Meditative Stills

Egret is one of the birds who can stand absolutely still for hours in search of food. If the water is absolutely calm like in this photo it allows you to capture amazing mirror image. This one was standing like this for more than 10 - 15 minutes. Looks like they are in deep meditative state of mind except with eyes wide open.

 

Another one was standing on top of the abandoned decorated colorful boat. This I believe was meditating after the meal like we all do many times. This too was standing in that position for so much time. I actually waited for it to turn the head so that I can capture the profile but it never did.

Here is the classic Great Blue Heron (GBH) during the dinner time. It was looking for fish for a good meal and again for a very long time. It was a little dark at the time, I still love the silhouette in the waters. Standing still for long time.

  

 

This Egret was looking for the lunch in the bright afternoon. It was on the edge of that wooden barge standing still for few minutes. I was hoping that it can spot a fish so that I can click some action. Then I gave up and clicked this reflection. At the last minute it managed to lift the right leg just when I clicked.

In all these photos the nice blue water background illuminates the white on it, almost reflecting the sunlight, creating an amazing and equally bright reflection in the waters.

Interesting challenge I had when I clicked these was my lens malfunctioned like a day before and AF stopped working completely. So I had to click all these on MF which usually does not work with Birds as timing is important.

Equipment:

Camera: Canon 7D

Lens: Sigma 170-500mm

"Lunar Eclipse"

This was my first ever attempt to capture Lunar Eclipse as well as the time lapsed Photography. I kept clicking at every few minutes during the eclipse from start to half way through and created this collage by putting them together. It was winter morning almost 4am, out in the open and freezing cold. And right after the moon was fully red the clouds came in and covered it completely. Thanks to some of my amazing enthusiastic friends who witnessed it with me and some who could not join but watched it from window. I was thrilled with the result.................What do you think?

Equipment:

Camera: Canon 7D

Lens: Sigma 150-500mm

Tropical Sunsets

Sunsets are always picturesque in tropical regions around the globe where you see some of the biggest sizes of Sun and dramatic colors during the sunset. One of my favorite is Goa in India. It has one of the best coast line and some of the most beautiful beaches.

You can find many secluded beaches where there is no one other than you, the sea and the setting sun. You can spend entire evening in your own way admiring the view.

At the right place at the right time!

Then there are moments that hold a very pleasant surprise for you. You feel really lucky to just witness them. All you need to is Aim it and Frame it - CLICK, CLICK! It makes you realize that Timing is Everything.

At the end you call it a day part your ways with the sun and get back to the city and its night life where late night parties are just getting started ......

Equipment: 
Camera: Canon EOS Kiss Digital X
Lens: Sigma 170-500mm

Are you talking to me?

"Spectacled owl"

These are the largest of the New World tropical owls that inhabit the rain forest!

Many of us are told and so believe that owls can't see during the day or that being out in the sun is harmful to them!

Although the retina of their eyes is densely packed with rod cells that help them see in dim light, owls can also see well in daylight. Owls can adjust their pupils to limit the light entering their eyes and striking their sensitive retina!

It always has the expression - "Are you talking to me?".

 

Equipment:
Camera: Canon 7D
Lens: Sigma 170-500mm

Tulip Mania Part 2 - Up Close

Here are some of the fantastic closeups of different varieties of Tulips grown in the Skagit Valley in WA state. Each flower is unique and absolutely stunning. Every year growers come up with new and unique colors, designs, size, shapes, ...... very innovative. Plus they ship Tulips all year round. These are all clicked inside Rosengarten area of Skagit Valley. Since 1984 each year Skagit Valley celebrates the Tulip Festival. These are from Tulip Festival 2015.

Here is Tulip Festival 2015, Enjoy!!!
      

Equipment:
Camera: Canon 7D
Lens: Canon 100-400mm