reminiscing

I remember when coming to India was just a fond summertime memory where we spent time with Nani. The smell of diesel, damp earth and fried food were something we were used to. Monsoons were treacherous and all we could do was play go-fish at home until the rain stopped.

I miss the citrus smell of Odomos, the tapping of the watchman's cane, the crickets low hum at night, the bhajiwali who used to scream at the top of her lungs and the mali-kaka who used to give me roses from the garden. This is what India was to me when I was a child.

Now, India is my home - my present and future. Nothing that happens here surprises me anymore, I've grown accustomed to the atrocities and to the fact that I live in a male-dominated society. It has been nearly two years since we've moved here, and since then I've learned to become independent. I no longer depend on my mom to drive me around, all college related things are handled by me, I run errands and have learned how to cook a few basic dishes (enough to survive anyway). I now realize, that if I hadn't moved here I, at 20 years of age would still be relying on my mom to do everything for me. I thank my parents for pushing me out into the open battle field. Things are not easy as they seem - even though everything is rapidly developing.

All the things that were a mere memory to me....are now things that I'm used to seeing, hearing and smelling everyday. I let my senses guide me and show me a different world than the one I was familiar with. I see poverty, I hear the traffic, I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, I smell diesel and I taste the sweet nectar of the flowers. This is the India I now know.

Metamorphosis

Change. Six letters but one great meaning.

Everyone is used to their lifestyle and their way of living. It gets tough when someone in your life (family, friend etc) tries to impose a change on you. At first, we feed our ego and think to ourselves, "But why do I need to change...?" Initially it is hard to accept that a change needs to be made...the harder part comes in when you need to apply the change.

Constancy is inevitable and day to day our lives are being impacted by various factors or people. We seem to resist change rather than embracing it with open arms. Difficulty lies in leaving behind something we are familiar with and accepting something new. It's much simpler to whine about things than to admit that things are the way they are. It is human nature to be reluctant to change because we cannot control certain events that take place.

Charles Darwin founded the theory "Survival of the Fittest". I strongly believe that we need to make positive changes in our life in order to adapt to our surroundings. The one who possesses the right tactics and flexibility enhances capability to succeed. Optimism helps make situations hopeful and adds happiness to our outlook. That's the best 'change' one could add in their lives.

Resisting change is like placing two magnets with the same poles side by side. It just does not work. Not all change is bad, it simply depends on your perspective and the way you look at things. You can spin it both ways, the glass is either half full or half empty. The trait of adaptability should be transformed into one of our strengths so that we can become resilient.

lily

Shortcuts, the easy way out and playing dumb

It has occurred to me that a large portion of us take the 'easy way' out in life (including myself).

On a regular basis, we experience reductions in effort whilst performing tedious tasks. Nowadays, there are many simplified techniques to get your work done in half the time using half the effort. Cutting corners only helps you reach a certain stage in life, before you realize that you don't know what to do anymore. As life progresses and you're faced with an abstruse situation, there is no way to comprehend how to overcome it - it becomes customary to search for the easy and effortless way out.

It becomes habitual to turn to the uncomplicated ways of dealing with things and it eventually grows on you so much that you don't notice it. Fact is that it's easier to avoid than to accept and embrace change with open arms.

When a person prefers not to admit and turn a blind eye they create a protective barrier around themselves so that they can't feel pain or discomfort. However, it's important to be hurt so that we can learn, understand and accept in order to move forward.

Life is a journey, enjoy the long ride without shortcuts.

Why do people need a reason to believe?

It is the year 2009.

The outlook and mindset of people in society are starting to change drastically across the world. Through the widespread channel of knowledge and mass media, our thoughts, beliefs, perspective, faith and overall self concept are shaped.

Fifty years ago, blind faith existed. Today, people want to validate what they already know. They seek logical reasoning for everything as to why things happen a certain way. More and more people are questioning the existence of God relating it with scientific explanations. It is hard to 'believe' in God, because we worship idols and paintings. Has anyone ever seen him? Is there proof? It's hard for society to accept that there is a higher force that is accountable for taking care of the universe. Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it is not there.

There are only a few individuals that are willing to stand by what they believe in because they're not afraid of being wrong or humiliated. Others just suppress themselves, they don't want to take a risk in being ostracized.

People need a reason to believe because they don't have confidence...they lack faith in themselves and turn to explanations to clear out all their doubts. Majority of society turns to evidence so that they can believe.

We need to look deep within ourselves and then we can find truth.

Seeing things differently

After time passes by, you realize that there are many kinds of people that are in your life, and who actually pulls through for you during the rough times. I thought that I knew a few individuals that would always help me out, but to my surprise it was the complete opposite.

Words. They can be filled with emptiness and false modesty. Now that I've had quite some time to analyze the situation and decide how I want things to unfold, I've had to change my attitude and behaviour towards people. It seems as if that I'm the one who puts more effort into the relationship than others, and it really gets to you sometimes. I hate always being the nice one, I'd like someone to do something selfless for me for once.

Bhalu. You won't ever be able to comprehend how much you've helped me and see things differently. "I smiled even when the shit stank." I can always count on you for a shoulder to cry on, or a few good laughs. We make a notorious pair. What I found out, is that we sort of, help each other on the way. It's a magnetic -type reaction, and when I need someone, you're there in a heartbeat. That's what I love about you - you know how to handle me. Now, I've gained a great photography buddy, and I'm pretty sure that we have many cool places to uncover together. Thanks for being a great friend.

Pics of our day:

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/1000
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 800


Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/60
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 250



Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/320
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/10
Aperture: f/18
Focal Length: 110mm
ISO: 800



Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/250
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 110mm
ISO: 800

Happy Mothers' Day

What does it mean to be a mother?

I think children these days are taking their parent(s) for granted in many ways. They don't know the value of what it means to have parents who sacrificed their life for their offspring.

In my perspective, I believe that it is crucial for a child to have a good relationship with their parent. It creates a whole new avenue in order to grow and develop as a person. In today's day and age, kids don't see it as a 'cool' thing to go out with parents, or generally be seen with them for that matter. My friends are always awed by the fact that my mom and I go for pedicures, movies or dinners together and actually enjoy it. Relationships don't develop overnight, you need to nurture it, put effort and feel the 'want' to create it and maintain it as well. What I adore the most, is that I can approach my mom and tell her absolutely anything, whether it's embaressing or humiliating. I don't feel remorse, but a sense of relief and comfort. Recently, my eyes have been opened to many things that I now am able to understand due to my maturing age. As a child, I wasn't able to grasp what my mom has actually sacrificed for me, and for my siblings. I am thoroughly grateful for everything, especially the support my mom provides me - with regards to my career. Support and encouragement is more than enough for me at the moment to be content with - I am happy that I was able to prove myself worthy of being in the process of 'becoming someone'.

Thanks mom, for all you have done for me. Your work does not go unnoticed although I may commend you not as often as I should be. You have always been my backbone and will continue to be. Keep your head up as things are not always as easy as we think they may be. I look up to you for strength and courage to continue in life. Don't ever give up or think less of yourself. I love you more today, for being my friend when I needed one.

I love you



Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/400
Aperture: F/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 800

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/100
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200

tea for one please

A person's day can be so stressful and utterly monotonous. The best part is when you're able to kick back and relax in silence and have a hot cup of masala chai. The satisfaction an individual experiences whilst reflecting the days' events are completely unexplainable.

Life can be complicating in many ways for everyone. Be it a working mom or dad, college student, grandparent or teacher we need to start creating some 'me' time. It's okay to think about yourself, reflect and relax. These are basic necessities that we are entitled to and shouldn't have to think twice about. Make it a point everyday to practice yoga, go for a walk, have a cup of tea or read a book in silence. It's important to have time to yourself to clear your head and plan future goals - sometimes it's okay to be selfish.

42 degrees

It's 42 degrees - and boy is it hot. I'm tired of studying and I'm just looking for a reason to take pictures.

I thought I'd be creative today and stay indoors.


Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/200
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200


Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/200
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200
Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/500
Aperture: f/6.5
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 400

Flower Frenzy

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,--That is all
Ye know of earth, and all ye need to know." - John Keats, Ode to a Grecian Urn


Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/500
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 160



Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 1/500
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 400

bee quiet!

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.002 sec 1/500
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm

Random

I came across a nice photo in my archives:

Camera: Canon S5 IS
Exposure: 0.004 sec 1/250
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 72 mm



And this is photo is a result of sheer boredom:

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.013 sec 1/80
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm

Praying Mantis

It's been a while since I've picked up my camera. I've been way too preoccupied with studying lately. I was mentioning to my dad that I feel so lost without my camera, and how it's just become such a big part of my life.

The funniest thing happened today. My mom sent me down to buy curry leaves - but since we have a tree nearby that has the leaves I thought I'd get our driver to pick them for me. I brought them up, and was admiring how green and fresh they were....until I noticed an ugly praying mantis camouflaged somewhere between the leaves. I threw the bunch down on the ground and started screaming. My mom made fun of me for behaving like a child, and placed the insect outside in the balcony on the railing. After much observation, I realized that the praying mantis was really interesting. It's movement was irregular as it took one step forwards and two back. I grabbed my camera and started taking some macro shots of it. I was so freaked out that I thought at any moment it'd jump on my lens and I'd probably chuck my camera down three floors - so I just kept my distance.

Camera used:
Canon EOS 450D

Hunger by Jayanta Mahapatra

I rarely come across poems that I really like - or understand. Since exams are coming up, I've picked up my syllabus and started going through all the assigned poems for the year. This poem shed light on the women of minority in India, and the hardships they face while earning for their family.

It was hard to believe the flesh was heavy on my back.
The fisherman said: Will you have her, carelessly,
trailing his nets and his nerves, as though his words
sanctified the purpose with which he faced himself.
I saw his white bone thrash his eyes.


I followed him across the sprawling sands,
my mind thumping in the flesh's sling.
Hope lay perhaps in burning the house I lived in.
Silence gripped my sleeves; his body clawed at the froth
his old nets had only dragged up from the seas.


In the flickering dark his lean-to opened like a wound.
The wind was I, and the days and nights before.
Palm fronds scratched my skin. Inside the shack
an oil lamp splayed the hours bunched to those walls.
Over and over the sticky soot crossed the space of my mind.


I heard him say: My daughter, she's just turned fifteen...
Feel her. I'll be back soon, your bus leaves at nine.
The sky fell on me, and a father's exhausted wile.
Long and lean, her years were cold as rubber.
She opened her wormy legs wide. I felt the hunger there,
the other one, the fish slithering, turning inside.

5pm: CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL

It's 5pm on a Wednesday afternoon..and I need my coffee. It's as if my day isn't complete without my dose of caffeine.

I'm really attached to my new camera. I can't let go of it. Even though I'm not familiar with the functions and various manipulations - I just love it.

Here's my picture of the day:

CANON EOS 450D

After a lot of researching on the camera I was looking into (Canon EOS 450D) I finally purchased it. The clarity and resolution is fantastic! The pictures are crisp, and the shutter speed is considerably fast compared to my old camera. I've just been trying it out, and there are so many functions...which I have to figure out how to use. The downside is, that there is no SUPER MACRO function - just macro, so you can't really get a closeup picture with detail and clarity. Also, another thing is, that the zoom is absolutely crappy. You can't zoom in on something that's about 10 feet away from you - you have to really be close up to the object. However, for portraits and et al the blurred effect is pretty fantastic.

Here are a few images:

Just Chill...

There's nothing more refreshing than a ice cold drink under an umbrella in paradise.

I love this super macro (taken in Goa - Oct 2008)

straight from the archives

I feel so utterly stupid. I was going through all my original photos that I had put away on my external harddisk and I came across all these amazing photos that I had forgotten about. Random photos from about a year ago in Goa, and ashram pictures that I never even knew I had. Some of the photos really jogged some great memories - I thought those photos were nice just to view on my computer; turns out, they're actually really nice. I sat down for a couple of hours just editing a bit of the contrast and watermarking all of them, and here they are:

(Best viewed large)

This photo was taken in Goa, one one of the most pristine beaches, however, for the life of me I can't remember the beach's name


During one of the Ashram trips, I spotted this lovely white flower. Its pistils are so vibrant and distinct.

Experimenting with monochrome

Sheer boredom. It was literally 35 degrees today, and I don't have a fan in my room. After studying for a while, I thought it was time for a break - a long one. Every time I walk into my room I glance at the tripod sitting in the corner. So, I thought to myself that it was time to experiment with auto timer and the tripod. It was tricky at first, but when I was able to manoeuvre all the bits and bobs it was a cinch.

I really wanted to experiment with natural lighting effects and silhouettes. Anyways, after running back and forth from the tripod I was able to get this:

The lighting on the edge of the neck gives a sensuous look. Monochrome is amazing.


Camera: Canon Powershot S5 IS

Exposure:	0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture:	f/8.0
Focal Length:	14.9 mm
Exposure:	0.00

A nice hot cup of.....coffee beans?

I love the smell of a can full of fresh coffee beans. There's something about the aroma that makes you feel so comforted - and all your tensions just evaporate into thin air. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of cuddling up and reading a book with a nice cup of hot coffee.

For the love of red!

The other day, my 9 year old sister had her first piano recital. On my way home from college, I wanted to pick up some flowers to present to her after the show. I bought two beautiful flowers - one red and one yellow. I couldn't resist but to take a few super macro photos of the water droplets so neatly assembled on the petals.


Technical Info:

Camera:	Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Exposure:	0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture:	f/3.5
Focal Length:	6 mm

Take my hand, show me the way

My favourite part of the day is when the sun starts to set. I love listening to the birds chirp, the children playing and the quiet mumbling of the passersby. Most of all, I enjoy watching the sun bidding adieu...until tomorrow morning rises

Capturing the perfect image relies solely on precision; the right moment and the perfect scene.

It's not the camera that captures the perfect image. It is the person behind the lens that has all the power to manipulate the camera to capture the desired photo. Precision.