Monochrome - An artistic view :)

                      A Facebook profile of a monochrome photographer suggested by Phani, kept me in shock ( more like a happy surprise) . Well, let me tell you, black and white photography, is an art. It is more like painting your imagination by using limited set of colors. There is less respect for clarity and more respect for hidden feels in the photo. It is not something to learn, it is something.

Evening - ಒಂದು ಮುಸ್ಸಂಜೆ :)

                       Taking a color photo by predicting artistic future and then converting it to monochrome is like playing blind chess. Normally all cameras support monochrome photography, so i went for a black and white walk in early morning sunshine...! Well, beautiful green nature in morning mist looked so dull in monochrome mode. It was like a punishment for my camera to see this beautiful world in gray shades :P 

Vine ready to swallow moon - ಚಂದ್ರನನ್ನೇ ನುಂಗುವ ಬಳ್ಳಿ :)

                      But eventually, your minds starts searching for art in every action, every curve, every aspect. Sunset and sunrise look alike in monochrome - it is like death and birth can be depicted in same way ( death and birth of sun) ? happy feels behind tears can be portrayed in monochrome. You just need be imaginative enough to feel those things and smart enough to capture in frame. 

Source and blooming- ಹೂ ಕೊಳ :)

                         Lake, flower, path, leaf, butterfly, mountains, mud everything looked like independent stories connected to confuse me :P I kept taking photos randomly at first, but slowly i started to realize beauty in monochrome modes. i could spot the differences and sometimes monochrome looks perfect to capture emotions. Confusion and attention created by all colors will be nullified in monochrome, by giving much importance to the subject.

two lives - ಎರಡು ಜೀವಗಳು 

                       But one critical problem is photos i have seen in the internet, kept taunting me like haunting memories. They influence my imagination, like a doorknob, in the entrance. At the same time, they help u to find something unique. If u want to hire your imagination and pay it to work, then go for monochrome photography. You can see poetry in images, painting in captures and art in structures. Every observer looks it in a different way and a monochrome photo can be viewed from infinite perspectives.

Pondicherry - Waves of fun :)

                       It is weird and wonderful, to plan a trip during weekdays, places will be less crowded (Less people is sometimes disadvantageous , when it comes to beach). Going across a state, facing challenges with new language and culture. We successfully pulled Nag to the gang making it "classic Pandava gang with missing Droupati". Thanks to "carzoneent" :) Night cold filled with "pure veg comedy", stories, Sonu Nigam melodies, garma garam chai followed by early morning "my(i)sterious paths"" - a well defined ride.  

                     After having Idli vada, we decided to hit the beach. Dress change from full jeans to 3/4th is not a problem for boys, as one towel can serve the purpose :p ). Coconut trees welcomed us to "Auro beach", which was a typical beach theme . Stones inside the beach, make a special presence, as they stand like a warrior against the force of waves. 

Auro beach

                    Every time life hits us with waves of trouble, we learn and eventually, you reach the state of warrior, where you can face against those waves. It was really inspiring and timing photos against waves dancing across stones was really challenging. Love gestures, sand drawings and waves constantly trying to erase those words - let me tell you, beach is a surprise package.

Inside water

                     After dipping ourselves in salty water and covered by sand all over the body, we headed towards "Auroville", a spiritual place followed by "Matrimandir- golden structure". A spiritual video display and walk towards that mandir was quite peaceful, though there were some beautiful distractions :P . A Korean girl doing yoga gestures in front of golden temple took our breath away(with beauty and talent). After a lot of struggle, we finally found a veg hotel.

Matri mandir

                     Evening sunshine reflecting on paradise beach water, justified the name "paradise". Boats on sea shore, a lonely tree, sand and coconut leaves, gave an artistic view to a creative eye. We walked in sunshine with cold breeze touching our soul and waves kissing our feet. Very few people (4-5 couples and few foreigners) made us more happy as we were like Devatas in Paraise (With exception of Rambha, Urvashi etc). We immersed ourselves in water, holding hands, we traveled against waves, like soldiers in war .

 

Boat ride on sand :P

                     Booking a room wasn't that difficult. We went on to explore Rock beach and French colony. Butter scotch cone, walk on rock beach street. Bombay Mitai taking us back to childhood days, french colony architecture - a perfectly framed night. Well ride continued further in Hotel room ( don't be confused, ride to dream land ). Although everyone slept, me and nag, debated about selfishness under moonlight ( how crazy isn't it).

Facing against waves

                     Next day morning started with same paradise beach, but giving a new dimension to the fun. We climbed "Pancharangi pov pov" bent coconut tree, and took some insane photos. Titanic level poses on boat, collecting sea shells and finally into the water in sunshine. As we moved further facing the waves, sun started moving towards middle of the sky. Height and force combined with unpredictability of arrival makes journey more thrilling and scary.

 

Pancharangi tree :p

                     Sometimes scary is beautiful. Dolfins dancing in the sea was something unexpected and amazing, but sad to say camera was not nearby. Starfish, cold, foreigners, couples, sun, waves, friendship, photos, sand, salt water, blue sky, shadows, swimming - A combo gifted by nature. Well, even though artificial things give temporary happiness, it's the nature which can give ultimate happiness. We even thought to extend the trip just to stay inside water. I gotta tell you, Black and white artistic photography is something to explore in calm places like this. 

Black and white

                    We started return journey hoping to reach before 12 midnight, but a traffic incident delayed us. But on the way back, we had dinner at a new canteen, near Chennai. Theme, food, serving and menthya chutni gave a beautiful and stomach full ending ending to the trip. We kept facing the waves for two more days, but only in dreams ;)