It is no surprise that Autumn shines with a million colors.
But Spring shines with a million shades of one color – Green :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-280 mm : ISO 250 : 119 mm : f5.6 : 1/60 sec
Anna Ruby Falls
Helen, Georgia, USA
December 15, 2019
Million shades of green
November 26, 2019
An Art called Autumn
Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. – Stanley Horowitz
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-280 mm : ISO 250 : 119 mm : f5.6 : 1/60 sec
Rough Ridge
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA
November 5, 2019
That tree in Hampi
Vittala Temple is one of the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. Words can not depict this spectacle. This temple was built in the form of a sprawling campus with compound wall and gateway towers. There are many halls, pavilions and temples located inside this campus. But this wonderfully shriveled tree, standing tall, just around the corner from the famous Stone Chariot at Vitthala Temple, steals the show.
The temple built around 15th century – is a splendor. But this tree dated back by 150 years – equally matches to its grandeur. The twilight sun – kissing the wizened tree was a sight to behold.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 17 mm : f6.3 : 1/10 sec
Vittala Temple
Hampi, Karnataka, India
October 20, 2019
Sunset, as seen by the falls
Smokies is such a vast place – that you can find an interesting subject to shoot, irrespective of the weather – lovely sunrises, dynamic landscape, long exposure waterfalls, fireflies, dark skies and what not – you get the picture.
This particular afternoon started out as a moody and overcast one. After gambling that the the sunset would not hit the high cord, decided to hike up to the little Gotto Falls.
But as luck would have it – the overcast became cloudy, resulting in a bit of drizzle, eventually clearing up by around sun set. The colors were starting to show up thru the trees, but it was too late to head out. That is when I decided to capture how the falls would witness such a lovely sunset … how do u like it :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f16 : 30 sec
Grotto Falls
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
October 6, 2019
Stillness
The Stillness that you search within, can be initiated with external triggers – that slow music melody, that soothing breeze as you walk by the green fields, that moment when the sunset makes the sky it’s canvas.
If nothing else, just take a deep breath. A conscious breath can do miracles. When you cannot handle the mind directly, it can be handled through breath …
Hope this serene sunset from Hampi, brings you the peace you are looking for :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 640 : 18 mm : f3.5 : 0.4 sec
Kamalapur Lake
Hampi, Karnataka, India
September 17, 2019
Star Fort of Sakleshpur
Sakaleshpur – a hill station town, in Malnad region lies on the magnificent range of the Western Ghats. It has a temperate climate surrounded with lofty green hills full of Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper and Areca Plantations. And hidden in this forest is the amazing fort of Manjarabad.
Started in 1785 and after almost 7 years, Tipu Sultan completed this star-shaped fort as part of his defense strategy. This enabled him to see the British Army from Mangalore. Also, it is said to be used for storing ammonia, horses, and a secret tunnel to Srirangapatna – the capital of Tipu Sultan.
Though – in the present day – the busy Bangalore Mangalore N48 runs close to the fort, not many take time to stop by and enjoy this marvel. I was glad I did :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/250 sec
Manjarabad Fort
Sakleshpur, Karnataka, India
July 22, 2019
Calming the Chaos
Our society thrives on the concept of being busy all the time. The entire system is built around to keep you busy, on the edge, always being bothered, forcing to carry the mountains that aren’t yours to carry.
Photography for me, helps to go within and contemplate what is it I am here to do. Sometimes our life is full of chaos, sometimes the mind is full of chaos. It is all about Calming the Chaos …
Hidden in the chaos, are the treasures of life … Would you agree :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160: 14 mm : f4.0 : 1/30 sec
Lake Hartwell State Park
Fair Play, South Carolina, USA
June 23, 2019
Just show up
It was almost new year’s eve and we were in the process of moving out of Florida. As much as I was excited about the move to the new place, I knew I would miss those lovely florida sunsets.
That particular Friday was pretty darn cloudy. Looking up the forecast via Clear Outside, realized the evening was going to be 99% cloudy. Was debating if it was worth taking the chance. Since there were not many more evenings left in Florida, decided to just drive out.
It was pretty overcast all along and the sun was nowhere to be seen. But the walk by the lake was pretty soothing with the evening breeze. Then the 1% clear sky happened by the horizon. And that was enough for the sun to put up a show …
Sometime, all you got to do is just show up :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm: ISO 200 : 10 mm : f6.7 : 1/350 sec
Fred Howard Park
Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA
June 5, 2019
The Prakaram of Nemam Temple
Nemam Temple near Karikudi is one among the 9 temples connected with the Nagarathar community. The nine temples connected with the Nagarathar or Natukottai chettiyar include: Ilayathakudi, Iluppaikkudi, Iraniyur, Mathur, Nemam, Pillayarpatti, Soorakudi, Vairavan, and Velangudi. Some of these like Pillayarpatti are more prominent than others.
But the intricate work at Nemam temple makes it stand out. Sculptures in the temple are so artistic, minute and sharp. The prakaram around the inner sanctum was definitely an architectural splendor. One could sense how accurate these were laid out. The windows on the top brings in the right amount of sun to light up the prakaram and the beauty of the sculptures.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 8.0 sec
Nemam
Karaikudi, TamilNadu, India
June 2, 2019
Soul of Ooty
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
As the summer temperatures were soaring up pretty much everywhere, we decided to head to Ooty – Queen of the Hills – for a short break. Being a impromptu travel, there was not much time for planning or scouting locations.
Being our first trip to Ooty, we made the mistake of booking the last of the rooms by Ooty downtown. Thought it would be good to enjoy a walk by the lake or get to the shops. But, oh boy the traffic was similar to that of Bangalore SilkBoard, if not worse :)
The serene drive to Emerald & Avalanche Lake, next day, balanced it all out. Some spots were indeed blocked or restricted, since it is owned by Electric Board and used for electricity generation. These spots need prior planning and securing permits beforehand. Still the drive is very picturesque and worth even if you were not able to secure the permits.
This weeks shot is a view is from a quick curve by the road side, as we were driving back from Emerald lake to Ooty.
I love this shot – it distills the essence of all that Ooty has to offer – Queen of hills, land of lakes, rolling coffee plantations, distant fog and a bit of human settlement. The sunset colors were a pleasant addition and the afternoon thunderstorms accentuated it. Ooty being cloudy / foggy most of the time, we did not expect this scene. But we gladly enjoyed as it unfolded in all its glory !
Surprises like these and more are what make the impromptu travel so additive :)
Soul of Ooty
Ooty, TamilNadu, India
May 16, 2019
Perspective
Sometime all we need is a new perspective.
Perspective – it changes everything.
One of the amazing things in life – just when we think we have everything figured out & then you stumble upon something new or suddenly see the same things in a different perspective & everything shifts again :)
Today’s shot is that of a top perspective of Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam temple – something that most would never have witnessed, lest be captured in the golden twilight.
Perspective – it changes everything :)
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Madurai, TamilNadu, India
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
April 12, 2019
Cosmic Unison
Some dreaming, some planning and a lot of waiting was involved for this shot. When I first got to visit this spot, I went crazy with ideas like a kid with cotton candy. Of those, capturing this beauty under the cosmic stars was on top. This past weekend everything came together to make this possible …
The temple was just couple feet away while the milky way was 25,000 light years away. The temple was constructed around 1000 years back while the milky way is from a couple million years back. Separated vastly by space and time, yet in in cosmic unison – it was one beautiful sight to behold !
Being no moon, it was quiet dark. Hence decided to play with light painting to make the temple pop. To make it even sweeter, I had a lovely assistant who diligently worked with me thru the process. Having to accompany my son on his first night out and shooting stars was even a greater experience :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 2500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 20 sec
| Vijayalaya Choleswaran Temple Pudukottai, TamilNadu, India |
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 |
February 18, 2019
Divine Island
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (வண்டியூர் மாரியம்மன் தெப்பக்குளம்) is a temple tank located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 4 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Teppakulam, literally translates to temple pond and is mainly used for devotional festivals. The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of underground channels. This was constructed by the King Thirumalai Nayak. One of the largest Ganesha, the Mukkuruni Vinayagar in Meenakshi Amman Temple is said to be found when this tank is dug in 1645.
As a kid, I had seen this pond often used as cricket playing field. But when filled with water, the artificial tank makes the temple within – an island and is a sight to behold. An walk around this would take 30 minutes and would be awesome during early morning or evening times. The place is filled up with lot of road side shops to eat and walk with. If the tank is filled with water and the climate is breezy, you definitely would enjoy this spot !
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 172 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/50 sec
| Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam Madurai, TamilNadu, India |
January 30, 2019
Alone by the Gulf
This is from few years back. Photographically not a great shot. But this brings back candid memories from the sole road trip, chasing some light and lightning !
The twilight Sun, wears the veil of the rainfall
Thunder, though distant, rumbles across the Clouds
The rolling waves, gently crash across the feet
The gentle breeze with its tropical warmth, caresses the face
And I realize – I am no longer alone :)
Canon 7D : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10 sec
| Alone Naples, Florida, USA |
December 30, 2018
Center of my Universe
You are not at the center of The Universe, but you definitely are center of your universe :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 188 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/13 sec
| From Above Sakleshpur, Karnataka, India |
December 23, 2018
Iraniyur
Just a short drive from Karaikudi is lraniyur, which hosts this lovely Aatkondanathar Swami temple. As the first rays of the sun hit, birds chirped all around, accompanied by the cool and pristine breeze – one is just teleported to a different world and time !
The history goes that Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiv granted darshan to Lord Narashima and cleansed him of His dosha.
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/190 sec
| Iraniyur Karaikudi, TamilNadu, India |
December 11, 2018
Vivekananda Rock by twilight
In a conflict between the heart and the head, follow your heart. – Swami Vivekananda
Eight years back, when I visited Kanyakumari, I did not get to actually visit the Vivekananda Rock. Back then, I had to settle for the view from ashore. It brought back memories from my childhood visit – the grandeur mandap, the towering pillars, the roaring waves, the serene & the cool rock – were all etched in my memory.
So this time around, when the chance presented itself, I was more than eager to get out there. But, I was a bit taken aback, on how things had taken a turn. From the confusing ticketing queues (one for the ferry and one for the entry at the rock, makes one wonder why someone would take a ferry and avoid entering the rock) to the huge crowds this place draws, the experience is no longer pristine. It was really sad that sitting in silence or meditation was no longer allowed on the grand hall and the so called meditation hall, set up down below makes one claustrophobic.
Don’t get me wrong, the rock and the mandap is still an awe inspiring structure. Actually the design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. You definitely should visit if you are around in Kanyakumari. But at the same time, the experience is no longer as serene as it used to be. For now. given a choice, I’ll settle for the view from ashore and hold on to my memories :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 125 : 76 mm : f6.7 : 30 sec
| Vivekananda Rock Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India |
