I am an avid enthusiast of black and white photography, often referred to as monochrome photography, which has its nuances that set it apart from color photography in remarkable ways. At Lens-Artists, we’ve explored minimalism and black-and-white photography separately, each offering its unique perspective and emotional depth, but when these two styles are combined, they create a powerful and engaging atmosphere that resonates deeply with us on multiple levels. The stark contrasts and the interplay of light and shadows in black and white can evoke a range of emotions, allowing the essence of the subject to shine through without the distraction of color. This week, I encourage you to embrace this artistic fusion and challenge yourself to capture images that marry minimalism and black and white, naturally you can also use you archives. Please limit your submissions to a maximum of ten images, a thoughtful reflection of your artistic vision and perspective.
Intricate details of dandelion seeds captured in a black and white composition.
By cutting out all the clutter and colors, you get rid of every little distraction, letting the heart of the subject shine through. This whole idea of simplifying things invites viewers to really think about what they’re seeing, encouraging them to dive into the tiny details and subtle nuances that might usually go unnoticed. Each shadow and highlight becomes way more important, sparking a conversation between light and form that pulls the audience in emotionally, ultimately leaving them with a clear narrative that’s not just powerful, but also super thought-provoking.
To master this aesthetic, consider these elements: Embrace negative space as essential to focus attention on the subject, recognizing that emptiness can be impactful; minimalism can convey emotions through tone and composition.
A delicate flower, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and negative space.
A white photograph of minimalist chairs, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow.
A black and white winter landscape featuring a cluster of trees shrouded in fog, embodying minimalism and tranquility.
Focus on Geometry: Use striking shapes and contrasts to convey your narrative. Highlight a key gesture or bold silhouette while emphasizing patterns, curves, and symmetry for balance. Keep it simple.
A black and white photograph of a weathered boat on the beach, highlighting texture and simplicity in monochrome.
Highlight Texture: Utilize textures like metal, stone, or fabric to add depth without color.
Simple: Eliminate distractions by featuring one strong element.
Dramatic black and white clouds framed by architectural lines, showcasing the power of contrasts in photography.
Utilize lighting to define your subject’s personality; side lighting adds drama, backlighting creates silhouettes, and overhead lighting highlights curves.
Aim for simplicity by eliminating unnecessary elements. Harsh light reveals structure while soft light creates mood, and contrasting blacks and whites deliver a striking visual impact.
A striking black-and-white close-up of a flower bud with droplets, highlighting the intricate textures and graceful forms.
A black and white photograph showcasing an open door framing a serene outdoor scene, exemplifying the beauty of minimalism and negative space.
Close-up of textured brick wall in black and white, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow.
A woman illuminated by candlelight, highlighting the contrast between light and shadow
Thank you, Anne, for your last week’s challenge: What’s around the corner. We got a great response to it; I really enjoyed it, seeing a glimpse of the places where we live, and apparently, you did too. Next week, be sure to check back on Saturday, January 24, at noon eastern time, when Egídio will be hosting the challenge. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people find your wonderful challenge entries
Close-up of rippling water, or is it ice? Nature gives us the opportunity to wonder, inviting us to contemplate the profound beauty and mystery of our surroundings. Whether it is the gentle undulation of water or the solid tranquility of ice, both evoke curiosity, encouraging us to pause and appreciate the intricate details of the world we often take for granted.
Close-up of rippling water or is it ice- but nature gives us the opportunity wonder.
Saturday Classics followers, today Let me introduce you to Kelly Boesch with this song. Pure Joy. I founded her music through Spotify new songs list that I get.
The artist writes this; I come back to this theme a lot. Finding Joy in the little things in life. Sitting in silence together, walking alone in nature, being with someone you love. Just noticing the beautiful things around you. I made the song with this theme as well. Simple things that might go unnoticed to most but some people find the beauty in them. I personally find the beauty in the small things. It brings me joy. I also see the sadness and hatred. It’s a fine balance trying to keep from being filled with too much sadness over everything that is going on right now. These little videos help me feel good and I share them in hopes of others finding the same goodness for a few minutes. Sending peace to the world in hopes that it heals.
I can easily agree with her, she was a new find to me but I am intrigued by her music and videos
I found this on her page: The Artist Kelly Boesch is an AI visual innovator blending two decades of design expertise from IMAX and abstract painting with cutting-edge technology. A pioneer in developing a new visual language, pushing creative boundaries at the intersection of human artistry and machine learning.
Lux Helsinki brought winter to the city and attracted an impressive 450,000 visitors between 6–11 January to experience moments of light, colour and stillness. By audience request, the Light Art Festival lasted six days this time, and next year’s event will be extended to eight days.
In my monochrome photographs, I strive to capture the essence of icy water tumbling over rocks during winter. There’s a certain vibrancy in the flow of the partially frozen water that contrasts beautifully with the serene stillness of the surrounding landscape. This juxtaposition between the rushing water and the frigid scene creates a captivating portrayal of nature’s elegance in the chilly air, allowing me to highlight the delicate features of both the water and its environment.
A black and white photo of icy water flowing over rocks in a winter landscape.
A dynamic black and white image capturing flowing water, partially frozen, amidst a winter landscape.A monochrome depiction of icy water cascading over rocks in a serene winter landscape.
This morning I started to look for photos of doors, Now it’s 5 PM, and I found myself completely immersed in editing photos from years back, particularly from my visits to the Espoo Cathedral, which is currently closed for renovations but is expected to be back in use by 2027. The intricate architecture and historical significance of this beautiful structure captivate me, making the editing process both a nostalgic experience. I will post those sorted photos soon.
These are not from there. These are from the interior of Hvitträsk, just a small detail from a children’s room that truly captures the essence of early 20th-century design. I love the design of this child’s bed made of wood, crafted in 1905 by the renowned designer Eliel Saarinen. The bed showcases a thoughtful blend of functionality and artistry, ensuring comfort for the child while also serving as a beautiful piece of furniture.
The numerous mills in the rapids of the lakes on the northern side of the Salpausselkä in Nastola have been significant since the 16th century, and the current building stock forms cohesive and temporally as well as functionally layered entities in picturesque locations. The mills in the rapids represent early industrial buildings, to which the residences of the millers have also been connected.
The Kumian mills are located by the shore of Lake Salajärvi at a place where a river divides the narrow isthmus between Lake Salajärvi and Isokukkanen. The older wooden mill building dates back to the 1890s, while the tall flour mill building is from the 1930s.
The Kumian flour mill was designed in 1933 at the East Häme agricultural society. Later, similar tall flour mills were built, either as electric or steam mills. The mill became the most popular in Nastola and the nearby municipalities, significantly contributing to the spread of wheat cultivation in the area. A groats mill and a shaving planing machine operated in connection with the mill. Milling activities ceased in 1964.
A red mill surrounded by snow-covered trees and a flowing stream.
This week’s theme, “Markets” in Monochrome Madness comes to us from Sarah and her blog, Travel With Me.
I haven’t been to markets recently, and so I am relieved to say the colorful Goa market provided me with loads of images to work with. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with vendors and chatter, made the experience memorable. As the people in India dress colorfully and the fruits and flowers at the marketplace offer many different colors, just converting to B/W was not an option. Each photograph presented a unique palette, with bright fabrics and eye-catching arrangements that seemed to come alive under the warm sun so to be able to bring them all present in the images, well, it required a bit of editing to get the results I am happy enough to be able to share them with you.
Women selling produce at a bustling market in black and white.
A vendor at a market in Goa, surrounded by coconuts and showcasing daily life in monochrome.
A woman selling various goods at a vibrant market, captured in monochrome.
The array of bright fabrics, fruits, and flowers necessitated careful editing to preserve the essence of the original colors. I hope the monochrome images of daily life in the bustling market capture this richness despite transitioning to black-and-white photography.
A whimsical display featuring a playful red figurine pushing a cart alongside stylish clothing and a luxury handbag, celebrating 130 years of monogram design.
This week it’s Anne’s turn to host, and for that, I took an outing to Helsinki. Well, that is partially true. We went to buy bed linen; one of our sheets had been used so much that it ripped with a big hole. I have, for an unknown reason, very sensitive skin at the moment, so I wanted very soft linen. I am happy to say I found it: bamboo sheets. Luxury. I am way off the point here, but it might explain some of my photos. I took them all with my iPhone. Anne wrote: Look around, and using your imagination, what do you see? Please keep this to the same walk—that’s the challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing what you find. And have fun! This is where my walk began.
A beautifully arranged display of soft, luxurious bed linen featuring patterned blue sheets and plush pillows, perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep. I did not buy these but it was a last minute decision to take photos and this is a lovely set in my opinion.
I did take the one below as I did not know if we were going to go out of the store, I mean it was cold.
We strolled around for a bit, and you know how it is in familiar spots—you hardly notice the little things, right? So, I grabbed some shots of Aleksanterinkatu and the folks bustling about. Then I kicked myself for not paying more attention. In the shots below, you’ll see some doors that normally I’d just breeze past, even though I think they’re gorgeous.
To participate in this challenge, I needed to discover something compelling for a photograph. I captured a close-up of the intricate stone carvings at the entrance of the Pohjola Insurance Company’s building in Helsinki. Designed by architect Eliel Saarinen, the building was completed in 1901 and features a façade embellished with grotesques and mythical creatures from Finnish folklore. The scowling faces in the picture are crafted by sculptor Hilda Flodin. My husband made a joke about it, and just from their expressions, you can tell which ones are women, as he remarked with a smug grin 😂
Window shopping and checking out the displays is fun, but this time I tried to pay more attention to the details and didn’t really nail it. I could’ve done better, but the cold wind had my fingers feeling like ice sticks!
We did find a restaurant to have lunch.
Please keep it to the same walk—that was the challenge, I did that. My intention was to keep the post shorter, but this is what I found. And I did have fun! It turned out that my photos are not award-winning photos or all that attractive to my photographic eye; but, I did take the risk and found something worth the time.
Thanks Anne for this one, it made go out to the cold and have walk in the city. Next week, Saturday, January 17, at noon EST is my turn to host, hope to see you then.
Please remember to link your post Anne’s original post. Also, remember to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.
Winters teeth are digging in, as the chill of the season settles relentlessly over the landscape, transforming vibrant colors into muted gray tones and whites and blanketing the world in a suffocating hush. The once warm air is now sharp and biting, reminding all living creatures of the harsh realities that winter brings. As frost etches intricate patterns on windows, the biting cold seeps into every corner, prompting people to bundle up in layers and seek solace indoors, where the glow of a fire offers comfort against the relentless advance of winter’s grip.
Icicles forming on branches near a flowing stream, showcasing the beauty of winter’s chill.
For This weeks Saturday Classics – Carly Simon song. At some point in my life, it was easy to relate to this song. Relationships can have they moments. And I listened to it quite often. I found Carly Simon through my sister, she introduced me to her records.
In this song, Jesse, an ex-lovers, is coming back to town, and she’s getting prepared. He broke her heart, and she knows he’ll do it again if she lets him. Simon enlists her friends and family for support, and prepares a speech to let him know where he stands. That’s the chorus of the song, which contains Simon’s trademark imagery, letting Jesse know all the things she won’t be doing for him:
Cut fresh flowers
Chill the wine
Change the sheets
Put on cologne
Sit by the phone
But midway through the song, the plan goes out the window; she just can’t resist his charms. “Jesse, I’ll always cut fresh flowers for you,” Simon tells him.
“Jesse” was the lead single from Carly Simon’s ninth album, Come Upstairs. It became one of her best-known songs and one she would usually play in her rare concert appearances.
A river whispers, half asleep, Framed by snow, secrets it keeps. Clouds hang low, a muted gray, In winter’s grasp, the world at bay. Nature holds a still embrace.
A partially frozen river bordered by snow-covered banks and trees. Winter landscape on a cloudy day.
The building depicted in the picture is Lundquist’s commercial building, located in Helsinki. It is one of the most beautiful and representative buildings in Finland and a landmark in Helsinki’s city center. It has been renovated in recent years.
The building was completed in 1900 and designed by architect Selim A. Lindqvist. At the time of completion, it was Finland’s first pure commercial building, which contained no residential apartments. The façade is adorned with statues inspired by mythological goddesses, such as Artemis and Athena, reflecting the building’s original purpose as a shopping center.
Entrance of Lundquist’s commercial building in Helsinki, featuring statues of mythological goddesses.
Let’s kick of the year 2026 for The Flower Hour with a beautiful rose from my archives, showcasing its lively petals. Flowers, they offer us beauty and joy. Particularly during this season when they are so often found only in bouquets, so expect posts of past summer photos,
A vibrant purple rose in full bloom, accompanied by budding roses – nature’s beauty.
The January sun hung low in the sky, resembling a soft coin against a lavender backdrop, casting shadows that stretched like gentle, blue fingers over the fresh blanket of snow, guiding your way with beautiful patterns of light and dark. Walking through a snow-blanketed forest is more than just a stroll; it’s a heartfelt escape where the crisp air fills your lungs with revitalizing energy, and the soothing silence of new snow envelops everything in calm.
The slender white trunks of the birch trees twinkle in the sunlight, their delicate bark curling in pieces that catch the warmth of the afternoon.
As you make your way along twisting trails, nature’s tranquility wraps around you, inviting you to set aside the burdens of time and truly appreciate the stunning beauty surrounding you. The slender white trunks of the birch trees twinkle in the sunlight, their delicate bark curling in pieces that catch the warmth of the afternoon. Each graceful, drooping branch is wrapped in a thick layer of pristine white, bending the young saplings into elegant, icy arches above the path. The woods feel suspended in a shimmering stillness; even the air seems transformed into something crystalline and pure. With each footstep, the snow crunches beneath you, the only sound in this peaceful solitude.
For a moment, the world felt perfectly still—a silver-etched landscape—a white canopy.
As the trail dips into a gentle hollow, the light dances off the ice crystals suspended in the air, turning the birch grove into a magical cathedral filled with “diamond dust.” In that moment, the world feels perfectly still—a silver-etched landscape blanketed by a calming white canopy, reminding you of the quiet beauty of existence.
During my trip to Helsinki, I finally got to check out the Stockmann fairytale window before they shut it down at Epiphany, and I made it just in time! I’d walked by it earlier this year, but it was so packed with people of all ages staring at it that I didn’t even bother getting close.
One of the coolest Christmas traditions in the city center is the Stockmann fairytale window, which always gets people smiling on Aleksanterinkatu during the holiday season. The display window creates a cozy Christmas vibe and brings joy to kids hanging out at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Keskuskatu. This year, the window takes everyone into an enchanted fairytale forest to celebrate Stockmann’s 160th birthday. The centerpiece features characters from Moomin. The Moomin world feels like one giant hug, at least in the cartoons.
The enchanting Stockmann fairytale window featuring Moomin characters celebrating Christmas, creating a festive atmosphere in Helsinki.Muumi-Mamma and Muumi-Pappa hugging ( I don’t know the english names 😀 )
Since 1949, the Stockmann fairy tale window in downtown Helsinki has been bringing holiday joy to Christmas lovers of all ages. Over the years, this window has let folks step into all kinds of magical Christmas stories and whimsical worlds.
Yesterday we went to do some shopping and have lunch in Helsinki. This messy One Word Sunday snow was the attraction to these tourists. The sidewalks are kept warm so mostly they are snow free, but this pile of snow as there to entertain these kids. The parents were not too happy about it.
This was also suitable for Cellpic Sunday is hosted by John at Travels with Johnbo as I took it with my Iphone
Children playing in a pile of snow outside a Louis Vuitton store in Helsinki.
Our end-of-the-year challenge is this week. There is no specific Lens-Artist host for this challenge, as the team is acting as joint hosts for the week you can link any team member’s post in your response. You can also link to your post in any team member’s comment section.
The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2025, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2025 challenges.
We embarked on a delightful journey to Australia early last year, traversing thousands of kilometers primarily along its scenic backroads. The diverse landscapes we encountered stood in stark contrast to those familiar to us in Finland, showcasing nature’s breathtaking variety. As we drove, a serene silence enveloped us, occasionally broken by our reflections on the stunning scenery that unfolded before our eyes. Each vista offered a new canvas, rich with color and texture, inviting us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the moment. It was during this trip that I captured the majority of my photography for the year. The memories and experiences of our Australian adventure remain etched in my mind, a reminder of the wonder found in exploration.
My pursuit for photos, was nonexistent, didn’t yield the abundance of stunning shots this year other than the ones I got during our trip. I did get some, but this time for this post, I have decided to focus my shots on that visit.
A panoramic view of lush green valleys and dramatic cliffs under a moody sky, capturing the beauty of the natural landscape at Blue Mountains.
The stunning Blue Mountains, with their breathtaking peaks and lush valleys, left me utterly captivated. The rich tapestry of the forest below, filled with towering eucalyptus trees and vibrant wildlife, created a picturesque landscape that was impossible to forget. The combination of crisp mountain air and the distant sound of cascading waterfalls added to the location’s charm, making it one of the most unforgettable destinations we had the pleasure of exploring. The unique blue haze that envelops the mountains, formed by the oils released from the trees, only intensified their mystique and beauty, drawing visitors into a serene world of natural wonder.
View to Snapper Island in front of Caseys beach with lush trees and rocky outcrops under a cloudy sky.
We enjoyed a two-week stay at my cousin’s place in Caseys Beach, and I absolutely adored gazing at the sea; at night, I listened to the waves as we fell asleep. I must admit, she resides in my dream location, and while I realize I will never have that, it’s certainly a beautiful spot to visit.
A serene, foggy road surrounded by lush greenery on our way to Blue Mountains inviting exploration and adventure.
Those who know me are aware of my love for misty imagery; fog and mist continually inspire my photography. On the morning we drove up the mountain, the fog was so dense that visibility was minimal, yet a light shimmered in the distance, gradually revealing itself as the mist began to lift. I have taken a bit of artistic liberty with the edit – adding a touch more sunlight into the image. But I like the end result.
Three seagulls standing on a reflective shoreline with calm water at Surf Beach in NSW.
The beaches in Australia are breathtaking, characterized by their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, making them perfect for beachgoers eager to soak up the sun and surf. I absolutely love watching the waves gently roll in. During my visit to Surf Beach, I encountered a flock of seagulls; compelled by sight of them, I approached for a closer look. This led to one of my favorite photographs, showcasing the stunning reflections they cast on the glistening wet surface.
There are more than 100 ocean-fed rock pools along the NSW coast and the Blue Pool in Bermagui is regularly ranked among the prettiest. This gem along the Sapphire Coast is all opaline hues, think azure fading to turquoise to blush and then canary yellow. Clamber down the cliff and you’re greeted by the 50 metre-long seawater swimming hole and stunning sea views.
Vibrant ocean waves crash against rocky shores, showcasing Australia’s stunning coastal beauty ar Bermagui beachA stunning sunset behind a large tree, casting dynamic shadows on the green lawn in Talbingo NSW
Talbingo is a charming small town nestled in a breathtaking mountain setting, which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice due to my cousin residing there. Known for its stunning landscapes, it’s a picturesque spot. During my visit, I was captivated by a beautiful sunset behind this tree. During our visit to Australia, we saw so many gorgeous sunsets, and this was one of them.
A striking view of dry trees against a blue sky, highlighting the contrast of nature’s resilience somewhere on the road in Australia.
The aftermath of wildfires reveals strikingly expressive tree trunks, each bearing a unique story etched into their bark. These charred remnants stand as testament to nature’s resilience, captivating our attention and inviting us to capture their haunting beauty through photography. The textures and patterns formed by the flames create artful contrasts, making each trunk a powerful symbol of both destruction and renewal, begging to be immortalized in stunning images.
Rolling golden hills and grazing sheep in the Australian countryside.
The rolling hills of South Australia were breathtaking, adorned with a palette of lovely, muted earth tones that painted the landscape with a serene beauty. Amidst this picturesque scenery, flocks of sheep grazed peacefully, their woolly coats blending seamlessly with the gentle slopes, while clusters of cows wandered nearby, adding to the idyllic charm of this rural paradise.
As we step into the New Year, new challenges await us starting next week, offering fresh opportunities for creativity and expression. I an happy to share that Anne from Slow Shutter Speed will once again grace us with her photographic journey, inspiring us with a new theme Saturday, January 11, at noon EST. Expect to see lovely photos that showcase her unique perspective but also inspiring words that will accompany them, encouraging us all to join in. Let’s embrace this new adventure together with open hearts and imaginations!
Please remember to link your post here, or to any or all of the other Lens-Artists team members. Also, remember to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.
I don’t know if this a classic, but I have listened this to more than once lately. So Why not share this?
This information I found out after googling them.Hailing from Alabama, the talented country-folk duo known as the Secret Sisters features siblings Lydia (Rogers) Slagle and Laura Rogers. They first gained attention in 2010 with a unique blend of seamless harmonies, insightful songwriting, and a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of country music. In 2014, they refreshed their vintage sound by incorporating girl group-inspired garage-folk elements in their album Put Your Needle Down. They later released two Grammy-nominated LPs produced by Brandi Carlile: You Don’t Own Me Anymore (2017) and Saturn Return (2020), which blended aspects of their original style. Retaining their mid-century influences, their most recent album, Mind, Man, Medicine (2024), presents a more modern sound reflective of experiences such as motherhood and the challenges of the pandemic, featuring the duet “All the Ways” with Ray LaMontagne.
Well, if you need, need, need Someone to love Oh, let me love, love, love you All the ways
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 