Ladakh Exposed in HDRI

Ladakh Exposed

Nothing can beat the raw beauty of Ladakh's landscape. This shot was taken on my canon 1000D while in Ladakh. It reminds of how fragile the nature's beauty is, and prone to the extremes of the weather conditions. Eve then the local ladakhis fight out the battle between life and climate. The place remains one of the must visit place for a global traveler. A heaven on Earth, Ladakh.

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Story of Kings and Queens - Puppets speak them all

Raja Rani ki kahani, khud unke jabani

The "kathputli" as they are called, or the puppets as we know them better is a traditional art of Rajasthan, India. Vibrant in colours, bizzare in forms and designs, they depict the true stories, legends or folklore through the medium of the puppet-show. The expert puppeteers with their magical moves of fingers and combined synchronization of left and right hands, make the stories come live. The puppets seem to get lively, with souls infused into their wood and paddy. The garments erstwhile of low cost cotton, start reflecting the royale shine, the prints become shimmer, the painted jewelry gets the gold soul, and the facial expressions come to life. Kings will have a curvy mustache and a long beard to be proud of and the queens will be shy strong lady on honour under the saree veil. They will talk of all that has happened in-past. They will leave you astounded if not spellbound. With these puppets being the very true reflection of just another facet of our Incredible India, the art and the craftsmen play an important role to keep India's Incredibility ticking. They will continue to amuse the world on and ever.

Ladakh - Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

The magnificent view of the monastery made every spectator speechless. Lying in the heart of Ladakh valley, Thiksey monastery is centre of Buddhist worship and meditation. Its also a seat of learning for the buddhist monks. Faith flourishes in the Ladakh valley as does the beauty of the unending magnificent landscapes. Its a real treat to eyes to be be in the valley. What heaven would probably be can be felt in the valley of ladakh. Long stretching high rising mountains, with hues of blue, whites and greens. And lies beneath the encapsulated flat lands, a vastness unbound, a playground of freedom, a abode of God. The natural pallete is only broken by the sweet warm colour of maroon clad monks, and the red brick monasteries. No place stands a better chance to be called heaven.

God said - Let there be Light

Golden Sun Rays

This couldn't have been captured better than on this format. For me its was like painting a canvas in oil. One of the perfect evenings partly filled up with cloud but  only to be pierced through the stark bright golden rays of the setting sun. 

Indian

An Indian Lady with a child

I was waiting for my safari ride to start at Muddumalai Tiger Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu. While there was still some time for the vehicle to arrive, I took a stroll around the local area and came across this small house.  The lady was sitting in front of the door with the child. The idea of dark Indian colours of the skin against the bright stark blue background hit me. And I got this shot in one go.

Basket

Colours, Colours, Colours

This is all I could see while I framed this little plastic basket tied to a thin tree trunk. The place is used by some people as their bathing place in a village in outskirts of Bangalore. The day was bright and sunny and th scorching sun made it even worse. The background blue was a tar-pol used to make an enclosure for some work purpose. 

Beautiful Nature

Encounter with Nature

Most feeble and least looked upon elements of nature sometimes stands up in face and prompts you to displays a similar old grin, one that you had in early childhood while roaming around in outside of playground or along the borders of a farm. This little shrub is very familiar across countryside. I feel the wind gushing through the thin fibers of the plant, shrugging it and shaking it hard as it stands back only to prove its strength. So feeble, so meek, yet so strong and so expressive.

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond.

Gopali - The Rajasthani girl

Gopali in her own world. 

She is a Rajasthani girl belonging to one of the Banjara tribes. Traveling from one city to another and then another is what this tribe does. Depicting true colours of the Incredible India, the tribe wears bright hues of Reds, Blues, Yellows and Greens. Gopali is just one among them. I shot this picture of hers at a local Durga Puja festival mela (fair) while she was sitting idle after selling some of her merchandise ( the tribe sells handicrafts like hand made jewelry etc for livelihood). She was perhaps waiting for turnover of more customers. Her beautiful eyes were filled with some dreams, is all that I could see. She had hope, and despair both. Stricken by the poverty and yet burdened with the responsibility to earn for her family at an age less than 10 years. These situations sometimes make me think twice and over again. Are we really a developing country? Are we really an 'Incredible India'.

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Usha - The Ray of Light

Usha - The Ray of Light, 

Kindling hopes and bringing smiles to in-numerous, to them who live in darkness, in treachery, in misery and in utter state of despair. Spending mornings and evenings with the poor and bereaved. When world celebrates with lights, crackers and sweets, she is out in some far off slum or to the house of poor extending help and spreading this contagious smile.  A step taken can bring about a whirlpool of change. She dedicates her time and energy to 'Katha' http://www.katha.org A story of change, a ray of light, Usha.

This image was shot in New Delhi.

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond.

The Indus-Zanskar confluence

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, Ladakh

The view from mountain top road is just beautifully eye luring. Memory of this place will last for ever for every  human who visits the place even once in a lifetime.

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TRULY INDIA

The Angry Bhaava (pose)
Incredible India

The Dramatically poised Bhaava

TRULY INDIA - Where else do u find such DRAMATIC EXPRESSIONS...!!!
The Dancer on move during the Ganesh Idol procession for submersion. The special expressions portraying anger in one of the BHAAVAS of Goddess Kaali ( as she was slaying the demon Daarikan in anger )is seen only in these masked dancers. The dance is a part of Theyyam practiced in parts of Kerala. This is one of the choicest themes of the dancers and the drum artists. It happens only in our Incredible INDIA.

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Being Together

Happy Being Together

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Sea-side Radio Centre

Chunnambar Beach, Radio Centre

This was an old dilapidated yet I guess working radio centre. Shot at the Chunnambar beach or the famous Paradise beach of Pondicherry. The beach ( 8 km further south) can be reached by a ferry that charges around 25 rupees to 50 rupees. The beach is quite serene and small. Only limited crowd is seen there. Some beach sport can also be done there like volley etc. The sea is a bit rough, so it is advised not to go far in water. 

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Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge

This shot was taken from the Howrah Station Ghat, The bridge posed a beautiful frame. The mighty cantilever bridge, one among the 8 cantilever bridges of the world connects the twin cities of Howrah and historical Kolkata over Hoogly.  A marvel of great architecture and symbol of the so called "Aamar Shonar Bangla", Bengali culture, the bridge is a pride of India. Shot at  Av3.5, and Tv 0.3sec and ISO -1600 as it was too dark otherwise.

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Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge

It looks as beautiful as it was even made, even till date holding its steel and concrete together. Hanging over river Hoogly, one of kind ( the cantilever bridge) among world's 8 bridges of its type. This was built by Britishers in year 1937-1943 to move their Military, vehicles and cattles. Out of the total 26,500 tons of steel used, Tata Iron and Steel Company supplied 23,500 tons of steel and fabrication was done by Braithwaite, Burn and Jessop Co. at four different shops in Calcutta. Even today it carries over 80,000 people walking over it every day.

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Hold On

 Hold On

Shot taken inside a bus in Kolkata. The blue back of another bus standing in front provided a solid background to these bright yellow hangers waiting for its first traveler to board on. 

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond. Shot at tele end of my 300mm lens.

Still Life

Statue

I shot this beautiful piece of art at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. This was one among the many marble statues that adorn the facades and throughway's of the magnificent British era architecture. 

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Taala

Locked, not yet..!

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When Hunger Strikes Again

Waiting for his turn 

Shot this kid, who was waiting for his turn to get his plate refilled at the small inaugural function at my brother's farm. The kid was a part of small naught gang who had vagabondingly discovered our site and we were happy to serve them tummy-full. They ate and enjoyed and rejoiced the moment while I had fun clicking them in various moods of their ecstasy.

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Shall We Dance

Shall We Dance

Flames shot from the holy fire "hawan". 

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Ek Bhawra

Bhawra

The drone was shot at a village, near the site of our new Mushroom farm. It was hovering all around and was too fast. I had to spend a lot of time studying its flying pattern, and discovered that it came and sat at this brick every 2-3 rounds it made around. So just focused on the brick and waited for him to be in frame. Got his shot after 5-7 clicks.

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MAN at WORK

MAN AT WORK

The shot was taken in evening at around 8:15 pm, under street light right next to my house where currently a building construction is going on. This guy was collecting mud from his spade and passing it into the fellow worker's basket to dump it at the construction site. The red colour achieved was as such under the mixed exposure of street sodium lights and the ambient light. So as not to disturm them and click natural candid shot, I was shooting from th terrace of my building, using a tele lens.The shutter speed was kept very low, aperture wide, and ISO highest. 

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond.

Smile

SMILE

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Woods

WOODS

The jungle road shot in the middle of Waynaad wildlife sanctury, Kerala. India. The area is covered with dense forest, that comes to life in fresh colours of green during the monsoon time. A natural home to the tribes of the forest and the wild life including elephants, spotted deer, bison and tigers during summers.

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Woman

WOMAN

There are one and many faces of a woman. A lady being the symbol of love, care, gratitude, pleasure and pains. Here its just wretchedness, empathy, uncared and bereft. While I was sitting besides her at the entrance of a temple, I could notice how dry her eyes had gone. Tear drops now hold themselves to roll down her once so soft cheeks. The chapped lips have another story to tell. Grey hair, unwashed, unkept, untidy, but like a halo on head. Wrinkles have already alarmed her. Her sight was hollow, but the gaze that I captured had immense weight. Woman, one can never understand them completely.

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MAN

MAN

Two working men( Indian Labour) were shot at the construction site near my home, Indiranagar Bangalore. I liked the spray paint on the asbestos sheets that read "MAN"... and I could not resist to click. CANDID AND SIMPLE. Later the colour photo was processed for levels and desaturation.

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Qutub - Entangled

The Entangled Qutub

Just another perspective of the enormous pillar from 12th Century,erected by the great Qutubuddin Aibak. Erected more than 800 years ago and still Erect.....

I was chilling out in an Evening at Kutub Minar, taking some of the shots of the beautiful monument..made in early 13th century started by the great Qutubuddin Aibak..and later on completed by his successor Illtutmish.
A pillar gifted by Mughal Dynasty remarkable for its survival through bad and good times that HIndustan has seen.

Location: Mehrauli, South Delhi, New Delhi, INDIA

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Vaatsal'ya - pure love of a mother

Vaatsal'ya

The purest love of a caring mother can be seen here. Its touching to witness this relationship between a mother and her child. I stumbled on this scene a few months back near my locality in Gautam Nagar, Delhi. 

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond.

Grass Hoppers not Dead

Mr. Grass Hopper (posthumous)

One fine day I was walking towards the shop in our office campus. Suddenly my eyes fell on something glittering. I bent down to find out that Mr. Grass Hopper (after his soul had left him, and was quite sun dried) was lying peacefully on the newly laid bed of fresh green grasses. I picked him up immediately and wrapped him in a pure white tissue and with due regard escorted him to my office cabin on 4th floor, in AC lift. He remained showcased behind the computer monitor for a few days, and then got a new acrylic transparent box for himself as his new home. Recently he got a chance to visit my home. I was really getting bored last night when Mr. hopper caught my attention and happily gave me some poses for the photo-shoot, before he retired ( he is become weak and feeble in limbs, and has lost his eyesight) to his acrylic box room.

All photographs are copyright and sole ownership of Gaurang Gaurav aka Just Vagabond.

The Moon - the space vagabond

The Moon - The Space Vagabond.

This photo was taken on a full-moon day, on January 31st, 2010. It is fascinating to look moon through the lenses. It looks like a White-marble, A ball of light. The Sun's direct light falling on its (seen at right side lower portion)surface dissipates all over creating a drama on the crater full surface.

Canon 1000D with a 70-300 mm telephoto lens was used for this shot, taken at F16, and 1/80 sec.

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BHIKSHA

ALMS GIVING

The beggar ( in the picture "HOPE" posted below ) was receiving alms from some passing by lady. I happened to catch the incidence from my seat in the bus. And immediately captured what is known to be world's one of the unavoidable practices.

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Love is in the Air

Celebrating Togetherness

I shot picture this couple randomly on Gorai Beach Mumbai.

Gorai is a perfect escape away from the hustle of concrete Mumbai. The beach provides vastness of sand and sun. A mesmerizing view of the sailing fishing boats further adds to the tranquility. Eye travels farther than those ships and emotions sail on the glittering waves. 

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Love is in the Cage

Love Birds

The colourful sparrows in mountains or so called Love Birds are enjoying their moment of love sharing, but not in open air. Love is in the cage. I pity my friend, who has kept it in captivity. I wish I could I could free all such Lovely "love birds". Because Love is always supposed to be free.

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TAJ

The Royal Taj at Mumbai.

Elegance needs no words to describe. Its just to experience. The Hotel stands tall and magnificient even after the terrorist attacks. A reflection of intricate and yet majestic architecture - The Taj.

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HOPE

Hope

 A beggar finds some hope in a passer-by on one of the highways. His eyes gleamed at the sight of the bus that was stopping there. Though me and other fellow passengers could not find enough to eat or drink there, but this poor fellow has a couple of pennies to his pocket. 

Shot this en route to Bangalore from Mumbai. 

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BALANCE

Balance

Grey Black White

Play of Soft Light,

Black, white, grey and patterned stones stacked on top of each other balancing together. 

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BALANCE

BALANCE 

These pure rocks, yes PURE because they have been brought to you all the way from the rocky-banks of the the mighty river Indus at the Indus-Zanskar sangam, in Ladakh, . They are so beautiful that you would want to keep them framed and look into it to find the serenity hidden. They reflect Energy and Calmness at the same time. Vivid textures are just a play of nature's art-brush. Soak into the balance of the beautiful earth. 

A print copy of this picture is available for sale on request.

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On Indian streets

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Silhouette

 Shot very early morning on 100ft road, near my house. I found it really interesting to shoot at this perspective.

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Water

Bhagsu Water Fall - Water Stream - Came across this one while I was trecking in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh. 

Himachal is land of freshness, where one can find many water streams, mountain trekking paths and peace within self. A place to explore more than just the nature. Home to many high mountains and higher passes, this place is also the home to Buddhist leader Dalai Lama.  

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Ladakh

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Salute

Pride of India - Ladakh

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Ladakh - Children

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PANORAMIC LADAKH

LADAKH

Panorama of Ladakh region just mesmerises every soul with its beauty and vastness. 

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Classic Coffee Moments

A lot can happen over a cup of coffee.

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CHANTINGS

CHANTINGS

On my travel to Namdroling Monastery, in Coorg region, I found myself in the middle of a Buddhist festival. The monks were reading out from the holy scriptures and chanting the holy Buddhist hymns. The sound echoed all around and the reverberations could be felt on each object around. Rumbling of their lips, and beats from the drums, synchronised with the rings of the holy bells. The sound rose high above the monastery, and could be heard from a kilometre. Whole area was turned into a huge red ball of positive energy.

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HOLY HYMNS

HOLY HYMNS

Reading from the holy Buddhist scriptures, these monks recite the hymns. It was on occasion of some festival that I found myself in small town of Kushalnagar, Karnataka in mid March.Around 2000 monks had gathered to celebrate that 1st death Anniversary of the founder of the Namdroling Monastery there. It was a magnificent site to see and capture. These monks are Tibetan people who had migrated to India 50 years back, and lovingly stayed among us. It was kind of Indian government to allow them refuge in India. Today Buddhism is re-flourishing in India with help of these monks.

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Road Trip

Road Trip

This picture was shot at evening just before the sunset. On route to Bombay (Mumbai) from Bangalore ( Bengaluru), I was lying down in the upper berth of the sleeper bus. It was so Hot that i had opened the window panes, only to discover a beautiful sight. I stretched head outside to feel the air and saw the reflection. It was a nice road trip.

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Earth Hour - Celebrating Darkness

Celebrating Darkness - Earth Hour

The symmetry of light speaks the story of half day and half night. It was one my initial days concept shots. I like the way the natural colours of light and the background are exposed softly.

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