November 27, 2012
Thanks to all the overcast and rainy weather for the past couple of days. The reflections along the country side made the beautiful sunset, even more amazing. The fields were all harvested and the fresh water from the rains, were just enough to create the lovely reflections. Check out the larger version, you can still see the stubbles.
It is difficult to get out (u see i’m lazy ;-) ), when you are not sure if the sun would even peep out and the weather is all mixed up. But if and when it does, these extreme conditions are the ones that create a melody of colors !!! It is the same field where I had shot the Twilight colors of Sunset during summer. This is kind of becoming my favorite place for sunset :)
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 27 mm : f16 : 3 sec
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Countryside Reflections
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography |
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October 31, 2012
Crater Lake probably has inspired hundreds of people. One can say no place else on earth is such pure deep lake, sooo blue, sheer surrounding cliffs of around two thousand feet high combined with a violent volcanic past. It definitely is a place of immeasurable beauty but did u know there is a spooky side to the place.
That particular day or rather evening, the sun was setting just behind my back. I was not aware that it was full moon and that the moon rise coincided with the sunset. I was happy to see the moon, just I was about to leave. Deciding get some shots, set up the tripod to capture the moon. The shades from the twilight were extraordinarily bright and the blue lake was pretty much under spooky pinkish blanket. For a moment I was able to get a glimpse of the eerie and spooky side of the lake, that not many people are aware of ….
Happy Halloween :)
P.S: The tree trunk was enhanced to highlight the texture, age and details and the moon was slightly enlarged, but the colors were as is from the scene !
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Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA |
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October 9, 2012
The collapse of the Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago, led to the formation of the crater which is now famously known as the Crater Lake. If I had to encapsulate Crater lake in a single frame this would be it. The crater, the volcanic remains on the rim, wizard island, serene lake, the gnarled tree showing age – love it all. The sunset was behind me, but the twilight colors and its reflections on the lake was just mesmerizing. After couple of different composition ended up with this panorama of two horizontal shots. Thought the pseudo square composition would lend well to the scene. I loved this off road spot so much that I ended up spending the reminder of the evening out there :) Though this is not the classical cliché shot with deep blue colors of crater lake, something keeps pulling me back to this. How do u like it ?!!!
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 1.5 sec
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Gnarled Tree
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography, Travel |
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September 23, 2012
Couple of weeks back, I went to capture the ruggedness of Thor’s well at Oregon Coast, but ended up with this. The tide was so low, that there was absolutely no water activity in the rocky terrain near the shore. But it did help scout and access the area and plan for the subsequent high tide shoot. Though it was a pretty clear sky with no clouds or drama, was presented with this crisp sunset as I was hiking back to the parking lot. There is something magical about silhouettes, right !
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Cooks Chasm
Cape Perpetua, Oregon, USA |
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September 3, 2012
Blue Moon is term for the second full moon in any given month. The phrase ‘once in a blue moon’ is supposed to indicate a rare event – thought the blue moon sighting is actually once or more in around 3 years. And no – the blue moon is no where near blue. Actually it was having a more warm yellowish glow, as it was rising behind the Mt Hood.
This shot was from Jonsrud view point at Sandy, OR during the blue moon on Aug 31,2012. Photographing the moon at times can be quiet intimidating. U might be tempted to treat it as night photography. The moon being a source of light can appear just as a white blob if not exposed properly. If you are planning to shoot just the moon, then a long zoom and couple of tips could get your started. Shooting it along with the landscape require a bit of planning. On that particular day, the moon being slated to rise just 30 mins prior sunset, created a very conducive and magical light. The beautiful colors were just as such and created by the alpine glow of the setting sun on the opposite side. The full moon, clear skies, the alpine glow – everything just came together. Enjoy the blue moon, as it rises :)
This shot required some pre work : being at the right place and at the right time made all the difference. The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE) – a nifty software available for both desktop (requires Adobe AIR) and mobile, greatly helped in finalizing the shooting spot and also the location / time of the moon rise across the horizon.
P.S: This was taken from the same spot from where this sunrise was shot, wow how much of a difference light can make !
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270mm
Filter : 3 stop Neutral Density Filter
ISO 100 : 70 mm : f8 : 0.5 sec
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Jonsrud Viewpoint
Sandy, Oregon, USA |
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August 29, 2012
It was one of the strongest & vivid sunset that I witnessed recently.
Twilight – the time of day between light and darkness, whether that’s just after sunset or just before sunrise – is one of the best times to enjoy nature’s splashing of colors. The light from the sky appears diffused and often pinkish. The sun’s rays from below the horizon are scattered by atmosphere and clouds to create the colors of twilight. Of course the location and the season also plays intricately into the effect. I am loving these Oregon summer sunsets, just after the afternoon thunderstorms – the ones that are so rare & the ones that have the potential to burst into a million shades or just blend out flat into the horizon.
P.S : This blog is definitely be the place where I share the gem of my work and my thoughts. Additionally feel free to connect up @ the Facebook Page, if ur interested in additional shots and occasional ramblings from the shoots :)
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Countryside Sunset
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA |
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July 19, 2012
This week shot is a serene sunset from the iconic Cannon beach, Oregon. If you had been following my work, you would have noticed similar shots from past. Actually this was taken the same day as the earlier shared shot. Indeed these two shots are just 15 minutes and probably 100 feet apart. The light during the golden hour is ever changing and can make all the difference. Also you will be surprised how a few steps can alter the composition of the shot, drastically and dramatically. So the next time when you are shooting, don’t just play with that zoom, make an effort to take a couple of extra steps, literally :)
I like the other shot for the composition (may be because it is more close to the rule of third or the golden spiral) and this one for capturing the serene mood of the evening. Which one do u like, do share below in comments !!!
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Sunset @ Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA |
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June 15, 2012
I love shooting at Cannon Beach.
It was fun getting this shot. I did not have any waterproof shoes that day and the water was biting cold. So it was more of cat & mouse play with the waves. I had envisioned to get the expanse of the beach and the receding water in the evening twilight. If you look real close you can see the light house too in the far horizon. To get this composition I set the tripod really close and low to the haystack rock. Shooting at 10mm helped capture the length of the beach and the Neutral Density Filter (ND3) helped increase the exposure to 20 seconds. Waiting for the sun to get below the horizon aided to capture the deep blue colors of twilight.
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Haystack Rock & Needles
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA |
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April 28, 2012
Cool breeze, Rows and rows of colorful tulips, Lovely clouds, The setting sun dotting the horizon – what else could I ask for (just make sure not to delete the shots by mistake later – like I did. Luckily I was able to retrieve them). It was a lovely evening at Woodenshoe Tulip Farm. With rock climbing / small bungee jumping activities for the kids, pony rides, steam tractors, gift center etc. it is a fun place to spend with family during the bloom season. And while you are there definitely plan to stick around around for sunrise/sunset or better both ;-)
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WoodenShoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, Oregon, USA
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February 29, 2012
This is a beautiful Cannon Beach sunset, on a cold winter evening. Haystack Rock @ Cannon Beach, is definitely an iconic location of the Oregon Coast. It is huge, i mean literally, standing at 235 feet tall. Makes one feel so small and humble ! We had planned for the tide pools at the rock, to get some hand on playing with Nemo’s friends. Unfortunately, it was high tide and there was no way to get to the rock. Note to self : Next time check the tide table before going to the beach. Did u know, there is an app for that too :)
Anyways, the high tide did help is capturing a wonderful sunset. Loved the way how the cool blue of the sky and the golden sun, serenely reflects on the receding waters. Come join me for a evening walk and enjoy the sunset !!!
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Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA |
Posted in photography |
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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.
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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.
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Dusk @ Des Moines Marina
Seattle, Washington, USA
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Posted in photography |
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August 21, 2011
When you are calm and centered inside,
noise is musical ; clouds are magical
stones are beautiful ; life itself is wonderful !
Posted in General, photography |
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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 ?!
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June 18, 2011
This is from the Miramar Beach, Goa. As part of the stay at Bogmallo, we were offered to be taken to Basilica and Panjim City for some shopping, before the evening Cruise. Opting to miss on the shopping & getting dropped off at Miramar Beach for sunset, turned out to be not that bad a choice. Walking toward the beach, it was not just cloudy, but real overcast too.
There were around the 8-12 ships lined up at the horizon. As I was thinking – all chances for a great sunset were bleak – it just happened. For a moment, the clouds opened up, a little bit with drama, to allow the rays fall on one of the ships, as if it was chosen for something. The evening sky was kind of red. I waited to see if it would be sucked up into space like in alien movies, but nothing happened :)
As for the processing, this is straight out of camera, with just some level adjustments. I know it is kind of dark, but felt it rather added to mystery around the shot and overall. What do you think !?
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March 24, 2011
Being at Peace – It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm at heart. Just felt at peace, watching the sun set, across the city from the terrace. It pays – to take time – to look around , what do you say !
And on the processing, just applied a bit of focus vignette around the corners and a bit of warmth to the HDR shot.
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March 2, 2011
Great Salt lake is not one of the pleasant places to be (atleast for me). It is interesting to note that the Great Salt Lake is actually three to five times saltier than the ocean. Given this salinity, there is not much of aquatic life. Some kind of bacterial life (Halophiles) living in high salt concentration areas helps keep the balance of the ecosystems. Due to these activity, the resulting odor is not very pleasant.
But at the same time, this is one of the best spots to catch stunning sunsets. This was shot during one one of those short twilight times, just as the sun went down. It was real soothing to watch the yacht slowly sail across the horizon. oh yeah it is still in the frame, u might need to look a bit close [full size] :)
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February 4, 2011
Jacaranda (blooming period Feb-Mar): Delicately beautiful, this tree carpets the roads and yards all over town, with fragile purple flowers. It is one of the most ethereal sights to see every feb/march or so. Of all the places in Bangalore, Cubbon Park, as usual has a prize collection of the colorful carpet flowers, apart from houses all around town.
Was quiet lucky when the sun-set treated me one nice evening, from the luxury of my balcony, with the below scene. HDR really came in handy in capturing the twilight along with the beautiful violet jacaranda in the foreground. It is probably worth to check out the full size (clicking the below image and selecting ‘X3’ in the sizes).
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December 13, 2010
Veli is an awesome place, located at the outskirts of Trivandrum . It is a combination of lagoon, ponds, pools and the beach. It is a tourism village located at a place where the lagoon meets the Arabian see. It’s vicinity to the airport make me land here, as I had couple of hours to kill before the flight. Glad I did !
It was nice to take a walk around the lagoon, so vary aptly juxtaposed along the road and railway tracks. The place was so cool even in the afternoon sun. The leisurely stroll on the opposite side leads to the Veli beach – which, to my surprise, is not (yet) spoilt by crowd. Except for a couple here & there and few kids, had the complete beach to myself.
The entire visit was completed with one amazing sunset. Given the weather, it was an unexpected one for the day. The water was kind of Turquoise and graduated towards brown near the shore, taking up the rather brown beach sand color. Probably it was quiet shallow, but i did not give it a try. Its really nice when things just unfold for you to shoot , right :)
Posted in General |
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October 5, 2010
When I flew down to meet my nephews at California, had a couple of pleasant surprises. Apart from the trip to Universal Studios, was able to plan out short drives to Santa Monica, long beach, Joshua tree national park etc [that was supposed to be teasers for future posts ;-)]. Driving thru the Pacific Coast Hwy, a sharp turn and was greeted with this pleasant sun set scene. Probably after the days hard work, some one was returning with the day’s catch.
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Like the Ocean 