May 6, 2014

Travel Photography – My Journey So Far (Part Two)

I am SO excited to bring the second part of my travel photography journey so far. If you haven’t checked out the first part, here it is Travel Photography – My Journey So Far (Part One).

When I bought my first camera (Nikon L1 digital point-and-shoot), I went to Shimla for an exclusive photography expedition. I still remember it fondly, because it was my first taste of travel photography. Most of the photographs that I clicked on that trip were inspired by travel magazines and coffee-table books. I wanted to test myself if I had a flair for photography.

I have always been fascinated by travel and photography, so when I gave myself a chance to merge both, I felt a sense of freedom within me. I am one of the few fortunate people who are able to do what they really want to do. I think freedom is an individual’s most prized possession, which most of us fail to use. Both travel and photography are very liberating.

The Himalayas seen from Shimla – This was my first photograph that was purchased from my collection on Visageimages (Indian delegate of Gettyimages).

I was eager to visit Viceregal Lodge aka Indian Institute of Advanced Studies in Shimla. I had seen its picture in one of the travel magazines. I wanted to visit it and click a similar picture.

This is one of my favorite photographs – sunset in Shimla seen from the Ridge.

Delhi Half Marathon – This one is special as it won me a certificate in Delhi Picture Perfect Contest, which was judged by ace photographer Raghu Rai.

Nainital was the first destination where I really enjoyed photography – my camera gloated over the bare-branched trees, blue serene lake and the colourful boats.

It’s NOT a perfect shot, but I still love it for its vibrancy. I was excited to take such a shot where I could frame the lake with something colorful.

Raj Bhavan Castle in Nainital – It’s one of my favorite photos.

Kilbury – It’s a place near Nainital. I owe this shot to my mother who insisted that I get down the car and take the photograph.

This one was taken on the road trip from Nainital to Delhi. It was one of the most scenic routes I have seen so far.

This is one of my most favorite photographs. I liked capturing the quintessential elements of Mumbai – the taxi, the pigeons and the iconic Gateway of India.

This is how Mumbai looks in the morning – so quiet and fascinating. I love this photograph!

Juhu Beach – These kids cajoled me to capture this moment, so if you like the picture, I owe it to them.

Marine Drive in the evening – I stopped by to take this shot while I was on my way to the airport. I simply gasped at the sight.

Sydney – My first international trip.

Darling Harbor in Sydney – A place that tantalized the photographer in me.

Sydney Opera House – I loved clicking this spontaneous shot from the ferry.

The Twelve Apostles – This was the last quick shot that I took before I was scolded by my guide for not leaving the site.

Golden Temple in Amritsar – It was one of the sites where the photographer in me beamed like a child.

Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur – First trip with my SLR (shot mostly in auto mode).

I personally like this shot. I captured the Lake Palace from the security guard’s room to give it an interesting perspective. I don’t know if it appeals to many, but I like it.

Thar Desert – It was my dream to photograph a desert. I wouldn’t say that I did my best, but it was a good attempt. I am yet to take some brilliant shots of a desert.

It was one of the spontaneous shots taken the moment my camel riders left me.

Golden Fort in Jaisalmer – I like the way light falls on the fort’s passageway. The peculiarity about the walls is that its colour turns golden yellow when embraced by the sunshine.