November 6, 2017
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 |
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October 31, 2017
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
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Devils Lake State Park
Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA |
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October 29, 2017
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
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Chimney View, Linville Falls Trail
Marion, North Carolina, USA |
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October 21, 2017
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
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Orionid Meteor Shower (10.21.2017)
Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
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August 23, 2017
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
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Solar Eclipse Totality
Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
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July 27, 2017
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
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Mississippi River
Savanna, Illinois, USA |
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July 24, 2017
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
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Living by the Stars
Elberton, Georgia, USA |
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July 12, 2017
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
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Sunset by the bay
Cedar Key, Florida, USA |
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June 18, 2017
Dying daylight & rising twilight,
Kindles the tiny angels of the endless night.
It is quiet a sight
Witnessing the symphony of light.
Specks of light, Shining bright,
Weaving a silent song by moon’s light,
So nimble & ever in flight –
To watch them twinkle, is always a delight :)
If you are interested with how this was shot & processed, check out this article.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 400 – 3200 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 30 sec ; 245 Shots
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Elkmont
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA |
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June 6, 2017
Not everyone is lucky to have a lovely waterfall in their backyard (literally),
And only some are magnanimous to open their home and lawns (again literally) to allow strangers to come in and enjoy the same.
As for myself, am just grateful to be able to visit / capture such spots and share with u all :)
This beautiful waterfalls – Eastatoe – is from the backyard of a lovely neighborhood, by the border of South & North Carolina. Although there are no signs along the road, the owners do welcome visitors, to share their treasure. The drizzling rain and floating fog, added a magical mood to the scene.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 20 sec
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Eastatoe Falls
Eastatoe, North Carolina, USA |
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May 24, 2017
You can make all the plans, but you never know what is in store.
After a lot of deliberate planning, decided to head out to the Jumping Off Rock. Starting off with delayed rental, to the not so dynamic sunset after the long and bumpy drive, the day just fizzled out. The next day when trying to chase waterfalls, the rain decided to chase us. But luckily along with rain – the mist, rolling fog and views like this – just by the road saved the day. Here it is – a view just by the roadside, from Carolina Mountains :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/90 sec
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By Hwy NC-28
Highlands, North Carolina, USA |
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May 2, 2017
Google Maps, you need to step up. Occasionally navigating me to the back side of Walmart is manageable, but putting me on a spot (Rich Mountain Road : F744), back side of the water falls, where there is no potential trail and telling me to walk the reminder of the way, not cool :) Luckily, I was able to assess and get to the Hwy 28S and located the trail head.
I generally love waterfalls, but some are just really enchanting. This is one of them – Yellow Branch Falls ! The hike to Yellow Branch Falls is a backtrack hike over moderate terrain that ends at a beautiful waterfall with many individual cascades. Give enough time to get to the falls with regular breaks and u can call this an easy & fun hike.
On the route you pass through groves of dignified hardwood and meander across a number of streams. But the highlight of the hike is the 50 foot multi tier cascade, that awaits you at the end :)
When you are treated with views like this, all the huffs & puffs from the strenuous hike magically disappears :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 22 mm : f4.0 : 8 sec
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Yellow Branch Falls
Walhalla, South Carolina, USA |
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April 24, 2017
“See you at Sunset !” – This iconic phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the event took off in the late 1960s ! The “Key West Sunset Celebration” is a nightly festival @ Mallory Square. It hosts visitors from all over the world, to take part along side with local magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists and food vendors, that combine for an incredible cultural experience.
But for me the sunset itself was iconic enough. I preferred the nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (which probably is the true south most point in continental US, as opposed to the one commercialized at Whitehead street ). It too was a bit crowded, but much less touristy than Mallory Square.
There is something magical about Key West Sunsets, wouldn’t you agree :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 22 mm : f4.5 : 1/10 sec
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Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach
Key West, Florida, USA |
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April 21, 2017
When I heard about the pineapple fountain, I was pretty exited. As per the name, it was quiet a fountain. Arrived before sunrise to shoot. Unfortunately the fountain was not turned on. It was surprising that the near by spider fountain was operational.
As I was walking by the gardens and enjoying the twilight, found a building opposite to the fountain. The high vintage from the steps gave a nice perspective. As I set the camera for the first rays, the fountain sprung to life !
Here is a Pineapple fountain, with sun cherry topping, for you :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 85 mm : f27 : 1/125 sec
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Pineapple Fountain
Charleston, South Carolina, USA |
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April 12, 2017
A trip to Clearwater, FL would not be complete without a visit to Pier 60, especially during sunset. It is as if the pier was put here, just for the sunsets! It was a bit touristy for my liking. But still, it was one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset by the Gulf Coast.
In addition to being a great place to relax during the day on Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 turns into a daily festival of sorts two hours before sunset and two hours after.
It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.
Canon 7D : Canon 10 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 1/10 sec
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Sunset by Pier60
Clearwater, Florida, USA |
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April 6, 2017
Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy — Guillaume Apollinaire
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 18 mm : f3.5 : 1/10 sec
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Magnolia Plantation
Charleston, South Carolina, USA |
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March 22, 2017
Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure.
With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature’s power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.
If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? – Chief Seattle
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 18 mm : f8.0 : 10 sec
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Looking Glass Waterfall, Pisgah Forest
Brevard, North Carolina, USA |
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March 8, 2017
Once, while driving to Atlanta, the evening sky was so dramatic, that it would have been a sin not to stop. Luckily, Maps showed a blue patch near by, indicating a water body. But only in a crunch, you realize how much time it takes to drive up, even a few miles, when it is not the highway :) Shot this literally scrambling to find a spot, from where I had parked …
The light was fading down quickly and there was not enough time, but was real glad I had pulled over !!!
In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. – Deepak Chopra
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160: 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/60 sec
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Lake Hartwell State Park
Fair Play, South Carolina, USA |
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March 1, 2017
Be like the tree, and let the dead leaves drop – Rumi
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/20 sec
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Pisgah National Forest
Brevard, North Carolina, USA |
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February 26, 2017
Starting from the political scenario currently here in the US, to that back home in Tamilnadu,India there seems to be lot of uncertainty.
Added to this, on the personal front, it has been one unexpected start of the year, with change in work and locations. Though it was unplanned, I realized that anchoring ourselves with an abundance of security can actually become a dangerous habit :) Agreed, Uncertainty is scary, but may be that is what keeps us alive … Uncertainty and life go hand in hand. So if you want to make the most of your life it is critical to embrace uncertainty.
I sure would miss the lovely colors of Florida Sunset, but am sure the sun does set every day, where ever you are :) So here is to life, embracing uncertainty & back to sharing my shots from my travels ! Happy Living !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 2 sec
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Sunset by SandKey
Clearwater, Florida, USA |
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