August 13, 2012
Sleeping under the stars is an experience unto itself. In addition, being away from the city lights takes on a whole new level of fun, when you start taking star pictures. If u have not done it before, definitely give it a try :) In expectations of capturing a moment of Presides Meteor shower, headed to Trillium lake over last weekend (Aug 11-12, 2012) . Overall the meteor shower was pretty elusive than expected, always managing to put a show where the camera was not pointed. As the night was passing by, was worried that the moon rise (around 1:30 AM) might reduce the possibility of meteor sighting. But I was pretty surprised when everything just lined up just (around 3:30 AM) – the Venus, the Moon and the Jupiter – and even a meteor was adorning the scene. The star cluster you see a little off center on top is Pleiades nebula.
Hope u enjoy viewing as much as I did during the shooting !
 Buy Print |
|
Perseids Meteor
Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA |
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
18 Comments »
August 2, 2012
Seattle is a such lively city especially for photographers – located adjacent to water, hills all around, lovely skyline, beautiful S-curves leading to the heart of the downtown area. Love the way how it comes alive at night. Here is one of the scenes for your to enjoy. You can get this view from around Dr Jose P Rizal Bridge. Check here for other shots of Seattle.
| Buy Print |
|
Seattle Downtown
Seattle, Washington, USA |
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
June 28, 2012
Sometimes there is a different kind of beauty to things, even when it is seemingly out of focus.
Enjoy life, even at times when those not so coherent pieces of the puzzle take time to align.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
2 Comments »
June 21, 2012
Fairy Falls is located at the Wahkeena Canyon area of the lovely Colombia George Wilderness. The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls and the one to the right leads to the Fairy Falls and beyond. Wahkeena Falls and the overflowing creek might not be as popular as the near by Multnomah Falls, but let that not fool you. The Fairy falls is one of the much smaller falls in the George, but is brilliantly beautiful. Even at just 20 feet, the stepped formation creates such a dreamy flow. It is a wonder to watch and just get lost with.
The initial trail has a paved, but pretty steep section – climbing about 600 feet in about 1/2 mile. With about 10+ switchbacks it does drain energy. But once you cross, it is more scenic, wild & enjoyable. The kids definitely would enjoy this as the hike meanders across pseudo bridges and water cascades. It is a little over 2 miles round trip, if you decide to turn back at the Fairy falls. Depending on the season do carry water and chocolates to munch – I sure was glad I did :)
| Buy Print |
|
Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Creek Trail
Columbia River George, Oregon, USA |
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
November 6, 2011
Talakadu (also known as Talakad) is a town on the banks of the Kaveri river, Karnataka, India. The place is known for temples submerged in sand. It is said to have around 30+ temples under sand. It is surprising to see the geology out here. The powerful Kaveri had helped create the dune like area. There is a little bit of history here, blended with some geology and topped with legends and myths. The bit of history is associated to the place is tied to the Mysore Raja Family of this palace. You can read further about the legend here at wikipedia. This weeks shot is one of the excavated temples, along with the intricate stonework, laid out beautifully in front.
| Buy Print |
|
Lord Vishnu Temple under Sand Dunes
Talakadu, Karnataka, India
|
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
12 Comments »
October 28, 2011
A different perspective of fall colors – sandwiched ! This is from the Scott’s lake at The Three sisters wilderness. This lake is indeed known for the pristine reflection of the three sisters. But when I took a walk around the lake, I were presented with the below scene that beautifully highlighted the fall colors across the other bank. The tall coniferous trees were still dense and green, but really loved how the foliage across the shore was so colorful [best enjoyed at large size].
Lesson learnt – keep walking – keep looking for things that are not prominent. Look out for the different perspective, you will not be disappointed :)
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
12 Comments »
October 23, 2011
Fall season seems to be one of the best seasons to shoot waterfalls. The overcast days, just the right level of water, moderate temperatures that allow you to enjoy the hike up, the colors and leaves – all work in synergy. This week shot is from the Fairy falls from a late evening. The circular polarizer helped enhance the green & yellows, while the ND Filter helped capture the silky smooth water & the textures from the ferns and rocks.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in General, photography |
10 Comments »
October 18, 2011
The pacific north west is not very well known for fall colors. I feel there are some well guarded secret spots, located in the west cascades and the Willamette National forest areas of Oregon. The scenic drive from Estacada into the cascades is an amazing place to start your fall tour. Highway 224 (Clackamas highway) is a pretty drive following the river. This weeks shot is a view, right from the highway. I couldn’t help myself but take a u-turn and get back to capture this shot, as the late afternoon sun dramatically lit the fall foliage. The 8 second exposure, thanks to the ND Grad filter, helped capture the flow of the water along with the amazing colors.
For folks in the side of the world, experiencing fall – happy travelling and shooting, enjoy the fall as it lasts. And for those who don’t get to see fall colors first hand, welcome to enjoy the same thru the shots !!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
September 16, 2011
If you had been following my blog, I bored you last week with my Seattle trip. Continuing that … … … With Sunday still left, decided to pursue the Seattle skyline shot. Decided that probably staying near downtown would help. Being Saturday evening and given the fact that all the hotels were booked, started looking out for options. That is when I came across Airbnb. Pretty interesting concept, where folks rent out their vacation homes or part of their homes. Stay options, with no frills. Though I was initially skeptical, worked out pretty good. Especially the vacation homes at the prime coastal areas are pretty good deals. May be should give it a try some time. Are you aware of this service ? Have you used the same ? what are your experiences ?
After researching a bit, the only option that seems to work out, with out a car, was Kerry Park, which was just 6-7 blocks away. That sounded pretty good and thought I could even walk down if the I decided to stick around, way past sun set. But, I did not realize there would be so many steps across each block, with such a elevation gain ! Lesson Learnt: When in Seattle, check altitude difference along with distance, if planning to walk :)
The overall walk or rather hike up was fruitful. It was indeed a peaceful stroll once you get to Kerry Park. The views were quiet awesome. As for the shot – it was 30 second exposure, taken few hours after sunset. This is indeed an HDR, to capture the low light and warmth of the scene.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
16 Comments »
September 9, 2011
It was one of those trips when nothing seemed to get together. When an official trip to Seattle came up, gladly planned to leave a day or two early with some shooting plans. I was inclined to get the classic Seattle skyline shot. It all started off with the train arriving late at the destination, resulting in missing to get the rental car before they closed :( . Based on the planned car rental, had booked an hotel that was 20+ miles away at Des Moines. Now with out the car, it took 2 hours by public transit :( . By the time I crashed at the hotel, I was in no mood to head back to down town, neither had the time for it. Anyways as I was heading towards the hotel, noticed the huge water body and it turned out to the back waters (not sure what they are called) from the ocean. A 15 min bus drive took me, to the not so very well known, Des Moines marina. I was just in time as the sun was going down the horizon. There were not much clouds, but something with the ocean and the climate crated such hues that made it a memorable evening. The water was pretty clear and so slow moving , creating some nice reflections too !!! Here is this week shot from the walk @ Des Moines Marina for you to enjoy.
So what do you do on those days when things just don’t align for you. Do you really fight against it or just go with the flow. When things don’t go right , do u just go left ;-)
P.S: Did you know Google + is out of beta and open for everyone. Feel free to check it out, its awesome. You can connect with me here.
|
 Flickr Page |
Dusk @ Des Moines Marina
Seattle, Washington, USA
|
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
9 Comments »
September 2, 2011
It was quiet a hectic week, but who can complain, when it ends with an amazing drive to the Mt hood, on such a beautiful sunny Saturday as the week came to a closure! Being about 2 hours from my place, it is just the right spot for a short day trip. From enjoying the afternoon sun to shooting some star photography, later thru the night, the entire trip turned out to be a well desired break! Is it sounding like a teaser, oh yeah it is, am processing the star shots and will share the same soon. Till then, here is this weeks shot, from enroute to Mt Hood. Have a good weekend.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
2 Comments »
August 27, 2011
“If dreams were made of stone , it would be hampi” – One can completely relate to it, the moment they get into the vicinity of the place. Hampi – has some amazing and stupendous architecture captured in stone from the Vijayanagara period. Apart from the architecture, the place is also know for some strong and dynamic sunrise / sunsets. Matunga hill is a prominent hike up, where one can enjoy the same. Since a relatively a larger crowd trickle in to bid goodbye to the sun rather than to witness the sunrise, I decided to hike up at dawn. There are a couple of paths leading to the topmost point, where the Veerabhadra Temple is located. It is better to carry a torch irrespective of if you are planning for the sun rise or the sun set as the place is not well lit. After taking up the stepped ramp from the west , reached the top just prior to sun raise. There were only a very few folks around, but was really surprised to see a small shop selling garam garam tea and noodles, at that place and time :)
As it was quiet misty, was not hoping much for the sun to come out. Just as I was enjoying the watery tea, the sun decided to give a peek out. It was quiet dramatic, with the Achyuta raya temple at the foothills , the dense forest and the sun peeking thru the misty morning mountains afar. Boy, was I glad to have the 10-24mm wide angle. Did my best to capture it, though I knew I was not able to do complete justice.
|
Flickr Page |
Sunrise, Matunga Hill, Hampi
Karnataka, India
|
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
15 Comments »
August 13, 2011
Why are reflections so cool and soothing …
Is it because, it allows us to get lost, in the moment ?
Is it because, it makes it makes one forget what is real, and what is reflected ?
Is it because, it forces us to reflect onto ourselves, unknowingly ?
Is it because, it make one realize life is nothing by a reflection …
Do share your reasons !!! Here is this weeks shot for you to reflect , i mean enjoy, upon !!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
4 Comments »
August 6, 2011
There are those special full moon days, when u feel that the moon is much larger. The drama created by the clouds is so strong, that you just feel like being one with the night. This weeks shot is from one such days. Photographing the moon is a real challenge, if you don’t know how to do it. But just a handful of tips & a bit of trial and error, you definitely can get a keeper. When I initially started shooting the moon, used to set up my tripod and try for long exposure, you see it was night and dark, right ! Wrong. Moon is one of the brightest objects and at the same not static. Hence any thing less than a 1/125 sec would result in not so sharp shot. This article has lot of details on the technicalities of setting up the shot. Before you head out, u definitely need to know when the next full moon is. This calendar is handy, yeah gone are the days when we all had the time to look up, every night and know when the full moon was approaching.
And to go along with the shot, here is one of my, supposed, haiku. For my non-tamil readers, have tried my best to provide a close enough translation. Hope you enjoy it as much as the shot.
ennavalae
nee nilavai pondraval
andru alagil
indro thoo’laivil …
|
Dear,
you are like the moon
then in beauty :)
but, now in distance :(
|
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
July 30, 2011
Some of the trips are amazing, because of the destination. Some because of the company you have. Some because of the car you drive. But many a times we don’t realize that the enroute journey itself, is quiet fulfilling and sometime much more than the destination. This week shot is from one such drive to enjoy the beautiful country side of Oregon, with no particular destination in mind. Not having any destination, allowed ample stop over to enjoy the amazing country side in the season of the fall. It was indeed a little overcast, but overall enjoyed the climate and the way this shot turned out.
So get a break… take ur car, just drive and hey don’t forget ur camera , how else can we partake in ur enjoyment :)
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
16 Comments »
July 25, 2011
It is always a pleasure to shoot the Mt Hood, one of the crowning beauties of Portland. This week shot is direct from the camera with no post processing, captured during one of fun drives to the base of Mt Hood. This was shot on a sunny weekend afternoon. The play of light and exposure at the right areas created the interesting silhouette effect. Really liked the way this turned out, as opposed to a boring blown out snow pile, that I usually used to get !
Also for folks following me, this shot is a remembrance from my previous stay here at Portland. The last time (three years back), the camera that accompanied me was the trusted canon is s2, with which this was shot. Am back to Portland, OR on assignment. Looking forward to shoot and share the amazing sceneries of the northwest with my next DSLR going forward :)
Adieu Bangalore, for now !!! Salut Portland, Nice to be back !!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
4 Comments »
July 15, 2011
It is a really nice feeling when you least expect and things just unfold – one step at a time – resulting in something awesome. The same was the case with this shot. One lazy afternoon, just decided to take my son for boating at the KR Puram lake. Little did I realize that it is a commercial picnic spot run under the name of ‘Fantasy Lagoon’. Apart from the jogging / walking track, there is a choice of boat rides – pedal, speed or scooter boat. They do have food options, though we did not try anything. As we were enjoying our pedal boat, the sun decided to peak out of the clouds to create the stunning scenery.
It is a nice place to kill time. How do you think it is ! What are your favorite places around Bangalore to spend a lazy afternoon ?!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
July 10, 2011
Kodaikanal is one of the most popular and charming hill station of south India. This was shot enroute from Kodai to Bangalore. As we were leaving, just before the down hill drive started, pulled by a place to shop for the famed home made chocolates. Just behind the shop(s), was graced with the beautiful hilly terrain with this lone home. Definitely makes one wonder how it would feel to stay right amidst nature !!!
p.s : If you are on Google+ you can connect with me here. If you would like an invite, just drop me a note or leave a comment with the request. After a week’s usage, this definitely seems to be addressing some major concerns of Facebook !
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
8 Comments »
July 2, 2011
In the spirit of ID4 celebrations coming up in the US, this weeks shot is from the fireworks show that was shot from previous years. July 4 celebrations, or pretty much any major celebrations across the world is not complete without fireworks. It is always much more fun to select fireworks of ur own choice and blast them in ur back yard or streets, like we do for Diwali in India. For those who don’t have that luxury, the only option is planned firework shows. This by the way gives an option for amazing photo opportunities.
Some tips that I can think of : Scout for the location – This definitely is key. Generally you can even get the info (just Google !) on where the show would be launched from. Prior scouting could help you get some vintage view points like near by parking garages :). Look for any water bodies that could be included in the composition. The reflections are quiet nice, as always. Get the tripod out – If you are shooting fireworks, you need to have a tripod. Be more comfortable with the manual focus. Be sure to use BULB, as this gives u an option to decide on the exposure time based on the size of the explosion. with BLUB it definitely goes without saying – use a remote trigger to avoid any shake. Happy firework shooting.
|
Flickr Page |
ID4 Celebration, Fireworks
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
|
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
7 Comments »
June 25, 2011
Flowers in general are always cool to shoot with – they are colorful, attractive and if you are lucky, they would be just stand still, for as long as you want, with a little bit of support from wind :). So when I came across the vibrant lily at Meenmutty Falls Resort , was delighted. This was shot during broad afternoon day light and was surprised the way it turned out. I had always thought that these kind of shots were made within a studio set up. All I did here, was used circular polarizer to make the water, non reflective and dark. Playing a bit with curves and levels, helped lose some of the other unwanted details. What do you think of the result ?
Below is a (so called) Haiku that I wanted to share alongside this shot !
Sometimes when
Every thing looks right & Every thing looks wrong … simultaneously
Look again
There is nothing wrong about the right &
There is nothing right about the wrong !!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in photography |
12 Comments »
Like the Ocean 