Leicester Square, London - 2

Leicester Square, London 

Here's concluding my walk abouts around Leicester Square. 

Named as the Swiss Court, this is a mark of the cordial relations between the UK and Switzerland

A look at China Town London

The interesting decor at the M&M Store

Participating for: Mosaic Monday, Orange Tuesdays and Signs    

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Leicester Square, London - 1

Leicester Square, London 

If you happen to be in London, a great way to spend your evening would be walking around Leicester Square. It's a very lively place with many street side cafes, comedy stores, souvenir shops, some of the best ice cream parlours, cinemas, eating joints and much more. Also, its a short walk from Piccadilly Circus an China Town too is just around the corner.

 There is a fair bit of redevelopment happening; trust it's for the Olympics

 The Empire Cinema

 The multi-level M&M store

Participating for: Our World Tuesday, Pink Fridays, Live, Love, Travel, The Simple Things     

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National Gallery at Night, Trafalgar Square, London

National Gallery at Night, Trafalgar Square, London

This was taken sometime in October and therefore you'll notice the countdown as 295 days for the 2012 London Olympics

Participating for: Outdoor Wednesday, This or That Thursday, Best Posts of the Week, SOOC Saturday, SOOC Sunday, Scenic Sunday and FPOTW Contest                

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Nelson Column, Trafalgar Square, London

Nelson Column, Trafalgar Square, London

Trafalgar Square happens to be the midpoint of London where the Nelson Column stands tall in glory.

Participating for: Monochrome Maniacs    

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Big Ben from London Eye, London

Continuing with my obsession with the London Eye and Big Ben, here are, probably the signing off shots, shots of the Big Ben as seen from the London Eye. This was a challenge in one sense that for some weird reasons, tripods weren't allowed near the London Eye. Two security men came up to me and marked out the region that was like - no tripod zone!

So this and the previous London Eye shots were all via as possibly stable hands, boundary walls and railings, small dividing pillars and ground. 


These ones have come off the boundary wall and railings. 

The Big Ben, Westminster Bridge and River Thames seen from London Eye

The Big Ben Framed! In Blue...with the London Eye and Pier. Also seen amidst the clouds is a flash of the moon

Participating for: This or That Thursday, SOOC Sunday, Piece of Heaven,  Weekend Reflections and Blue Monday      

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Big Ben and the Moon, London

Big Ben and the Moon, London 

Seen here is the Big Ben under the moonlight along River Thames and a golden eagle at the well lit Embankment Pier at night. Also seen are the river cruises and reflections on a quite Thames. 

Participating for: Mellow Yellow Monday, Our World Tuesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Friday SkyWatch, Mosaic Monday, Weekend Reflections         

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London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge at Night

Once again, three of London's iconic structures by the River Thames, London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge, this time at Night and under the moonlight. Another thing I'll like to bring to your attention, which may not be too prominent, is a faint white streak across the London Eye. That was created by an aircraft passing by...

Participating for: Weekend Reflections, The Creative Exchange, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Watery Wednesday, Scenic Sunday, Live, Love, Travel and Sunday Bridges   

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London Eye in the Evening

Wishing you all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year; I hope you've had a good start to it. 

In continuation to the London series (from my visit towards the end of 2011), here are a couple of shots of the London Eye, taken from low down.

London Eye well lit in its Blue Light after Sunset

People line up to get on board, while London Eye appears to overpower the moon

Participating for: SOOC Sunday, Our World Tuesday, Earth Wonders and SkyWatch Friday  

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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 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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