Misty Morning by Mississippi River

This is from one of my Aurora chasing trips. After the long drive, the forecasted Northern lights never showed up. Decided to sleep in the car and was treated to this magical sunrise the next morning – I would still call it a win :)

Living under the stars

It is not a magical myth. There still exist places where the entire night is blanketed in the glow of the milky way. It is up to us all to make sure it stays that way :) Went out along with my son for a night under the stars. After the long drive, at 5 minutes past 11, the planned spot at a State park did not work out - they just closed the gates prior to our arrival. This led to a drive around the unknown rural roads. After some scintillating conversations, light painting and trying out some Milky way shots, came across this lovely spot. It was quiet a place to take a walk. Unlike city, there were no harsh lights to showcase the stone road, just the light of the stars and the sounds of the night. On the left were close to a hundred cows, casually mowing the grass. Only after we crossed the field, were we able to see the light, at the front yard of this house. Just enough for them and not polluting the night sky. It was quiet a scene, literally ! We talked about light pollution, rural life, dark skies, stars and soaked in the night :)

In the eyes of a child

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. everything is a wonder :)

Happy ID4 !!!

The crowds were crazy, but u can't beat the fun and family time. Shooting fireworks is fun. But including a sense of surrounding and the mood really makes it even more interesting. The crazy laser show and the pyro works was nice touch ! Hope u like my take on the same :)

Symphony of Light–Synchronous Fireflies @ Smokies

Dying daylight & rising twilight, Kindles the tiny angles of the endless night. It is quiet a sight Witnessing the symphony of light. Specks of light, Shining bright, Weaving a silent song by winter's night, So nimble & ever in flight - To watch them, is always a delight :)

Falls by the backyard

Not everyone is lucky to have a lovely waterfall in their backyard (literally), And only some are magnanimous to open their home and lawns (again literally) to allow strangers to come in and enjoy the same. As for myself, am just grateful to be able to visit / capture such spots and share with u all :) This beautiful waterfalls - Eastatoe - is from the backyard of a lovely neighborhood, by the border of South & North Carolina. Although there are no signs along the road, the owners do welcome visitors, to share their treasure. The drizzling rain and floating fog, added a magical mood to the scene.

Just by the Roadside

You can make all the plans, but you never know what is in store. After a lot of deliberate planning, decided to head out to the Jumping Off Rock. Starting off with delayed rental, to the not so dynamic sunset after the long and bumpy drive, the day just fizzled out. The next day when trying to chase waterfalls, the rain decided to chase us. But luckily along with rain - the mist, rolling fog and views like this - just by the road saved the day. Here it is - a view just by the roadside, from Carolina Mountains :)

Yellow Branch Falls

Google Maps, you need to step up. Occasionally navigating me to the back side of Walmart is manageable, but putting me on a spot (Rich Mountain Road : F744), back side of the water falls, where there is no potential trail and telling me to walk the reminder of the way, not cool :) Luckily, I was able to assess and get to the Hwy 28S and located the trail head. I generally love waterfalls, but some are just really enchanting. This is one of them - Yellow Branch Falls ! The hike to Yellow Branch Falls is a backtrack hike over moderate terrain that ends at a beautiful waterfall with many individual cascades. Give enough time to get to the falls with regular breaks and u can call this an easy hike & fun hike. On the route you pass through groves of dignified hardwood and meander across a number of streams. But the highlight of the hike is the 50 foot multi tier cascade, that awaits you at the end :) When​ you are treated with views like this, all the huffs & puffs from the strenuous hike magically disappears :)

See you at Sunset

“See you at Sunset !” - This iconic phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the event took off in the late 1960s ! The “Key West Sunset Celebration” is a nightly festival @ Mallory Square. It hosts visitors from all over the world, to take part along side with local magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists and food vendors, that combine for an incredible cultural experience. But for me the sunset itself was iconic enough. I preferred the nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (which probably is the true south most point in continental US, as opposed to the one commercialized at Whitehead street ). It too was a bit crowded, but much less touristy than Mallory Square. There is something magical about Key West Sunsets, wouldn't you agree :)

Pineapple Fountain with Sun Cherry topping

When I heard about the pineapple fountain, I was pretty exited. As per the name it was quiet a fountain. Arrived before sunrise to shoot. Unfortunately the fountain was not turned on. It was surprising that the near by spider fountain was operational. As I was walking by the gardens and enjoying the twilight, found a building opposite to the fountain. The high vintage gave a , nice perspective and as I set the camera for the first rays of the sun, the fountain came to life ! Here is the Pineapple fountain, with sun cherry topping, just for you :)

The Pier of Clearwater

A trip to Clearwater, FL would not be complete without a visit to Pier 60, especially during sunset. It is as if the pier was put here, just for the sunsets! It was a bit touristy for my liking. But still, it was one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset by the Gulf Coast. It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.

The Long White Bridge

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy !!!

By the Falls – Looking Glass

Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure. With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature's power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.

Be Still

Once, while driving to Atlanta, the evening sky was so dramatic, that it would have been a sin not to stop. Luckily, Maps showed a blue patch near by, indicating a water body. But only in a crunch, you realize how much time it takes to drive up, even a few miles, when it is not the highway :) Shot this literally scrambling to find a spot, from where I had parked … The light was fading down quickly and there was not enough time, but was real glad I had pulled over !!!

Be like the tree …

Be like the tree, and let the dead leaves drop - Rumi

Let The Change Change you

Starting from the political scenario currently here in the US to that back in home of Tamilnadu, there seems to be lot of uncertainty. Added to this, on the personal front, it has been one unexpected start of the year, with change in work and locations. Though it was unplanned, I realized that anchoring ourselves with an abundance of security can actually become a dangerous habit :) Agreed, Uncertainty is scary, but may be that is what keeps us alive :) Uncertainty and life go hand in hand. So if you want to make the most of your life it is critical to embrace uncertainty. I sure would miss the lovely colors of Florida Sunset, but am sure the sun does set every day, where ever you are :) So here is to life, embracing uncertainty & back to share sharing my shots from my travels ! Happy Living !

December Supermoon

For most people, we often marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or the magnificence of a full moon, but it is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the universe that surrounds us :) - Richard H. Baker The last quarter of 2016 had been treating us with Super Moons. To the casual watcher it does not make much of a difference in size, but it does give an excuse to go out, shoot and enjoy. All the planning did not come together during Oct and Nov, as the weather Gods had other plans. The third and final installment of this supermoon trifecta adored the sky earlier this evening (Dec. 13, 2016). And Oh boy, was it awesome ! This is not a composite (not that there is anything wrong with composites). But it was much more fun and challenging to plan and get it all together, restricting to a single focal length. As I came to the spot shortly before the moon rise, was worried the anchored boat would be a hindrance. But once I walked around, the composition fell in place – and in this case, I feel it adds to the scale of the shot :)

Million Shades of Magical Colors

Fall colors do happen in Florida, it just happens in the sky and all around the year :) The name Sunshine State might bring in memories of crisp & sunny days at beach, but Florida also is the home of some amazing & best sunsets. This was shot at a secluded spot, from a not very well know local beach. The low tide enabled the kids (look close, there are two of them) to play and venture out for shell combing. As the sun was fading behind the horizon, the entire sky burst in million shades of twilight colors. It was just magical :)

Fall Colors by that Crooked Road

Door County by Hwy 42 in Wisconsin is one of the premier spots for enjoying fall colors. During the peak fall season, any of the country back roads will treat you with a palette of colors, but this crooked road definitely takes the crown. It really is a neat road, connecting the village of Gills Rock, Wisconsin with the Washington Island Ferry dock at Northport. At the right time, this winding stretch of road is encapsulated by a burst of fall colors. Thanks to the ongoing road work during my visit, it added a rustic feel to the shot !!! There is no path to happiness Happiness is the path :) – Buddha

First Strike

Just because you didn't see me Doesn't mean that I wasn't there. Did u know that on average there are 25 Million cloud-to-ground lighting hits per year or ~48 strikes per second ... and that is only counting continental US :O Still I had managed to capture only a very few till date ;-) Being one of the most unpredictable forces of nature, lightning storms present unique challenges in photographing them. Lightning is probably happening all thru the day, but its more rewarding to photograph them once its dark or during twilight, when the foreground accentuates the composition. I had been trying to capture lighting for a while now, but it all came together only this particular evening. How do u like it !

Guardians of the Sunset

Almost always things happen for a reason. For the remaining times, it still happens for a reason, but we just don’t know it :) This evening, planning for a full moon shoot, I headed to Fort de Soto Park. But since it turned out to be pretty overcast by the horizon, decided to head to the other side of the island for the sunset. Turned out to be a great evening. It was a nice walk by the waves, enjoying the sunset. As the sun was going down the horizon, there were two White faced Ibis playing by the coast. Watching these guys was fun and it the end it was just a matter of waiting for things to align. Eventually, on the way back, we got to see the full moon in its glory too. After all things happen for a reason :)

Sunset over the World

Was surprised to learn that Palm Jumeirah isn't the only artificial island out there in the coast of Dubai. When I was in the area, learnt there were quiet a few more – The World, The Universe – may be they will come up with a Multiverse sometime in future :) Standing on the world’s tallest man made structure(Burj Khalifa), watching ones of the largest man made islands (the world) & the Sun going down the gulf - it was quiet a tranquil. Though there was definitely an awe on all the man made structures (and islands & its eco systems), in the back of my mind, one thought did linger – how would we justify the energy required to desecrate natural, aquatic ecosystems in an effort to fabricate a habitable environment that is in no way sustainable merely for the sake of being able to say that it was done. Only time will tell …

Turquoise Gem of Agumbe : Jogi Gundi

Deep in the forest of Karnataka there are some pristine spots, largely untouched (yet). Jogigundi is one such lovely waterfall tucked in the wilderness of Agumbe. The Jogigundi Falls is located around 3 km from Agumbe. Situated on the way to the Barkana Falls, it can be reached by a small trek of around ~500 mts. When the conditions are right, you can also enjoy swimming in the turquoise green water. Even during the monsoon time, water was inviting and pretty refreshing from the afternoon heat. I was lucky to visit the place, at the right time, when the water was just right to highlight the beautiful structure of the waterfall, while the entire surrounding was still lush green from the rains. Heavier rains would definitely make it more majestic, but also would increase the challenge of accessing the falls. Also heard that the leaches might decide to join the trek, if the rains are continuous :) Be advised and cautious. This is a rain forest. You are entering the habitat of the wild. Respect their place & space. Leave only foot prints and carry back all that u carry in, along with some lovely pictures & memories!

Iconic Skyline of Dubai

Generally urban cities each boasts an iconic skyline. But Dubai – it boasts a skyline where ever u look ! From being a dry desert in early 80’s to being the world’s biggest shopping & transient travel hub now – these skyscrapers play a vital role in making Dubai. The effort to capture the iconic buildings started much before I landed here. Thanks to Google maps & street views, most of the planning was done even before I boarded the plane. After reaching out to couple of friends and scouting the location on street view, it was a matter of getting to the spot at the right time and pray that the visibility was good ! When I got in the cab and asked to dropped on the side of the road @ Palm Jeremiah, the cabbie might have thought I was crazy. He asked several times if there is an restaurant or an hotel I would need to get dropped … Eventually he joined me in enjoying this lovely skyline view and did drop me back at the next stop :) The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is the world's only 7 star hotel and designed to resemble a billowing sail . At 1053 feet (321 meters), it dominates the Dubai skyline making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Tried getting in, but looks like one cannot even enter without a reservation ! Though the visibility was reduced , Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) adorns the distant skyline. At 2722 feet (837 meters) and being the worlds tallest structure, it houses a combination of residential, commercial & business entities. With both Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa this view definitely makes one iconic Dubai skyline. Dubai was totally the opposite of what I prefer in travel – simplicity, native, one with nature – but somehow it made me intrigued. Was surprised with how much you can see and do in Dubai even in a short time.

Striking Sunset @ Everglades

Driving this past weekend was like a theme park ride. During thru the afternoon thunderstorms, the rain was lashing quiet heavily. All that was visible were the blinkers from the car ahead. Even with that visibility the traffic was flowing at 70 mph & there was no way to slow down. Once in a while, the lighting would remind and highlight miles of everglade wilderness on the right. Listening to beats of the AR Rehman , interrupted by the far thunders – it all was like a adventure theme park ride :) Was planning for the sunset, but driving for hours with out knowing, if the clouds would indeed open up, in quiet daunting :) Racing with time, arrived at the pristine lake just in time. But the horizon was still cloudy. As the sun started going down, the sky towards southwest cleared & the colors started to bleed. Then something peculiar happened, the break of clouds, around the horizon added the much needed depth and the clouds were backlit with subtle shades of the pink. It was interesting to watch the sun set in a veil of clouds. Finally, as I was trying out a time-lapse, the lightning from the distant storm made it for one Striking Sunset, with some pristine reflections :)

Synchronous Fireflies of Smokies

For two weeks, each year, the secluded forests of Elkmont is converted into a magical wonderland. Words can’t describe the experience, but let me try. As we venture into the forests, a light drizzle along with the cool breeze accompanies. Smokies as the name has it, brings in a rolling fog as the dusk sets in. After finding a remote spot by the trees and set the camera for a composition I liked, it was time to wait. Not long before the horizon begins to darken and the first of the fireflies beings to twinkle. Here a twinkle, there a twinkle and before you know it - everywhere a twinkle. The entire forest begins to glow, and then as if all lights are off, becomes pitch dark. After couple of seconds, the entire place is lit up once again. There fireflies surround you in its mythical glow. The thousands of lightning bugs gather in swarms and flash in harmony as the entire forest alternates between light and darkness. It truly becomes a magical wonderland. The show is all made possible - thanks to Photinus carolinus – or more commonly known as Synchronous fireflies. Unlike other fireflies, this species uses the synchronicity of the flashing, probably to attract it’s mate. Synchronous species of fireflies are very special—and they exist only in a handful of places throughout the world. Elkmont @ Smokies is one such place. Fireflies combine the chemical luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part of their abdomens) to make light. The light produced is referred to as a "cold" light, with nearly 100% of the energy given off as light. In contrast, the energy produced by an incandescent light bulb is approximately 10% light and 90% heat. So much for our human invention ! No one is sure why the fireflies flash synchronously. Competition between males might be one reason: they all want to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash together they have a better chance of being noticed. What ever the reason – it indeed is magical & Here is my take on the magical experience. Hope you like watching the same as much as I enjoy capturing it. Tips to Viewing the Fireflies Elkmont is Part of the Smoky National Park. Lottery : Starting this year (2016), NPS has introduces Lottery. You need to be on the look out @ the NPS Website and apply during registration period. If you are lucky and get selected, you would need to drive up to Sugarlands Visiter Center on the allocated date. Around 6:30 PM local time the trolley takes to the viewing area. The Trolley / shuttle runs thru 11:30 PM so you will have ample time to experience the fireflies. You can read more about the lottery here. Campground : Don’t lose heart , if you do not get the lottery. The next best thing (or actually an even better option) is to get a camp site at the Elkmont Campground. This gets you within a mile of the Elkmont Viewing area. Additionaly learnt, one more huge advantage is the you could hike up the entire trail to avoid the crowds, much beyond the set area for lottery viewing. Just make sure to carry the campground reservation. But you are warned, Elkmont campground is one of the most famous ones, thought it has only the basic facilities. You need to book a spot months before, or need to keep check every other for a cancellation to pop up, like it did :) Be sure to follow the Fireflies Etiquette. Do remember you are visiting them in their natural habitat, not the other way around. Take every step need to ensure they are not disturbed.

Car Camping at the Smokies

This past weekend, got a chance to drive by Smokies. As with last minute plans, this needed a few creative ideas to make it happen. One of them was to just drive around and sleep in the car when needed. One of the huge advantage of car camping, is that you are always only a door away from a night full of stars or floating in a mystic fog or waking up to lovely view like this. After trying out some fun light experiments at the Clingmans dome, we decided to head out to NewFound Gap to catch some sleep. The intent was to be able to crash till twilight and be able to enjoy the sunrise from near a view point. But as it is aptly called – Somokies – the view was pretty covered with fog and overcast. After some quick gamble, decided to see if we would have a better luck driving around. As we pulled out of the parking lot and within the next turns, we were greeted with this scene. The sun was just rising behind the mountains lighting up the horizon :)

Hampi–In Dawn’s first light

Hampi, a village in northern Karnataka, India, was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime. It is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trip to Hampi is incomplete without the trek to Matanga hills. Matunga Hill, being at the center of Hampi, and also the highest point, is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and it's surroundings. One can experience the true essence of any new place much deeper – in the first few moments leading to the sunrise and a few moments after, when the world around us is waking up from a slumber. The rooftop of the Veerabhadra Temple at the summit is the ideal place for a sunrise or sunset. Apart from the Veerabhadra temple, there are lovely views sprinkled around, like these.

The Celestial Glow

Shooting Star … now what would U wish for :) This past weekend the weather was pretty warm and the skies clear providing a right mix for some star gazing. Being around new moon and the Eta Aquarids Meteor at peak was an added bonus. Apart from the over hyped theme parks, Florida has much to offer. Despite what you may know, there are still some spots so remote and light stricken that on a clear summer night like this, the Milky Way glows, like a low lying cloud. Cedar Key, Florida is one of those places nestled on the Gulf of Mexico and provides a truly "Old Florida" rustic experience. I have a feeling this was just first of the many more night trips to come :)

Tampa River Walk by Night

Tampa River walk is a phased open space and pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River in Tampa FL, for about 2.3 miles, from Waterworks Park to Channelside. The river walk offers for a variant of activities from food to parks to walks on the land side and boats to kayaks to water bike rentals on the water. It provides for a fun walk taking you past many restaurants and parks that often have outdoor music and activities going on throughout the day and night. If the views aren't enough to keep you interested, there are little historical and informative landmarks along the way. Just don’t forget to Wear sunscreen and/or a hat and bring water bottles. Or better at night come in at dusk to enjoy the season colors which is simply beautiful along the walk at night. This was one among my many favorite views, highlighting the futuristic River walk along with the University of Tampa on the backdrop :)

Moonrise by Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon ? Great food, but no atmosphere … I wonder how come its still full ;-) After a couple of months decided to plan for a full moon shoot for this year ! After scouting couple of locations, decided the Sunshine Skyway bridge would provide a nice backdrop. May be, without realizing, I was trying to mimic the mountains with this urban set up :) Anyway, weather had different things in store for the evening. It was so cloudy by the horizon, that the supposedly big moon, was not even visible during the rise. Then begin a game of hide and seek. Eventually she peaked out for a while, giving just enough time to capture this scene !

Life is Amazing

For a minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence, look up at the sky, and contemplate how amazing life is :) A night under the stars always brings in thoughts of contemplation :) This was shot by the Wisconsin river late last year while chasing the Perseids. I love how a distant car left a trail over the distant bridge.

Just be

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there. ― Rumi Excessive judgments weigh you down and make you feel heavy-hearted and unsatisfied. While we are judging and discerning, sometimes it is just wonderful to allow the radiance of the universe to permeate and just be, and let go. We are always making distinctions and labeling things as right and wrong, good or bad, true or untrue ... Sometimes it is exhausting to carry all the burden of excessive judgment. Just be :) This was shot on an early morning by the countryside of Wisconsin, as I was returning back from shooting the Milky Way & Perseids. It is always fun to shoot thru the night into the light !

Sea Shell by the Sea Shore

The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright shells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet and soulful refrains. For every moment that passes, something beautiful remains. - Unknown Met this cute guy during the stroll by the beach. He was taking the time to enjoy the sun and was strolling even more leisurely to get a dip in the warm waters. If you look close you could see his legs and he dragged lazily towards the water :)

Milky Way by Night

Somewhere, Something incredible is waiting to be known. – Carl Sagan As Spring comes up, so does the galactic arm of the milky way. Due to the curvature and constant movement of the earth, the Milky Way is below the horizon during the months of November to February, and can be enjoyed with the galactic center from March to October (if you live in the northern hemisphere). This shot is from the one of the most know Presides meteor shower from the past year. We drove around the Green river state wildlife area and luckily chanced upon a remote road. As I light painted the foreground with Coast HP7, the meteor sparkled across the night sky. One of the stars even decided to play the head of the comet. Looking forward to more adventurous nights this year :)

Pirates of the Gulf

Now that is a reason to call Florida - the sunshine state and Tampa seems to be one of heck of a place to enjoy evening sunsets. This particular evening, as I was strolling on the beach of Sand Key Park, just off of Clearwater, was treated with this lovely sunset. The pop corn clouds were making their journey across the sky, the sun was about to hide behind the ocean, the Caribbean blue waters were frolicking the shore and a distant pirate ship was heading back with the loot. As I later found the pirate turned out to be Captain Memo, jaunting across the horizon. But nevertheless, it did not take away any of the magic from the evening … After all not all treasures are Silver and Gold , right :)

Live Everyday

Everyone eventually dies, But only a few make sure they lived.

Adios Chicago !!!

Moving from salting side walks to salting Margaritas. hopefully ;-) Read somewhere that not everything can be bought, but looks like even Sunshine can be :) Looking forward to what life & Sunshine state has in store ... Adios Chicago !!!

Sprouting Horn

Continuing the Challenge from Vijay Srivivasn, here is 3/7. As you drive down a little further from the Devils Churn, there is a parking pull out for the Spouting Horn. One could hike down to the view point to enjoy the same. Just make sure to watch ur steps. Spouting horn is kind of an Ocean Geyser. It was interesting to reflect how this is place is evolving. Over time the pounding waves gradually widened a fracture in the rocks forming Cook’s Chasm. The edge of the Chasm was undercut, forming a cave. Eventually a crack on the top of the cave created a perfect setting for the Spouting horn, allowing us to enjoy this during the high tide ! P.S : Feel free to check out the previous shot for the story on the challenge. For today I was planning to challenge Gary, but looks like he is already in game :) Hence next in list I challenge @Nithin K to post seven Nature Photos (no human elements) in seven days. Dude it has been a while, share some Yosemite awesomeness with us :)

Sunset by The Garden of Three Islands

Japanese Garden also called as The Garden of Three Islands is one of the many gardens within the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Here it is indeed easy to overlook how the Japanese respect for nature and age are revealed. If you look closely, though, the effect is evocative, as seamless as a traditional haiku. The larger rocks are partially buried, as if they have been in place forever. Flowering plants have a short bloom time, reflecting the yin-yang balance between the ephemeral existence of human life and the timelessness of nature. Many of the trees are pruned and trained to give the illusion of age. This 17-acre lakeside garden includes three islands. Only two (Island of Clear, Pure Breezes & Island of the Auspicious Cloud) are open to the public. Across the lake, the inaccessible island (Island of Everlasting Happiness) is symbolic of paradise—in sight yet elusive. Sunset is particularly an awesome time to take a walk by the lake around these islands :)

Whitetail Doe by Snow

I am not much of a wildlife photographer, but once in a while I do get lucky, This was one such instance while scouting the Thatcher Woods in the suburbs of Illinois, for capturing the fresh snow. The snow was still falling with a light drizzle. The white blanket of snow was spread around everywhere. It was biting cold, but there was a serene feeling in the air. As I was snow shoeing thru the trees, there she was. Just at hint of slightest sound, she turned back, posed for a second & went back to what she was doing. ignoring me completely. Luckily had my camera ready to get that shot :)

The Moon and the Mountain

If you have read the “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”, you would known about Minli who sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. Here is a magical shot from valley of Sandy River, as the full moon dances with the majestic Mount Hood. A big cheers for all the adventures and answers you seek for in the coming new year. A Very Happy New Year – 2016 to my Friends out here. May this new year be beautiful, sweet, creative, and happy one for you.

Fire and Ice

It is an adventure just to even witness the lava flow. But it is all the more intriguing and intimate to follow the lava from the crater to the ocean entry. They make the way thru lava tubes and eventually culminate at the ocean. The lava flow, when it happens, is mostly over multiple days. To get this shot, I planned for the morning twilight, when there is enough light to capture the surrounding and the sun is not yet out, so the lava can be captured in its beauty. Sleeping in the car at the parking lot, helped, but still had to plan for the time to actually get to the spot. Personally for me, it was such a intimate experience, shooting from the water and witnessing the raw beauty of earth being created. For some reason this reminded me of Robert Frost. And also kindled me to scribble my own (in no way to be compared to that of Frost !!!) Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. - Robert Frost Every end is a new beginning Weather it is fire or ice, it does not matter - All that matters Is finding that end, and beginning new It is in realizing that you are far beyond both the fire and the ice - the beginning and the end. - Sathya

Enchanted Rainforest of Hoh

Hidden in the north west corner of Washington state is a treasure of an primeval, temperate & an enchanted rainforest - Hoh. Walking thru these forests brings in an overwhelming sense of the timelessness. The huge amounts of rainfall and the storm dumps from the near by pacific ocean results in the lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Layers and layers of green, moist moss adorns the whole place, making even the once dead trees & logs of long time, come alive. Hoh - The place is whimsical and magical, but is still as much real :)

It all comes down to you :)

Contemplating life under stars, at Wisconsin river. Watching the stars make you realize, how small you are. But at the same time the openness of the clear skies reminds, that you are nothing but the universe itself. The water drop is not outside the ocean, but the ocean itself. At the same time the ocean would not be there with out the water drops. It all comes down to you :)

Crispy Colors of Autumn

Autumn is a Spring, where every leaf is a flower !

Go, Get Lost !

It is good to get lost. It helps to find yourself. With today’s technology one can afford to get lost, without getting lost. It is much easier to take that road not taken, knowing that you have access to GPS and can get back home if u decide to. I generally plan for location and timing to get the golden light. But once in a while I do enjoy getting around without a destination. Not knowing where the path leads, making the journey even more interesting. What are you waiting for, just hop in the car and drive to the stars ! I assure, you would not regret :)