Archive for ‘photography’

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February 27, 2013

Drive up, Get out, Get lost

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

Buy Print   Secret Spot @ Pacific Coast
Hwy 101, Oregon, USA

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February 24, 2013

So many of my smiles begin with you

  Roses are Red
Lalbagh Park, Bangalore, India

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February 21, 2013

Cookie Monster & Light Painting with Steel Wool

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

Buy Print   Cookie Monster
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA

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February 13, 2013

You taught me how to love …

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 …

Buy Print   Rose Garden 
Portland, Oregon, USA

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February 9, 2013

Tulips at bloom

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

Buy Print Tulips at Bloom, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, Oregon, USA

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February 3, 2013

Wake Up, before it is too late …

Last November (2012) got a chance to get up the Space Needle at Seattle. It is one of the best places to get the amazing city view of Seattle. Given the season and altitude, the chillness was quiet expected, but the night being so crisp and clear was a pleasant surprise.

As I was going up, I was cursing myself to have left the tripod at home. Luckily I was at least carrying the gorillapod and it turned out to be a blessing. The odd shape of the fencing at the watching balcony renders the tripod useless, unless you are using a long zoom. The gorillapod just snug to the rails and helped capture the nightscape in all its glory.

I was pretty surprised on how much details my nifty canon 10-22 mm lens was able to capture – if ur keen u can read the apartment names & ‘now leasing’ ads complete with phone numbers :)  The lower Temperature (one of the key setting you can play with when shooting RAW) aided in enhancing the bluish futuristic glow. Though I like the beauty of the night lights, for some reason, this shot reminds me of the aimless pursuits that we manage to partake in our daily lives, systematic yet chaotic, with a goal but not knowing what next, so focused on the destination that we forget all about the journey … Wake Up before it is too late -  oh well may be it is just me !!!

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 22 mm : f8 : 15 sec

Buy Print   Living Nightlights, View from Space Needle 
Seattle, Washington, USA

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January 31, 2013

Think Less, Live More

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

Buy Print   Wizard Hat, Face Rock State Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA

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January 6, 2013

The Last Rays of 2012

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 !

Buy Print   Seal Rock State Park
Seal Rock, Oregon, USA

Posted in LandScape, Oregon, photography, SeaScape, usa | 3 Comments »

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December 30, 2012

An Evening in Bandon & 2012 In Review

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

Face Rock Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA

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December 29, 2012

Bandon Sea Stack at Twilight

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

Buy Print Face Rock Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA

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December 16, 2012

Stonehenge, this time the original

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

Buy Print   Stonehenge
Wiltshire, UK

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December 13, 2012

Stonehenge – right here at Oregon

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

Buy PrintMilky way @ Stonehenge
MaryHill, Washington, USA

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December 11, 2012

Mt Rainer with a touch of wild flowers

The winter has just begun, but I am already longing for the clear sky. At least the occasional sun breaks would be good :)

It was one of those clear days at Paradise section of Mt Rainier. When I first started reading about the national park prior to visiting, it took a while to grasp that any places would be named “The Paradise”. After visiting, I should completely concur – words fall short of the experience. Paradise – have nature trails – paved, short, family friendly and suitable just for everyone. These trails lead through colorful meadows and offer spectacular mountain vistas. Several classic views of Mt Rainer are nestled out here. One with Myrtle Falls in the foreground, as it tumbles 70 to 80 feet thru the George, is pretty impressive. A few meters from here, just before the wooden bridge is another of my favorite view – The Majestic Mt Rainier adorned with the Edith Creek. May be someday will get there for some lovely twilight :)

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 0.5 sec

Buy Print   Mt Rainier
Paradise, Washington, USA

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November 27, 2012

Winter Sunset Reflections

Thanks to all the overcast and rainy weather for the past couple of days. The reflections along the country side made the beautiful sunset, even more amazing. The fields were all harvested and the fresh water from the rains, were just enough to create the lovely reflections. Check out the larger version, you can still see the stubbles.

It is difficult to get out (u see i’m lazy ;-) ), when you are not sure if the sun would even peep out and the weather is all mixed up. But if and when it does, these extreme conditions are the ones that create a melody of colors !!! It is the same field where I had shot the Twilight colors of Sunset during summer. This is kind of becoming my favorite place for sunset :)

Camera : Canon 7D 
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 27 mm : f16 : 3 sec

Buy Print   Countryside Reflections
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA

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November 24, 2012

Abstract from Antelope Canyon

Sometimes, it is difficult to make sense of life !

Canon Powershot S2 IS
ISO 100 : 6 mm : f2.7 : 0.8 sec

  Upper Antelope (Slot) Canyon 
Page, Arizona, USA

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November 15, 2012

Reflections at the Dock & 12×16 Canvas Print Giveaway

12×16 Canvas Giveaway

It is holiday season and I just passed 1000 “Fans” at my FB photography page. I’m truly amazed. I would like to give my humble thank you to all that enjoy my work and follow my exploits here on Facebook. You guys rock, I mean that and I appreciate it so much.

As a token of thanks and to celebrate the holiday season would like to have a giveaway – an 12×16 Canvas of Mt Hood @ Twilight [http://bit.ly/ICwAgH] or a 25% off coupon on any kind of the print you would prefer from the LikeTheOcean Shop [http://bit.ly/HfdHnB] or a 25% off coupon on any kind of the print you would prefer from the LikeTheOcean Shop [http://bit.ly/HfdHnB] .If you are outside the US, it would probably be the latter as shipping outside would not be economical].

All you have to do is

  • Like the FB Page – LikeTheOcean Photography [http://on.fb.me/RixoiN] [OR] Subscribe to this blog by email [http://bit.ly/Ho1ngL]
  • Share this post on ur Wall [u can use the FB button below this post]
  • Comment below telling what kind of photos you would love to see from me (Landscape, Nightscape, Waterscape, Cityscape). Answers can be multiple or even outside the ones listed !!!

Even if ur connected to my FB Profile feel free to like the FB Page, with the new restricted updates to Facebook’s Edge rank this decreases the probability of missing out on my photos/post updates a bit :) I’ll leave this open till around Thanksgiving and draw a winner at random from all the entries on Friday, Nov 23rd.

Reflections at the Dock

This is from one of the docks at Newport, OR. Was real glad we took that turn to take a break, as we were heading back to Portland. The initial intent was to get a 5 mins break, but ended up spending a good hour and half walking / shooting at this dock. It was such a cold (in a good way) and calm evening. I have never in my life seen a dock that was so still. Pretty stroked at how sharp this turned-out right out of camera, especially with an exposure of 30 seconds !

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 16 mm : f11 : 30 sec

EDIT : The Giveaway is complete – http://on.fb.me/UlnA8d

Buy Print The Dock
Newport, Oregon, USA

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November 4, 2012

Fall Colors at the Grist Mill

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill – Stumbled across this lovely place by chance. Did not realize it was such a prominent landmark. Located just couple of miles from woodland, WA – this mill still holds the original structural integrity, grinds with stones even today and is water powered. Being a little more than a century old, the place is definitely rustic. The stream of water, the covered bridge and the colors of the fall definitely adds to the splendid scenery. If you are around here is the pacific north west, now is the best time to visit the place. The fall colors are at its peak. If not, you can always enjoy the same thru my shots :)

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : Circular Polarizer + 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 13 mm : f22 : 2 sec

Buy Print   Cedar Creek Grist Mill
Woodland, Washington, USA

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October 31, 2012

Spooky side of The Crystal Clear Crater Lake

Crater Lake probably has inspired hundreds of people. One can say no place else on earth is such pure deep lake, sooo blue, sheer surrounding cliffs of around two thousand feet high combined with a violent volcanic past. It definitely is a place of immeasurable beauty but did u know there is a spooky side to the place.

That particular day or rather evening, the sun was setting just behind my back. I was not aware that it was full moon and that the moon rise coincided with the sunset. I was happy to see the moon, just I was about to leave. Deciding get some shots, set up the tripod to capture the moon. The shades from the twilight were extraordinarily bright and the blue lake was pretty much under spooky pinkish blanket. For a moment I was able to get a glimpse of the eerie and spooky side of the lake, that not many people are aware of ….

Happy Halloween :)

P.S: The tree trunk was enhanced to highlight the texture, age and details and the moon was slightly enlarged, but the colors were as is from the scene !

Buy Print   Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

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October 25, 2012

Salt Creek Falls, Oregon

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

Buy Print   Salt Creek Falls
Hwy 58, Oregon, USA

Posted in photography | 6 Comments »

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October 16, 2012

Teleporting to the Future

Time travel, secret teleporting experiments, area 51 – do u believe in them ? It is all real. They might deny, but it does exist. As I was shooting by the river at a small coastal town, little did I know that it was all part of an large experimental set up at the size of a cyclotron. Just standing in midst of the unknown was surreal. The gleam of light blinded me – as whatever it was – vanished into thin air. Not sure if it reappeared in the past , future or in a parallel universe. Luckily, I was able to document it all with this shot  ;-)

Or may be it was just a patrol boat – with such a powerful light that I have never seen before – that spoiled my long exposure :)

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 12 mm : f3.5 : 65 sec

Buy Print Under the Bridge
Newport, Oregon, USA

Posted in photography | 5 Comments »

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