July 3, 2013
The Rim Drive – a 33 miles gorgeous and scenic highway circumventing the crater lake – make it an ideal place for enjoying both sun rise or sun set (moon rise and moon set too !). There are tons of pull-outs to get off the road and see the lake. Be it the view points right on the road or the hikes out or the off road trails the views are equally amazing.
This particular view is one of my favorite – so open and expansive. You can see the Phantom Island on the left , Wizard island towards center. The foreground with minimal vegetation and brittle soil, highlights the volcanic past. To add to all this, the sun decided to stage a grand drama that evening :)
‘Bowl of Fire’ – an attempt at capturing that moment, that grandeur – to share with you !!!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 11 mm : f11 : 30 sec
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Cloud Cap Point Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA |
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June 27, 2013
Super moon, Blue moon, Pink moon, Harvest moon – are all nothing but whimsy media terms. Believe me, there is nothing super about the super moon.
I am definitely not an expert at shooting the moon. I have captured the moon in the past, but am still learning. One thing that helps in getting a captivating shot is to capture the moon when it is low – real low – on the horizon. The other is to include a foreground subject to get a scale of reference. Just make sure you far away from the foreground subject and shoot with a really really long long lens [ beg borrow or steal, just get the longest lens you can :) ]. Shooting with the long lens helps actuate the size of the farther object (in this case the moon) by playing with your mind. As with the below shot or this example of the sunset. It becomes much more obvious in this shot by Photographer Alessandro Della Bella.
This evening the weather was playing hide and seek. It was supposed to be clear. Then it was all overcast. After lot of deliberation, decided to drive out to the planned spot. It was still an hour or so more for the moon to come up. It was still drizzling. Decided it would be a nice evening walk, if not anything else. Just around the time of the moon rise, the clouds had cleared a bit, but the the horizon was still overcast and hazy. What is the fun if everything goes as planning right :) After suspenseful wait the moon decided to show up – just at the right spot. At the end it was all worth it. Yes – there is nothing super about the super moon. Actually – every full moon is indeed super. What do you say ?!!!
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Super Moon on 6.23.2013 @ Chicago Lighthouse Chicago, Illinois, USA |
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May 8, 2013
Trillium lake is one of my favorite places from Pacific North West. For folks that are not from around here – this is one lovely spot located at the higher elevations of the Mt Hood. Its unique location makes it a great spot – be it an ideal summer fun afternoon, or a leisurely walk in the evening or some boating / kayaking. Being away from city lights it is also a great place for some amazing night photography. This shot of Perseids Meteors shower and milky way was from from this same spot !!!
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 18 mm : f10 : 1/50 sec
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April 29, 2013
I was not able to shoot as much during this spring. Hence sharing some tulips from the last season. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farms is a lovely place to experience spring. This beautiful Tulip fields is just an hour drive from Portland, but has quiet a view. You could just take a stroll, smell some tulips, run around or just sit and enjoy a sunset. Wanna know more about this lovely place and read more – Click here.

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Wooden Shoe Tulip Fields
Woodburn, Oregon, USA |
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April 22, 2013
The lovely Lower Lewis waterfall looks more graceful during lower water levels, as it cascades down. Add to it – a dense fog settling down and a bit of fall colors sprinkled here and there … What more can I ask !!!
fall leaves fall
caught by a blanket of
fog or fall
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 25 mm : f22 : 1.5 sec
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Lower Lewis River Falls Skamania, Washington, USA |
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April 10, 2013
Abiqua Falls – There is something magical about this place. Grandeur is not a feeling you get at less than 100 feet high. The overpowering and humbling feeling is probably from the enclosed canyon like walls covered with lichen and the serene aqua pool that it falls into. Abiqua is all about the journey of getting there – starting from the rugged roads, hike up, some sliding, scrambling under and over the logs , wading thru the water etc. Having such a gem at the end of it is an added bonus :) Check this out for the view from the other side. This had been one of my favorite fun adventure hikes from the pacific north west !!!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : 3 stop ND Filter : ISO 100 : 14 mm : f22 : 3 sec
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April 2, 2013
I can still remember that particular evening at Hampi. The air was crisp, the breeze was so pleasant and the distant sunset was quiet dramatic. Mahanavami Dibba – located within the fortified area was probably the seat of power of the fallen empire. The views from here were grandeur and King Krishnadevaraya would have enjoyed similar views of sunset during his days :)
This is a pseudo digital oil painting based on the sunset from that particular evening. I am still refining on my workflow and painting process. How do you like the same ?!!!

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Sunset @ Mahanavami Dibba Hampi, Karnataka, India |
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March 21, 2013
I am so close, I may look distant.
So completely mixed with you, I may look separate.
So out in the open, I appear hidden.
So silent, because I am constantly talking with you.
- Rumi
The below shot is a moon set, yes you read that right, it is the moon set and not sun set. It was one of those rare early morning twilight moments during the beginning of the harvest months, when the moon is fiery, large & bright – due to its low position in the horizon. The colors were as is and not modified. You can read more about the harvest moon in this older post from last Aug.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : No Filter : ISO 800 : 270 mm : f5.6 : 0.5 sec
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Harvest Moon Crater Lake, Oregon, USA |
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March 9, 2013
With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind – I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home. I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!
This particular shot is from Fern hill wetlands, which easily became my favorite spot for sunset and bird watching. Though just 20 odd miles from Portland, it gives a typical countryside feel far away from the frenzy city life !!!
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 27 mm : f19 : 30 sec
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FernHill Wetlands Forest Grove, Oregon, USA |
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February 27, 2013
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
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Secret Spot @ Pacific Coast Hwy 101, Oregon, USA |
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February 21, 2013
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
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Cookie Monster Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA |
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February 9, 2013
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

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Tulips at Bloom, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, Oregon, USA |
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February 3, 2013
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

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Living Nightlights, View from Space Needle Seattle, Washington, USA |
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January 31, 2013
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

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Wizard Hat, Face Rock State Park Bandon, Oregon, USA |
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December 11, 2012
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
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Mt Rainier Paradise, Washington, USA |
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November 27, 2012
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
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Countryside Reflections Forest Grove, Oregon, USA |
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November 15, 2012
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

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November 4, 2012
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
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Cedar Creek Grist Mill Woodland, Washington, USA |
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October 31, 2012
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 !
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Crater Lake Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA |
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October 25, 2012
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

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Salt Creek Falls Hwy 58, Oregon, USA |
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