Just Because

Sometimes I take pictures just because - no explanation needed. The first one is the famous Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, a favorite tourist site, but you can see why. The second is one of the many plants at our feet, almost overlooked that one. The third is one I put there for Cayman, since it is one. And the last is for Maggie - it is the view of the Lakshmi temple in Jaipur, with the light just right.

There might be more to this story...

These are examples of what I like to call unfinished business. They represent the start of a story. In the first one we have the trees and clouds, telling us that something is happening down below, but what it is remains a guess. In the second one, the water, in its stillness, tells of the mysterious mountains and threatening weather to come. The third picture tells us that there is a story beneath that marble slab, just below the surface, a life cut short. In the fourth picture, the empty chair, with the hose, the stillness, the evening...

Some nontraditional photos from India

These are some of what I consider nontraditional photos from a more or less traditional Indian tourist experience, of seeing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. The first is from the Taj Mahal, but it is looking away, toward the Yamuna river, featured in one of the stories by one of my online friends (Just Me 99). The second is also from the Taj Mahal, but is one of the more interesting architectural findings. If you look at the pattern, it suggests that the structure is more three-dimentional than it is, an interesting optical illusion. The third is a photo of a mausoleum for an Elephant, who played a major role in keeping the peace during the reign of one of the rajahs, who tied the elephant very visibly in his courtyard, and when particular persons were brought before him, if he determined them guilty of particularly heinous crimes, he would have the person thrown down at the elephant's feet, where the offender would be trampled to death. It is said that this did much to curb crime in his domain. The last photo is from one of the out of the way places on the way to Agra, where we stopped for lunch, and I was caught by the extraordinary view.

Hodgepodge

Here is just a hodgepodge of shots I've taken. There is a linking thread of sorts, but it is subtle.

Peace, Like a River

Peace, which often escapes us, can be caught in that rare moment, sometimes tranquil, sometimes joyful, always just a bit unexpected. Yes, that is me with my lovely wife, Sara, in the third picture, which was not, obviously taken by me, but by some kind fellow traveler.

The Sky, Part Two

Now, as promised, here are the second set of pictures which emphasize the sky. Now all these are from the great state of Alaska, and each highlights the sky in its own way. Now, in the first picture the sky is a bit more of a passive entity, that frames and accentuates the scene below. In the second picture, the sky is the obvious center of the picture, with the mountains and ocean adding background. In the third one, the sky and other elements are equally important. In the final photo, done in B&W, the sky is again the commanding force.
As an aside, let me know if you'd like more or less commentary on the pictures. I personally feel that sometimes I say too much.

The Sky, Part One

The sky is often what makes or breaks a good picture. Here are examples from Costa Rica, where the sky is the element that creates each shot. I am sorry to use several photos again, to make the point. Next post will be from Alaska, with some new pictures. By the way, I would check out  http://www.ottoschulzephotographers.com/blog/?p=5442      They have a photo contest.