Posts tagged ‘twilight’

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February 22, 2015

Sunset Glow by the Snow

The winter brought loads of snow !!! It is always fun to walk in the snow. If you are dressed appropriately and do not mind the cold, the winter can add so much beauty to even the regular neighborhood, that you are familiar with. This is from one such drive from within the city @ Schaumburg :)

There is something incredibly honest about trees in winter; They are experts in letting things go.

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22.0 : 0.5 sec 

Buy Print   Busse Woods
Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA

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February 16, 2015

Sunset by the Lake, Michigan Wilderness

Though Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, you could get a flavor for the same in the neighboring upper peninsula of northern Michigan too.

This shot was from the day when I drove up to Bond falls, to capture the Perseids. After initial scouting, realized the back drop of the falls was not conducive for sunset. Hence decided to fire up Google maps and started driving towards a water body with a west side view. After a couple of miles and a few lakes, ended up at this lovely view. The banks of the lake was laden with mosquitoes and a bit swampy – but the view from behind the grass, the colors from the setting sun and the crescent moon – made up for it :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 19 mm : f8.0 : 1/10 sec 

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Land O’ Lakes, Michigan, USA

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January 26, 2015

Magical Sunset by Mount St. Helens

Getting to Mt St Helens by itself is fun. The Highway 504 enroute is just perfect – be it bicycle, motorcycle or a casual car drive. It has some sweeping turns and plenty of turn offs at viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pacific North West. The drive up takes you to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. A little rustic building filled with history and even more adored with a picture perfect view of the Mt. St. Helens.

The volcanic eruption of the 1980 created a huge crater, losing almost 14% of its elevation and resulting in the flattened top. The debris spurred around for ~250 miles, impacting the entire ecosystem. Even today, after decades, one could still witness the ashes on some part of the wilderness trees. Each element around – the landscape, the deteriorating but majestic trees, the mountain, the fissures of lava – each remind us of the power of nature.

The sun actually sets behind you as you enjoy the mountain view. But this particular evening the light was just magical and it was fire across the sky. Given the vicinity to the visitor center and the concrete paved walkway, it lends itself well for night photography, especially if ur worried to hike up in the dark. It is amazing to view the milky way above St. Helens. Additionally the expansive view also opens up possibilities for some creative panoramas too :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f22.0 : 20 sec 

Buy Print   Sunset by Mt. St. Helens
Mt. St Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington, USA

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October 20, 2014

Through the Looking Glass

Life is truly a reflection of what we allow ourselves to See & Be !

Wisconsin Dells might be know as the Waterpark Capitol of the World, but it also very close to several state parks, know for its fall colors. Mirror Lake State Park is only a few miles from Devil’s Lake State Park and is often thought of as the “Overflow” park for campers who can’t fit in at Devil’s Lake.  However, just visit once and you would realize that Mirror Lake State Park has a special beauty of it’s own. Though this is closest to Wisconsin Dells, it feels so far away from civilization.

At the heart of the Mirror Lake State Park is a beautiful lake … It is a great place to swim and paddle in. The evening was chill and the water was still. I just decided to stay out and enjoy the reflection, with just occasional birds accompanying me. The twilight from setting sun, the fall colors and the reflections were just complimenting each other. It turned out to be an amazing evening ! Now this is worth calling a Mirror Lake, right ;-)

P.S : The entire dynamic range was possible with 7 exposure, thanks to Magic Lantern !

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f13.0 : 30 sec 

Buy Print   Mirror Lake State Park
Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA

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September 17, 2014

Good Evening from the Bean

Cloud gate, also affectionately called by the locals as bean is a lovely spot amidst downtown Chicago to spend an evening. As if the bean by itself is not interesting enough, there are numerous areas of interest near by, all walk able. Be it the amazing architecture or the beautiful fountains or interesting shows at Jay Pritzker Pavilion (mostly free) or the lovely lake – this spot has got it all !!!

Canon 7D : Canon 10-24 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 30 sec 

  Cloud Gate
Chicago, Illinois, USA

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August 17, 2014

Sea horse, Skyline and some stars …

Buckingham Fountain at Chicago, is seriously beautiful.  A favorite spot in the city, one can literally spend hours hours watching the fountain.  The backdrop of Chicago or the lake, behind the fountain make it even more gorgeous.

With 134 jets and a fountain water capacity of 1.5 million gallons, it roughly pumps 14,100 gallons of water per minute. Water is re-circulated from the base pool after the basins are filled and not drawn from the outside except to replace losses from wind and evaporation. Some amazing engineering – be it the stupendous architecture or the the lighting at the dusk or the synchronous music that goes along with the lighting. The fountain located in the shores of Lake Michigan also symbolizes the lake itself, with four pairs of sea horses representing the four states that border its shoreline.

It was really lovely to see the Cassiopeia (Constellation) shining atop, even amidst all that man made city light. By the by, that lovely blue building, that u see there – that is where I work out of, lucky me … or not  ;-)

I present to you Sea horse, Skyline and some stars at Buckingham Fountain, Chicago. Definitely well worth checking out in large. How do u like it ?

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f8.0 : 10 sec 

Buy Print   Buckingham Fountain 
Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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July 13, 2014

Life is all about the journey …

We all choose different journeys to take in life. The choices we make and the experiences of the journey enriches us. But it is never about the  destination, it never has been.

Are you trying to convince yourself that life will be better after you complete some thing … or that doing xyz will make you happy or give you a purpose ? Stop worrying, Start living – Happiness is in the now … in this moment … doing what you are doing without worrying !

Encourage others on their journey, and cherish yours. How are you enjoying your current journey !

The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination. – Dan Milman

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 200 : 22 mm : f4.5 : 1/30 sec 

Buy Print Countryside Sunset
Enroute Green Riven, Illinois, USA

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June 20, 2014

Baha’i Temple of worship

An architecture so white, so magnificent, so delicate and so close to Chicago, it has to be the Baha’i temple.

The Baha’i Temple, Chicago is one of only seven Baha’i temples in the world. It is actually the only one in all of North America.  The place is enormous and has 9 almost identical entrances symbolizing the 9 major religions of the world and the fact that all are welcome to worship together at the temple.  It’s really a pretty fascinating place surrounded by sprawling grounds with manicured symmetrical gardens and fountains.

If you had visited the place, you know that the entire temple is pure white. But the twilight, bought in the golden shade and accentuated the intricate work on the walls. I also loved how the lilies complimented the setting sun :)

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f5.6 : 6 sec 

Buy Print Baha’I Temple of Worship
Wilmette, Illinois, USA

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December 5, 2013

Even her goodbyes are ever so beautiful …

During this past ID4, after lot of planning zeroed down to shooting the fireworks at St Louis arch. It definitely did not disappoint. But as the head would have it, when driving 5 hours with the available long weekend, I was also looking to see what else could be packed up into the trip. Though it was a state (MO) I was visiting for the first time – not many places were appealing due to the dry weather. I did like the Cathedral and the Missouri Botanical Garden – but was longing for some landscape to get a chance to capture the summer sun.

The plan was fluid as the weather was kind of bleak, with overcast skies. Late Sunday afternoon after a good lunch – the potential forecast looked better – if we were to head 2 hours down south. But that also meant driving for 7 hours to reach back home, if we headed for that sunset. After a short debate decided to hit it straight to the Garden of Gods @ Shawnee National Forest. We reached the trail, just in time – and as if to take some pity on us for the long drive – the clouds parted to create this beautiful view. It lasted for – may be less than 10 minutes – but was well worth it :)

Even her goodbyes are ever so beautiful …
Is it because – she would be back again tomorrow ?!?!?!

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 3 sec

Buy Print   Garden of Gods, Shawnee National Forest
Herod, Illinois, USA

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July 3, 2013

Bowl of Fire – Twilight @ Crater Lake

The Rim Drive – a 33 miles gorgeous and scenic highway circumventing the crater lake – make it an ideal place for enjoying both sun rise or sun set (moon rise and moon set too !). There are tons of pull-outs to get off the road and see the lake. Be it the view points right on the road or the hikes out or the off road trails the views are equally amazing.

This particular view is one of my favorite – so open and expansive. You can see the Phantom Island on the left , Wizard island towards center. The foreground with minimal vegetation and brittle soil, highlights the volcanic past. To add to all this, the sun decided to stage a grand drama that evening :)

‘Bowl of Fire’ – an attempt at capturing that moment, that grandeur – to share with you !!!

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 11 mm : f11 : 30 sec

Buy Print   Cloud Cap Point
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

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June 27, 2013

Super Moon Lighthouse

Super moon, Blue moon, Pink moon, Harvest moon – are all nothing but whimsy media terms. Believe me, there is nothing super about the super moon.

I am definitely not an expert at shooting the moon. I have captured the moon in the past, but am still learning. One thing that helps in getting a captivating shot is to capture the moon when it is low – real low – on the horizon.  The other is to include a foreground subject to get a scale of reference. Just make sure you far away from the foreground subject and shoot with a really really long long lens [ beg borrow or steal, just get the longest lens you can :) ]. Shooting with the long lens helps actuate the size of the farther object (in this case the moon) by playing with your mind. As with the below shot or this example of the sunset. It becomes much more obvious in this shot by Photographer Alessandro Della Bella.

This evening the weather was playing hide and seek. It was supposed to be clear. Then it was all overcast. After lot of deliberation, decided to drive out to the planned spot. It was still an hour or so more for the moon to come up. It was still drizzling. Decided it would be a nice evening walk, if not anything else. Just around the time of the moon rise, the clouds had cleared a bit, but the the horizon was still overcast and hazy. What is the fun if everything goes as planning right :) After suspenseful wait the moon decided to show up – just at the right spot. At the end it was all worth it. Yes – there is nothing super about the super moon. Actually – every full moon is indeed super. What do you say ?!!!

Buy Print   Super Moon on 6.23.2013 @ Chicago Lighthouse
Chicago, Illinois, USA

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April 15, 2013

Moon Star & Sunset @ Indiana Dunes

Indiana dunes State Park being located on the eastern side of Lake Michigan, makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a sunset. It is just a little more than an hour drive from Chicago, but does take you far away from the urban madness. This spot definitely has potential for some star photography and I was scouting the location for a new moon night shoot. Incidentally – as were wrapping up, the crescent moon started to dot the horizon, unfolding this tranquil scene – the setting sun added the colors, the haze over the moon made it dreamy and the silhouette was just right to complete the scene. How do u like it !!!

Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : 3 stop ND Filter : ISO 100 : 13 mm : f16 : 30 sec

Buy Print   Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, Indiana, USA

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March 9, 2013

Adios Oregon

With a heavy heart, contemplation, reflection and open mind – I bid good bye to the beautiful Oregon, that pretty much had become my second home. I will continue to share the beauty of Pacific NW (Still have gigs of shots to process from the previous years :)) and looking forward to that. Open to next opportunities, heading out to urban city of Chicago – exited to explore what life has in store !!!

This particular shot is from Fern hill wetlands, which easily became my favorite spot for sunset and bird watching. Though just 20 odd miles from Portland, it gives a typical countryside feel far away from the frenzy city life !!!

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : 3 stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 27 mm : f19 : 30 sec

Buy Print   FernHill Wetlands
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA

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January 6, 2013

The Last Rays of 2012

Eve of the new year – It was a lovely drive back from Bandon to Portland – right along the Pacific coast 101. When it was not raining , it was out right overcast and or misty, giving a dreamy feel to the drive. We never thought there would be any chance of enjoying a sunset on such a day. But as always, things are not what they seem … Just around 4 PM, the entire mood started to change. The clouds started to roll over & break out – to create a euphoria of colors. As the sun set here, behind the pacific northwest, it was indeed kicking off the new year in the other side of the world – sounds funny right :) I present to you the last rays of 2012 !

Buy Print   Seal Rock State Park
Seal Rock, Oregon, USA

Posted in LandScape, Oregon, photography, SeaScape, usa | 3 Comments »

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December 30, 2012

An Evening in Bandon & 2012 In Review

2012 In Review

Based on an update from WordPress, this little blog got over 10,000 views this year. From Freezing some amazing light to capturing some meteors to enjoying some harvest  moons – it was one hell of a year ! I cannot thank enough who take time to visit, enjoy, comment and encourage my work. Thank you so very much !

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 10,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 17 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Incidentally the first shot that I took and shared in 2012 –  Seattle skyline with space needle was the most viewed and commented shot of the year… I had been doing the weekly shot for the past few years and it has been great. For 2012, I had posted for 50 out of 52 weeks, that is pretty close :) But with all the fb, g+ and all other social media, am thinking of having the blog for longer articles, travel experiences etc. and use the social outlets for sharing the weekly captures. Am still debating on the same, what do you think ?!

Just made a slideshow of some favorite shots from 2012 for you to enjoy … Keep Visiting !

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P.S: Feel free to connect back at FaceBook Page , Google+ or Subscribe thru  feeds  or Get updates by email  .

An Evening in Bandon

Beach combing, or shooting the sea stacks or just taking a long stroll along the cool waters – Bandon has it all. Here is only lovely Golden sunset from the rugged beach of Bandon. And a very Happy New Year – 2013 to my Friends out here. Thanks for the encouragement and support :)

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 1/6 sec

Face Rock Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA

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December 29, 2012

Bandon Sea Stack at Twilight

As the forecast was for some really clear skies, I was planning to shoot some sun star today, but the clouds decided otherwise ! Thought the sun went behind the layer of clouds, the colors of twilight didn’t disappoint either. Bandon seems to be having the best of sea stacks in the Oregon coast. There is just such a long stretch that you can spend hours and hours here !!!

Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Canon 10-22 mm
Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 10 sec

Buy Print Face Rock Park
Bandon, Oregon, USA

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November 27, 2012

Winter Sunset Reflections

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

Buy Print   Countryside Reflections
Forest Grove, Oregon, USA

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October 31, 2012

Spooky side of The Crystal Clear Crater Lake

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 !

Buy Print   Crater Lake
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

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October 9, 2012

Twilight Colors at Crater Lake

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

Buy Print   Gnarled Tree
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

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September 23, 2012

Sunset at Cape Perpetua

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 !

Buy Print   Cooks Chasm
Cape Perpetua, Oregon, USA

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