You are not at the center of The Universe, but you definitely are center of your universe :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 188 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/13 sec
| From Above Sakleshpur, Karnataka, India |
December 30, 2018
Center of my Universe
December 23, 2018
Iraniyur
Just a short drive from Karaikudi is lraniyur, which hosts this lovely Aatkondanathar Swami temple. As the first rays of the sun hit, birds chirped all around, accompanied by the cool and pristine breeze – one is just teleported to a different world and time !
The history goes that Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiv granted darshan to Lord Narashima and cleansed him of His dosha.
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/190 sec
| Iraniyur Karaikudi, TamilNadu, India |
December 11, 2018
Vivekananda Rock by twilight
In a conflict between the heart and the head, follow your heart. – Swami Vivekananda
Eight years back, when I visited Kanyakumari, I did not get to actually visit the Vivekananda Rock. Back then, I had to settle for the view from ashore. It brought back memories from my childhood visit – the grandeur mandap, the towering pillars, the roaring waves, the serene & the cool rock – were all etched in my memory.
So this time around, when the chance presented itself, I was more than eager to get out there. But, I was a bit taken aback, on how things had taken a turn. From the confusing ticketing queues (one for the ferry and one for the entry at the rock, makes one wonder why someone would take a ferry and avoid entering the rock) to the huge crowds this place draws, the experience is no longer pristine. It was really sad that sitting in silence or meditation was no longer allowed on the grand hall and the so called meditation hall, set up down below makes one claustrophobic.
Don’t get me wrong, the rock and the mandap is still an awe inspiring structure. Actually the design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. You definitely should visit if you are around in Kanyakumari. But at the same time, the experience is no longer as serene as it used to be. For now. given a choice, I’ll settle for the view from ashore and hold on to my memories :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 125 : 76 mm : f6.7 : 30 sec
| Vivekananda Rock Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India |
November 30, 2018
Empire State by Twilight
There is no other place like NYC :) Each visit brings an experience unto itself. Sometimes the best view is not from the tallest tower , but from the one just behind it !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 250 : 70 mm : f6.7 : 1/90 sec
| Empire State New York, New York, USA |
November 22, 2018
Time
The problem is we think we have time.
If Big Bang happened at the first day of the year, the first second of January 1, then : humans didn’t arise until the last day of the year, and modern civilization makes up about the last 14 seconds of the year. – Neil Tyson, Cosmic Calendar.
In large scheme of things, our life is minuscule and insignificant. Yeah your read that right – insignificant, but it is wonderfully insignificant. We often lose track of the time that we have out here and the difference we make.
If the Cosmic Calendar makes you feel insignificant, the Life in Weeks Calendar, can help put things in perspective of how much time we really have, to make a difference. And it is up to us, to make it wonderful.
Its funny how we think we have all the time in the world, yet it is the other way around. But its never too late to become aware of how time and life drifts away, each moment. So, what are you waiting for – build that business, open that school, start that hobby, make that phone call, learn that skill, take that vacation …
Don’t wait, go DO that thing you really wanted to do …
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 30 sec
| By the Stars Cedar Key, Florida, USA |
November 8, 2018
Pristine beaches of SC
Nature has its way of taking care of things, all we need to do is not interrupt :)
Bulls Island, is an undeveloped barrier island within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Its one of the most pristine spans of coastline on the eastern seaboard. Its seven miles of beaches include the famed Boneyard Beach, where the remains of surf-battered trees are littered across the sand. To add to that, after each high tide, every corner of the beach is restored to its immaculate state :)
To preserve the wildlife and its habitat, Cape Romain is closed from dawn to dusk, and no camping is allowed on the refuge islands. Hence not many get to witness sunrise on the pristine Boneyard Beach.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/125 sec
| Boneyard Beach Bulls Island, South Carolina, USA |
October 31, 2018
You are exactly where you need to be …
You are exactly where you need to be …
And you have the choice to stay or move forward, one step at a time :) Either way, enjoy the journey.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 200 : 18 mm : f3.5 : 1/45 sec
| Rough Ridge Trail Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA |
October 21, 2018
Yin Yang of Fall
Be Thankful for the shadows, for they are there only because of the light :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 200 mm : f5.6 : 1/15 sec
| Grandfather Mountain Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA |
October 16, 2018
Fall Colors by Tranquil lake
A tranquil lake, twilight shades, fall colors, some calming reflections – prefect recipe for a lovely shot :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f4.0 : 1/4 sec
| Mirror Lake State Park Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA |
October 7, 2018
The Capitol by full Moon
Initiated around 1793, the core building of The Capitol (Washington D.C) construction took 33 years. It was interesting to learn that the current dome of the capitol building was actually the second one. The original wooden dome was subsequently replaced as a precaution for fire.
Today it stands as the meeting place of the nation’s legislature. The Capitol also houses an important collection of American art, and it is an architectural achievement in its own right. The several blocks from Washington memorial to the capitol building houses the various Smithsonian museums and is a great place to take a walk !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 200 : 33 mm : f4.0 : 1.5 sec
| The Capitol Washington, D.C, USA |
September 30, 2018
Twin Falls on a Rainy Day
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover
And never judge a day by it’s weather
This particular Saturday started with showers all around. It was a tough choice to decide between lazing the afternoon with family in the couch vs driving couple of hours and taking a hike. With the rain, it was tempting to decide to stay at home, especially since it involved a hike. ClearOutside showed a small break in weather for the late afternoon. Am glad I gambled to take the risk, at the end it really paid off :) Though I did get wet, the rain added to the volume of the cascade and the rolling fog made the day !
Generally, worse the weather & lower the probability of getting a shot, the better it turns out to be :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10.0 sec
| Twin Falls Sunset, South Carolina, USA |
September 23, 2018
Sunrise @ South Tip, India
Kanyakumari , the southern most tip of Incredible India, is well known for a handful of things – The Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvaluvar statue, the small fishing colony, Devi Kanyakumari Amman Temple on one end and Our lady Church on the other. But it all comes together during sunrise, when everyone gathers by the coast to witness the dynamic colors :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f4.5 : 0.3 sec
| Sunrise @ South Tip Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India |
August 6, 2018
Find the Zen within
It’s possible to travel thousands of miles to the other side of the world, to take a plane, three trains, two ferries and a bicycle, in order to stand completely still. – TED Talks
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 30 sec
| As the Sun set Clearwater, Florida, USA |
March 15, 2018
Be Curious
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 |
March 8, 2018
Life Happens …
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 |
February 11, 2018
Just in time by Jones Gap
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 |
February 4, 2018
Soco Falls – Hidden by the road
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 |
January 26, 2018
Hiking by Paris Mountain
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 |
January 17, 2018
Snowflake Snowflake
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 |
January 13, 2018
Exploring Florida Keys
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 |
