I have to say, I really adore this photo; it has such a tranquil and gentle feel to it. It is from our trip to Norway in Sommarøy. As you might know, I enjoy editing, and this image has all the elements I love to work with, transforming it from serene to somewhat eerie. I can play with the clouds, adjust the contrast between light and darkness, and shift from soft colors to vivid tones. I even like to experiment with monochrome and deep black-and-white effects.
A tranquil coastal scene from Norway shows traditional red wooden boathouses standing on stilts above pale turquoise water. The buildings have weathered gray metal roofs, while the boathouse on the right is topped with a vivid green grass roof and bordered by rocky shoreline and tall grasses. Low islands and small distant boats sit beneath a dramatic overcast sky, creating a cool, quiet maritime atmosphere with soft natural light.
Red stilted boathouses line a quiet, misty shoreline beneath a dramatic gray sky – first edit
Red coastal boathouses stand on stilts above calm turquoise water beneath a dramatic overcast sky. – I enhances the colors, clarity and sky for the second edit
This image feels so chill with its muted, almost monochrome vibes. The buildings’ soft red siding is like the only splash of warmth popping against that hazy gray sky and silvery water. The overcast light gives it this dreamy, soft focus look, and those gentle ripples really amp up the peaceful, secluded vibe. Plus, the low vegetation and the distant land give it some nice depth in the background, making it even more inviting. I love how the editing brings it all together, giving a sense of calm that just makes you want to stay a while.
Red stilted boathouses line a quiet, misty shoreline beneath a dramatic gray sky.
An edited moody black-and-white coastal scene transforms the original view of weathered wooden boathouses . The heavy storm clouds now loom even more dramatically in the sky, enhancing the contrast and evoking a profound sense of isolation over the expansive, rippling water. This impactful editing elevates the emotional atmosphere, allowing the viewer to experience the quiet intensity of the landscape in a new light.
Weathered boathouses stand along a calm shoreline beneath a dramatic, cloud-filled sky.
A color version of the ominous storm clouds gather in the sky, casting a dark shadow over the jagged shorelines and the distant, ghostly islands on the horizon. A desolate sandy forefield, bordered by swaying reeds, enhances the sense of isolation, enveloping the scene in a heavy, melancholic maritime atmosphere. How about this edit?
Red waterfront boathouses stand along a quiet shoreline beneath a dramatic, stormy sky.
Now I am done with this image, and I would love to see which one you preferred and maybe even tell me why. Your feedback is invaluable to me, I am eager to hear about the aspects that resonated with you, whether it was the color scheme, the composition, or the overall vibe. Your insights are very much appreciated.
Rose hip berries and flowers, it must be September, a time when the days begin to shorten and the air carries a hint of crispness. I took these on one of the few sunny days lately, when the golden sunlight bathed the landscape in warmth and vibrance, creating a beautiful contrast against the deep green foliage. The rose hips, with their rich red hue, are not only visually stunning but also herald the changing seasons as they ripen. Enjoy the beauty of this fleeting moment, as nature prepares for the transition into autumn, offering a reminder of the bountiful gifts that each season brings.
For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness, I am returning to Sydney, Australia, to capture the essence of this vibrant city from a unique perspective. These photographs were taken from the sea, which gives them a slightly different approach than what I would typically do, such as shooting from within the bustling streets of the city. Leanne noted, “Urban is defined as being near or in a city or town. I guess it probably means lots of buildings or something like that.” While this definition holds true, my images reveal a different narrative, with few buildings standing tall against the expansive backdrop of the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) skyline and the mesmerizing harbor view. The interplay of light and shadow creates a striking contrast, and the monochromatic tones highlight the architectural forms against the gentle ripples of the sea. By stepping back and viewing Sydney from this vantage point, I aim to evoke a sense of tranquility amidst the urban landscape, inviting viewers to appreciate both the natural beauty and the urban environment harmoniously intertwined.
A dramatic black-and-white view of Sydney’s waterfront skyline, featuring the Salesforce Tower and a cruise ship beneath billowing clouds.
the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) skyline and harbor view in Australia.
the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) skyline and harbor view in Australia.
Luna Park
The Sydney Tower Eye or Centrepoint It rises to a height of 309 meters and is the tallest structure in Sydney.
This photograph features a black-and-white look at the Sydney CDB skyline as viewed from the eastern side, adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden.
The Sydney skyline likely taken from Sydney Harbour towards Elliot Bay or rather from the direction of Port Jackson.
The Sydney Opera House
Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) belonging to the Royal Australian Navy. HMAS Adelaide (L01), pictured docked at Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour, with the city skyline visible in the background
I am also participating in Dans Thursday Doors with this post.
For starters, I am stating that our trip to Crete provided me with many images of doors and windows in some sort of decay, and to my humble opinion they make for a great photos. The unique charm of these weathered entrances and openings captures a sense of history. The peeling paint, rusted hinges, and cracked frames create a stunning contrast against the vibrant backdrop of the Mediterranean colors, making them irresistible subjects for photography. Every click of the shutter allowed me to explore not just the aesthetics but also the deeper emotions evoked by the passage of time, showcasing beauty in imperfection and decay. You can also expect to see more of them for sure.
A walk down a narrow stone-paved alley winds through an old Argyroupoli village lined with weathered stone and plaster buildings. These distressed wooden doors are set into warm beige masonry, while a faded pink house, overhead utility wires, balconies, and aged facades lead toward an open landscape in the distance. Bright daylight highlights the textures, muted earth tones, and small greenery, creating a quiet, rustic Mediterranean atmosphere.
A sunlit stone alley winds past weathered wooden doors and colorful old houses toward a scenic countryside view of Argyroupoli,
On the old stone building, there’s a little dark window with a rusty iron grille over it. The weathered wooden shutters look just right, perfectly framing that tiny window. The wall on the right is all rough limestone and exposed rubble, adding so much texture! There are even these green plants with tiny yellow flowers peeking through the bars at the bottom, really popping against the muted grays, tans, and reds. This window was just screaming to be captured.
A leafy plant grows behind rusted iron bars in the weathered window of an old stone building.
A closer look at the pink building reveals a cool narrow arched window nestled in a weathered pink stucco wall. It’s framed by rough, old stone covered in moss and some dark stains, with simple rusted metal bars protecting it. You can spot a dark wooden shutter behind it, too. Small green vines are popping out from the stone sill and crawling along the bottom, adding a nice organic touch to the soft rose, gray, and brown colors.
A weathered arched window with iron bars and leafy vines set into a textured pink stucco wall
Driving home on Sunday, I couldn’t believe my eyes – there were so many planes landing! I’ve driven this road countless times, yet I had never seen anything like it in the 10 km stretch past the airport. One plane flew right over us, perfectly framed against the bright sunlight, and I just had to snap a photo. I could see a Finnair passenger plane gliding across the deep blue sky, its landing gear down, clearly heading for the airport. Below it was this blue building, topped with a tall white tower that had bold red bands and a cool shield emblem. With green trees and rooftops around, and fluffy clouds in the clear daylight, it was this awesome urban aviation scene!
A Finnair passenger jet descends over a commercial building and distinctive red-and-white tower under a clear blue sky.
John’s Challenge: Share up to six waterscapes—images where water shapes the scene. Choose your favorite places, your favorite photos, or a single location that inspires you. Natural or man‑made, peaceful or wild—if water helps tell the story, it’s fair game.
I grew up by the sea in Espoo,, and it has left its mark on me. I still prefer the sea to lakes, even though I love lakes too. It is more about the feel, the scent of the sea. And I live in a country of a thousand lakes. This place comes to mind with this big, old boulder that’s partly underwater, surrounded by tall green reeds and grasses. It’s where my friends and I used to hang out and have fun. Across the sea, there’s this dense little island with a couple of saunas, and further back, a marina full of sailboat masts. But I don’t remember any of that from when I was a kid. There’s also a skerry where we used to wade through the water to get to. We even carved our names into the skerry, and believe it or not, they’re still there!
Kaitaa Shore line in the Espoo archipelago, I used to think this rock was so big when we climbed on it as as kids.
This next image from one of the lakes near our summer house. There are a few lakes near Ruuhijärvi, that are all connected through waterways. First up is Salajärvi, which is close to Ruuhijärvi and sits at the same water level. All the water here flows straight into Ruuhijärvi through the Salajoki River. Then there’s Sylvöjärvi, located a bit southeast of Ruuhijärvi. The water from Ruuhijärvi trickles down into Sylvöjärvi through the Immilänjoki River, and from there, it makes its way via Arrajärvi to the Kymijoki River. Last but not least, we have Oksjärvi, which is a little further north. the waters flow into Salajärvi via the Luhtaanjoki River, and then they continue on to Ruuhijärvi. Sorry for giving you more information you will never need and most likely I will forget this too.
Oh, and let’s not forget about Iso-Kukkanen, which is around 8 kilometers away!
Few facts for those who are interested: As I refreshed my memory about Finnish lakes, we are country with nearly 188,000 lakes scattered throughout its beautiful landscape! It’s amazing to think how this stunning scenery was crafted by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age, which carved deep depressions into the land. Picture those thick ice sheets covering Finland thousands of years ago, gently scraping away at the soft rock and soil to create those lovely hollows and valleys we appreciate today. When the climate warmed up around 10,000 years ago, the melted glaciers filled those pits with water, forming the lakes we enjoy now. Beneath it all lies the ancient Precambrian shield, a robust layer of rock that has helped maintain those charming shallow basins. With Finland’s cool, wet climate, there’s always plenty of rain and snow (not so much these days)to keep the lakes full, ensuring they never have to worry about drying up! Most of these lakes are shallow and connect through a serene network of rivers and streams, especially in the breathtaking central region known as Finnish Lakeland.
I fell in love with Norway during my first visit there this summer; in this image the beauty of the fjord’s landscape captures my heart with its turquoise-blue shimmering waters in the foreground, framed by rugged dark rocky shorelines and gently rolling green hills. The expansive snow-covered mountains rise dramatically, their peaks partially obscured by fluffy white clouds. Beneath a clear blue sky, the sunlight dances on the water and the crests of the mountains, serene wilderness atmosphere that resonates deeply within me.
A turquoise water and the rugged, snow-dusted mountains and lush green shoreline beneath a bright summer sky – what is there not to love.
I found the Fjords are truly fascinating! A fjord, as I’ve come to understand, is a stunningly long and narrow sea inlet, surrounded by towering cliffs or mountains. These natural wonders were shaped by the tremendous forces of ancient glaciers, which carved out their characteristic U-shaped valleys beneath the water. You’ll often find them exceptionally deep—some, like the incredible Sognefjord in Norway, plunge to over 1,300 meters! It’s interesting how these fjords typically feature a shallow ridge at their mouths, created from remnants of glacial debris. Norway is a treasure trove of these beauties, with more than 1,000 fjords dotting its coastline!
Henley Beach in South Australia holds a special place in my heart, as I actually lived there for a while just about 100 meters from this beautiful beach. It’s a place that deepens my connection to the sea – the ocean, in particular. I could have chosen to reminisce about Bondi Beach in NSW, where I had an unforgettable experience with the ocean currents nearly sweeping me away; I distinctly remember the sand slipping from beneath my feet… Thankfully, my older sister was there to grab my hand and pull me to safety. But since I never lived there, Henley Beach remains my choice.
San Diego – La Jolla. I have such fond memories of living in San Diego during the 90s in my twenties, and we often found ourselves visiting La Jolla Cove—a small, picturesque beach surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs. It was always a joy to see the resident sea lions and the vibrant marine life. I’m sharing this shot to reminisce about the lovely times we had there. Our son was just a year old, he loved running around the area,
La Jolla Beach in California, so many memories…
We drove a few years ago along the Northern California coast, and I loved the scenic landscape, with its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches where waves gently washed ashore. In this shot, the foreground shows earthy, textured soil and lush green shrubbery covering parts of the cliffs, while the ocean extends into the distance under a bright blue sky. Several seagulls can be seen flying above the water, adding life to the tranquil morning scene. The horizon blends soft clouds with clear skies, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere. I don’t remember the name of this place, but I will always remember the feeling of being there.
Now I have shown my six waterscapes—images where water shapes the scene.
Plus in the Header image, you can observe the stunning vistas from the Bondi to Coogee Walk… a remarkable sandstone cliff situated in Sydney, Australia, close to the iconic Bondi Beach. The eastern coastline of Sydney features stratified, weathered sandstone cliffs overlooking the ocean.
A big thank you to Sofia for her fun “What Is It?” challenge! Next week, Beth will be all set with a new theme. Make sure to follow her here to catch her challenge on Saturday, September 12, at noon Eastern Time. But now, we are hosted by John. Don’t forget to link back to his original post in the comments and tag your entry with “Lens-Artists” to ensure we can discover it.
After all these years of sharing my photographs and thoughts, it’s such a nice moment to have this post featured in Freshly Pressed—what a delightful achievement! All I needed to do was enjoy a stroll along the dirt road by the meadow, surrounded by little flowers, busy bees, and graceful butterflies, which reminded me of the incredible beauty that surrounds us in everyday life that we so often forget. I am hopeful this will attract attention from new readers who may notice the post alongside my regular supporters, who continue to like and comment on my posts for which I am very happy see.
I came across this wonderful photo my son captured, and I was instantly drawn to the clouds that framed the Town Hall Tower in Krakow. I felt inspired to edit this image (with permission) of the tower, which stands proudly in the historical market square of Krakow in Poland (Rynek Główny). This Gothic tower, built in the 14th century, is the last remnant of the old town hall. It’s fascinating to see how it’s constructed from brick and stone, and I read that it leans slightly—about 55 centimeters off vertical.
I wanted to give the clouds a little more depth, and converting the image to black and white really did the trick. Heavy clouds fill the sky, with bright light breaking through behind the tower, creating a moody, cinematic atmosphere and strong contrast. I find the mood quite ominous—what about you?
A dramatic black-and-white view of a historic clock tower rising above a city square beneath stormy clouds.
One of the joys of being able to spend time in the countryside, at least for me, is witnessing the mist enveloping the fields and the beauty of sunsets. Since I’m not really a morning person, I often, well to be truthful, always miss the sunrise. I find tranquility in a forest meadow, where the low evening mist blankets the area, tall grasses sway in the foreground, and the dark, layered horizon is defined by dense trees. The sky morphs from a warm golden yellow at the horizon to soft shades of peach and pink, eventually giving way to a cool lavender-blue overhead. Silhouetted pines, birches, and leafy trees perfectly frame this scene, crafting a serene, atmospheric landscape with gentle, natural contrasts. It’s one of those moments that stays with you.
A misty meadow glows beneath a pastel sunrise, framed by a tranquil forest.
September has already started and finally the work on our summer house has begun, not so peaceful at the moment. We are adding a new kitchen and bathroom to our house. It will add more comfort to our
Sisävessan lisäys – esimerkiksi kesämökille tai vanhaan omakotitaloon – tuo huomattavaa arjen mukavuutta, nostaa kiinteistön arvoa ja helpottaa asumista ympäri vuoden.
Finally it is happening, the addition to our house has started So many changes have happened for us to do this We will have loads of logs to keep us warm in the coming years . Builder at work
Monochrome Madness and here I am with another free week, and you might have thought I’d wrapped it all up after my stroll down Meadow Road. But no, we’re back at it! This time, I’m excited to share two versions of the images I snapped along the road where I found those beautiful flower photos—my pathway to my joyful retreat, my summer oasis. I’ve also included two monochrome takes of the plants I saw there to jog your memory.
A quiet dirt path winds through dense woodland and sunlit grasses in a striking black-and-white landscape.
Which version do you prefer, the darker or the lighter one, and what’s the reason for it?
A winding forest path leads through tall grasses and birch trees beneath a dramatic sky in striking black and white.
I took this photo of Juniper needles on Saturday, August 29th, when the light hit them just right, making them really pop.
SONY SLT- A65V – 50MM 2.8 MACRO SONY 7 III – E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6
While walking by the meadow on August 20th, I spotted these delicate Fen Bedstraw flowers and couldn’t resist taking a photo. Then, on August 29th, I went to the cemetery to visit my parents’ grave, where I say this angel leaning on a rock that read, “We miss you.”
IPhone 17 PRO
I captured this feature shot on August 20th, looking through an old window glass that beautifully distorts the image. For Bush Boy’s Last On The Card
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tsangarolon features a window that captures my attention, designed to do just that, with its gracefully arched wooden frame embellished with four-pane glass that gently diffuses the cool daylight streaming in. The rich, dark tones of the frame contrast beautifully with the subtle white plaster surrounding it, all set against the backdrop of weathered earthen walls. Perched on the sill is an assortment of antique metal pitchers and several candlesticks, each item contributing character to the display. The warm amber shadows dance across the surfaces, revealing traditional tools peeking out from the edges.
The monastery is still active, and the monks produce organic olive oil, wine, honey, and olive oil soap these windows are from the shop. There is also a museum in the area displaying old church icons which we did not see.
A rustic stone-wall window glows with daylight, framed by antique pitchers, candlesticks, and a traditional hearth interior.A rustic still life of a vintage chest, ornate vases, and candlesticks arranged before a sunlit window.
I read about the historic Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tsangarolon (Agia Triada Tsangarolon), located on the beautiful Akrotiri peninsula in Crete, just 15 kilometers from Chania. It was established in the early 17th century by the Tzagarolon brothers during the Venetian era, and I love how it reflects a unique blend of Venetian Renaissance and traditional Orthodox architecture. The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon is not only one of the most significant monasteries built towards the end of the Venetian Empire in Crete, but it also has an important place in the region’s history and education. Nestled at the foot of the Stavros mountain range, you can find it in the serene “Tzompomilos” area of Meleha cape.
The Greek inscription above the door translates to the following in English: “There was and was and was, but there was only one, is one and shall in all future be one, light and light and light, but only one light, indeed one God, 1631.” The text refers to the Holy Trinity by repeating the words three times, which directly applies to the name of the monastery.
Taking time to sit outside to look at the stars and moon is one of life’s simple pleasures that often goes overlooked. The charm of the countryside is undoubtedly the absence of light pollution; in these serene settings, the stars and the moon become visible with breathtaking clarity, illuminating the night with a twinkling brilliance that captivates. As I sat and admired the stars, even though the sky was partly covered with clouds, I found a sense of peace. I am always amazed at how well my phone captures images in the dark, allowing me to preserve these fleeting moments and share the beauty of the night sky with others.
The moon breaks through dramatic clouds above a shadowed field framed by leafy trees.
Lens-Artists Challenge – What is it? What IS it? What is IT?
Sofia wrote: You’ll all be the quiz master setting the images and we’ll have to guess what is depicted. The only thing you need to do is find photos that will leave us puzzled, baffled, curious and asking out loud “What is it”? We’ll need to look again, maybe use our imagination… possibly even give up and just enjoy the image we have in front of us. How can we do it?
I don’t know, but I sure will give it a try; hope you will participate and take a guess at mine. These are fresh from the camera, as I took these during the last few days while exploring different things. Each shot captures the beauty and vibrancy of everyday things. Some are more obvious, revealing familiar while others are perhaps a bit more obscure, challenging your observation skills and sense of discovery. I look forward to seeing your thoughts and interpretations on these images, as they each have their own story to tell.
Number one Number two
Number three
Number four -too easy?Number fiveNumber six
This past week, I encouraged you to delve into the various techniques you employ in image creation. I was truly impressed by the creativity displayed within the Lens-Artist community; thank you for sharing your artistic endeavors. Your posts have sparked some fantastic ideas for me. Sofia’s exciting challenge awaits us this week, so I invite you to participate and remember to link back to her original post and use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find your contributions easily in the WP Reader.
John will be back next week, bringing a new challenge for us to tackle at noon EST in the USA. Make sure to join us to learn more about the challenge at that time.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Number 1: bread Number 2: Peperomia – Radiator Plant Number 3: shimmering charcoal Number 4: Honey and honey dipper Number 5: fallen leaves in a puddle Number 6: one water drop
i am happy I got this close-up of lush green grass covered in sparkling dew droplets, captured in bright natural light. The shallow depth of field turns many droplets into luminous circular highlights, while a few golden-brown fallen leaves and small mushrooms add warm accents among the blades. The low-angle composition creates a fresh, bright morning feelings
I believe I’ve nearly captured the vibrant splashes of flowers at the meadow’s edge from my walk in August.
Creeping thistle, Sneezewort, Red clover, and Yellow toadflax are just a few of the diverse plants you might encounter in wildflower meadows. Among them, Imperforate St. John’s-wort stands out with its bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators. Additionally, Bitter buttons are known for their distinctive features and resilience, while Fen Bedstraw and Upright Bedstraw thrive in damp soils, contributing to the rich tapestry of vegetation. These plants play essential roles in their ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various insects and wildlife. It’s fascinating how nature weaves together such vibrant species, making each encounter in the wild feel unique. I think _I got the plants correctly.
This week, let’s embrace an intentionally defocused interior scene that invites you in. Imagine a bright window or doorway at the center, surrounded by warm golden walls and softly glowing circular lights on either side, creating a comforting atmosphere. I truly appreciate this setup. In the lower foreground, dark, indistinct furniture and architectural forms blend into the background, while cool gray and blue tones gracefully balance the soft amber lighting. The gentle bokeh, heavy blur, and muted composition work harmoniously to evoke a soothing, dreamlike mood that resonates with the feeling I wanted to capture. In these times, comfort is needed.
An atmospheric, softly blurred interior glows with warm golden lights and indistinct architectural details.
I couldn’t help but be drawn to the beach, wide and painted in pastel tones, but I converted it to gray and white. You can see where the waves rolled in rhythmically onto the sandy shore beneath an expansive, cloudy sky. The flat-topped cliff on the right stood out, capturing my eye, and in the distance, hazy hills faded into the horizon, adding depth to the scene. The dark, wet sand in the foreground was a canvas of footprints and rippled textures, while a few seabirds perched near the water’s edge, creating a serene, breezy atmosphere that felt perfect for capturing those introspective moments through my lens. Do you see what I mean?
A windswept beach stretches toward dramatic coastal cliffs beneath a softly clouded sky.
Thanks Brian for the use of the logo click it and it will forward you to Leanne’s post. i had to try it straight away
This on the same dirt road, gravel road, whatever 😂 by the meadow. If you thought that I was done, not, here are few more. No explanation this time. Just saying these little buzzers are so important
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 