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New Beginnings
A storm clears over the Golden Gate Bridge and leads to a wonderful sunset view.
golden gatewarming hutcrissy fieldsan francisco
From Golden Gate Bridge
Prosperous
This part of the Santa Cruz hills is so beautifully lush. I loved how morning light and contrasting colors make this scene evoke a sense of richness and prosperity in the nature.
santa cruz mountainssaratogamorning
From Landscapes
California Dreamin
From Seascapes
Limitless
When you are at the right place, at the right time, the possibilities are truly limitless...
From Seascapes
Dance of Light and Clouds
Life is richer with competing elements in it.
Old Guards
Relentless forces of nature are constantly changing the world around you. These sea stacks have stood here as the coastline around them has eroded over time.
soberanes canyongarrapata state parkgarrapata
From Seascapes
Matching Colors
I always love it when the morning orange/red glow in the sky complements the color of the bridge.
From Golden Gate Bridge
Eternal Sunset
Beauty is transient and this is particularly so in landscape photography when the light is changing so far. The quest is to capture that fleeting moment and preserve it forever!
Seaside Barn
There is something captivating about lone habitats in the midst of vastness of nature. I had that feeling about this barn next to the coastline
From Seascapes
Path Less Traveled
The change is around the corner. Golden grass, parched from months of dry summer heat is about to see rain.
rolling hills of californiasanta cruz mountainsmorning
From Landscapes
Alternate Reality
A long exposure shot reveals what is left after the ripples on waves and motions of clouds get "averaged" out.
long exposure photographyseascape photography bay area
From Seascapes
Ray of Hope
Location: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California, Map
Big Sur coastline in Northern California has some very interesting rock formations. At some places the coastline is rugged while at other places large sea stacks and rock formations have interesting erosion patterns such as the one shown in this image. This rock at Pfeiffer Beach, with it's interesting hues and textures, has a naturally formed passage that opens up to the Pacific ocean on the other side. The passage was created by the erosive forces of crashing waves over hundreds and thousands of years.
During winter months the angle of the sun is such that at sunset a beam of light can be seen passing through the opening in the rock face. In addition large waves constantly gush through the opening creating splashes with the small rocks in the front. I was happy to capture all of these natural phenomena in this image.
I shot this image on the last day of Year 2009 and particularly for that year I liked how symbolically this image represented how my year was coming to an end. It was a great end to the year and a ray of hope for the coming year... hence the title!
Tech Info and Tip:
Lens: Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS @ 93mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 1/3sec at f/13 and ISO 400
Filters: LEE ND Grads 0.9 soft edge for rock face and 0.75 hard edge for foreground rocks
(Merzeta photo of the day winner on Jan 05 2010)julia pfeiffer state parkcalifornia coastlinehighway 1sunset
From Seascapes
Fremont City
Location: Mission Peak, Fremont, California, Map
Mission Peak is a very popular destination among Bay Area hikers for it's steep slopes, proximity and gorgeous views of the bay area. On a regular weekend one can expect to find up to 4000 people hiking the trail. The trails are just shy of having a traffic jams!
But Mission Peak is also a favorite place for photographers. The grass is lush and green during winter season and quickly changes to dry brown color due to persistent dry weather in California. But while the green lasts, the beauty is similar to those often mentioned lush green Irish hills.
I shot this image of the bay area homes at the foothills during one of the most dramatic sunsets I witnessed at this location. It was bit of a planning and bit of a luck to have started the hike at the right moment, reached this point just before the sun broke out of those clouds and see it all happen when the grass was green! I sure was a happy camper.
Those homes are some of the most expensive and luxurious homes in the Bay Area often reaching over 2M pricetag. But to me enjoying the open spaces of Mission Peak Regional Preserve is the real luxury I have access to any time of the year.
Tech Info:
Lens:
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Exposure:
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Processing:From Landscapes
"Möbius Arch"
Location: Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California.Möbius arch is one of the most iconic rock formations on eastern sierra landscape, however, photographing it can get tricky. The name, as you may have guessed, derives from a mathematical concept of 'Möbius strip'. This is first of the series of few images of the arch where I liked the warmth of the morning light on the arch against winter fog in the background. On a clear day it is possible to see Mt. Whitney through the arch, which makes from another interesting image.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L @ 22mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 1/8sec at f/14 and ISO 50
Filters: No filters.Note to first time visitors to the arch:
It can can difficult to find the arch, but I found these directions quite useful in locating it. Since you have to be here much before sunrise it is advisable to first go and find the arch the previous evening. Also winter is the best time to go here since low angle of the sun casts beautiful shadow of the arch and the light is sublime. And oh yes, get enough warm clothing, it can get quite cold there.
One has to really visit eastern sierra landscapes to truly appreciate its beauty. I don't think any photograph can do the justice of what it feels to hike on barren landscapes, camp besides some of the most scenic lakes and feel out of breath at high altitudes. Over the years I have had a few chances to hike on eastern sierra mountains including Mt. Whitney, but only recently I began to photograph it. So here are few images from one of the most unique places on the Sierra-Nevada mountain range.alabama hillseastern sierramobius archnatural archvolcanic rock formationshorizontalformat
From Landscapes
"Berry Creek Falls"
Location: Big Basin Redwood State Park, California.These are iconic waterfalls in the mountains of Santa Cruz. To reach up to this point one has to hike at least 4 miles one way, but the views are worth the efforts especially when the waterfalls are flowing after a few winter rainstorms.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 32mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 2.5sec at f/14 and ISO 100
Filters: No filters
Big Basin Redwood State Park is one of the pristine and less known areas if the Bay Area. If you enjoy hiking this is a great place to see tall redwood tress, cascading waterfalls and interesting fall colors when the time is right. The place is best known for its beautiful Berry Creek waterfalls which require at least 4 miles of hiking to reach one way. There are actually three cascading waterfalls along the stream and all of them are very beautiful especially after a rainy season.berry creek fallsbig basin redwood state parkcastle rock state parksanta cruz mountainsverticalformat
Golden Gate at Dawn
Location: Marin Headlands, San Francisco, California, Map
Here is another of my favorite images of iconic Golden Gate bridge. I shot this early in the morning on a day when we had a passing storm in the Bay Area. The storm clouds provided perfect backdrop for the bridge and allowed me to capture the image in a good contrast.
It is always fun to shoot Golden Gate bridge under low lighting conditions of early morning or late evening. The balance of lighting conditions between bridge and it's surroundings is at it's best and makes it possible to capture all the rich hues. Moreover a long exposure in the camera essentially makes the vehicles disappear making it look empty and minimalist.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 17-40 f/4L @ 35mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 76sec at f/13 and ISO 100
Filters: No filters
Post Processing: Canon DPP, mainly involving levels and curves to bring out details in shadow areas.golden gatemarin headlandssan francisco
From Golden Gate Bridge
Alternate World
Really long exposures can often bring out the moody shots. Here is one taken at La Jolla, California.
From San Diego Area
Majestic El Cap and Mighty Merced
Location: Yosemite National Park, California, Map
The grandeur of Yosemite valley is best seen from spots that are hidden away along the curves of Merced river. The view is particularly appealing when major landmarks in the valley, such as El Capitan in this case, can also be seen. It was not just the view but also the photographic process that I enjoyed at this location. It was dull gray and raining when I arrived at this spot. Then it started clearing and El Cap appeared out of fog in it's full glory.
This is a scene in the valley during spring season when when the Merced river is at it's peak flow and there is a good chance to see fog and clouds shrouding the granite peaks. In this particular image I also liked spots of penetrating light on the pine trees. As the storm was clearing in the sky, pockets of openings were creating interesting displays of light. I made several images but likes this one very much.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L @ 28mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 0.3sec at f/16gg and ISO 50
Filters: LEE 0.6 (2-stop) and 0.9 (3-stop) soft edge ND Graduated filters
Yosemite is the arguably the most beautiful national park. It's grandeur and the time scale it took to evolve is very humbling. I learnt that the granite peaks started out as molten magma deep below the earth's surface about 100 million years ago. Merced river then carved it into a "V" shaped valley and finally glaciers shaped it into its present day "U" shape. The beauty of the valley has inspired many. It's lush forests, tall granite peaks, amazing monoliths and beautiful waterfalls are so pristine that a visit to the park often overwhelms the senses. A visit here at least once in lifetime is a must.
Valley of Wonder
Location: Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California, Map
Here is a classic view of the Yosemite valley seen from Tunnel View vista point at sunset. I could not be happier about this image. It took me several trips to Yosemite and never before I saw all the elements lining up for this image. It was snow on the hills, fog in the valley, water in the Bridalveil falls, sunset clouds in the sky and the warm glow on the granite rocks which was rare to find together.
Winter months are typically the best for catching good lighting conditions in the valley. Over the years I have made several trips to the exact same spot and have always seen a different face of the valley. Out of several keeper shots from this location I like this one the most.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L @ 60mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 15 sec at f/14 and ISO 50
Filters: LEE ND Grad 0.9 soft edge and 0.75 hard edge stacked togetherI posted a slightly different view of this image on Aperture Academy's webpage. Click here to view image, rating and comments
Yosemite is the arguably the most beautiful national park. It's grandeur and the time scale it took to evolve is very humbling. I learnt that the granite peaks started out as molten magma deep below the earth's surface about 100 million years ago. Merced river then carved it into a "V" shaped valley and finally glaciers shaped it into its present day "U" shape. The beauty of the valley has inspired many. It's lush forests, tall granite peaks, amazing monoliths and beautiful waterfalls are so pristine that a visit to the park often overwhelms the senses. A visit here at least once in lifetime is a must.
Under an Oak Tree
Location: Cascade Creek (The Cascades), Yosemite National Park, California, Map
Oak trees are great! Sitting underneath their canopy usually brings to mind the thoughts of reading a book or simply taking a pause during a hectic workday. So when I saw this oak trees with cascade creek flowing besides it I could not resist taking a picture. Needless to say even after I was done photographing I spent few minutes enjoying these peaceful surroundings with gentle sounds of Cascade creek.
Cascade creek and it's waterfall are one of the first waterfall you may see at Yosemite if you enter through highway 140. The creek is usually just a trickle during winter months but comes to life during spring and early summer months. I plan to visit this area again in next few years and try to capture the beauty of the Cascade creek waterfall as well.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L @ 20mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 8sec at f/13 and ISO 200
Filters: Hoya 4-stop solid ND filter
Yosemite is the arguably the most beautiful national park. It's grandeur and the time scale it took to evolve is very humbling. I learnt that the granite peaks started out as molten magma deep below the earth's surface about 100 million years ago. Merced river then carved it into a "V" shaped valley and finally glaciers shaped it into its present day "U" shape. The beauty of the valley has inspired many. It's lush forests, tall granite peaks, amazing monoliths and beautiful waterfalls are so pristine that a visit to the park often overwhelms the senses. A visit here at least once in lifetime is a must.
Yosemite Falls in Spring
"Yosemite Falls in Spring"
Location: Yosemite National Park, California.
Spring in Yosemite is beautiful. The waterfalls are at their peak flow, greenary is all around, temperatures are very comfortable and little ponds in the meadows add to the scenary.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L @ 23mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 2sec at f/16 and ISO 50
Filters: Hoya 8 stop solid ND filter to allow 2sec exposure. LEE 0.9 (3-stop) soft edge ND Grad filter to balance exposure of the sky with foreground.yosemitefallsnationalparkcaliforniaupper yosemite fallsyosemite spring
"Majestic El Cap and Mighty Merced (Portrait Version)"
Location: Yosemite National Park, California.The grandeur of Yosemite valley is best seen from spots that are hidden away along the curves of Merced river. The view is particularly appealing when major landmarks in the valley, such as El Capitan in this case, can also be seen. It was not just the view but also the photographic process that I enjoyed at this location. It was dull gray and raining when I arrived at this spot. Then it started clearing and El Cap appeared out of fog in it's full glory.
This is a scene in the valley during spring season when when the Merced river is at it's peak flow and there is a good chance to see fog and clouds shrouding the granite peaks. In this particular image I also liked spots of penetrating light on the pine trees. As the storm was clearing in the sky, pockets of openings were creating interesting displays of light. I made several images but likes this one very much.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L @ 45mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 1/4sec at f/14 and ISO 50
Filters: LEE 0.6 (2-stop) and 0.9 (3-stop) soft edge ND Graduated filters
Yosemite is the arguably the most beautiful national park. It's grandeur and the time scale it took to evolve is very humbling. I learnt that the granite peaks started out as molten magma deep below the earth's surface about 100 million years ago. Merced river then carved it into a "V" shaped valley and finally glaciers shaped it into its present day "U" shape. The beauty of the valley has inspired many. It's lush forests, tall granite peaks, amazing monoliths and beautiful waterfalls are so pristine that a visit to the park often overwhelms the senses. A visit here at least once in lifetime is a must.cloudsel capitanfogmerced riveryosemite national parkIMG2459capmercedriververticalformat
"Mt Whitney at Sunrise"
Location: Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California.Mt. Whitney is the highest point in lower 48 continental US at about 14,500 ft. The hike up to the top is one of the most rewarding things to do. I had a pleasure to do that a few years ago. We hiked up to 12000 ft the day before and camped overnight at a spot called Trailcamp. The next day I saw the fascinating orange glow on the peak at sunrise and since then wanted to photograph it. The opportunity came recently when I visited the town of Lone Pine and was able to photograph this magestic mountain at sunrise.
This is a panorama image made from three horizontal shots and later stitched in photoshop.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS @ 200mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 1 sec each at f/13 and ISO 50
Filters: No filters.
One has to really visit eastern sierra landscapes to truly appreciate its beauty. I don't think any photograph can do the justice of what it feels to hike on barren landscapes, camp besides some of the most scenic lakes and feel out of breath at high altitudes. Over the years I have had a few chances to hike on eastern sierra mountains including Mt. Whitney, but only recently I began to photograph it. So here are few images from one of the most unique places on the Sierra-Nevada mountain range.395californiaeastern sierrahighest pointlong pinemt whitneytrailpano1x3format
From Horizontal Panoramas
"Cypress Grove"
Location: Presidio, San Francisco.I have always loved the calm feeling of early morning hours among fog shrouded cypress trees. It's been a while since I was thinking of photographing here, so I was happy to be able to spend some time here and get this image.
Tech Info:
Lens: Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS @ 93mm
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Exposure: 0.4sec at f/18 and ISO 160
Pano: Three horizontal images stitched in PS.cypressfogsan franciscopano1x3format
From Horizontal Panoramas
