Archive for ‘Florida’

November 17, 2022

Rest, not Quit

If you get tired learn to rest, not to quit – Banksy

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 19 mm : f11.0 : 1 sec

Sunset Beach
Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA

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November 21, 2020

Somewhere in Islamorada

Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, crispy cool breeze – a typical day in Florida

As we were driving to Keywest, decided to pull over a random turn – hoping to get a view by the water, without all the crowd (yeah this is from few years back before COVID and at the peak season). It did not disappoint. Though this lighthouse was small and all worn out, am sure it would have provided reprieve for sailors during the glorious days of past.

Curious on how this particular art was made ? check out the article – Artography : Digital Painting.

Watercolor

Lighthouse
Islamorada, Florida, USA

September 24, 2020

Sunset by Fort De Soto

Magic is natural and simple, only the mind says it’s complicated
Moments like these prove the same, by staying with you even after years

A magical sunset moment from years back at Fort De Soto – one of the lovely parks by St. Petersburg, Florida :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f/3.5 : 1/90 sec

Fort De Soto Park
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

July 1, 2020

Patience

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are times we race thru things. Actually we are conditioned to race for everything in life – both professional & personal. It takes effort to slow down. Be mindful. Adapt to natures pace. Once you get her secret, life would be much enriched :)

Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 800: 119 mm : f11 : 1/6 sec

The Rise
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

February 10, 2020

Just be happy :)

Be happy for no reason, like a child.  If you are happy for a reason, you’re in trouble, because that reason can be taken from you.

– Deepak Chopra

Sanibel Thriller provides one of kind experience in the in the waters of Gulf of Mexico. The speed ride circumnavigates the shores of Sanibel and Captiva islands. In addition, the dolphins have a unique relationship with the Sanibel Thriller. They chase the waves created by the speed rider and have so much fun & frolic. They are just happy and would do it all day long. It is one treat to watch :)

Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 33 mm : f4.0 : 1/350 sec

The Dolphins
Sanibel, Florida, USA

January 6, 2020

Cosmic View by Backyard

The Cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be. – Carl Segan

It is one thing to drive out to the county side in the dark of the night to enjoy the stars. But imagine a world where you could wait for the sun to go down the horizon, grab some coffee and just enjoy this celestial view.

There exists places where, when the sun sets the black curtain rolls up and the sky fills with dazzling stars.

Most of us being urban dwellers, ought to do more to protect the night sky. Not just for the sake of protecting it, but for the sake of amazing views and serene feeling it brings !

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
Cedar Key, Florida, USA

September 28, 2019

Shipwreck by Keys

Seeing a place from a different vantage point always makes it stand out. Getting over the keys was one of the best ways to enjoy the view. We even got to see some marine life (sharks and rays, etc.). The different colors in the water helped appreciate & perceive how shallow some places indeed were.

In addition, getting to view the ship wreck made the experience complete :)

Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 100 : 85 mm : f5.6 : 1/500 sec

Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Key West, Florida, USA

September 5, 2019

Not all conversations need words

Some conversations need words, Some only silence :)

So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me for I, too, am fluent in silence. – R. Arnold

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 640 : 19 mm : f4.0 : 1/45 sec

Sunset Beach
Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA

June 23, 2019

Just show up

It was almost new year’s eve and we were in the process of moving out of Florida. As much as I was excited about the move to the new place, I knew I would miss those lovely florida sunsets.

That particular Friday was pretty darn cloudy. Looking up the forecast via Clear Outside, realized the evening was going to be 99% cloudy. Was debating if it was worth taking the chance. Since there were not many more evenings left in Florida, decided to just drive out.

It was pretty overcast all along and the sun was nowhere to be seen. But the walk by the lake was pretty soothing with the evening breeze. Then the 1% clear sky happened by the horizon. And that was enough for the sun to put up a show …

Sometime, all you got to do is just show up :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm: ISO 200 : 10 mm : f6.7 : 1/350 sec

Fred Howard Park
Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA

January 30, 2019

Alone by the Gulf

This is from few years back. Photographically not a great shot. But this brings back candid memories from the sole road trip, chasing some light and lightning !

 

The twilight Sun, wears the veil of the rainfall
Thunder, though distant, rumbles across the Clouds
The rolling waves, gently crash across the feet
The gentle breeze with its tropical warmth, caresses the face
And I realize – I am no longer alone :)

Canon 7D : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10 sec

    Alone
Naples, Florida, USA
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
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
January 7, 2018

Cosmos

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
December 6, 2017

Bahai Honda Sunset

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

Buy Print    Bahai Honda State Park
Big Pine Key, Florida, USA
July 12, 2017

In the eyes of a child

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
April 24, 2017

See you at Sunset

“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

   Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach
Key West, Florida, USA
April 12, 2017

The Pier of Clearwater

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

   Sunset by Pier60
Clearwater, Florida, USA
February 26, 2017

Let The Change Change you

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

 Sunset by SandKey
Clearwater, Florida, USA
December 13, 2016

December Super Moon

For most people, we often marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or the magnificence of a full moon, but it is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the universe that surrounds us :)

– Richard H. Baker

The last quarter of 2016 had been treating us with Super Moons. To the casual watcher it does not make much of a difference in size, but it does give an excuse to go out, shoot and enjoy.

All the planning did not come together during Oct and Nov, as the weather Gods had other plans. The third and final installment of this supermoon trifecta adored the sky earlier this evening (Dec. 13, 2016). And Oh boy, was it awesome ! 

This is not a composite (not that there is anything wrong with composites). But it was much more fun and challenging to plan and get it all together, restricting to a single focal length.

As I came to the spot shortly before the moon rise, was worried the anchored boat would be a hindrance. But once I walked around, the composition fell in place – and in this case, I feel it adds to the scale of the shot :)

 

Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 320: 270 mm : f5.6 : 1/8 sec

Buy Print    Moon Rise 12.13.2016
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
November 15, 2016

Million Shades of Magical Colors

Fall colors do happen in Florida, it just happens in the sky and all around the year :)

The name Sunshine State might bring in memories of crisp & sunny days at beach, but Florida also is the home of some amazing & best sunsets. This was shot at a secluded spot, from a not very well know local beach. The low tide enabled the kids (look close,  there are two of them) to play and venture out for shell combing. As the sun was fading behind the horizon, the entire sky burst in million shades of twilight colors. It was just magical :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 6.0 sec

    Sunset Beach
Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA
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