How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days. – John Burroughs
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 200 : 10 mm : f/13 : 4.0 sec
Jones Gap State Park
Marietta, South Carolina, USA
January 20, 2020
Autumn Glow
November 26, 2019
An Art called Autumn
Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. – Stanley Horowitz
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-280 mm : ISO 250 : 119 mm : f5.6 : 1/60 sec
Rough Ridge
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA
October 20, 2019
Sunset, as seen by the falls
Smokies is such a vast place – that you can find an interesting subject to shoot, irrespective of the weather – lovely sunrises, dynamic landscape, long exposure waterfalls, fireflies, dark skies and what not – you get the picture.
This particular afternoon started out as a moody and overcast one. After gambling that the the sunset would not hit the high cord, decided to hike up to the little Gotto Falls.
But as luck would have it – the overcast became cloudy, resulting in a bit of drizzle, eventually clearing up by around sun set. The colors were starting to show up thru the trees, but it was too late to head out. That is when I decided to capture how the falls would witness such a lovely sunset … how do u like it :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f16 : 30 sec
Grotto Falls
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
October 6, 2019
Stillness
The Stillness that you search within, can be initiated with external triggers – that slow music melody, that soothing breeze as you walk by the green fields, that moment when the sunset makes the sky it’s canvas.
If nothing else, just take a deep breath. A conscious breath can do miracles. When you cannot handle the mind directly, it can be handled through breath …
Hope this serene sunset from Hampi, brings you the peace you are looking for :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 640 : 18 mm : f3.5 : 0.4 sec
Kamalapur Lake
Hampi, Karnataka, India
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
July 22, 2019
Calming the Chaos
Our society thrives on the concept of being busy all the time. The entire system is built around to keep you busy, on the edge, always being bothered, forcing to carry the mountains that aren’t yours to carry.
Photography for me, helps to go within and contemplate what is it I am here to do. Sometimes our life is full of chaos, sometimes the mind is full of chaos. It is all about Calming the Chaos …
Hidden in the chaos, are the treasures of life … Would you agree :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160: 14 mm : f4.0 : 1/30 sec
Lake Hartwell State Park
Fair Play, South Carolina, 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
June 2, 2019
Soul of Ooty
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
As the summer temperatures were soaring up pretty much everywhere, we decided to head to Ooty – Queen of the Hills – for a short break. Being a impromptu travel, there was not much time for planning or scouting locations.
Being our first trip to Ooty, we made the mistake of booking the last of the rooms by Ooty downtown. Thought it would be good to enjoy a walk by the lake or get to the shops. But, oh boy the traffic was similar to that of Bangalore SilkBoard, if not worse :)
The serene drive to Emerald & Avalanche Lake, next day, balanced it all out. Some spots were indeed blocked or restricted, since it is owned by Electric Board and used for electricity generation. These spots need prior planning and securing permits beforehand. Still the drive is very picturesque and worth even if you were not able to secure the permits.
This weeks shot is a view is from a quick curve by the road side, as we were driving back from Emerald lake to Ooty.
I love this shot – it distills the essence of all that Ooty has to offer – Queen of hills, land of lakes, rolling coffee plantations, distant fog and a bit of human settlement. The sunset colors were a pleasant addition and the afternoon thunderstorms accentuated it. Ooty being cloudy / foggy most of the time, we did not expect this scene. But we gladly enjoyed as it unfolded in all its glory !
Surprises like these and more are what make the impromptu travel so additive :)
Soul of Ooty
Ooty, TamilNadu, India
March 28, 2019
Little things
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 85 mm : f5.6 : 1/30 sec
| Spring Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
March 19, 2019
Merku Gopuram of Meenakshi Temple
This shot is just part of the base 2 tiers of the 9 tier Merku Gopuram (west tower) of Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai. The temple complex spanning 14 acers – has 4 nine-storey gopurams (outer, raja), 1 seven-storey gopuram (Chittirai), 5 five-storey gopurams, 2 three-storey, and 2 one-storey gold-gilded sanctum towers. Each one compete and excel at being more intricate and detailed as the other.
Though there are references to Meenakshi Amman temple in literature going back to 6th century, these were restored back to its pristine glory in the 16th century, when King Thirumalai Naicker came back to power in Madurai. What awe-inspiring structures, with-standing the test of time. With such intricate work, would you believe this was conceived and constructed centuries ago ?!!!
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 76 mm : f8.0 : 1/125 sec
| Merku Gopuram, Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai, TamilNadu, India |
March 15, 2019
Love
Love is the absence of judgment – Dalai lama
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 184 mm : f5.6 : 1/10 sec
| Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, Illinois, USA |
March 3, 2019
Kotravaleeswarar Temple of Koviloor
The Koviloor temple of "Sri Kotravaleeswarar" was initially built by the Pandiya King "Veerasekara Pandiyan" – approximately thousand years ago. Legend says that once when King Veerasekaran was on his hunting at this place, he lost his sword and later recovered it. The temple was raised for the lord who helped recover the same. And hence the name Kotrai vaal eeswaran Temple !
The temple tank right in front of the temple called Madhu Puskarani, is one magnificent structure. The pretty mandapam backed by the row of coconut trees, reflected in the sparkling waters is a sight to behold, especially during sunset.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/4 sec
| Madhu Puskarani, Kotravaleeswarar Temple Koviloor, TamilNadu, India |
November 30, 2018
Empire State by Twilight
There is no other place like NYC :) Each visit brings an experience unto itself. Sometimes the best view is not from the tallest tower , but from the one just behind it !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 250 : 70 mm : f6.7 : 1/90 sec
| Empire State New York, New York, USA |
October 16, 2018
Fall Colors by Tranquil lake
A tranquil lake, twilight shades, fall colors, some calming reflections – prefect recipe for a lovely shot :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f4.0 : 1/4 sec
| Mirror Lake State Park Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA |
September 23, 2018
Sunrise @ South Tip, India
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 |
February 11, 2018
Just in time by Jones Gap
Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter – Ansel Adams
Jones Gap is one of a kind, so wild, yet not very far from Greenville. The main highlight of Jones Gap is the Middle Saluda River – the states first designated scenic river. The hike & terrain is somewhat challenging in a couple of places, but the views are amazing.
The late afternoon sun and the clouds were just right. The fall colors and the diffused light caused the entire place to be flooded with the golden glow. Was there just in time to enjoy this lovely scene :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f22 : 15.0 sec
| Jones Gap Wilderness Marietta, South Carolina, USA |
December 12, 2017
Sunset by Clock Tower
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 |
November 21, 2017
Twilight by Grandfather Mountain
I went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sun down, for going out, I found, was really going in – John Muir
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/60 sec
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Tanawha Trail Blowing Rock, North Carolina, USA |
October 29, 2017
A beauty called Linville Gorge
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
| Chimney View, Linville Falls Trail Marion, North Carolina, USA |
October 23, 2017
Fall Colors by Linn Cove Viaduct
The Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other. It provides a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region one of a kind.
Among the uncountable vistas and views, this iconic view of the bridge also stands out, more so after learning about the engineering behind it (below is from the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center).
A viaduct is a long bridge with a series of spans supported on piers. The Linn Cove Viaduct is 1243 feet long and 35 feet wide. This signature view of “S” curve rests upon seven vertical piers spaced at 180 feet.
Linn Cove Viaduct is the first in the US to incorporate progressive placement of sections (each of the 153 precast sessions weighing 10,000 lbs). What this means is that the bridge is built upon itself. Workmen, materials and machines move back and fourth on the completed bridge to places each successive section. Little or no damage is caused to the landscape over which the viaduct is being constructed.
Grandfather Mountain is rugged and unyielding with active plant and animal communities throughout. Traditional road and bridge construction involving heavy equipment, earth moving, access roads and large construction crews would have adversely affected this fragile eco system for years to come.
Interestingly the lead designer of the roadway, Stanley Abbott, was a landscape architect, not an engineer and it shows. This signature view of the Linn Cove Viaduct was shot from a not so prominent spot. The early morning sun lit up the fall foliage ablaze. The biker racing up the parkway added to the shot :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 30 mm : f4.0 : 1/180 sec
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Linn Cove Viaduct Newland, North Carolina, USA |
