These Black and white images are from Espoon tuomiokirkko , Espoo Cathedral (or simply The Old Church of Espoo) Which is the city’s oldest building, a medieval stone church built in the late 15th century and a significant landmark in Espoo, Finland. I actually had my confirmation there in the end of 1970’s.
I was trying to capture more mood and how the light came into this church than all the details, even though I have to admit there are many, and I could have gone that way in the editing process. The interplay of light and shadow created a serene atmosphere that seemed to envelop the space. Additionally, the various architectural elements, from the towering arches to the intricate glass windows, added depth , highlighting the artistry involved in the design of the church. Those walls revealed something new, whether it was the soft glow illuminating the pews or the subtle play of light dancing on the stone surfaces as I looked more closely to the image. Participating in Monochrome Madness allowed me to focus more on the essence of these moments rather than getting lost in the precise details.
Interior view of Espoo Cathedral, showcasing its historic architecture in monochrome.
Interior view of Espoo Cathedral highlighting its architectural details and natural light in black and white.
We were delighted to find parking by the Alexander Theatre as all the streets were packed with cars due to LUX Helsinki, which we also came to see. So obviously I was going to take a photograph of it, for some reason I thought I might have use for it. This building has been a cornerstone of Helsinki’s cultural scene. Today, it provides outstanding facilities for various events, including concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances, making it an ideal venue for visiting groups.
The beautifully illuminated entrance of the Alexander Theatre, a significant cultural venue in Helsinki, adorned with festive decorations and snow.
A brief history of the building:
In the early decades of the 1800s, theatre troupes from Sweden, Estonia and Russia and also from Italy and Germany visited Helsinki. But this changed when Nikolai Adlerberg became the Governor General of Finland and established a Russian Theatre with a grant he organised from the Tsar’s funds.
Construction began in April 1876 and was completed in 1879. Originally the AlexanderTheatre was to serve the local Russian garrison. The bricks for the decorative building were transported all the way from Åland. The National Theatre and Opera companies moved to the building in 1918 and the National Opera remained on the premises until 1993, when they moved to the new Opera House on the Toolo bay. For this reason, AlexanderTheatre, the Old Opera House, is an important part of Finnish cultural history. Text from AlexanderTheatre page.
People enjoying the festive atmosphere at LUX Helsinki, with colorful decorations hanging above them.
Pancake ice is a fascinating winter occurrence characterized by the formation of circular ice floes in rivers, resulting from water agitation in frigid temperatures. Witnessing this spectacle was enchanting, marking my first and final encounter with ice pancakes. Captured on January 26, 2014, it feels like a distant memory. In Finland, pancake ice creates stunning winter landscapes as rivers form these round, pancake-shaped ice floes when the water is disturbed in freezing conditions, showcasing beautifully rounded edges and a surreal ambiance adorned with snow and frost. This natural marvel attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, highlighting the Arctic charm of Finland in winter.
A tranquil winter scene showcasing pancake ice formations in a river surrounded by trees in Finland.
Pancake ice floes creating a mesmerizing pattern on a river in Finland during winter.
Last weekend, I attended the LUX Helsinki 2026 festival, which attracted large crowds despite the cold weather. Dressing appropriately helped, but my fingers did get really cold while taking the photos. Five of the twenty installations were situated near Hietalahti Market Hall.
Visitors admire a colorful light display during LUX Helsinki 2026 on a chilly Sunday evening.
Visitors explore the enchanting snowy landscape illuminated by blue lights at LUX Helsinki 2026.
The event featured colorful light displays, particularly at the eerily beautiful Old Church Park, also known as the “Plague Park” due to its historical significance. The Blue light and snow made the place look a bit eerie. It is also known as the “Plague Park” (Ruttopuisto), as victims of the plague in 1710 were buried alongside the church. The gravestones in the Old Church Park remind of the history of cemeteries in this part of town. The park is home to the second oldest church in Helsinki and remains a popular destination within the city center, blending art and history.
Visitors enjoying the LUX Helsinki 2026 light festival, surrounded by art installations on a snowy evening.
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 