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Thursday, August 15, 2024

Phone-ography at Lalbagh Flower Show

I’ve missed the last few Bangalore Flower Shows at Lalbagh due to the frustrating camera ban. While mobile photography is allowed, it’s a poor substitute for my DSLR. The flowers were amazing, but I really missed being able to capture the birds with my DSLR. Check out these mobile photos I took. I'm still learning the ropes, but I hope you enjoy them.




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This year's theme was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The show featured a huge rose-made Parliament building to honor his work on India's Constitution.



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I kept things simple and stuck with the default camera settings. After a successful trial shot of yellow chrysanthemums, I decided to stick with the same settings for the rest of the day.



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The common zinnias were next.



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The yellow kalanchoe photos turned out a bit blurry. I suspect I might have had trouble with the white balance.



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The Phalaenopsis Midsummer Night orchid was stunning.



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The Victoria Chrysanthemums were a fluffy pink explosion.



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The Arum lilies were elegant and graceful, with their trumpet-shaped flowers.



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More close-ups of the rose parliament.




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A floral replica of Dr. Ambedkar's birthplace memorial was another highlight. 




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A vibrant sea of red, white, and pink chrysanthemums.



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Pink and purple dahlias in full bloom.




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Bright pink zinnia burst.



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A Bromeliad's exotic allure. Its rosette of colorful leaves and striking central bloom create a tropical vibe.



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The purple Calla Lily's trumpet-shaped bloom is a study in elegance.



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The fiery red and soft pink hues of the Poinsettias create a captivating and festive display.





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Pink Dianthus with ruffled petals.



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Pink gerbera: a sunny burst of petals.



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A rare grey hibiscus caught my eye.



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The Flame Calla Lily is a fiery burst of color.





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A patch of white daisies brightened the landscape.



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Ageratum blue mistflower is a captivating plant with fluffy, light purple flower clusters. It creates a dreamy, misty effect, hence its name. 



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Black-eyed Susans, with their sunny yellow petals and dark centers, create a cheerful, vibrant display.



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Common Mallow has pretty, pink or purple flowers with heart-shaped petals.




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With their ruffled edges and contrasting darker veins, the pink and purple petunias are a visual delight.




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The delicate peach color of this Dahlia is absolutely captivating.



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A vibrant pink dahlia, perfectly formed with a golden center.



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I loved the Alpen Cherub Dahlias. Their pristine white petals and sunny yellow centers exude a timeless elegance.



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The Dahlia pinnata was a standout for me, thanks to its vibrant coral-pink petals.



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Red dahlias.



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I was captivated by the Moth Orchids. Their white petals, softly blushed at the edges, and vibrant yellow centers made them stunning.




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Lalbagh's floral display is a vibrant cascade of color.



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Lone purple Phlox stands out.



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The Petunia Mahogany Queen boasts a luxurious, deep maroon hue that shimmers almost black in certain lights. Its velvety petals, gently ruffled at the edges, create an air of elegance.



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Aechmea fasciata, also known as the Silver Vase Plant, in full bloom. 



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The vibrant yellow and red hues of the Plains coreopsis are truly eye-catching, and it's no surprise they're attracting bees. 





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A Mix of flowers, with Phlox drummondii taking center stage. 





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That concludes my mobile photography adventure at the Bangalore Flower Show. It was a delightful challenge to capture the event's splendor through a phone lens. I wish authorities would consider reversing the ban or at least designating specific times for photographers.  Looking forward to your comments.


Thursday, August 08, 2024

A Monsoon Morning at Saul Kere Lake

Saul Kere Lake, shrouded in a soft, overcast blanket, invited me for a leisurely stroll. The absence of the sun made the walk incredibly comfortable. Despite the low light, the lake held a mysterious charm. Let's dive into the pictures...



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The sky was heavy with rain, the air thick with anticipation, and the surroundings a lush, green paradise. Yet, the looming presence of towering structures cast a shadow over this natural beauty.


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I spent some time waiting for the Eurasian coot to lift its foot. Those paddle-like feet, perfect for propelling them through water, were a fascinating sight.



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A plump Little Grebe was incubating eggs in its nest at the water's edge. A lifer moment for me! It nests at the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it can't walk well. In India, the species breeds during the rainy season.



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Painted storks, herons, and coots were all busy fishing.



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I wanted to capture the pretty flowers on the trees, but a spot-billed pelican joined the scene. It was a nice surprise.


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I shifted my focus to the lone spot-billed pelican.





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While I was focusing on the pelican, I saw the snake neck of an Oriental darter fishing alongside.


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Darters are expert fishers! They can catch prey much faster than other birds.




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After gobbling down a few fish, it perched and fluffed its feathers to dry.




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In the distance, a white-throated kingfisher kept company with two pied kingfishers on a tree branch.







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One of the pied kingfishers tried its luck at fishing, but it was too far for a good shot. Here are a few I managed to take.






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My day ended with a sighting of a greater coucal.



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That wraps up my birdwatching escapade at Saul Kere Lake. I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did. 
What's your favorite bird and why?
Please share your comment below.