2022 #Wrapped
So it’s the last day of 2022 as I’m writing this and it’s an appropriate time for some reflection. Intuitively it feels again like just another year but actually a lot of things have happened almost kind of low-key, surprisingly. The first quarter of the year is kind of a blur, as at the end of February I moved back to Finland from Denmark, where I lived for 2,5 years. The reverse culture shock was definitely a thing, even though I was expecting one, but overall it’s been a reasonably smooth adjustment back to the Finnish way of life.
Another big change was that my fiancée moved to the States for six months and I was happy to spend my summer vacation to go over for a visit. Some of the highlights were a visit to D.C. and the Shenandoah National Park.
Reflection of the Washington Monument during sunrise taken from the Lincoln Memorial
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum has a lovely Butterfly Exhibit, tickets sold separately.
As we were staying in Charlottesville, VA, Shenandoah National Park is a short drive away and we were greeted by a gorgeous sunset during our drive up the mountain roads and lovely viewpoints.
Reflections on a scenic viewpoint in Shenandoah National Park.
Layers upon layers at Shenandoah National Park.
From a creative point of view and fulfilling Gear Acquisition Syndrome, I finally bit the bullet and bought my first drone, the Dji Mini Pro 3. There is definitely still some hesitation flying it and the learning curve is real, but not insurmountable. I’m pretty pleased with some of the first shots I’ve managed to capture with my drone. I have already captured some video footage with the drone as well, but I haven’t dared to edit it, let alone share it. Let that be one of my New Year’s resolutions. If that’s something you’re interested in, please don’t hesitate to let me know. :)
Den Uendelige Bro (Infinity Bridge) in Aarhus, DK, my former hometown.
Drone shot at Raippaluoto Bridge, the longest bridge in Finland (the bridge itself not in view).
In September I also travelled to Venice, ticking that off from the bucket list. Obviously it’s a beautiful city full of history and it’s definitely unique. However, I was not left with a strong urge to visit again. I’m really glad I went, and it’s definitely worth a visit, but the crowds definitely take away from the experience. My favourite moments were the mornings I got up early to catch the sunrise.
View from Ponte dell'Accademia in Venice during sunrise
Gondolas of Venice during sunset
Sunset view from the Campanile di San Marco.
The latter part of the year was full of absolutely fantastic conditions for photography right here in my hometown of Vaasa, Finland. There were stunning Northern Lights during fall, as Lady Aurora blessed the skies with gorgeous colors.
Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in Raippaluoto, Finland.
Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in Raippaluoto, Finland.
As if that wasn’t enough, I looked outside one Friday morning and there were glorious conditions outside as there was heavy mist on top of the frozen sea and the sun was beaming through that haze creating beautiful atmosphere and mood. I simply had no choice but to spend my lunch break running outside taking as many photos as I could. More of this in 2023 please. :)
A lone windmill in the mist in Vaasa, Finland
Sunbeams by the Vaskiluoto Bridge in Vaasa, Finland
The Eagle statue is a monument to Finnish aviation
Haze and sunlight make for an atmospheric combination
And with this last image I want to wish you a prosperous and happy 2023. If you managed to read all the way here, I humbly thank you and I hope you enjoyed the photos. Happy New Year!
Sunrise at Pilvilampi in Vaasa, Finland.