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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SunDown 2011 - Music Festival, Mumbai

SunDown 2011 - Music Festival, Mumbai

Mumbai doesn't need reasons to party, just an opportunity and location! Sunday 11th December 2011 saw party goers gather at a suburban nightclub, Aurus in Juhu for the 2011 SunDown Fest that featured French Artists dOP along with Bhavishyavani Sounds. They played electronica, house and techno and were immensely popular with the crowds because this was their second outing in Mumbai.


I had the opportunity to shoot for the event; here are a few pictures from SunDown 2011. 


The setup was brilliant; some very interesting projections against the backdrop of Juhu Beach. The kickoff was timed to perfection with the event name, SunDown!

The crowds came in early...

And built up by the minute...

And a few took time off to see what I thankfully didn't miss; the fascinating sunset at Juhu Beach. Mumbai has so much to offer to people. People enjoy simple walks on the beach, little strolls in the water and even a game of cricket. The thing though that hit me the most is the stark difference in lifestyles on either side of the wall.

While some would have called it a day, for the others, the party has just started!

Participating for: SkyWatch Friday, Best Post of the Week, FPOTW Contest, Scenic Sunday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Mosaic Monday, Tina's PicStory, Blue Monday       

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Scavenger Hunt - Week 27th November

This post is for the Scavenger Hunt - Week 27th November. The five submissions were for Waiting, Foliage, Candid, Knife-Spoon-or-Fork and Rule of Thirds.

Here is my interpretation and entry for the Scavenger Hunt.

1. Waiting
An old farmer waits for a dear one at the end of the day in a village in Haryana, India

2. Foliage
 Mumbai, India, doesn't really have a fall season. In fact it barely has a winter. However, nature has its mechanism for a wardrobe makeover; a bit of leaves and a few flowers...

3. Candid
This is my version of a shot that one might catch in a wildlife park. I caught this on an adjacent parapet where a cat had hunted down a bird and was being disturbed with its afternoon meal!

4. Knife-Spoon-or-Fork
A knife and its victims - ripe red tomatoes!

5. Rule of Thirds

A shot of a white heron (great egret) taking a stroll on a Sunday afternoon.

Participating for: Scavenger Hunt, SOOC Sunday, Shadow Shot Sunday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Green Monday, Tina's PicStory, Today's Flowers and Macro Flowers                    




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London Eco Taxi - The Popular Cycle Rickshaws from India

London goes old school - The Popular Cycle rickshaws from India now seen in London Oxford Circus as Eco Taxi

Participating for: Green Monday        

Outdoor Summer Games

Outdoor Summer Games

This is part 3 of the series (part 1 here and part 2 here) where the young boy plays with the water fountain while little girls keep away, when London saw the Summer come back in autumn. Again, this shot was taken at the Hammersmith Lyric Square.

Not everyone's adventurous - little girls prefer to stay away from the fountain

While this kid cant resist :)

Participating for: Watery Wednesday, Scenic Sunday and Shadow Shot Sunday         

Portrait - Young Boy cools off with a Water Fountain, London Hammersmith

Portrait - This is part 2 of the series (part 1 here) where the young boy cools off with the water fountain while another little boy watches when London saw the Summer come back in autumn. Again, this shot was taken at the Hammersmith Lyric Square. 

Participating for: Watery Wednesday      

Black and White - Young Boy playing with a Water Fountain, London Hammersmith

Black and White - A young boy enjoys playing with a water fountain while a little boy watches when London saw the Summer come back in autumn. This shot was taken at the Hammersmith Lyric Square.

Participating for: Monochrome Maniacs, FPOTW Contest, OurWorld Tuesday, I-Heart-Faces and Capturing Beauty                 

This Photograph was one of the Top 5 entries for the FPOTW Contest 

         

Street Cafes and Bakeries - Hammersmith, London

Street Cafes and Bakeries - Hammersmith, London

The Summer feel in autumn sees cafes and bakeries selling bakes and savouries at Hammersmith, London. There were also some promotions to try local cakes and cookies from other parts of Europe. This shot was taken at the Hammersmith Lyric Square.

Participating in: SOOC Sunday, Yummy Sunday and Shadow Shot Sunday    

This was a featured post for Shadow Shot Sunday 

        

An English Summer in Autumn - Hammersmith, London

An English Summer in Autumn - Hammersmith, London

I had heard a lot about English Summers and how people enjoy it by going out to the parks, enjoying the sun, their barbeque and much more. And it always interested me to experience it because summers in India are best avoided due to the excessive heat. While on a recent trip to London I was extremely lucky to see summer come back in autumn because of climate changes. Hope you enjoy the post, just like I did.

Summer is here again

People are out at the otherwise romantic dinner place enjoying their coffee and sun in the morning. People are also out jogging and cycling. 

The night life friendly pub next door too doubles up for people to enjoy English breakfast in bright sunshine

 Clear blue skies, bright sunshine and soothing shade and shadows tell me why the English summer is worth an experience

Participating for: SkyWatch Friday, Shadow Shot Sunday, Scenic Sunday and You Capture                     

A Romantic Dinner

A Romantic Dinner - A couple share a quiet and beautiful candle light dinner at a restaurant in London

Participating for: You Capture, Tina's PicStory and ABC Wednesday            

The Divine Power of Lord Ganesh

The Divine Power of Lord Ganesh

Volunteers having Fun at Ganesh Chaturthi Visarjan

Volunteers having Fun at Ganesh Chaturthi Visarjan - Volunteers throw each other and splash each other in water

Splash!

 Time for a water ride

Splashed!

Participating for: Our World Tuesday