"I would rather be in the mountains thinking about God, than be in church thinking about the mountain"

John Muir

Yosemite, California

Wandering through a mist filled forest in Yosemite. I have seen such scenes in the Redwood forests many times but this was the first time I saw such a scene in Yosemite. The fog flowing silently between the trees. The occasional sunbeam casting a soft light on the moss covered trunks. The freshness of the day palpable in every breath. It is true, spiritual awakenings happen best in the house of God.

Del Valle Regional park, Livermore, California

First of all I would like to apologize to those who favorited my earlier shot of Palouse. I decided to delete that because the more I stared at it the more homogenous it made me feel. Having seen a million shots just like the one I posted I began to wonder if I was suffering from a case of creating content rather than expressing myself through art. So I decided to focus my effort on creating a shot that was unique and hopefully a new perspective of albeit an often photographed place. As I was going through my archives I came across this shot of hikers on mesquite dunes at DV. The light, patterns and textures I felt all added up to an image more interesting than my earlier Palouse shot. Not sure if you feel the same way, but the artist in me can definitely sleep better now.

Published in National Geographic

Not sure if its the thin air or the sheer grandeur of these mountains that makes you feel breathless in their prescense.

Just returned from a 10 day hiking trip in the foothills of the Himalayas. I think I understand now why Bhutan is considered the happiest place on earth.

Tumpak Sewu, East Java.

Easily one of the prettiest waterfalls I have ever photographed.

Bali, Indonesia.

"I am always astonished by a forest. It makes me realize that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own imagination".

availablelightimages.com/china-classic-landscape/

It is rumored that James Cameron was inspired to make the movie Avatar after his visit to China. He apparently saw scenes that felt like he was imagining them. Wonder what in the world he was staring at.

Redwood National forest. Mendocino coast. California.

 (Published, Popular Photography, Landscape Photography Magazine, and Outdoor Photographer magazine)

Sunrise in San Francisco

Have been trying for several years to get the fog exactly as it crossed over the bridge...finally.

At the crossroads of where Sun meets Snow, and Autumn meets winter.

Just back from a wonderful trip to Glacier NP and the Canadian rockies. Wanted to capture some shots that are not necessarily iconic but celebrate those special moments when light favors us light chasers.

Tucked away in the heart of the Redwood forest is this wonderful waterfall. The details of the lush foliage, moss covered rocks and soft velvety cascades is always a pleasure to photograph.

Just got back from an incredible trip to China. Of all the landscapes visited my favorite was by far the Huangshan Mountain range in the province of Anhui.

When I set out to photograph the landscapes of China I had a distinct advantage. I had not really seen photographs of these various regions. Every place felt fresh and awe inspiring. Sure I had perused through chinese paintings inspired for centuries by this landscape and marveled over the minimalistic approach of my guide Juanli Sun and the work of Alister Benn but that was so far removed from my style of photography it was like I was starting with a clean slate. Standing before these landscapes with no preconceived images was liberating and exhilarating. Hope I can convey atleast a fraction of the beauty I witnessed in these places.

El Capitan, Yosemite.

(did not feel like using content aware fill. Felt the human element added to the winter magic.)

Even in an iconic place that has been heavily photographed, one that you have visited repeatedly there is always the chance of that unexpected encounter that will take your breath away. It is those moments that draw us back to these magical places time and time again.

(Yosemite National Park)

As the storm clouds cleared they dropped to the base of the falls creating this incredible drama. This newlywed couple walked into my composition unaware I was shooting. I told them I had taken their picture and subsequently sent them the image as a gift. Was truly happy to hear how much they loved it.

Here's wishing you all a Happy Mother's day ahead.

To get to this spot which is at the end of a long steep trail involved clinging to roots, slippping on wet branches, slithering in mud, butt sliding and a whole lot of grunting, while the rain pelted down the entire time. Felt pretty beat up by the time I arrived at the end of the trail and saw that the entire landscape was blanketed in heavy fog. Decided to just rest, eat and contemplate why I subject myself to these misdaventures. And that is when the answer revealed itself to me.

Fortunate is the person who finds his/her flow.

Hope all of you get to experience moments of Zen this festive season.

Yosemite, California

Huangshan Mountain Range, China.

Frost covered trees clinging to steep slopes, Granite peaks emerging from a sea of clouds, valleys submerged in mist, like a dream.

Floating past gigantic icebergs is one of the most iconic experiences of a visit to Alaska. The beautiful architecture and color of the glacial ice complimented by the clouds in the sky. This was one of those times when I realized that there would be a specific moment when the frame would open itself up. And when it did, had the satisfaction of this capture. Felt like I had discovered a secret passage through the glacial vault to treasure beyond.

Please do enlarge the image and view it on a large screen with a dark background and muted ambient lighting. Please do observe the texture of the ice, the hint of sunlight coming through, the ice peaks beyond pretending to be mountains and the sky dabbled with puffy clouds. And if you feel even a part of the awe I experienced then my efforts will have been well served.

Have a wonderful rest of the week. I will be off the virtual social grid for a couple of weeks as I connect with the Himalayas in Bhutan. Hope to bring back images to share from the "Happiest place on Earth".

Enjoy the little things in life. For a day will come when we will look back and realize those were the epic moments.

Just another "ordinary" sunset on Mt. Tamalpais.