More black and white shots of spring

Having had too many flower pictures in colour, I decided to shoot in B&W this spring. Partly inspired by Ansel Adams. Partly, to keep myself from getting bored of taking the same 'ol pictures.



So, after my attempt with the sakura blossoms, I turned my attention to the other flowers when I went to the botanical gardens but I couldn't resist the vibrant coloured tulips on display so I had to take some colour shots.



The lighter coloured blossoms, white in particular, looked gorgeous against the dark background, especially with the back light. I had to wait, arms cramped, at that same position, until the clouds parted and the sun shone again to catch the particular shot I wanted. Yeah, yeah I know....I should get a tripod. But I am too malas to lug it around :p



But the darker hued tulips surprised me, producing an effect I did not quite expect because I thought the flowers would be lost in the background. It took me a while to get the right settings but I am happy with the results.



I love this one in particular. I posted a shot of these flowers in colour but I think I love the B&W more. How about you? Enjoy the rest of the photos.....

Something to cheer you up!

Spring flowers - bold, bright and beautiful. They lift my spirits up whenever I see them. A sign of new life perhaps; a sign that a new phase had begun and therefore, hope.



After a bleak, cold winter, what is more soothing to the soul than a blast of colours everywhere?



Even the lack of sunlight in this rainy season fails to subdue the vibrancy of spring.



So enjoy the flowers! Hope they bring forth a smile to last the day :)

Spring....

I really like this picture somehow. It makes me happy just looking at it. Maybe I am just a bit off today...haha!

Sakura, sakura

A study in black and white

I forgot the name of the flower and I am too lazy to check the internet for it. Hehe. But I remembered that it was called "yuki hana" or something like that because of its resemblance to snow when the tiny, delicate flowers are in full bloom.



The flowers bloom at the same time with the cherry blossoms, so it is quite lovely seeing the combination of the two flowers. Since the flowers are white in colour, I decided to do black and white portraits of them - inspired partly by Ansel Adams.



The white will stand out against the dark background but I had to fiddle quite a bit to get the settings just right. I spent so much time standing in front of the flowers, taking pictures at the same spot that people just stared at me but I am used to it.



So enjoy the pictures of the "yuki hana". They are really quite beautiful.

Are you not like me?

Check out his poses. Aren't they human like?

Natadola Beach

Natadola beach is the one of the most beautiful beaches, according to many sources, in Viti Levu, Fiji. The vast expense of the sandy white beach and the clear turquoise blue water is simply breathtaking. I went there on four separate occasions. The first time, just right after the hurricane; the second time, at dawn; the third time, in the evening and the last time, in the afternoon. I had been there before, three years back and was simply awed by its beauty. When I first set eyes on the beach again after three years, I was shocked to see that the sandy white beach had disappeared, eaten up by the rising sea level caused by the hurricane that just passed and the waves were strong. Since I am a hopeless swimmer, I decided to just watch the waves rolling in. The sea and its vast wilderness although fascinating, terrifies me sometimes, more so on days like these.

Then, when I went back there again later, after a few days, the sea level had fallen, and the beach returned to its former glory. Dawn was simply beautiful, with the soft morning light, falling gently on the waves and with no one around, it was just serene. As we sat there, enjoying the soft breeze, a man came by, riding on his horse with his dogs chasing each other. Just perfect.

I had a happy time just walking along the beach, collecting corals and small shells and stumbled upon this gorgeous little lagoon with its deep emerald blue waters which was hidden from view from the main beach, just like a private lagoon. I was just stunned.

Although it is famous, it is still relatively uncrowded, but that will change once the beach resort opens.