March 9, 2013
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind – I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home. I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
This particular shot is from Fern hill wetlands, which easily became my favorite spot for sunset and bird watching. Though just 20 odd miles from Portland, it gives a typical countryside feel far away from the frenzy city life !!!
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 27 mm : f19 : 30 sec
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FernHill Wetlands
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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December 13, 2012
I came across Maryhill in Washington, when I was trying to finalize (light pollution free) places to shoot Geminids meteor shower. This park has a full-size, astronomically-aligned replica of Stonehenge and was commissioned by Samuel Hill and dedicated on July 4, 1918 as a memorial to those that died in World War I. The memorial was completed in 1929.
The peak of Geminids is actually tonight (Dec 13, 2013), but given the overcast weather here at the northwest, it is not very promising. Hence, when there was a break in the weather yesterday, decided to take my chances. It was a nice experience, braving the December cold and watching the meteor shower in person. I was able to witness close to ~5 in a span of 15 minutes, as I was scouting / setting up at the location. But subsequently the skies were clear only for a few minutes – here and there. So much for the forecast and almost clear skies. It was not a great night for capturing the meteors, but given the new moon and having the entire place to play with some lighting, it turned out to a pretty good night for some star photography.
I used a small headlamp to light up the inside of the Stonehenge. The light from a near by settlement was reflecting on the clouds creating the yellow. The (once distracting series of) tower lights, harmonized with the fog resulting in the lovely red hue over the horizon. Incidentally, the passing by Union Pacific train decided to play along and lit up the outside of the Stonehenge. Wish there had been a meteor on this particular shot, oh well … I just love it when a plan comes together, or not :)
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : None
ISO 3200 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 30 sec
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Milky way @ Stonehenge
MaryHill, Washington, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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October 25, 2012
Oregon is blessed with so many many waterfalls. Still, at 286 feet, Salt Creek is definitely one among the most impressive. Located at Hwy 58 around 20 miles east of Oakridge, it is easily accessible. The view point is just 20 feet from the parking, but it is well worth to take the hike down to the base of the falls. There are many views along the canyon rim as you hike down, but I still liked this view from the top. Though the scale of the falls is not very prominent in this view, I dig how this showcases the falls along with her landscape. One could just watch the fog play hide and seek – all day. The cool breeze of the enduring autumn fog along with a hint of falls colors added to the grandeur.
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 1 sec
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Salt Creek Falls
Hwy 58, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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June 21, 2012
Fairy Falls is located at the Wahkeena Canyon area of the lovely Colombia George Wilderness. The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls and the one to the right leads to the Fairy Falls and beyond. Wahkeena Falls and the overflowing creek might not be as popular as the near by Multnomah Falls, but let that not fool you. The Fairy falls is one of the much smaller falls in the George, but is brilliantly beautiful. Even at just 20 feet, the stepped formation creates such a dreamy flow. It is a wonder to watch and just get lost with.
The initial trail has a paved, but pretty steep section – climbing about 600 feet in about 1/2 mile. With about 10+ switchbacks it does drain energy. But once you cross, it is more scenic, wild & enjoyable. The kids definitely would enjoy this as the hike meanders across pseudo bridges and water cascades. It is a little over 2 miles round trip, if you decide to turn back at the Fairy falls. Depending on the season do carry water and chocolates to munch – I sure was glad I did :)
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Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Creek Trail
Columbia River George, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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May 8, 2012
A visit to Abiqua falls is quiet an encompassing experience. It starts with the leisurely silver falls scenic drive from Silverton. Before you could realize, you are navigating over and down the hilly terrain. Yes an ATV would be awesome, but don’t worry you can manage with any decent passenger car, provided you drive slowly. From the parking lot, the walking quickly changes to hike, then a bit of trek, some scramble across the rocks and logs, throw in a bit of sliding, scrambling, dodging the water as you navigate your way based on the falls that you hear at the distance. Falling just at over 100 feet – it is not the biggest of the Oregon falls, but getting the glimpse of this falls after the adventures trek gives a kind of peaceful and serene contentment. It is as if you just entered a different magical world. This weeks I share with you a slice of moment from my visit. The late afternoon sun just lit up the lichen creating the glowing contrast with the falls.
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Abiqua Falls @ Santiam State Forest
Marion, Oregon, USA |
Posted in Photoblog, photography |
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May 8, 2013
Trillium lake is one of my favorite places from Pacific North West. For folks that are not from around here – this is one lovely spot located at the higher elevations of the Mt Hood. Its unique location makes it a great spot – be it an ideal summer fun afternoon, or a leisurely walk in the evening or some boating / kayaking. Being away from city lights it is also a great place for some amazing night photography. This shot of Perseids Meteors shower and milky way was from from this same spot !!!
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 18 mm : f10 : 1/50 sec
Posted in photography, photos |
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April 29, 2013
I was not able to shoot as much during this spring. Hence sharing some tulips from the last season. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farms is a lovely place to experience spring. This beautiful Tulip fields is just an hour drive from Portland, but has quiet a view. You could just take a stroll, smell some tulips, run around or just sit and enjoy a sunset. Wanna know more about this lovely place and read more – Click here.
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Wooden Shoe Tulip Fields
Woodburn, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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April 10, 2013
Abiqua Falls – There is something magical about this place. Grandeur is not a feeling you get at less than 100 feet high. The overpowering and humbling feeling is probably from the enclosed canyon like walls covered with lichen and the serene aqua pool that it falls into. Abiqua is all about the journey of getting there – starting from the rugged roads, hike up, some sliding, scrambling under and over the logs , wading thru the water etc. Having such a gem at the end of it is an added bonus :) Check this out for the view from the other side. This had been one of my favorite fun adventure hikes from the pacific north west !!!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : 3 stop ND Filter : ISO 100 : 14 mm : f22 : 3 sec
Posted in photography, photos |
6 Comments »
March 21, 2013
I am so close, I may look distant.
So completely mixed with you, I may look separate.
So out in the open, I appear hidden.
So silent, because I am constantly talking with you.
- Rumi
The below shot is a moon set, yes you read that right, it is the moon set and not sun set. It was one of those rare early morning twilight moments during the beginning of the harvest months, when the moon is fiery, large & bright – due to its low position in the horizon. The colors were as is and not modified. You can read more about the harvest moon in this older post from last Aug.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : No Filter : ISO 800 : 270 mm : f5.6 : 0.5 sec
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Harvest Moon
Crater Lake, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
4 Comments »
March 16, 2013
Sometimes,
It is not wondering about big things
But understanding small things
that helps you grow …
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : 3 stop ND Filter : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 1/6 sec
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Copper Mountain Nature Trail
Beaverton, Oregon, USA |
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March 4, 2013
I love fall. I love the cool, crisp air and the way all the trees change color. I love the smell of the fallen leaves, their the crunching noise when dry and the beauty they add to any autumn scene dancing in water.
For a season that is preparing to get into hibernation, Autumn is just truly magical. Sure, everything is dying, but even that happens with so much grace and beauty. Is the magic of Autumn due to the colors or is it the art of letting go …
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f8 : 30 sec
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Wahkeena falls runoff
Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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February 27, 2013
One of the reason I love the Pacific Northwest is for moments like these. The coast is so long and varied, that you can find your own personal spot(s). I call is personal, cause in those few places I instantly feel connected – kind of a bridge between thrust urban and the subtle but all encompassing nature. The below is one such lovely secluded spot in the scenic highway 101 . You just drive up, get out and get lost – in the beauty of the ocean, as the sun bids adieu for the day over the horizon.
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8 : 1/350 sec
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Secret Spot @ Pacific Coast
Hwy 101, Oregon, USA |
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February 21, 2013
Light painting is an amazing technique that I came across from my friends at flickr and facebook. It can involve simple light writing with led lights to really complex and creative compositions. For years I had been intrigued by this and tried a few simple ones in the past. One of the techniques involves the use of steel wool and couple of DIY kits. Couple of weeks back when my friend Gary extended an invite for steel wool spinning in the George area, I was all exited !
It was my first try with this technique, but boy it was fun. It was nice to meet and shoot with such a energetic group ! This particular shot was a result of two spins in parallel from the Bridge at Multnomah falls. How do u like the cookie monster ?!!! By the by, no monsters were harmed in the making of this shot :)
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 16 mm : f5.6 : 30 sec
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Cookie Monster
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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February 13, 2013
You taught me
- the beauty of living
- the wonder of being alive
- the amazing journey of life
You even taught me how to love,
– but not how to stop …
Posted in photography, photos |
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February 9, 2013
After some gloomy weather (both inside and out), I needed something fresh. This is from a crisp, clean, spring morning at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. There is nothing like seeing acres and acres of beautiful tulips and daffodils in full bloom. I got a chance to visit the place just once last spring and was amazed at the colors & variations. It definitely is photographer’s heaven for sure :) When ur spending time shooting the lovely tulips, there are other things to have your family / kids engaged like bouncy house, rock climbing wall, a swing ride, a zip line for adults, vendor’s booths to shop at, and a small taste of Fair food.
This is also part of my 2013 calendar depicting spring. If you are still looking for one, you can grab it here. What comes to your mind when you think of spring !!!?
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 10 mm : f/8 : 1/350 sec
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Tulips at Bloom, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
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January 31, 2013
It has been almost a month of hiatus from the blog. One of the longest in the past three years. It was one of those phases where there was just too much thoughts around life directions, purpose, goals and where it is heading towards. Working towards the goal is starting to seem much easier than identifying the right one !
It was kind of going into a rut, taking most of my focus and energy. So this is for myself – Think Less, Live More :) And some wishing to rebound and get in the groove of sharing my moments on a weekly basis going forward. U have a great day and lovely weekend ahead !!!
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : Hitech Pro ND 10 Stop
ISO 100 : 22 mm : f16 : 53 sec
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Wizard Hat, Face Rock State Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
4 Comments »
January 6, 2013
Eve of the new year – It was a lovely drive back from Bandon to Portland – right along the Pacific coast 101. When it was not raining , it was out right overcast and or misty, giving a dreamy feel to the drive. We never thought there would be any chance of enjoying a sunset on such a day. But as always, things are not what they seem … Just around 4 PM, the entire mood started to change. The clouds started to roll over & break out – to create a euphoria of colors. As the sun set here, behind the pacific northwest, it was indeed kicking off the new year in the other side of the world – sounds funny right :) I present to you the last rays of 2012 !
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Seal Rock State Park
Seal Rock, Oregon, USA |
Posted in LandScape, Oregon, photography, photos, SeaScape, USA |
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December 30, 2012
2012 In Review
Based on an update from WordPress, this little blog got over 10,000 views this year. From Freezing some amazing light to capturing some meteors to enjoying some harvest moons – it was one hell of a year ! I cannot thank enough who take time to visit, enjoy, comment and encourage my work. Thank you so very much !
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 10,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 17 years to get that many views.
Click here to see the complete report.
Incidentally the first shot that I took and shared in 2012 - Seattle skyline with space needle was the most viewed and commented shot of the year… I had been doing the weekly shot for the past few years and it has been great. For 2012, I had posted for 50 out of 52 weeks, that is pretty close :) But with all the fb, g+ and all other social media, am thinking of having the blog for longer articles, travel experiences etc. and use the social outlets for sharing the weekly captures. Am still debating on the same, what do you think ?!
Just made a slideshow of some favorite shots from 2012 for you to enjoy … Keep Visiting !
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P.S: Feel free to connect back at FaceBook Page , Google+ or Subscribe thru feeds or Get updates by email .
An Evening in Bandon
Beach combing, or shooting the sea stacks or just taking a long stroll along the cool waters – Bandon has it all. Here is only lovely Golden sunset from the rugged beach of Bandon. And a very Happy New Year – 2013 to my Friends out here. Thanks for the encouragement and support :)
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 1/6 sec
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Face Rock Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, photos |
6 Comments »
December 29, 2012
As the forecast was for some really clear skies, I was planning to shoot some sun star today, but the clouds decided otherwise ! Thought the sun went behind the layer of clouds, the colors of twilight didn’t disappoint either. Bandon seems to be having the best of sea stacks in the Oregon coast. There is just such a long stretch that you can spend hours and hours here !!!
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 10 sec
Posted in photography, photos |
2 Comments »
December 16, 2012
Last week’s post of Stonehenge replica from Washington, USA brought back memories of my visit to the original Stonehenge – located at Wiltshire, UK. This shot is from couple of years back and wish I had been shooting RAW then :)
As much as I like the replica here at Washington and the ability to walk around / inside the Stonehenge, it really can’t even get close to the experience of the original. Expected to be constructed some where between 3000 BC to 2000 BC, the true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar ? How did they manage to carry the mighty stones, with only the most primitive of tools. Surrounded by all the mystery, Stonehenge never cases to impress.
Camera : Canon XSi
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 21 mm : f8 : 1/180 sec
Posted in photography, photos |
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