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
Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. – John Milton
Have you ever thought – in life we receive a lot more than we ever give. Yet, it is easy for us to remember about things we wanted but haven’t got yet, plans that were planned but haven’t worked out yet etc. But you just reading this, shows you are among the gifted – who got to learn to read, have the will to read, probably have the basic needs met and among the the ones who have WiFi or mobile with a data plan. If nothing else, just the probability of you even existing now at all comes out to 1 in 102,685,000. Basically, the odds you even exist is zero. Yet you exist.
Realize the miracle you are and yet how wonderfully insignificant you are. Be thankful… live… live a life filled with Gratitude :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 1000 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/15 sec
Furman Bell Tower
Greenville, South Carolina, USA
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
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
You are exactly where you need to be …
And you have the choice to stay or move forward, one step at a time :) Either way, enjoy the journey.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 200 : 18 mm : f3.5 : 1/45 sec
| Rough Ridge Trail Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA |
Kanyakumari , the southern most tip of Incredible India, is well known for a handful of things – The Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvaluvar statue, the small fishing colony, Devi Kanyakumari Amman Temple on one end and Our lady Church on the other. But it all comes together during sunrise, when everyone gathers by the coast to witness the dynamic colors :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f4.5 : 0.3 sec
| Sunrise @ South Tip Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India |
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 |
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 |
 | Christine Lucero on Sunset by Fort De Soto |
| Sathya on Sunset by Fort De Soto |
| Christine Lucero on Sunset by Fort De Soto |
 | By the Silent night… on Scripts to Make your Star Trai… |
 | redrisng on Gratitude enriches existence |
