The Best of 2011 - Part 6

Looks like I wouldn't have a quiet ending to the year. It's been a really long and hectic day; but here are my top 10 picks apart from the ones that I've already posted. Some of them almost made it to you favourites but probably missed out because of the late year-ending submission. The others, well, at least I like them and now may be even you would. 

So enjoy my picks; and in no particular order.

Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull Racing car at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix; original post here. 

Stationary Boats at the Tai-O Village at Lantau Island, Hong Kong; original post here.

London's landmarks - London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge along the River Thames; original post here.

  Synchronised leap of the dolphins at a show in Ocean Park, Hong Kong; original post here.

DJs spin the wheel at SunDown 2011 in Mumbai, just when the sun is setting down; original post here.

 Podium Positions or Territorial Markings? Fans leave behind their caps to reserve their place in the queue at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix; original post here.

 Mickey Mouse Train Handles en route to Disneyland Hong Kong; original post here.

The Interiors of the Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong; original post here.

 Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari taking turn 1 at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix; original post here.

 The Big Ben at Twilight, under the moon; original post here.

In case you've missed the series, here are Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5.


And one last thing - here's wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and prosperous new year. Keep well and see you in 2012!

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The Best of 2011 - Part 5

It's here!

Counting down to your favourite photograph of 2011 from My Third Eye, we've gone through the posts on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Before getting there, I must mention something that also turned out to be quite a success. There is a great weekly challenge that I came upon with Scavenger Hunt by Ashley Sisk. Five photos on five different topics and your interpretation. Not only does it challenge one as a photographer but its an excellent place to learn from others; after all interpretations will vary. My posts on Scavenger Hunt were quite popular and also very satisfying to me. I went by the comment-to-view ratio to get the 'Best of 2011'; and going by that 4 out of the 5 posts would have made it through, which is why the special mention. This is one challenge I'll continue to look forward to (and even excel) in the year to come.

Now, Saru got this one right so 'clap clap'. Here's numero uno!

1. The Hammersmith Bridge over the River Thames - Night, Lights and Reflections

A hands-down winner, a hands-down personal favourite of what I've posted so far; though a couple of London Eye shots are in close contention. But I guess the late posting will probably qualify them over to next year. 

Testimony to London's great architecture, this old bridge is simply fantastic at night when its lit up. I sincerely feel on having done justice on this one though I did kinda bore my colleague off who accompanied me. Nonetheless, he too got a great shot of himself with the bridge in the background so it made up. The Hammersmith Bridge, Along the Banks of the Thames at Hammersmith and The Spider and its Web on Hammersmith Bridge were supremely popular, even though I hoped to have got a better shot of the spider. After seeing these shots, I so regret on having missing out on Tower Bridge.

 That completes the series on The Best of 2011; well almost. Tomorrow, is the last day of 2011. As we bid adieu to 2011, I'm going to share some of my personal favourites that didn't make it into the viewers list. 

Also, if you do have a favourite that hasn't made it here already, but feel it should be featured in the Best of 2011, please do write to me and let me know.

Until then, have a great time preparing to bring in 2012. 

Participating for: SOOC Monday and The Creative Exchange       

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The Best of 2011 - Part 4

It's true that when you enjoy what you are doing, it always comes off better. 'Play' is an element is tried this year and was quite satisfied with the results. What I'm even more glad about is the fact that these were appreciated as well. With the 'Play' element I tried doing some fun stuff, worked different angles, worked on 'lines', used the available lights to better effect, shot candid and may be even a mix. However, there still is a long way to go on this element along with portraits, which I am not good with. 

3. Regent Street Glowing at Night

Yes, Regent Street in London is a shopping paradise. But it is also a photographers paradise especially at night. There is so much to shoot; the architecture, lights, people, motion, kids and the entire feel and atmosphere is just so right. I didn't use a tripod and went on a percentage basis because I tend to get 40-50% of the shots at 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 a second exposures.

This one's a personal favourite too; I got a lady posing for a shot (at the expense on a portion of the 1st building), motion, the entire buzz, the lovely lit buildings, a sense of depth with the curving line and even the moon. Regent Street offered a lot of interest to me and also to viewers. Regent Street Glowing at Night, The Buzzing Regent Street and The Old Architecture Off Regent Streets were posts that captured a lot of interest. 

2. Love is in the Air

 Finally a Macro! Yeah, I didn't shoot too many of them this year anyways but I was fortunate to see some amazing Macros via Macro Monday. This shot was in the monsoons just after a light shower. And that's why the rose and foliage look so very fresh. The initial feedback was with one complain that one leaf is a little distracting, which today I tend to agree. But the intention was to show the bond between the rose and the leaves, which is why the angle and this shot. Nonetheless, it is widely appreciated for the freshness and may be the warmth that it left. The original post that includes another shot with the comments can be viewed here.

 Woo...that gets me to the doorstep of No. 1, the people's champion hands down and my personal favourite as well! Any guesses? 

In the meanwhile, if you've missed the earlier posts from this series, here are Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

And of course, the finale from Part 5.  

Participating for: Today's Flowers , I Heart Macro, Macro Monday, Macro Flower and NF Flowers     

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The Best of 2011 - Part 3

Like I mentioned earlier in Part 1 of this series, 2011 was a great year for me for travel as well. In fact, it started since Dec 2010 itself. Good travel meant good opportunity for a number of photos, a lot of which did turn out pretty good too. Travel and photography have been going hand in hand for me for a while now, though earlier they may or may not have been the way I wanted them, which today has changed a great deal for the good. 

The best part for me has been the numerous lovely compliments I received on these travel photos.The series created a connect, where people felt they travelled with me, were reminded of their times at that place or how they want to visit that particular place even more so now. That too me, has been very satisfying! I started to share my travel stories on Sareenity - Where I May Roam, but sadly I haven't got too far. 2012, I sincerely hope to change that and share some write-ups, frequently as well. Counting down to 6, 5 and 4, this post on the Best of 2011 features everything from my travels this year.

6. Piccadilly Circus, Another Look.

 This may have just ended as another black-and-white shot had a not got lucky with the old double-decker London bus (of course I could do with the car behind it). It's not often that you see these and lightening struck twice for me with this bus. First, I managed to shoot the Before and After of the bus at Kensington Gardens and then I got another opportunity at Piccadilly Circus. When I saw this picture on my laptop, I got a feeling that something more dramatic can be done to this shot; may be add some textures and distortions to give it a vintage look. 

I could manage none of that on my own so I passed it to Sheetal, a designer from my team. After giving her much pain, she produced this beauty that gave it the vintage look I wanted. You can view the original post that also features the real Piccadilly Circus as of today, here. Also equally popular were similar posts on Piccadilly Circus and Street Artist at Piccadilly Circus.

5. The Royal Albert Hall

The Royals Albert Hall is an iconic landmark in London for both, its grand structure and the performances it continues to host and boast. And I do wish I catch a live act, ideally like an unplugged performance from a great rock band like U2 someday. But this is another great tourist spot; you have the Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial and the Kensington Gardens all along side. And yes, the fantastic museums are just a little walk away. 

You can see the also view the other photographs of the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial.

4. Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong

I just can't describe, in words or photos, how fascinating this record-breaking show called Symphony of Lights is. I ensured that I took time out for it and managed to catch the show twice - once from Wan Chai and once from Kowloon, and it is certainly something one cannot afford to miss if you are in Hong Kong. Wai Chai will allow you better shots because the people here are far lesser. Which then means that Kowloon is the better place to see it from :). Or may be even from the ferry, which I skipped. 

I was late, as in just 10 minutes before the show start because of which I missed out on all the clean vantage points without people. Tip: Get there early to get a good spot and try out a few options before settling to the best setting - but manual (aperture with f/16 may get it a little too bright) with a higher ISO. You can learn more about the Symphony of Lights and see the related photos here.

 How did you find the travel photos at My Third Eye this year. As always, feedback is more than appreciated and also do tell me your favourites from the travel series. 

You can also view Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4 of this series. 

And of course, the finale from Part 5.   

Participating for: You Capture, Shadow Shot Sunday, Mosaic Mondays and Tuesday Tips and Pics  

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The Best of 2011 - Part 2

In 2011 I worked harder on my photography, read a lot more and experimented a lot more. I also broadened my horizon from landscape, macro and travel photography to people, candid and street photography. Street photography can be quite fun and can produce some great candid, as I learnt. The Ganesh Chaturthi had a lot of challenging and interesting moments and so did my walkabouts in London. The best part about street photography is the unexpected bonus; I'm sure you'll be able to relate when you seen the photographs from this next set. 

8. Another Tie - Romantic Dinner and The Boy Playing with the Water Fountain

A Romantic Dinner: I was heading back home (thankfully with my camera) on a pleasant evening in London. The architecture in London, of the buildings, monuments, houses, pubs, restaurants, bridges and almost all of it, has always amazed me. After a shot of very lively and interesting pub, I caught a glimpse of this couple seemingly having a lovely quiet romantic dinner. Even more so because they were the only ones at that point in time; perfect isn't it? May not be the best shot, but works pretty well for a street/candid, doesn't it? This shot was taken at Hammersmith, London, where I managed quite a few candids, which can be seen here. You can also view the original post and comments here.

A Young Boy Playing with a Water Fountain: If I haven't sold street photography yet, this one should. I don't think there is much to say except the stress on the unexpected bonus; here the little toddler seeing from the sidelines, almost wanting to jump in and join. Also, all three potential subjects are doing their own thing in that little space. This post was quite a hit and so were other similar posts like London, Clear Blue Skies and Streaks, Street Cafes and Bakeries and An English Summer in Autumn. 

7. Bird Of Prey

Yes, you do need a bit of luck with candid shots; often you just get that little fraction to get 'THE' shot, within which you'll of course need to consider the applicable aspects of photography as well. It's evident as in the case with this shot too; when I reached here, the cat clawed and dug its teeth in its prey and hadn't noticed me. 30 seconds later (and even many minutes thereafter) this is what I got.You can view the original post and its comments here.

This wraps up Part 2 of the Best of 2011. Do let me know what you think on candid and street photography and also share your shots. 

You can also view Part 1, Part 3 and Part 4 of this series.

And of course, the finale from Part 5.   

Participating for: Shadow Shot Sunday         

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The Best of 2011 - Part 1

Another year has gone by! This was quite a fruitful year for me in my endeavors of photography and blogs; I feel I was religious to both. It also ends up being my best year in traveling that has allowed me to explore and shoot some very enchanting places around the world. 

'My Third Eye' has managed some good response in the last six months of active blogging, may be better than the mark I would have set for myself. It (the work posted) has received some great feedback and appreciation with a lovely bunch of people always responding with comments, shares and likes. And not to forget the other people who came by 'My Third Eye'; may be even liked something. The participation in weekly memes allowed me to test my skills and compete and learn with talented people across the world.

A year never goes by without learning and memories. So here's a look back at the top 10 posts that came along and were most appreciated, along with my insights on them. 

10. It's a tie - A Portrait of Lord Ganesh and Penning One's Thoughts. 

 A Portrait of Lord Ganesh: I am actually very happy this one made it as a popular choice as well, despite that it may not have been a photograph with perfect lighting. This was taken during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is a massive affair in Mumbai, India. For some reason, I take this to be very powerful and I do like the reflections/bokeh that came in. It was a difficult shot because I took this in a massive crowd, under the rain with very little and uneven lighting. The end result; very satisfying for me, and eventually to the you guys as well. This is the festival that I covered in its entirety; more photos can be seen here, with the original post here.

  

Penning One's Thoughts: I took this for a photograph meme simply as a challenge and to fit the theme that eventually turned out as a pretty good photograph. The original posts and comments can be seen here. 

9. The Bare Tree

I took this shot in a place called Bhandardara, a weekend getaway close to Mumbai, India. The winters aren't really that harsh and not all trees shed all leaves. This one was in solitude, at the edge of a cliff with just the bark and branches. I decided to shoot black-and-white and it seems to have done complete justice. The original post and comments can be seen here.

Here was the first set and we countdown to the number 1, the people's champ. What do you think about the first set? Does it feature any of your favourites from My Third Eye?

You can also view Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this series. 

And of course, the finale from Part 5.   

Participating for: SOOC Saturday, Macro Monday and I Heart Macro                 

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