The Melting Pot. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Please click on the images to see larger versions. Cindy and I just got back for a whirlwind tour of the Big Island of Hawai’i. In 3 full days we covered volcanoes, waterfalls, endless cliff faces, and beautiful beaches. The people were friendly, and the scenes were breath-taking. Here are few images I thought were worth sharing. Mahalo for looking and commenting!
A Little to the Right: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Paradise Found: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Endless Faces. Pololu Valley Lookout: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8, 8 Stop ND Filter
It's a Palm Jungle Out There: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
The Angry Sea: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8, 8 Stop ND Filter
Flower Fall: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
From Sea to Shining Sea: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
On Guard. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Lava Land. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
Backlit Beauties: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Motion Emotion: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8, 8 Stop ND Filter
Mellow Yellow: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
Forest Flow. Akaka Falls: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8
Monochrome Sunset: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Hidden Beauty: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Roots: Pentax K-5, Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8
Fire and Ice - Kubota Garden: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 35mm f/3.5
Please click on the pictures to see larger versions. As many of you know, the weather in Western Washington this week has been ridiculous. Snow, hail, sleet, freezing rain…you name it, we got it in buckets. While most people are trying to stay off the roads, I’m looking for places to visit for unique photo opportunities. One of my absolute favorite venues for snow photography in Seattle is Kubota Garden. After a particularly heavy snow fall, the red bridges look amazing and really “pop” against the white surrounding. Remember the exposure can be a little tricky in the snow. Usually, I overexpose the shot by 1 to 1 1/2 stops to ensure the white of the snow looks white and not gray. Here are a few images from today, I hope you enjoy.
Stepping Stone - Kubota Garden: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8
Bridge Over Calm Water - Kubota Garden: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8
Tags: Kubota Garden, Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 35mm f/3.5, Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8, Photography Locations, Seattle
Pelican Sunset. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3,Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6
Please click on images to see larger versions. I was lucky enough to attend and photograph a good friend’s wedding over the new year week in Chacala, Mexico, a small fishing village located about 1 1/2 hr north of Puerto Vallarta. Here are a few images which you may enjoy. Happy New Year!
Rocky Chacala Sunset: Panasonic G3, Panasonic 7-14 f/4
Last Light on Chacala: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6
Bar with a View. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic 7-14 f/4
Night Heron. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6
Night Waves: Panasonic G3, Panasonic 7-14 f/4
Over the Shoulder. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4
Eye Do. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f2.8 ASPH OIS
Live Well. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4
The Final Steps: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4
Backlit Embrace. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic DMW-FL500 Flash
Fresh Fun: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic DMW-FL500 Flash
The Happy Couple. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic DMW-FL500 Flash
With the Girls. Chacala, Mexico: Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic DMW-FL500 Flash
Tags: Chacala, Elli, Evan, Mexico, Panasonic 7-14 f/4, Panasonic DMW-FL500 Flash, Panasonic G3, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f2.8 ASPH OIS, Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6, Photography Locations, Wedding
Christmas Lights, Seattle Style. Alki Beach: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 150mm f/2.8
Please click on the images to see larger versions. Merry Christmas, everyone! Here are some holiday lights, sort of.
Alki Beach Sunset: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 150mm f/2.8
Tags: Alki Beach, Olympics, Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 150mm f/2.8, Photography Locations, Seattle, Seattle Skyline
Twilight at Bhy Kracke Park: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 120mm f/4 Macro
Please click on the image to see a larger version. I recently learned of this view of Seattle. Although Mt. Rainier is hidden, the perspective from Bhy Kracke Park offers another wonderful look at downtown Seattle. I think late fall or early winter is a good time to visit this location because the Space Needle can be framed between the branches of the leafless tree on the right. This image is a stitch of 5 vertically oriented shots. I hope you enjoy it, and happy holidays, everyone!
Here is a 90% crop to give you an idea of the awesome detail being captured by the 40 megapixel CCD sensor of the Pentax 645D.
90% Crop: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 120mm f/4 Macro
Tags: Bhy Kracke Park, Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 120mm f/4 Macro, Photography Locations, Seattle, Seattle Skyline, Space Needle
Late Light on Leschi: Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8
Please click on the image to see a larger version. We had some beautiful late afternoon light today in Seattle. In my never-ending search for great and unique views of the city, I found this perspective from Leschi. I hope you enjoy the shot!
Tags: I-90, Leschi, Mt. Rainier, Pentax 645D, Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8, Photography Locations
linda: Wow! [My mom is coming to visit - these are pics I'll show her, as well as places we might go...that I've never been to either.]
Sally Allison: You're amazing! I live in gig Harbor and can't even remember how I found your website, but thank you for enriching my life. Good luck with the pregnancy!
Vivek: Nice man ! Thanks for sharing.
George Taylor: Very nice! You continue to inspire! Going to SF, renting a bike and going off with my D700 and a TRIPOD!
Bev: Great work---and thanks for the fine session at the AUR.
Dinesh: Awesome Mahesh. I still look forward to seeing your work. I hope you are well.
Vic: I love it when a photo becomes an emotion
Rachael: I love red train. what would otherwise be just a turn, now looks like candy. Speaking of candy--the museum ceiling came out beautifully. with that i may actually HAVE to make the trip! Thanks.
Barb Michieli: The Discovery and Carkeek park photos are awesome ... but there's something about all the colors and the angle of the one from the Tacoma Museum of Glass that really draws me in! GREAT JOB, Dr. Thapa!
--> Mahesh: Dear Linda, So glad you enjoyed the shots. It's always a pleasure to read your encouraging comments. Thank you!
--> Mahesh: Dear Sally, Thank you for the kind words and warm wishes! I'm happy to know you still visit my site, and that my images bring a little enrichment into your life.
--> Mahesh: Thanks, Vivek! Nice to hear from you. I hope you're doing well.
--> Mahesh: Thank you, George! I'm so jealous...can't wait to see your shots from SF. Your shots were great without a tripod, but now, it's almost going to be unfair!
--> Mahesh: Thank you so much, Bev! Sorry we didn't get much chance to chat in San Antonio.
--> Mahesh: Thanks, Dinesh! Great to hear from you. Hope you're doing well...keep in touch!
--> Mahesh: Thank you, Vic! What a lovely comment...warms my heart.
--> Mahesh: Thank you, Rachael! I think certain parts of Tacoma are quite stunning. I was lucky to find Titlow Park, and, of course, the Museum of Glass is always great to visit.
--> Mahesh: Thanks, Barb! Ya, I totally love that glass walkway...the colors is amazing to behold.
linda lin: Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!
Chris W: Excellent shots, Mahesh. The cloud over the lighthouse in Discovery Park is too perfect. Question about the following shot on the beach at Carkeek -- is the G3 really capable of such an incredible dynamic range, or were you blending exposures?
Don: Mahesh - I originally was captivated by your images over on FM what must be 10 -12 years ago now? Love this site and layout. Your images over there inspired me to take a photo trip with my younger brother to the Olympics several years ago. One of the best times of my life! I see a comment about a pregnancy. Best wishes with that. I've always been impressed with your ability to keep up your career and travel/photography. You're in for a new "time management" challenge, but a great challenge it is! It's funny, but I feel like I know you without having met you. Keep the imagery coming! All the best . . .
Emil Preda: Great series Mahesh, as always. Looking forward for some future posts in the C-E. When is your baby due?