Just because u don’t see the moon, doesn’t mean it isn’t there :)
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Canon 7D : Sigma 150-600 mm : ISO 1000 : 600 mm : f6.3 : 1/250 sec
Partial Solar Eclipse
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
October 25, 2022
Until next time …
January 20, 2022
Sun kissed misty morning
October 26, 2020
Life is Inevitable
If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Every walk and every turn at Hampi has awe and surprises carved in stone.
This particular morning we were strolling on the hills of Hemakunta. Surrounded by the grand architecture of Hampi, the cool morning breeze, the rising sun, golden light glistening the rocks – the moment was perfect. And then stumbled upon this little guy, growing right thru the stone. He was there for a purpose, yet juxtaposed at the same time. It was as if everything came together to make this moment happen, to make this connect happen.
He was silently showing what life is all about.
What you think as dead, is just dormant. Be aware, take care of such little things that is & constitutes life. Life is just inevitable.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 500 : 27 mm : f/4.5 : 1/30 sec
Hemakuta Hill
Hampi, Karnataka, India
July 1, 2020
Patience
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are times we race thru things. Actually we are conditioned to race for everything in life – both professional & personal. It takes effort to slow down. Be mindful. Adapt to natures pace. Once you get her secret, life would be much enriched :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 800: 119 mm : f11 : 1/6 sec
The Rise
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
January 6, 2020
Cosmic View by Backyard
The Cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be. – Carl Segan
It is one thing to drive out to the county side in the dark of the night to enjoy the stars. But imagine a world where you could wait for the sun to go down the horizon, grab some coffee and just enjoy this celestial view.
There exists places where, when the sun sets the black curtain rolls up and the sky fills with dazzling stars.
Most of us being urban dwellers, ought to do more to protect the night sky. Not just for the sake of protecting it, but for the sake of amazing views and serene feeling it brings !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
Cedar Key, Florida, USA
April 30, 2019
Courage
Courage in the path is what makes the path manifest itself
– Paulo Coelho
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 6.0 sec
Appalachian Mountains
Pisgah National Fores, North Carolina, USA
March 26, 2019
In spite of everything …
You can feel the stars and the infinity of the sky since life, in spite of everything, is like a dream. – Vincent van Gogh
In spite of all the noise, there is a connect when you are with the nature
In spite of all the chaos, there is a tranquil when you are with the cosmos
In spite of all the chase, there is a silence when you are with the stars
Cherish it, live it, love it and don’t ever lose it !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 3200 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20.0 sec
| Great Smoky Mountain National Park Clingmans Dome, Tennessee, 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 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 22, 2018
Time
The problem is we think we have time.
If Big Bang happened at the first day of the year, the first second of January 1, then : humans didn’t arise until the last day of the year, and modern civilization makes up about the last 14 seconds of the year. – Neil Tyson, Cosmic Calendar.
In large scheme of things, our life is minuscule and insignificant. Yeah your read that right – insignificant, but it is wonderfully insignificant. We often lose track of the time that we have out here and the difference we make.
If the Cosmic Calendar makes you feel insignificant, the Life in Weeks Calendar, can help put things in perspective of how much time we really have, to make a difference. And it is up to us, to make it wonderful.
Its funny how we think we have all the time in the world, yet it is the other way around. But its never too late to become aware of how time and life drifts away, each moment. So, what are you waiting for – build that business, open that school, start that hobby, make that phone call, learn that skill, take that vacation …
Don’t wait, go DO that thing you really wanted to do …
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 30 sec
| By the Stars Cedar Key, Florida, USA |
March 15, 2018
Be Curious
Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the Universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. – Stephen Hawking
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Caesars Head Cleveland, South Carolina, USA |
January 7, 2018
Cosmos
At times, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere,
At times, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.
Cedar Keys, FL is one low key place that still holds secret spots where lights have still not polluted the gorgeous night sky. Being under the stars always brings in the feeling of being wonderfully insignificant and puts one one in a contemplative state. Starting 2018 with reflection and positive thoughts & Wishing you the best for the same too :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Cedar Key, Florida, 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 |
August 23, 2017
The Sun, Moon & Regulus
Watching the Solar Eclipse was quiet an experience. Witnessing the totality was even more personal.
In the peak of the afternoon – the scorching summer sun became so pleasant ; the temperature dropped ; the crickets became exuberant ; there was sunset all around and quiet an excitement permeated in the air. It was a surreal experience to witness a 360° sunset and right in the middle of the afternoon.
High above, as the moon obscured the Sun, it was a sight to behold ! Totality is the only time during solar eclipse that can be enjoyed with out any additional protection to the eyes. The Sun’s corona extends millions of miles into space and is most prominently visible during a total solar eclipse. Regulus, a bright star in the constellation Leo and among the brightest in Earth’s night sky. Due to its extreme brightness, Regulus can be spotted next to the sun’s corona, though its 79 Light years away.
The photos / videos do no justice to the experience, but here is an attempt to freeze that moment – for my friends who were not able to experience this in person. Do check out full screen at higher resolution – definitely worth it :)
| Moon | 1,079 Mile Radius | 238,900 Miles Away |
| Sun | 432,288 Mile Radius | 92,960,000 Miles Away |
| Regulus | 1,296,864 Mile Radius | 458,500,000,000,000 Miles Away |
Canon 7D : Sigma 150-600 mm : ISO 320 : 600 mm : f5.6 : 1/6 sec
| Solar Eclipse Totality Whitmire, South Carolina, USA |
May 17, 2012
Grandiose Gopura of Meenashi Amman Temple, Madurai
Madurai, apart from being my home town, is really famous for many things from soft idles to jasmine flowers to being the birth place of ancient Tamil. Madurai is also synonymous with Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covering an area of 17 acres , the enter city was built around the temple. As you get near the temple the city streets meander and before you realize become lanes within the temple.
Known for its amazing architecture , this temple is one of the most ancient and famous ones in south India. As a kid I have always taken for granted, my visits to this place. When I went to my hometown in the last year, I made it visit this place. I did not have as much as time as I had intended, but still enjoyed it. I really wanted to capture the grandeur of the Gopura, its ornate work, the intricate sculptures from the pillars, the lovely etc colorful paintings on the ceilings etc. I think I succeeded, at least partially. This week shot is one of the 14 Gopuras that adorn the beautiful temple.
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Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
May 28, 2011
Tibetan Golden Temple @ Coorg
Bylakuppe, located in District Coorg (Madikere) in Karnataka is the second largest Tibetans settlement outside Tibet. Close to 20K monks stay here living in the Tibetan tradition. They co exist peacefully with the neighborhood, continuing with their chanting and training, not bothered about the tourists and onlookers.
The focus of the settlement is The Golden Temple and the focus of the temple, of course, is the 60 foot Gautama Buddha, accompanied by Guru Rinpoche and Buddha Amitayus on the sides. The huge hall is so cool and smooth, with reflective flooring. The walls adorned by amazing paintings are sound absorbent. The surrounding is so calm that you would just feel like sitting in silence. No wonder, even the people who don’t have the habit of meditation, will just feel like being in silence and meditate. The amazing architecture goes hand in hand with the silence and the Tibetan culture.
The temple is probably juxtaposed here amidst the natural beauty of Coorg. One can spend hours out here, at a minimum plan for at least an hour. Right in-between the misty morning walks at the coffee fields and an amazing sunset at raja’s seat, you could fit the visit to the this temple. Photographing the place (indoor) is as good, even at noon. But don’t be surprised if you forget your camera, once your are inside and get lost in the silence, which is even better :)
On the processing, the HDR helped capture the golden sculpture along with the intricate work and paintings. Let the movement on the people as such, as it kind of added to the shot.
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 Flickr Page |
Golden Temple, Bylakuppe |
February 18, 2011
Bryce Canyon – It really is not a Canyon !!!
“ The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense “ – Tom Clancy. That is exactly what I felt, when I got the first glimpse of Bryce Canyon. Is this real ? Is this a Hollywood set ? So many questions :) Looking at this place, it definitely begs the question as to why (or how) this entire Bryce Canyon was created (and is still evolving). Apart from the natural forces, probably , may be He just looked and thought – why not !
Getting up at 5 in the morning – was much more than the worth – to see the amazing color that the hoodoos turn onto, with the dawn’s light. Bryce canyon is probably a misnomer , as it really is not a canyon. Though it is the result of the same natural forces – like that of canyon. It looks more like a huge natural amphitheater – ever changing. Canyon or not – it indeed is amazing.
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Flickr Page |
Bryce Canyon National Park |
January 21, 2011
Go with the Flow
There is something magical about water falls, yeah the falling water. It is so soothing, just to sit by the running water and let yourself flow. May be it is the fluid nature of water, may be it is trying to find your ever flowing inner self, may be its the calm that it brings, may be …
what ever it is, i always love to visit a waterfall …how about you !!!
The below is from a hike to Donut Falls – a gem hidden at the Big Cottonwood canyon, Salt Lake. It is always an ideal place to hike up and spend the afternoon, provided of course, the path is not covered with snow !
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Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon |
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Like the Ocean 