My Facebook Page

Announcing My Facebook Page "PC-My Shots@Photography"

Finally, I've decided to move on to creating my own Facebook Page. I go with my Flickr and blogspot user name (PC-My Shots@Photography)

If you like my photographs, feel free to "like" my page below

www.facebook.com/PCMyShotsPhotography

[TRAVEL] Seattle[Washington] Day 2

[TRAVEL]
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Mount Vernon, WA

The song "Dekha Ek Kwaab" from the Bollywood move Silsila  was shot in the Keukenhof tulip gradens in The Netherlands. I had always wanted to see the acres and acres of tulips - Netherlands still remains a dream destination. When my friends in Seattle had posted a few photographs of tulip gardens  a couple of years ago - I decided to visit Seattle in conjunction with the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon.

Day 2 of our travel saw us waking up at 4:15 AM to catch the breaking dawn. We left Seattle at 4:45AM to drive to Mt. Vernon by road. Reached Skagit Valley at 5:45AM. Spent 15 minutes searching for this particular spot below along Bestroad to catch the sun rise.

The sun just broke out and we parked along Bestroad around 6:20AM. Got the sun flare shot below around 6:25AM. Though we missed the sunrise and was late - I got a few good shots.

The 2 flower fields - Rozengarden and Skaget Valley receives hundreds and thousands of people who come to enjoy the celebration of spring. I'm glad we caught the sunrise , the golden light was perfect to shoot. Along within the company of atleast 50 odd photographers, I've never felt this comfortable -  far away from the maddening crowd that thronged along during day time

[TRAVEL] Portland, OR Day 1

[TRAVEL]
Pioneer Courthouse Square, Japanese Tea Gardens

After a scrumptios lunch from Broder Cafe, our bellies full ,we  drove over to Pioneer Courthouse Square/Portlands Living Room. 

Portland's "living room" is a great spot for people watching. A few folks were happy to pose for my cam :) Folks having their lunch,a just married photo shoot session...everything was happening here. The semi-circle of around 2 dozen steps, the open mouthed copper dragon - accurate in its stormy and rainy weather prediction -, the outdoor chess tables and Portland's iconic "Umbrella Man" or "Allow Me" -  we were fascinated by this little city. Most people just call him “Umbrella Man” because it’s the statue of a man hailing a taxi (apparently for an out-of-town visitor) while holding an umbrella.

He seems to be a local icon - one that captures the "everyday civic virtue" aspect of Portland's self-image. Everyone seems  to like him - a regular guy in a suit, seeing someone in need and trying to be helpful. I guess that's what it's about. The central location probably helps too.

Portland's Japanese Tea Garden - located in Washington Park - is the perfect epitome of harmony and tranquility. Every inch of this garden is beautifully landscaped. I felt the entrance fee was a bit expensive.

But I've also heard it is the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan itself! The entrance fee then does justice! If you have lots of time  - then you have to visit this place