Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the Universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. – Stephen Hawking
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Caesars Head Cleveland, South Carolina, USA |
Life is what happens, when you are busy making other plans.
Sometimes those wonderfully insignificant moments are all that you need :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 640 : 270 mm : f5.6 : 1/60 sec
| First Bloom Alpharetta, Georgia, USA |
Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter – Ansel Adams
Jones Gap is one of a kind, so wild, yet not very far from Greenville. The main highlight of Jones Gap is the Middle Saluda River – the states first designated scenic river. The hike & terrain is somewhat challenging in a couple of places, but the views are amazing.
The late afternoon sun and the clouds were just right. The fall colors and the diffused light caused the entire place to be flooded with the golden glow. Was there just in time to enjoy this lovely scene :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f22 : 15.0 sec
| Jones Gap Wilderness Marietta, South Carolina, USA |
Soco falls is a beautiful, double waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, located near Maggie Valley. Its one among the most lovely waterfalls, by the Blue Ridge parkway – just 1.5 miles south of Soco Gap @ Milepost 455.7. Look for the small roadside parking area on the left of the road. It is easy to miss, since there is just one tiny sign.
This view requires a short hike. It is not a cake walk, but not super hard either. You need to be careful as it is steep and a bit slippery, especially when wet. But the adventure is well worth the view, wouldn’t you agree :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 160 : 18 mm : f11 : 8.0 sec
| Soco Falls Maggie Valley, North Carolina, USA |
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir
One of the easiest ways to unload, unwind and de-stress is to get out and connect with nature. Natural environments are rich in the characteristics necessary for the brain to replenish itself :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 400 : 39 mm : f4.5 : 0.3 sec
| Paris Mountain State Park Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Little snowflake falling from the sky.
Snowflake, snowflake, little snowflake.
Falling, falling, falling, falling, falling,
falling, falling, falling, falling…falling on my glove :)– To be read as if you were a kid !!!
After couple of years, got to shoot the little little snowflakes again. It was fun. Snow out here in South Carolina is rare and that made it even more exciting :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 320 : 270 mm : f5.6 : 1/90 sec
| Snow Flake Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
No man is an island – John Donne
Flying around Keys was quiet and experience, especially with an entertaining guide. Out here, there are more than 5000 islands. Each island is its own community of ecological biodiversity. Yet, these islands have stood by time and inexorably linked by nature.
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 350 : 54 mm : f4.5 : 20 sec
| Key West National Wildlife Refuge Key West, Florida, USA |
At times, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere,
At times, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.
Cedar Keys, FL is one low key place that still holds secret spots where lights have still not polluted the gorgeous night sky. Being under the stars always brings in the feeling of being wonderfully insignificant and puts one one in a contemplative state. Starting 2018 with reflection and positive thoughts & Wishing you the best for the same too :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Cedar Key, Florida, USA |
The beauty you see in me, is a reflection of you. – Rumi
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 1000 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/15 sec
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Furman Bell Tower Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
Bahai Honda State park is one of the best spots to enjoy an Florida Keys Sunset (not that there is even any bad spots :))
On the left is the ‘Bahia Honda Rail Bridge’ – a derelict railroad bridge connecting Bahia Honda Key with Spanish Harbor Key. After a replacement Bahia Honda Bridge opened in 1972, two spans of this defunct bridge were removed to accommodate boat traffic. On the right is Hwy 1 – driving it feels like floating by the ocean.
The cold water felt good for the hot summer. Standing in knee deep water, the view was great. Though the crabs were kind of bothering me, they were not as bothered by me :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 200 : 10 mm : f6.7 : 1/90 sec
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Bahai Honda State Park Big Pine Key, Florida, USA |
I went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sun down, for going out, I found, was really going in – John Muir
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/60 sec
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Tanawha Trail Blowing Rock, North Carolina, USA |
The raging winds of Irma, Jose & Nate (2017 hurricane) took down most of the leaves this season, especially in higher elevation. The sporadic temperature swings did not help much with the colors either.
But this hidden treasure by the corner of Blue Ridge Parkway, had protected the beauty of the season. With a slight drizzle, rolling fog along the sparkling creek – the colors of the fall were just a magic to be witnessed.
Magic & Magical places do exist. You just need to believe !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 20 mm : f16 : 30 sec
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Jones Gap State Park Marietta, South Carolina, USA |
It is a general perception that the quality of light moves toward harsh, as the sun moves up the sky, and not ideal for photography. But all rules are eventually meant to be broken :)
This particular hot afternoon I was driving around scouting for a potential sunset location. Glad the car in front of me slowed down, I applied the breaks and was treated to this view thru the window. It was only for a brief moment – the moving clouds diffused the harsh sunlight. And just a little bit gleamed thru, to light up the kayaker and part of the hill.
Always be prepared … it helps with photography too :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 50 mm : f4.5 : 1/500 sec
| Devils Lake State Park Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA |
The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area lies entirely within the Pisgah National Forest. Sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, it is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. Given the terrain, it is also an outdoor paradise.
This is from the Chimney view overlook that provides a glimpse of Linville falls. The falls view is good, but one can’t miss this lovely view behind, especially with the lovely fall colors. Standing at the edge, the sheer depth of the Gorge was scary and at the same time exhilarating :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 500 : 25 mm : f11.0 : 15 sec
| Chimney View, Linville Falls Trail Marion, North Carolina, USA |
The Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other. It provides a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region one of a kind.
Among the uncountable vistas and views, this iconic view of the bridge also stands out, more so after learning about the engineering behind it (below is from the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center).
A viaduct is a long bridge with a series of spans supported on piers. The Linn Cove Viaduct is 1243 feet long and 35 feet wide. This signature view of “S” curve rests upon seven vertical piers spaced at 180 feet.
Linn Cove Viaduct is the first in the US to incorporate progressive placement of sections (each of the 153 precast sessions weighing 10,000 lbs). What this means is that the bridge is built upon itself. Workmen, materials and machines move back and fourth on the completed bridge to places each successive section. Little or no damage is caused to the landscape over which the viaduct is being constructed.
Grandfather Mountain is rugged and unyielding with active plant and animal communities throughout. Traditional road and bridge construction involving heavy equipment, earth moving, access roads and large construction crews would have adversely affected this fragile eco system for years to come.
Interestingly the lead designer of the roadway, Stanley Abbott, was a landscape architect, not an engineer and it shows. This signature view of the Linn Cove Viaduct was shot from a not so prominent spot. The early morning sun lit up the fall foliage ablaze. The biker racing up the parkway added to the shot :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 30 mm : f4.0 : 1/180 sec
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Linn Cove Viaduct Newland, North Carolina, USA |
A Sip of a hot chai
Gentle breeze of the cold night
Shimmering of the twinkling stars
A blazing streak of a meteor
– few experiences are worth skipping the cozy sleep :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Orionid Meteor Shower (10.21.2017) Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
Watching the Solar Eclipse was quiet an experience. Witnessing the totality was even more personal.
In the peak of the afternoon – the scorching summer sun became so pleasant ; the temperature dropped ; the crickets became exuberant ; there was sunset all around and quiet an excitement permeated in the air. It was a surreal experience to witness a 360° sunset and right in the middle of the afternoon.
High above, as the moon obscured the Sun, it was a sight to behold ! Totality is the only time during solar eclipse that can be enjoyed with out any additional protection to the eyes. The Sun’s corona extends millions of miles into space and is most prominently visible during a total solar eclipse. Regulus, a bright star in the constellation Leo and among the brightest in Earth’s night sky. Due to its extreme brightness, Regulus can be spotted next to the sun’s corona, though its 79 Light years away.
The photos / videos do no justice to the experience, but here is an attempt to freeze that moment – for my friends who were not able to experience this in person. Do check out full screen at higher resolution – definitely worth it :)
| Moon | 1,079 Mile Radius | 238,900 Miles Away |
| Sun | 432,288 Mile Radius | 92,960,000 Miles Away |
| Regulus | 1,296,864 Mile Radius | 458,500,000,000,000 Miles Away |
Canon 7D : Sigma 150-600 mm : ISO 320 : 600 mm : f5.6 : 1/6 sec
| Solar Eclipse Totality Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
This is from one of my Aurora chasing trips. After the long drive, the forecasted Northern lights never showed up. Decided to sleep in the car and was treated to this magical sunrise the next morning – I would still call it a win :)
Be Still and You will see.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 21 mm : f22 : 1/4 sec
| Mississippi River Savanna, Illinois, USA |
It is not a magical myth. There still exist places where the entire night is blanketed in the glow of the milky way. It is up to us all to make sure it stays that way :)
Went out along with my son for a night under the stars. After the long drive, at 5 minutes past 11, the planned spot at a State park did not work out – they just closed the gates prior to our arrival. This led to a drive around the unknown rural roads. After some scintillating conversations, light painting and trying out some Milky way shots, came across this lovely spot.
It was quiet a place to take a walk. Unlike city, there were no harsh lights to showcase the stone road, just the light of the stars and the sounds of the night. On the left were close to a hundred cows, casually mowing the grass. Only after we crossed the field, were we able to see the light, at the front yard of this house. Just enough for them and not polluting the night sky. It was quiet a scene, literally !
We talked about light pollution, rural life, dark skies, stars and soaked in the night :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 800 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 30 sec
| Living by the Stars Elberton, Georgia, USA |
There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.
There are seven million. everything is a wonder :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 110 mm : f5.6 : 1/500 sec
| Sunset by the bay Cedar Key, Florida, USA |
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