Last one on the card – February 2026
This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday
Last on the Card – 28 February 2026
surprise 😲
Participating in Debbies One Word Sunday: Surprise
Lens-Artists Challenge #387—Shadowed
This is a challenge to my heart; this is what photography is truly about. Thanks John for this theme. Your post helped me to find inspiration to mine. I, in advance, apologize for way too many photographs, as I understand that sometimes less is more. However, I can’t help but feel that each image tells a story worth sharing. Recently, I’ve been trying to limit them, focusing on quality over quantity, yet the temptation to document everything that stirs my compulsion to share proves to be an ongoing struggle.
Shadows in a photograph really bring things to life, don’t they? They add depth and dimension that can turn a basic shot into something pretty amazing. The way light plays with shadows is key to photography; it creates this cool contrast that totally grabs your attention.
One odd thing stood out when looking for photographs for this challenge: I noticed that most of my images are taken in portrait mode. I wonder why? I had never thought about this before. I really had to search for the ones in landscape composition. Another thing is that I tend to have my best shadowed shots in monochrome, so finding ones in color… I have spent way too much time composing this post; my butt is numb 😂
Shadows can really stir up feelings, set a vibe, and bring to life textures and shapes that you might miss otherwise. When you get a handle on how to play with lighting, you can really grab those little details in shadows, making your photos pop and your stories come alive. A shadow in just the right spot can lead to some fascinating interpretations, pulling viewers in to really connect with the image and what it’s all about. It’s this cool dance between light and shadow that creates contrast, which is key for highlighting the main parts of a shot.
Shadows can really tap into some deep themes like mystery or nostalgia, creating a special bond between us and the artwork. When photographers mess around with different angles and light intensities, it’s amazing to see how shadows can change the way their subjects look, adding some serious meaning and emotion to the story they’re telling. Playing with shadows not only shakes up the usual ideas of beauty but also invites us to reflect a bit more while we’re looking, making those captured moments stick with us long after we’ve moved on.
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As I stood there, I was drawn to the silhouetted child gazing at the shimmering water, a moment that spoke of the beauty of light and shadow. The sunlight danced across the surface, reflecting the gentle innocence in their expression, a delicate interplay I captured in my black and white photograph. Each click of the shutter echoed the wonder I felt, revealing a story in every shade.
If you wish to have a closer to look at enlarged images , click the gallery.
Last week, thanks to Patti for hosting. The challenge was juxtaposition – it was interesting and your responses were varied and imagery.
I hope you will join in for this week’s Shadowed challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to John’s original post
Make sure to return on Saturday, March 7, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from Ann-Christine at Leya – To See a World in a Grain of Sand…. 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.
curious toddler engrossed in a book
Posted as part of Six Word Saturday
Playful Squirrels in Nature
I remember taking more than one photo of squarelles today I am sharing few with Ragtag Daily Prompt: Critters
Bright lights, they flash and blind
Have I captured this in this image; a dimly lit tunnel with sleek lines and warm yellow lights. Shadows create patterns. As vehicles pass, bright lights flash, briefly blinding those inside. The mix of dark and light highlights the tunnel’s design and the thrill of speed felt by travelers. This imagery should reflect the moment of traveling through it quickly.
A dimly lit tunnel, where shadows remain,
Sleek lines of structure, a rush quickly past.
Bright lights, they flash and blind
Illuminating the roadway, as speed takes flight.
Daily Frustrations: HUH Moments
HUH, the expression says so much; it encapsulates a feeling of sheer incredulity and frustration. As I sip my coffee with the morning paper in hand, (nowadays it’s iPad or computer screen, but newspaper looks better in a photo, huh) I can’t help but let it slip through my thoughts and lips over and over again while reading the news, scrolling through headlines that seem to scream the same tired sentiment. It’s all just a massive HUH or a UGH, a reaction to the relentless negativity that envelops our screens and casts a shadow over my mornings.
How many pieces of good news do you actually see on your feed these days? Uplifting stories feel like a shocking rarity, a brief glimmer in a sea of disheartening tales that stir deeper emotions and leave us questioning the state of the world. We long for a balance between the bad and the good, wrestling with a profound sadness about the world’s plight; in fact, I often find myself using much stronger words to convey my frustration, huh!
Share a story, poem, photo, painting, essay centered on Huh? Should be easy! I think/feel/say this a dozen times a day! Please, tag your post “RDP” and “Ragtag Daily Prompt”.
memories of Paris: Tuileries Palace
The image showcases the Pavillon de Marsan, located in the northern section of the Tuileries Palace in Paris, captured 20 years ago, as were my earlier post about France. This structure was initially built in the 1660s. Following the destruction of the original Tuileries Palace during the Paris Commune in the 1870s, it underwent reconstruction. Today, it forms part of the Louvre Palace and museum.
The Tuileries garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is in a really great spot: right between the Louvre and the place de la Concorde. If you’re after a quiet and peaceful green space, this garden might not be for you. But because of its awesome location, thousands of people flock here every year.
The atmosphere is pleasant, with locals, joggers, and tourists from the Louvre mingling together. Numerous benches are said to line the fountains, providing a place to relax, and one can often discover a serene corner within this expansive 26-hectare garden, away from the noise of the city. However, since we visited in winter, there weren’t many chairs available.
Nighttime Views of Helsinki’s Iconic Sites
I don’t have resent doors for Dan’s Thursday Doors, but I edited an shot from Helsinki for this weeks post. The shot is from few years back but the buildings are still there.
The yellow house is the Bockin House is one of the oldest buildings next to Senate Square, originally built by merchant Gustav Johan Bock. After he passed away, it changed hands until the Swedish crown turned it into a royal residence in 1801. When the Russians took over Helsinki in 1808, they used it as a home for their officers. In 1816, architect Carl Ludvig Engel came along and revamped it into the official home for the Governor-General of Finland, making it a three-story Empire-style building and adding a pediment with Ionic columns, plus a fancy banquet hall. The one in the corner is Helsinki City Museum, located in the city’s oldest blocks near Senate Square, is anchored by Sederholm House (1757),the the oldest stone building in the city center.
Monochrome Landscapes: 10km From Home
Leanne is our host this week, and she was inspired by one of the Lens-Artists Challenges from last year to come up with this theme. Specifically, it stemmed from challenge #367 – Everyone Should See This, which prompted her to consider what is nearby to one’s home. I chose to focus on WITHIN 10KMS FROM HOME. as requested. For those more familiar with miles, that equates to roughly 6 miles.
Living just 10 km away, we have a mix of landscapes around us, from farmland and sea to lively urban spots that make our surroundings interesting. This time, my photos might not be my best, but they show some fresh moments from my recent outings. Espoo, with its own unique vibe, is about 10 kilometers from home; this area is where I often get inspired by the sea, since I used to live close to it in Espoo. That’s what I really miss from my current place—being just a short walk from the seafront . It’s not that far away, though. I snapped these first two photos with my iPhone on Monday during a nice trip out to meet a friend for lunch at a café that has a great view of the waterfront, showcasing the beautiful mix of nature and city life.
About 10 km from home, I snapped this as I was heading back from the hairdresser. It’s in Espoo, where I’ve been going for over 20 years, even before we moved to our current place. Once you find a hairdresser who does a great job, it’s tough to switch things up. I’m sure the ladies would agree with me on that 😀. It’s in a busy area with a bunch of apartment buildings. Not the most creative shot, but I liked the leading lines, which is why I took it.
In the monochrome winter landscape, trees rise against a blanket of snow covering the field, showcasing the beauty of the season. I captured this moment yet again with my iPhone, approximately 5 kilometers from a quaint ski resort in Kirkkonummi.
Country roads very near our home. The day temperatures have been warmer so the main roads are free of snow.
February Outdoor Fun: Snow and Sunny Skies
A sunny February day filled with winter delight was immortalized through my mobile phone. The vast blue skies contrasted spectacularly with the shimmering white snow. With a mild temperature of -4°C, it felt delightful to be outdoors, with children engaging in various winter activities. While the little ones might not recall this adventure, the adults surely will.
Sharing for Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday.
Montmartre: window from 1790
A window from the residence of the first mayor of Montmartre in Paris, accompanied by a memorial plaque.
The inscription reveals that the initial mayor of Montmartre took up residence here in 1790.
Participating in Monday Window: 23 February 2026
Blue
Participating in One word Sunday 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
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 