Great White Hope: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Please click on images to see larger versions. This weekend, I spent a wonderful morning at Wolf Haven International, a sanctuary just south of Olympia, WA. The staff is friendly, courteous, and very knowledgable. The inhabitants are, of course, all gorgeous. If you have any desire at all to view and admire wolves up close, I highly recommend visiting Wolf Haven International. For a special treat, sign up for the photography tour, held a few times every year.
On the Prowl: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Hidden Beauty: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
A Wolf at Rest: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Snow White: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Lone Wolf: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
On Guard: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Stare Off: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Steve Marglin:
Wonderful pictures. I love the way that the eyes are in focus, while other parts are slightly blurred.I have missed seeing your photos!
Nicole Goldsmith:
Did you offer copies of you pics to the sanctuary? -I'm sure they could use these for promo stuff. The wolves are so majestic looking!
Wolf Haven International:
Mahesh, your photos are absolutely stunning! So glad that you came to the Wolf Photography Tour. Thank you for sharing these with us & the world!
LINDA:
Thanks for the pics...I've missed you. Never heard of the Sanctuary before this. Now I'll make a trip, as well as tout the possibility of a vist there to family/friends I hope to entice for visits here in 2013.
Sally Allison:
I also have missed your pictures and am delighted to view these!! You always have breathtaking shots!
Jennifer:
Oh my, these are stunning! You are so awesome as a photographer!
Dave Morrow:
WOW! This new lens is great, I need to rent one and try it out. Beautiful stuff as always:)
A Descent into the Maelstrom - Mechanics Institue: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Please click on the images to see larger versions. This was a great trip to San Francisco. I attended a conference and also found some time for photography. I made it a point to NOT shoot the Golden Gate Bridge or trolleys, as I always seem to do when I visit. Instead, I concentrated on the city’s interesting architecture. I hope you enjoy these shots. My favorite is the opening image of the spiral staircase at the Mechanics Institute. It had to have been built by a photographer.
All Paths Lead Here - Cathedral of St. Mary: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
For the People - Civic Center: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
The View from Up Here: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
San Francisco Twilight - Twin Peaks: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8
Meet Me under the Stairs - The Fairmont: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
A Place of Worship - Grace Cathedral: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Skylight - San Francisco Public Library: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
FernGully - The Embarcadero: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
The City by the Bay - Yerba Buena Island: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8
Glass Ceiling - Crocker Galleria: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Art Walk - The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8
Come All Ye Faithful - Grace Cathedral: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
The Church with the Hat - Cathedral of St. Mary: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Let Anyone Among You Who is Without Sin... - Grace Cathedral: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Ken Dobson:
I love that staircase!! Kudos on the nice captures, Mahesh.
linda gitlin:
How did you make all of the people leave the city so that you could get such uninhabited shots? I've been in-and-out of SF for decades and never saw 16th Ave tiled stairs. Thank you. [I'm going to find it on my next trip.]
Corey:
Wow Mahesh, great set!
Marla Oldenburg:
I love SF!! Thanks for reminding me why!
Chris Budech:
Growing up in the Oakland/Berkeley--these pics were a special treat--great pics--thanks, cb
Barb Michieli:
Dr. Thapa -- These were ALL good . . . but I especially like "Art Walk" and, for some reason, "Meet Me under the Stairs" REALLY captures me! Keep it up :)
Art Walk
Barb Michieli:
Oops! Delete Art Walk after my smiley face . . .
Lenore:
You really did get around during those conference breaks! I especially like the ferngully, but they are all wonderful. Nice food for the soul. Thank you.
Bev:
You have successfully made SFO look beautiful.
Dianne - Bunny Trails:
Wow! Those are stunning. My uncle shared your site with me and I'm so glad that he did. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but I, too, love the Art Walk stairway and Meet Me Under the Stairs. The first one, is of course, gorgeous, too! Excellent work.
JoAnnadanna:
So very beautiful...as usual! Thank you Mahesh!
JoAnn Larson:
So very beautiful- as usual!
Thank you Mahesh!!
Chris W:
Mahesh, I really envy your frequent travel sometimes. You get such a wonderful variety of photographs. This set is very nice; I'm particularly fond of the interior shot of the cathedral with the giant cross of stained glass.
Heavens Above Point Robinson Light: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Please click on the image to see a larger version. Last night I took the ferry to Vashon Island. I wanted to photograph Point Robinson Lighthouse. I was too late for the sunset, but the skies were clear, so I decided to do a little night photography. There was too much light pollution to optimally see the Perseid meteor shower. However, the stars were still bright enough to capture a memorable image.
Barb Michieli:
TOO BAD about the pollution!!! The driftwood creates a superb effect to the whole photograph ~
linda lin:
Wow! What a piece of magnificent foreground :o)
Sally Allison:
Your photos make my day! We watched the stars from our Gig Harbor home which looks out toward Point Defiance and Vashon Island. What a terrific eye for balance and beauty you have!
As Far as the Eye Can See - Panorama Point, Mt. Rainier National Park: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Please click on the images to see larger versions. Yesterday I was post-call, but the weather was too hot to stay in town. So, I drove out to Mt. Rainier National Park and hiked the Panorama Point trail. Although the hike was moderately strenuous, the cool winds and colorful wildflowers kept my body and soul refreshed. The trail offers spectacular views of the Tatoosh Mts. and Mt. Rainier. Higher up, you’ll also see Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. Did you notice them in the opening image?
Ridges - Mt. Rainier National Park: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Path to Paradise: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Luscious Lupines - Mt. Rainier National Park: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Ann:
absolutely stunning, Mahesh. Thank you for sharing.
Steve Marglin:
Mahesh...the images are fantastic.
Karen:
As always, your pictures are awesome. I love them all. Thank you for sharing them.
Barb Michieli:
I just LOVE Mount Rainier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vic:
Extraordinary blend of colors, textures, and clarity. I find my eyes searching the entire image looking for treasures.
Kansu:
I like your Pictures, Always look at awesome images,
Also i want to take picture just like your images,
when is best time take picture at Mount Rainier
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Kansu! I would say, August - Oct are the best times for Rainier.
Chris W:
Hi Mahesh-
I love the suggestion of parallel lines in the first image and the natural symmetry you've framed well there.
Technical question, though -- I was out with the Seattle Hiking & Photography meetup yesterday in the north Cascades, and noticed all my shots of the lupines there came out blueish. I've heard purples are problematic for digital cameras in general, and I was wondering if you had a trick for restoring the proper color there. (The difference between the lupines in 'Path to Paradise' vs 'Luscious Lupines' is quite dramatic, for instance).
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Chris. You ask a very good question, to which I don't think I have a very "good' answer. First of all, make sure your white balance is correct (or shoot in RAW and worry about it later). Also realize that the color will look different depending on the quality of light hitting it. For example, colors will, in general, look cooler "more blue" in deep shadows. If fact, I've noticed that the colors in the shadow while the sun is till above the horizon vs. after sunset will vary.
As a last resort, I color balance the various parts of the image differently. For example, I may "warm up" the shadows and leave the highlights alone.
I, too, struggle with colors, not just purples/blues, but also pinks/reds. I'm now satisfied to make the images look "good" vs. making them look "accurate."
Betty:
As the kids say "OMG"
Hi Mahesh, this beauty
has me in tears. You have
put great heart in love
of our mountains.
Thank you so much
Dianne - Bunny Trails:
Wow!! Absolutely gorgeous!! Love these.
Full Moon Over Seattle: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Please click on the image to see a larger version. Just one image today; it’s a view of the waterfront from 2 nights ago. July’s full moon is great in Seattle. First of all, there is a more than 50/50 chance it won’t be obscured by clouds, and it rises just around sunset. This posted image is relatively small. I urge you to click it and view a larger version. You’ll be able to better appreciate the subtle details. I shot this at ISO 800 to stop the motion of the bird as best I could. I’m very happy with how little noise there is on the new Canon camera.
Barb Michieli:
Cool! I see the Seattle Ferris wheel at Pier 57 every day on my drive home from the hospital. Did you know that the gondolas are heated and air conditioned? I've yet to see it at night, though; supposedly it's got thousands of LED lights on it! Nice shot of the CenturyLink and SAFECO fields and Washington State ferry, too! Love our waterfront :)
Rachael:
I love being able to see the people lined up for the full moon ride. So much promise in one place!
The Red Cabin: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 17-40mm f/4L
Please click on the images to see larger versions. No summer in Seattle would be complete without at least one visit to Franklin Falls. It’s an easy 1 mile stroll along beautiful Denny Creek. On the way, you’ll discover stunning views of the river, local vegetation, and a few quaint cabins. The ultimate destination is the lovely falls itself. Bring a polarizer to take the glare off the water and rock surfaces and a big cloth to keep the mist off your lens.
The Root of the Matter: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS
Camouflaged: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Forest Flow: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 17-40mm f/4L
Fabulous Franklin Falls: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 17-40mm f/4L
Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Park: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
Please click on the images for larger versions. For the last four days, I was in La Jolla, CA, attending a Pediatric Radiology conference. In the evenings and on days the conference was only 1/2 a day, I took the opportunity to photograph the area. I discovered the beauty of Torrey Pines State Park. I was also able to visit the San Diego zoo. In five hours, I probably covered only a third of what the zoo had to offer. On the flight back, I was lucky enough to have a window seat not obscured by the airplane’s wing. Here are a few of my favorite images from the trip. The last shot is an aerial view of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. I hope you enjoy the photographs.
Flat Rock Sunset, Torrey Pines State Park: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
The Look: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
It's Been Panda-monium Here: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
Monkey Business: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
Larger Than Life - Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
Faisal:
Amazing color and composition. Should take lessons from you!
Pam Clark:
How lucky you were to have both mountains visible on your flight. Can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy your photography. Thank you for sharing.
Mariann:
BEAUTIFUL !!!!!
Rachael:
that monkey knows he's beautiful.
Nicole Goldsmith:
Mahesh, Your first shot looks like I can reach in to the image and touch the landscape! Amazing! The second is incredible! You can look at this image forever and envision this as landscape on another planet! All of these images are amazing!!!
Steve Marglin:
Beautiful...as always. I particularly liked the tranquility of the monkey business.
Daniel Oppenheim:
just back from europe, where we saw two photo exhibits...the stuff was crap compared to your work. seriously...time for an agent, dude.
Sally Allison:
Each of these photos is breathtaking! I love the first one of Broken Hill! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work!
Jennifer:
WOW, I sat next to you on the plane and all I saw was haze. As I said, you inspired me photographically and cost me lots of $$$. I bought the D7000. Now I want the Olympus...
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Mahesh:
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer! By now you're probably deep in Alaska. I hope the D7000 is working out for you. Let me know how you like it!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Sally! Always a pleasure to read one of your warm comments.
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Mahesh:
Daniel, good to hear from you, bud! Ya, when I can devote more time to the business aspect of my photography, I'm definitely going to get an agent.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Steve! Hope you're doing well at the U and finding some time to get out there with your camera.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Goldie! See you in a little bit. We have to do lunch/dinner again soon!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, as always, for your comments, Rachael! I miss the Teaching Scholars program!
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Mahesh:
Thanks for stopping by and the comment, Mariann!
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Mahesh:
Great to hear from you, Pam! It was an unusually great flight. First I found out I was upgraded to first class for free, then I noticed the unobstructed view out the window! I was actually able to see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Shasta!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Faisal! Anytime, buddy! Come up to Seattle and we'll go shooting. Love to the family.
Starsha Williams:
Wow. I absolutely love your photos. Your incredible!!!! Thank you for sharing.
Granite Face Sunset: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
Please click on the images to see larger versions. Yesterday, after work, I headed over to North Bend to hike up Mt. Si. I was at the trailhead by 5:50 and reached the summit in just less than 2 hours, with plenty of time to explore and get ready for the golden light. I hope you enjoy these shots.
Rainier from Si: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
Hazy Seattle Skyline: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
Please click on images to see larger versions. I made a quick trip to Idaho this weekend to visit my dear friend, Davis. While there, I was blessed with some good light. Here are some shots around Cascade Lake I hope you enjoy.
Deere's View: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R
Bev:
Beautiful; of course you always find good light.
linda lin:
Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul:
I saw some of your OM-D photos on DPR and found your "photo site" link. I, too, just got the OM-D and have not had an opportunity to shoot much yet. Your images are OUTSTANDIND and I like this site as well. I, too, live in WA.
Paul:
Whoops . . . "OUTSTANDING !!!"
eric:
Or pierced house? wonderfully layered B&W
Rachael:
So what's the story behind, or rather, on top of Pierce?! love this one!!
Barb Michieli:
"Potato-land" is certainly beautiful country! I was about 500 miles from here on Lake Pend Oreille, in Sandpoint, last month. Definitely a location to consider for retirement!
Chris W:
"Pierce's House" is exquisite. Beautiful job, sir.
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Mahesh:
Thanks for stopping by, Chris! Loved your recent shot from Rizal Bridge.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Barb! I had no idea Idaho could be so beautiful. I'm definitely going back to do explore some more.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Rachael! Don't know the story, but it does make for some dramatic photography!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Eric! Correct...should call it "Pierced House." :-)
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Paul! That OM-D is a little dynamo, isn't it?!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Linda! Glad you enjoyed it.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Bev! Sometimes I have to look really, really hard for the good light. :)
Leschi Summer - Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
It’s been a few months since my last post. As some of you know, we were recently blessed with our first child, Andrew Kishore Thapa. Kishore has kept all of us quite busy, so my photography (landscape photography, anyway) has been on hold. However, yesterday evening my lovely wife volunteered to look after him by herself while I spent a few hours photographing the golden hour. I went to one of my favorite new places in Leschi to take the image above. I hope you enjoy it. By the way, here are a couple of shots of our little one.
Kishore Over the Shoulder: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 85mm f/1.2L
Kishore in the Crib: Olympus OM-D EM-5, Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4
Rachael:
Congratulations! Kishore couldn't be any cuter with those adorable eyes and full lips. That hat on him sure is something too. All the adventures await....
linda lin:
Cuteness!!!!!!!!
linda:
Whatever he goes on to in his life, he will be able to look back on a stunning documentation of his physical past. [Ridiculous to envision that in his babyhood, right? He's beautiful.]
Thank you for the Leschi Summer.
darylk:
Congratulations, Mahesh, on your new addition! Enjoy every minute you can. They grow up very quickly. I especially like the second shot of Kishore...very nicely done.
Also, nice landscape shot. Did you use a graduated ND filter? Just curious.
Again, congratulations!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Daryl! I didn't use a grad ND filter. The concept is similar, however. I blended several exposure bracketed images to get the increased dynamic range.
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Mahesh:
Thank you, Linda! I've already taken a TON of picture of our little one.
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Linda Lin!
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Mahesh:
Thanks, Rachael! Good thing he looks like him mom.
Steve Marglin: Wonderful pictures. I love the way that the eyes are in focus, while other parts are slightly blurred.I have missed seeing your photos!
Nicole Goldsmith: Did you offer copies of you pics to the sanctuary? -I'm sure they could use these for promo stuff. The wolves are so majestic looking!
Wolf Haven International: Mahesh, your photos are absolutely stunning! So glad that you came to the Wolf Photography Tour. Thank you for sharing these with us & the world!
LINDA: Thanks for the pics...I've missed you. Never heard of the Sanctuary before this. Now I'll make a trip, as well as tout the possibility of a vist there to family/friends I hope to entice for visits here in 2013.
Sally Allison: I also have missed your pictures and am delighted to view these!! You always have breathtaking shots!
Jennifer: Oh my, these are stunning! You are so awesome as a photographer!
Dave Morrow: WOW! This new lens is great, I need to rent one and try it out. Beautiful stuff as always:)