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 |
October 16, 2018
Fall Colors by Tranquil lake
September 30, 2018
Twin Falls on a Rainy Day
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover
And never judge a day by it’s weather
This particular Saturday started with showers all around. It was a tough choice to decide between lazing the afternoon with family in the couch vs driving couple of hours and taking a hike. With the rain, it was tempting to decide to stay at home, especially since it involved a hike. ClearOutside showed a small break in weather for the late afternoon. Am glad I gambled to take the risk, at the end it really paid off :) Though I did get wet, the rain added to the volume of the cascade and the rolling fog made the day !
Generally, worse the weather & lower the probability of getting a shot, the better it turns out to be :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10.0 sec
| Twin Falls Sunset, South Carolina, 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 |
January 26, 2018
Hiking by Paris Mountain
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
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Bahai Honda State Park Big Pine Key, Florida, USA |
November 6, 2017
Magic of Fall
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 |
October 31, 2017
The Lone Kayaker
It is a general perception that the quality of light moves toward harsh, as the sun moves up the sky, and not ideal for photography. But all rules are eventually meant to be broken :)
This particular hot afternoon I was driving around scouting for a potential sunset location. Glad the car in front of me slowed down, I applied the breaks and was treated to this view thru the window. It was only for a brief moment – the moving clouds diffused the harsh sunlight. And just a little bit gleamed thru, to light up the kayaker and part of the hill.
Always be prepared … it helps with photography too :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 50 mm : f4.5 : 1/500 sec
| Devils Lake State Park Baraboo, Wisconsin, 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 |
October 21, 2017
Orionids on a Chilly Night
A Sip of a hot chai
Gentle breeze of the cold night
Shimmering of the twinkling stars
A blazing streak of a meteor
– few experiences are worth skipping the cozy sleep :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Orionid Meteor Shower (10.21.2017) Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
July 27, 2017
Misty Morning by Mississippi River
This is from one of my Aurora chasing trips. After the long drive, the forecasted Northern lights never showed up. Decided to sleep in the car and was treated to this magical sunrise the next morning – I would still call it a win :)
Be Still and You will see.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 21 mm : f22 : 1/4 sec
| Mississippi River Savanna, Illinois, USA |
July 24, 2017
Living under the stars
It is not a magical myth. There still exist places where the entire night is blanketed in the glow of the milky way. It is up to us all to make sure it stays that way :)
Went out along with my son for a night under the stars. After the long drive, at 5 minutes past 11, the planned spot at a State park did not work out – they just closed the gates prior to our arrival. This led to a drive around the unknown rural roads. After some scintillating conversations, light painting and trying out some Milky way shots, came across this lovely spot.
It was quiet a place to take a walk. Unlike city, there were no harsh lights to showcase the stone road, just the light of the stars and the sounds of the night. On the left were close to a hundred cows, casually mowing the grass. Only after we crossed the field, were we able to see the light, at the front yard of this house. Just enough for them and not polluting the night sky. It was quiet a scene, literally !
We talked about light pollution, rural life, dark skies, stars and soaked in the night :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 800 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 30 sec
| Living by the Stars Elberton, Georgia, 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 |
June 18, 2017
Symphony of Light
Dying daylight & rising twilight,
Kindles the tiny angels of the endless night.
It is quiet a sight
Witnessing the symphony of light.Specks of light, Shining bright,
Weaving a silent song by moon’s light,
So nimble & ever in flight –
To watch them twinkle, is always a delight :)
If you are interested with how this was shot & processed, check out this article.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 400 – 3200 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 30 sec ; 245 Shots
| Elkmont Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA |
May 24, 2017
Just by the Roadside
You can make all the plans, but you never know what is in store.
After a lot of deliberate planning, decided to head out to the Jumping Off Rock. Starting off with delayed rental, to the not so dynamic sunset after the long and bumpy drive, the day just fizzled out. The next day when trying to chase waterfalls, the rain decided to chase us. But luckily along with rain – the mist, rolling fog and views like this – just by the road saved the day. Here it is – a view just by the roadside, from Carolina Mountains :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/90 sec
| By Hwy NC-28 Highlands, North Carolina, USA |
April 6, 2017
The Long White Bridge
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 |
March 22, 2017
By the Falls – Looking Glass
Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure.
With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature’s power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.
If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? – Chief Seattle
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 18 mm : f8.0 : 10 sec
| Looking Glass Waterfall, Pisgah Forest Brevard, North Carolina, USA |
Like the Ocean 