in challenges 😂, as if it really matters that much in the grand scheme of things. Yet, there’s something strangely satisfying about getting it right. So, I thought I would take some time to refresh and confirm my knowledge on the topic.
The differences between circles and rounds are primarily based on their definitions and geometrical properties. A circle is a two-dimensional shape defined as the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point known as the center. In contrast, the term “round” refers to the general quality of being circular or spherical, which can apply to various shapes and objects, not limited to geometric circles. Moreover, while a circle has a precise mathematical definition with specific formulas for its area and circumference, “round” can be more subjective, describing items that appear curved or circular without adhering to strict geometric rules.
These are the images I decided to share with Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #53: Circles and Going Around in Them Guest host Dawn: Monochrome Madness #53: Circles The last one well… it is a ⭕
The Allure of Siberian Iris
I’m participating in The Flower Hour by sharing these images of Siberian Iris, showcasing the classic hue of a deep, vibrant purple.
Coffee Break Photography
I had to run some errands and took the opportunity to have a coffee break. And being Monday, why not take a few new photos for today from the cafe? I took a cozy seat by the window just for that reason, allowing the sunlight to illuminate my space. As I sipped my coffee, I looked around, hoping to find something else interesting to capture through IPhone. The people engaged in conversations, the barista expertly crafting intricate latte art, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. A perfect setting for a spontaneous photography.
Monday Window: 9 February 2026
Värikollaasi #485 Color Collage
Color of light is an interesting idea for a color.
Light itself contains all colors, appearing white when combined, yet it consists of a spectrum of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—each with a unique wavelength.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 