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 |
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 |
The beauty you see in me, is a reflection of you. – Rumi
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 1000 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/15 sec
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Furman Bell Tower Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
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
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Bahai Honda State Park Big Pine Key, Florida, USA |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Deep in the forest of Karnataka there are some pristine spots, largely untouched (yet). Jogi Gundi is one such lovely waterfall tucked in the wilderness of Agumbe. The Jogigundi Falls is located around 3 km from Agumbe. Situated on the way to the Barkana Falls, it can be reached by a small trek of around ~500 mts. When the conditions are right, you can also enjoy swimming in the turquoise green water. Even during the monsoon time, water was inviting and pretty refreshing from the afternoon heat.
I was lucky to visit the place, at the right time, when the water was just right to highlight the beautiful structure of the waterfall, while the entire surrounding was still lush green from the rains. Heavier rains would definitely make it more majestic, but also would increase the challenge of accessing the falls. Also heard that the leeches might decide to join the trek, if the rains are continuous :)
Be advised and cautious. This is a rain forest. You are entering the habitat of the wild. Respect their place & space. Leave only foot prints and carry back all that u carry in, along with some lovely pictures & memories!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 1.0 sec
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Jogi Gungi Waterfalls Agumbe, Karnataka, India |
Wanna enjoy some sunshine
Wanna feel some happiness
Wanna feel vibrant
– Head out to the Tulip fields :)
Out in the west we have Skagit Tulip farms or the well known Woodenshoe Tulip farms (where this was shot). Out in the east the prominent one is at Holland, Michigan. If you love tulips then these places are worth a visit. You have to plan ahead if you want to see the fields in bloom, the tulip season is short, late March to early May. If you have never experienced acres and acres of blooming tulips in every color you can imagine, you should at least go once. It is spectacular !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 0.7 sec
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Sunset by the Tulip Field Woodburn, Oregon, USA |
Bandipur National Park is an established Tiger Reserve, but it is also an amazing place to watch birds. This particular day as we were eagerly trying to locate some big cats, this beauty decided to get our attention. He was just still and serene, while the slow breeze was making the leaves around dance. After leisurely posing for this shot, he decided to show his flying skills too. It was quiet a sight to watch the him glide – oh, so majestically.
Canon XSi : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 1600 : 168 mm : f6.7 : 1/180 sec
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| Peacock Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, USA |
Though Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, you could get a flavor for the same in the neighboring upper peninsula of northern Michigan too.
This shot was from the day when I drove up to Bond falls, to capture the Perseids. After initial scouting, realized the back drop of the falls was not conducive for sunset. Hence decided to fire up Google maps and started driving towards a water body with a west side view. After a couple of miles and a few lakes, ended up at this lovely view. The banks of the lake was laden with mosquitoes and a bit swampy – but the view from behind the grass, the colors from the setting sun and the crescent moon – made up for it :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 19 mm : f8.0 : 1/10 sec
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Sunset by the Lake Land O’ Lakes, Michigan, USA |
Holi is probably one the most enchanting of the festivals originating from India. It is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month. It has pretty much moved all around the world, across cultures and was celebrated last weekend. Participants traditionally throw bright, vibrant powders at friends and strangers alike, marking the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Holi is the time to unwind, de-stress and bond with sweets, Thandai and colors. The celebrations at the Greater Hindu temple of Chicago was equally exuberant, very much like last year (you could also read more about the festival here). Below is the Photo Essay of the event from this year ! Happy Holi !!!
Lot of folks were so open to being photographed and even asked where they can get the shots. If you were one of them feel free to get yours here.
The Crowd !!!
Colored powder and smiles adorning the festivities
Dancing the way around
Fellow photographer amidst the crowd , just not sure how the nikon fared ;-)
An little girl, face smeared with colored powder, sits on the shoulders of her father getting an apt Vantage point
The locals too equally enjoy the celebration
Everyone including this kid had lotz of fun
After all its all about the colors right !
Getting nice shots often depends on the Vantage point you are at, this guy probably got the best one for the day
As the sun set, the Holi fire also was lit in front of the temple to start the final prayers
Collect moments, not things !
Slow down, enjoy the view , have a drink :)
There are several view points and highway pull outs from where views of Mt. Hood can be enjoyed. But Panorama view point is probably on the top of the list. It is not very well known, probably because the directions to the same are not well marked. But being so close to Hood River and the Hwy 84, you could just drive up to enjoy the view right from the car. Or just get down and plan to have a drink at the picnic tables while enjoying the view !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 250 : 35 mm : f4.0 : 1/60 sec 
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Panorama Point County Park Hood River, Oregon, USA |
How can someone compare a 35 foot falls with towering Multnomah Falls at 620 feet. How can such a small falls be treated in par with the Majestic Mt Hood or the iconic crater lake. You should visit the place to really appreciate it. Irrespective of its size, Punchbowl Falls is definitely a classic and iconic Oregon spot. If you have less than a day at Portland and love hiking – Eagle creek Trail definitely tops the list. Based on the time and stamina, you can decide to turn back at Punchbowl Falls (round trip –3.8 miles) or continue all the way up to Tunnel Falls (round trip 12 miles). The experience begins from the parking lot as you get started on the trail. The increase in elevation is pretty gradual. The lovely view of the river, the creeks & bridges, narrow trail (at places, just a little more than a feet) and wild flowers (depending on the season) makes the hike such a pleasure. At about 2 miles you will hit the Punch bowl Falls (upper) view point. This view helps admire the force with which water flows, creating the punchbowl. On the contrary, It is definitely worth hiking the extra mile (take diversion at the lower falls trail) to get this tranquil view.
the place was so serene and dreamy
the water was so clear and cold
thoughts, not so much
feelings, probably abundant
to sum up – it was just magical
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Punchbowl Falls, Eagle Creek Trail Eagle Creek Wilderness, Oregon, USA |
Probably the punchbowl category of falls was defined after this falls at the Eagle creek wilderness, Oregon. The name so aptly fits it. The view point gives a grand view of the punch bowl. Compared to the others in Colombia George like Multnomah or Latourell, this is probably a smaller falls at ~30+ feet. Still it is pretty amazing to see/feel the forces of nature, that has created the punch bowl.
Crossing the line is sometimes good ;-) This was shot from the edge of the ledge, just a couple of feet beyond the fenced barricade.
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Punchbowl Falls, Eagle Creek Trail Eagle Creek Wilderness, Oregon, USA |
I grab a pen
I drop a cap
I opened a book
and closed it shut.
I kick the sand
and raise some dust.
I run a circle
I do a jiggle
I go up in smoke
I stumbled
I crumbled
I laughed
I cried
someone,
someone …
just told me –
that you are coming :)
Madurai, apart from being my home town, is really famous for many things from soft idles to jasmine flowers to being the birth place of ancient Tamil. Madurai is also synonymous with Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covering an area of 17 acres , the enter city was built around the temple. As you get near the temple the city streets meander and before you realize become lanes within the temple.
Known for its amazing architecture , this temple is one of the most ancient and famous ones in south India. As a kid I have always taken for granted, my visits to this place. When I went to my hometown in the last year, I made it visit this place. I did not have as much as time as I had intended, but still enjoyed it. I really wanted to capture the grandeur of the Gopura, its ornate work, the intricate sculptures from the pillars, the lovely etc colorful paintings on the ceilings etc. I think I succeeded, at least partially. This week shot is one of the 14 Gopuras that adorn the beautiful temple.
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Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
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