Witnessed this moment on the same night as that of Venus ascending. By the remote islands of the Andaman and in the midst of the dark night – we were chasing the grandeur Milky way. Meanwhile the stars from the other side of the galaxy were probably pondering over the beauty of this rugged island. At that moment, oblivious to our presence, the Venus decided to join the party and jumped on the thing (that we call as swing) to get a ride of its life :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 4000: 16 mm : f2.8 : 20.0 sec
Venus on the swing Morice Dera, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
As we were headed to deep interior forests of kemmangundi (for waterfall hopping), we came across a small town. Wanting to get a break from the long drive, stopped by a small bakery for some chai. As we started the journey back, there was a small puddle of water by the roadside and the twilight sunset made the mundane scene magnificent.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 200 : 16 mm : f/2.8 : 1/4 sec
This week’s capture is from one of the rugged and remote islands of the Andaman, which probably has one of the best night skies and even more amazing sunrises. Looking back, the 4 shot panorama was not enough to capture the grandeur as it unfolded. Anyway what is more magical than watching a milky way or a dramatic sunrise – it is of course watching a Milky Way rise during a dramatic twilight sunrise.
A still more glorious dawn awaits Not a sunrise, but a galaxy rise A morning filled with 400 billion suns The rising of the milky way – Carl Sagan, Cosmos
music, like light permeates the space music, like breeze soothes the soul music, like fantasy captivates the mind music, like waves caress the body music, like thunder shatters the ego music, like magic opens portals to other dimensions
Nikon D810 : Nikon 14-24 mm : ISO 1000 : 20 mm : f2.8 : 39 sec (blub)
Dhani Nallah Beach Rangat, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Morice Dera beach is a lovely rustic beach located adjacent to the Andaman Trunk Road – just after Rangat. The twin rock at Morice Dera is unique. The walkway in between these rocks leads toward an eye-catching horizon viewpoint. Both the beach and the viewpoint were ideal to sit, fall back and contemplate. It was a great place to just be and do nothing. Being bortle 1 skies, zillion of stars, viewpoints like this, and the stupendous views – Morice Dera topped our list from the Andaman trip, especially for chasing the stars. Venturing in the dark, stumbling by rocks, splashing in the water, beyond the viewpoint, definitely turned out to be worthwhile. The clouds were quickly closing in, but for a brief moment this scene of Venus ascending was indeed stunning!
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 4000: 16 mm : f2.8 : 20.0 sec
Venus ascending Morice Dera, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
A flight out, a bumpy drive, a quick ferry, a speed boat via hidden mangroves, then a hike thru a magical little village takes you to this mystic caves in Andaman. If you plan meticulously and await for all the stars to align – you could witness the mystical caves opening up the portal to an alternate dimension.
Or may be it was just a couple of crazy folks playing with the darks and lights – deep in the caves of Andaman :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100: 16 mm : f2.8 : 30.0 sec
Orb in Limestone Caves Baratang, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
After landing in Andaman by late afternoon, realized the weather was not much different from Chennai. Very tropical, humid, and hot. Trying to get a feeling of the place, we decided to catch up the sunset. Andaman, by way of it’s location, and single time zone – have both the sunrise and sunset quite early.
Luckily, our partners in crime had already sorted out a location for potential sunset – Wandoor beach. With a bit of working out on the ride, we left around 4:30 PM. Given the time, we were sure to miss the sunset, but still decided to head out. After an uneventful drive through the town, the urban view gave way to some forests, the forests then opened up to some backwaters. After some lovely views by the side of the road, we headed to the beach. Some interesting conversations, some new connections, a leisurely stroll by the beach – and then things started to unfold.
The sun had just sunk by the horizon. The quarter moon, though small, was blanketing the entire landscape. Slowly, the twilight was starting to weave its golden magic. And just when ‘I’ was thinking that the scene could not be any more beautiful, the stars decided to adorn & twinkled – one by one by one.
Awestruck, the ‘I’ just dissolved into the abyss and became part of it. Here is a slice from that magical evening :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 200: 16 mm : f2.8 : 15.0 sec
Wandoor Beach Port Blair, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Munnar is a mesmerizing hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala.
Munnar derives its name from the 3 rivers that confluence here. Rolling mountains, moving mists, flying clouds, rich green slopes & trees swaying to the cool mountain breeze – it all transports one to a mesmerizing magical world !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 160: 18 mm : f3.5 : 1/60 sec
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
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
If you have read the “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”, you would known about Minli who sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
Here is a magical shot from valley of Sandy River, as the full moon dances with the majestic Mount Hood. A big cheers for all the adventures and answers you seek for in the coming new year. A Very Happy New Year – 2016 to my Friends out here. May this new year be beautiful, sweet, creative, and happy one for you.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 270 mm : f11 : 1/20 sec
Hidden in the north west corner of Washington state is a treasure of a primeval, temperate & enchanted rainforest – Hoh. Walking thru these forests brings in an overwhelming sense of the timelessness. The huge amounts of rainfall and the storm dumps from the near by pacific ocean results in the lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Layers and layers of green, moist moss adorns the whole place, making even the once dead trees & logs of long time, come alive.
Hoh – The place is whimsical and magical, but is still as much real :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 18 mm : f13 : 10 sec
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Forest Forks, Washington, USA
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
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
Buy Print
Like the Ocean 