“You wasted perfectly good film on clouds and trees again, didn’t you?” bellowed Dad as we consumed yet another 36-photo roll on our long North India trip. Often considered the responsible one, I lost my camera-carrying privileges in a jiffy that day. It wasn’t my fault though. Nature photography sadly wasn’t a thing back then. Imagine travelling to the most beautiful locations in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Dalhousie, Shimla, and more without clicking pictures of the amazing natural beauty unfolding in front of your eyes. Impossible, right? Wish my family agreed with me too. Sigh!
However, it is said that things change for the better, and thankfully, that happened to me. Apart from the invention of high-quality camera phones with great data storage, I got married to a person who could not care less about either taking or featuring in pictures. (Chronology and preference are clear, no? 😉 ) He finds my obsession with nature photography a tad annoying at times but, well, I don’t bother him so all’s well. We fade out in comparison to a resplendent view of the mountains or a breathtaking sunset by the sea anyway, right?
So, without further ado, let’s look at my favourite nature pictures. Mind you, it was extremely difficult to choose from the hundreds I’ve taken over the years. I’m shortlisting these based on the memories attached to them.
When we planned our Kashmir trip last year Kargil was on the top of my list. No special reason, I had seen and loved Shershaah and was inspired to experience the place where the historical Kargil War was fought. We visited the Kargil War Memorial on the way to our hotel and it was truly one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I had a lump in my throat the entire time and for once, couldn’t dare take a selfie or pose anywhere there. I felt too small to deserve that privilege. All those lives lost, to protect us. Can awards or medals ever make up for their family’s loss? 🙁
It was early evening when we left and by the time we reached our hotel the night had fallen. I was foolishly not dressed in warm clothes (aur style maaro!) and was shivering badly. The extra shawls were a silly afterthought and didn’t help one bit. My husband and kids were amused watching me grumble about why they weren’t cold like me. The hotel had set up a big screen and was showing KGF Chapter 2 in the garden for their patrons but we skipped it, had a quick dinner, and called it a day.
Interestingly, the next morning was the most glorious one in my recent memory. Being an early riser has its perks, after all. I still remember that involuntary gasp when I came out of my room and witnessed that gorgeous scene! Thanks to the lake flowing next to our hotel, beautiful natural water sounds filled my heart and soul. The moon had taken a place of pride in the sky even as the sun peeped out of the horizon. The cool morning breeze felt crisp, clean, and divine. The nature photography lover in me took several pictures but I’m sure that none of them could do justice to that magical moment.
A joined me soon enough and we both sat there silently; mesmerized and at a loss for words. Although I deeply dislike teabags, it seemed fitting to add chai to this lovely memory, and, of course, I clicked it too. Urban life may provide us with modern amenities, gadgets, malls, highways and whatnot, but can anything ever come close to living this moment? I guess not.
I could go on and on but like actions speak louder than words, so do pictures. It would be unfair to skip a few of my personal favourites from this recollection. Please read the captions to know more about them.
Luckily, I live in an area where I can watch the sunrise and sunset on my walks and runs. Even though it’s my regular route, I can’t help capturing one on my phone almost every day. Having a runner friend who catches you in the act is both embarrassing and cute, isn’t it? 🙂
Do you like nature photography too? Which one of these did you like the most? Please do let me know.
This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
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I must say the blog refreshed my memory from the Kashmir trip. I have always felt that no pic could ever do justice to what the eye sees but your pics are surreal!!! My favorite is definitely the Golden Hour view. Such a beautiful color palette!
Very beautiful photography. You blog is very inspiring and encouraging.
Haha I can totally relate to this. My mom would go mad washing films at the studio because I finished them on people and random candid clicks. Cameras weren’t go awesome in those days. But I loved the digital cameras where u can check and delete if required. More than me, it was quite a relief for my mom. I loved the Belapur picture and its colours the best here. All the best.
I quote, ” There are always flowers for those who want to see them”. Having said that I loved the way you have found lovely gems during your travels, beautiful indeed.
I loved your pictures. When I started taking photographs, my first shoot was all in Nature. And it raised my confidence a lot. Over the years, I have shot many landscapes and not all good! But your post has brought back my memories of Ladakh and the snow that happened out of the blue in April. The landscape changed drastically in a matter of minutes and I got that too on my DSLR. Nature is beautiful and she has so many moods.
Ir click are indeed breath taking was lost on them and the one who clicked you also did a good job 🤣 after all a good clicker needs to be clicked as well.
Amazing photography. Nature photos are really one of a kind as you won’t be able to see that scenario twice. OMG! I only realised that as I write it here as well…haha.. Hoping to see more of your photos!
Woaaah! talk about common interests Varsha… i used to love nature photography but haven’t worn that hat in a while. Your pics are lovely and its so nice that they have a story to tell. I liked the Navi Mumbai sunset(I am partial to sunsets😊) and the river flowing in Kargil pics the most.
Photography is an art and one understand the beauty of this art being behind the lens only know how exciting this art form is. Many times through my blogs I shared that whatever qualities I have in me 90% of them are from my father be it art, writing,astrology and even photography. We used to have a dark room in our house where I saw my father spending hours developing an image to final outcome. In those time the photographic print used to be done in a different way after processing through chemicals and other things. I feel in love with it with time and now wherever I go or whatever I find interesting in nature I try to capture it through my mobile lens. Know I dont use any high lens camera but my father used to. Looking at your captures in this post I can feel the dedication ad devotion you had for this art form. Keep clicking Vasha…. Way to Go!!!!!!!!
Lovely photographs. I have never been to Kargil but my husband fought the 1971 war there. He used to love photography too.
Absolutely beautiful pictures. I can relate to you and clicking pics. Even I like clicking and everyone around mocks me. But I couldn’t care less. I like it and I will do it. 🙂
It appears that you are fortunate to have a tranquil and picturesque environment for your walks and runs, allowing you to witness both sunrise and sunset. There is an undeniable enchantment in capturing those moments with your phone, even if it has become a regular routine for you. It is understandable that the allure of the ever-changing sky inspires you to document the beauty you encounter. Similarly, I share a habit of capturing doors wherever I go, whether they are beautifully crafted or abandoned. There is a certain fascination in photographing doors. I appreciate all types of doors and the unique stories they tell.
I admire all of your photos, making it difficult to determine which one stands out as the best. Love the last caption. 😊
The pictures are so good. I’m a photography lover too my phone gallery is filled with nature pictures. Sometimes my husband has to stand and look at my face because I’m just trying to get a perfect shot of the moon for the last 15 minutes 😂
I enjoyed both the descriptive words as well as your outstanding pictures. I love photography and capture moments and scenic beauty whenever I can. And I agree, a photo speaks louder than words.
Lovely pictures. Keep doing what brings you joy & keep shining ❤️
I start with your experience with the 36 picture roll took me down the memory lane. Thanks to smartphones we have the liberty to capture moments and the number of pictures is not a concern any longer. I am fond of nature photography a lot, no matter how many times I see the sunrise and sunset I still find it fascinating to capture it. More than half of the pics which I will capture will be of nature so i relate to this post very strongly.
All the pics are beautiful. To say one is better over the other would not be fair. I really want to see your Badri/ Kedarnath pics. Please share them…I can send you my mail ID if you don’t mind.
Loved the pics. The one from Somnath reminded me of the sunset when we visit it back in college. The whole ambience is absolutely breathtaking. Looking forward to seeing more nature pics from you.
Congratulations on the top blog badge from blogchatter. As no beauty could match the beauty of the present moment. your pictures speak 1000 words about the beauty of nature.
😍😍😍 Stunning Pictures!!! I loved them all. Also enjoyed reading your memories attached to them. And If i had a place to watch the sunrise and sunset, i would be clicking pics everyday too!
Nature photography is one of my favourite hobbies. I used to capture nature since my school days…long before the era of digi cams and smart phones. And now I do this for a living…life is a full circle.
Haha! Loved the opening line, Varsha. Took me back to the days when my parents used to say the same. Now, they are kinda really proud of the pictures I click. Love the photographs you took. So vibrant, especially the sunrise 🙂
My husband used to scold my elder son because he was fond of clicking sceneries without people (!). Now he’s free to click pictures of his choice with his mobile camera😜
Your nature pics are great, keep it up 👍
Ohh my my. Nature photography is always so refreshing. I also do it occasionally. It was hard to pick my favorite but I liked the second and the sunrise the best. Also taking picture of birds without getting it blurry is hard. You nailed it.
Wow. I am so impressed by your Nature photography skills. Each click was better than the other. Your post too was magical to read.
To be able to capture the beauty in the daily life and be able to share that vision with others is a gift indeed. I can see why this post topped the charts for the best blog post.
No matter how many pics you take its not enough. I know this feeling as I feel this everytime I am on a trip.
Such gorgeous captures, Varsha. Your love for capturing nature shines through your pictures. I love clicking pictures too and love taking hundreds of shots of the same view.
Your pictures have proved that you are a great photographer! Digital cameras have revolutionized photography and gave the liberty to click as many pictures as one wishes to.
Omg, it was same with me. When I was a kid, I was the who would always carry the camera and click all the pics and most of those pics were nature. Loved all the pics and the captions are an added charm.
I’ve been there too, being told for wasting films, sadly it wasn’t a thing those days. I really love the sunrise shots you’ve posted here and glad that you continue to do it with passion
I loved the pics clicked by you . I too love nature’s photography. It really gives a sense of pleasure and makes us feel calm and satisfied. Loved the detailed blog about the pic.
I love nature photography too Varsh and loved all the captures you have shared above, loved your post it deserved to win the top badge
Your passion for nature photography shines through every captivating image you’ve shared. It’s evident that nature holds a special place in your heart, and your ability to capture its beauty is truly remarkable.
A lovely post – each picture was stunning but I thoroughly loved you bringing your trip to Kargil to life.