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People around pointed out to Lalbaba, the Saint in Red, & suggested that we take his pictures. “Everyone with a camera takes his pictures” they said. He sat under the tree, unconcerned, unconnected. He kept preparing his tobacco in his palms. He did not speak to us, just kept looking straight. People told us he rarely speaks & that he is a very accomplished sadhu.

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After you make your offerings to the deity, it is customary to take a holy dip in the Ganges. The river runs along the temple &you would see people of all cultures, communities & religion gathered for a touch of the holy water.

This picture is taken at mid-day after we offered our puja at the temple. It is taken on hand-held Nikon D200. To avoid dark-eyes & partial wash-outs due to the extreme sunlight, I used a 2X Singh Ray gradual neutral density filter. The picture is cropped in Adobe Photoshop.

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Lalbaba does not care for anything materialistic. He lives off donations from people coming into the Hanuman Temple nearby. And sometimes, some rich person would offer clothes & food to saints & sadhus. Its a cleansing ritual in some cultures to offer food & clothes to the sadhus & saints.

All the while we were taking his pictures, he did not blink, nor did he take his eyes off me & neither did he utter any syllable. I figured that his intent looks were not inquisitive. It was kind of an indifferent glare as if he wasn’t quite there!

In the old days of Rajas & Maharajas, people would sit in long rows along the streets while they are offered clothes & food. It usually had to do with the birth of a child, or a marriage or even a death in the family.

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In this candid street photo, we caught this long line of people sitting along a street near the Ganges. They had been offered food & they were busy eating. Although the times have changed, some of these old Indian cultures still remain.

The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 & fill flash at around 7 PM in the evening. I sat on the road next to them to take this picture.

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This picture shows Shyama, a middle aged person, who has been handicapped all his life from a strong attack of polio, asking for alms from bystanders. An old lady stoops to offer Shyama a handful of changes. She would have given it to anyone on the way had Shyama not been there!

This street picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a 2X Singh Ray graduated neutral density filter & a wide angle lens.

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The day we were at Dakshineswar, it was extremely hot. With temperatures soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the river offers the visitors a chance to dip and cool off too.
People would also carry the holy water of the Ganges in bottles back to their homes. The water is a spiritual cleanser & is used to keep the house sacred & the people safe.

1. 1. 1. Nikon D700 Body only &
      2. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 24 - 120 mm VR Lens

Both these variations of the new Nikon D700 has US warranties on them. As always, the Nikon D700 cameras from BH Photo are backed up with International Warranty from SageMax.

BH Photo expects the cameras in store in August 2008.

The Key Features listed on the website for the Nikon D700 include:

• 12.1 Megapixel Resolution FX-format CMOS Sensor

The Nikon-original 12.87 Megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor is nearly identical to the size of a 35mm film frame -provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout to delivers breathtakingly rich image quality with an effective resolution of 12.1 million pixels, while also reducing noise to unprecedented levels, even at high ISO sensitivity.

• Durable and Dependable

The D700 body is built from a durable and lightweight magnesium alloy, and has been designed for a high level of dust and water resistance, while the camera’s shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles, thereby continuing Nikon’s long tradition of sturdiness and durability

• Self Cleaning Sensor

The D700 incorporates a self-cleaning image sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies using four different resonance frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor’s optical low pass filter. Image Sensor Cleaning can be set for automatic activation when the camera is turned on and off, or can be activated at any time the photographer feels it’s necessary.

• Enhanced Images and Performance with EXPEED

The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D700’s ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. It features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.

• Fast Performance

The D700 can support continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second (up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack), making it a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines, particularly for action sports, wildlife, or news gathering applications. It also provides fast power-up (0.12 seconds), quick responsiveness (40 millisecond shutter lag), and outstanding timer and shutter flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments.

• Wide Range of ISO Sensitivity

The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-6400 plus Lo-1 (equivalent to ISO 100), Hi-1 (equivalent to ISO 12800) and Hi-2 (equivalent to 25600) sensitivity settings. There is also a convenient Auto ISO setting that automatically adjust the cameras ISO when shooting under constantly changing lighting conditions.

• Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus

The D700 incorporates Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors that keep your subject in focus, even with quick and/or erratic subject movement, across a wide extent of the frame, and the highly responsive AF sensor detects your subject in EV as low as -1.

• Versatile AF Area Modes

The three AF area modes provide appropriate focus control for any shooting situation. Single-point AF ensures that the most important element in your composition will be sharply focused. With Dynamic-area AF, you can select from several focusing options, utilizing 9, 21 or all 51 points, depending on the nature of your subject, and using the 51-point option allows for 3D-Tracking which uses image color information to automatically follow moving subjects across the AF points. Auto-area AF also uses color information along with special face recognition algorithms to automatically focus on an individual’s face, extremely helpful for situations when there’s simply no time to select a focus point or when using Live View in Hand-held mode at high or low angles.

• Exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS)

The Nikon Scene Recognition System uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB color sensor modified to recognize subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the Autofocus system, while enhancing the accuracy of the auto exposure, i-TTL control and white balance metering.

• Active D-Lighting Mode

The Active D-Lighting mode provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast, producing broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because Active D-Lighting is applied as images are captured, image editing time can be reduced.

• Built-in Flash and i-TTL Flash Control

The built-in flash of the D700 has 24mm lens coverage, and works as a wireless commander for up to two groups of remote Nikon Speedlights using Nikons Advanced Wireless Lighting system. The camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, which supports i-TTL flash control and the camera’s Scene Recognition System further provides for a more refined flash metering evaluation, to reduce overexposure, and other exposure inaccuracies - even with small subjects or scenes containing highly reflective objects.

• Accurate Auto White Balance

The Cameras Auto White Balance works together with Nikon’s Scene Recognition System in calculating the characteristics of the scene, cross-referencing it with 5,000 actual picture data examples among the over 20,000 images stored in the D700’s AWB database. This lets you shoot with confidence, even in tricky conditions so white stays white, and yellow appears as yellow - just the way you see it.

• Lateral Chromatic Aberration Reduction

To overcome the chromatic aberration effect produce by even the highest quality optics, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s exclusive lateral chromatic aberration reduction function which compensates for the differences in the resolving index for each color. And since this aberration is corrected regardless of lens type, this feature delivers sharper images whichever Lens you use.

• Picture Control Settings

Nikon’s Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, that can be directly customized with image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Furthermore, users can store up to nine customized options or export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras.

• 3.0″ Color LCD Display

The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor provides a crisp clear view of your images with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection making critical image review possible. The camera also includes an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change color according to the ambient lighting conditions, and an easy-to-view top LCD panel.

• Live View Feature

The D700 includes the Live View system, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. The Live View system is particularly useful when shooting in a studio, Utilizing remote shooting or when shooting from challenging angles.

• Tripod & Hand-held Live View Modes

The Tripod Mode is ideal for photographic applications that require precise focus and composition, such as still life, architecture and macro photography. In this mode, the contrast-detect AF system provides exceptionally accurate focusing from any point in the entire frame (an area wider than the 51-AF point area), so you can easily rearrange your subject while simultaneously confirming your composition, or confirm your focus by enlarging the focus point image up to 13 times. For low- and high-angle compositions where you’re unable to look through the viewfinder, the Hand-held Mode can be a tremendous assistance - letting you select your focus point or use Auto-area AF, then use the Live View LCD with its 170-degree viewing angle for composing your shot.

• Electronic Virtual Horizon

The innovative Virtual Horizon provides instant, accurate confirmation of the D700’s position relative to horizontal level. When using Live View, you can choose to display the virtual horizon on the LCD, a feature ideal for landscape and architecture photography. You can also level the D700 while looking through the viewfinder using the convenient analog scale.

• Comfortable Controls

The controls of the D700 were designed for ease of use with easy access, via buttons, to functions often required while shooting, eliminating the need for time-consuming menu searches. The controls are also consistent with Nikon’s other professional D-SLRs to make the use of multiple camera platforms substantially easier. In addition, the intuitive menu system provides fast access to many of the fine controls and setting available in the camera.

• Wireless Networking

The optional Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-4, not only provides the ability to transmit (’push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, but also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well. Furthermore users can set up a network of up to five D300 so thumbnails from all connected cameras can be browsed simultaneously from a remote server and relevant image files ‘pulled’, while the photographers continue shooting.

• Long-life Battery and Power Options

Using the included EN-EL3e, the D700 lets you shoot up to 1,000 frames per charge (CIPA standard) thanks to intelligent power management. And by adding the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, you can choose between using rechargeable Li-ion Batteries (EN-EL4a/4/3e) or eight AA-size batteries, and get up to 2,900 frames (with EN-EL4a). the MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack is also equipped with a shutter-release button, AF-ON button, multi selector, and main- and sub-command dials for more comfortable camera operation when shooting in a vertical orientation. Furthermore, all of these power options enable you to monitor the level of battery power and shots remaining on a charge.

• A Total Imaging System

The D700 isn’t just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The D700 is compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System of NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provides a complete solution for any photographic challenge.

For as long as I can remember, every time we had been to the Dakshineswar Temples with parents & family, we have always spent time over hot pan cakes (Kachori, as they are called locally), sweets & tea.

Even the extremely high temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit that day did not make us change our family traditions.
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The shops look exciting from all the boards & the boys trying to yell the menu to passers by to attract them. The prices are quite low. The four of us had a hearty breakfast with tea for a little over a dollar!

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Now Hari spends most of his time in the ashrams near the Hanuman Mandir next to the Ganges. He lives off donations & whatever people would offer him as food or clothes. He would still sing at the temple occasionally when his heart feels heavy. He wished us well & hoped that we make some great pictures!

This picture is taken with a hand held Nikon D200 & wide angle lens with a fill flash set at -2 EV.

THE AGILE NEW NIKON D700 FX-FORMAT D-SLR CAMERA DELIVERS PERFORMANCE INSPIRED BY THE NIKON D3 IN A SMALLER, LIGHTER DESIGN

Nikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor

The Nikon D700 is sold at for USD 2,999.

Here is a quick look at the specs:

• 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm
• D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System
• 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking
• two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor
• Scene Recognition System
• new active dust reduction system
• ISO range of 200 to 6400

The press release, made on July 1 2008, announcing the camera gives an estimated selling price of $2,999.95 (body only).*

Kanika is raised along the river Ganges that runs through the city of Kolkata. She was born to a family who works in the crematorium of Nimtola. But that does not make her sad or morbid. Like her friends, her mother would dress up for school every morning, and she would spend the afternoon playing on the streets.

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While her parents are working during the day, the local shop owners & the priests of the nearby Hanuman Mandir, would watch over Kanika & her kid friends. Most of the people in this community of Nimtola work in the crematorium. But Kanika wants to grow up & become a teacher some day.

This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a fill flash set at -2 EV.

The Nikon D700 is a hybrid between the Nikon D3 & the Nikon D300 & is supposed to have a 12.1 MP full frame sensor.

Many of the online retailers had shown the price list before, but that caused a confusion. And people wanting to buy the high priced Nikon D3 are now holding back. Here is a price list of the Nikon D700 quoted from the European retailer.

The site has taken the prices down, but still has the updated specifications to view. Here is what the Nikon D700 specs look like:

The new D700 is a “hybrid” of D300 and D3 - and available after only 6 months with the latter.

The D700 features:

• 36×23,9mm CMOS sensor FX format 12,1mp effective
• RGB Color filter array, build in low pass filter
• EXPEED processor, 14-bit
• NEF, NEF+jpeg, TIFF, Jpeg file formats
• Auto crop when using DX lenses. All other lenses usable.
• 51 point AF, 15 cross type sensors
• Live view mode
• 3D Colormatrix II metering modes
• ISO 100 - 25600
• CF card slot FAT32
• Accu and grip same as MB-D10 (from D300)

Photographica is accepting orders for Nikon D700.

Other pictures & posts available on: Photoduniya.com

This Chinese website posted the picture of the Nikon D700 camera again. I will translate in English (thanks to Google) a part of the post for my readers:

EVO D700 again this week received a kind of information, physical map with the exposure we discussed earlier on the D700 is the built-in flash also been confirmed, EVO can tell you is responsible D700 built-in flash.

Through the straps on the part of the body map “D7″ the words once again confirmed the existence of the authenticity of D700, of course, with the exposure also on the map and brought the body of another on the D700 to Lens by the message.

The article gives a detailed specification of the Nikon D700 camera. Translated in English:

Price (body only): US $ 2999 (2999 dollars)

Sensor(感光原件) : Sensor (photosensitive Original):
• 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor • 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor
• FX format • FX format
• RGB Color Filter Array • RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter • Built-in fixed low-pass filter
• 12.9 million total pixels • 12.9 million total pixels
• 12.1 million effective pixels • 12.1 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio • 3:2 aspect ratio

Image processor(影像处理器) : Nikon EXPEED Image processor (video processor): Nikon EXPEED

A/D conversion(数模转换器) : 14 bit A / D conversion (DAC): 14 bit

Image sizes(图片尺寸) : Image sizes (picture size):
(FX format) (FX format)
• 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP] • 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP]
• 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP] • 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP]
• 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP] • 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP]
(DX format) (DX format)
• 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP] • 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP]
• 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP] • 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP]
• 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]] • 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]]

File formats(文件格式) : File formats (document format):
• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW)
• NEF + JPEG • NEF + JPEG
• TIFF • TIFF
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) • JPEG (EXIF 2.21)

Lens mount(镜头接口) : Lens mount (Lens Mount):
• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
• No field of view crop (full-frame) • No field of view crop (full-frame)
• When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop • When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop

Usable lenses(可使用镜头类型) : Usable lenses (to use the camera type):
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported • Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36×24)/5:4 (30×24) image size • DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36 × 24) / 5:4 (30 × 24) image size
• AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II • AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data • Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Auto Focus(自动对焦方式) : Auto Focus (AF method):
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) • 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
• Multi-CAM 3500FX • Multi-CAM 3500FX
• AF working range: -1 to +19 EV • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV
• Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode

Exposure modes(曝光模式) : Exposure modes (exposure mode):
• Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Program Auto [P] with flexible program
• Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
• Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A]

Metering(测光模式) : Metering (segment):
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
• Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. Circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame
• Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) • Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. Circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

White balance(白平衡) : White balance (White Balance):
• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor)
• Presets (seven) with fine tuning • Presets (seven) with fine tuning
• Manual presets (four) • Manual presets (four)
• Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)
• White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)

Sensitivity(感光度) : Sensitivity (equivalent):
• Auto (200 - 6400) • Auto (200 - 6400)
• Up to ISO 25600(expanded range) • Up to ISO 25600 (expanded range)

Flash Sync Mode(闪光模式) : Flash Sync Mode (flash mode):
• Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Front-curtain Sync (normal)
• Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction
• Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync
• Slow Sync • Slow Sync
• Rear-curtain Sync • Rear-curtain Sync

Languages(菜单语言) : Languages (menu language):
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
• Dutch • Dutch
• English • English
• Finnish • Finnish
• French • French
• German • German
• Italian • Italian
• Japanese • Japanese
• Korean • Korean
• Polish • Polish
• Portuguese • Portuguese
• Russian • Russian
• Spanish • Spanish
• Swedish • Swedish

Storage(存储) : Storage (storage):
• Compact Flash Type I or II • Compact Flash Type I or II
• UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported • UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported

Power(电源) : Power (Power):
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh) • Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh)
• Included battery charger MH-18a • Included battery charger MH-18a
• Optional AC adapter EH-5a • Optional AC adapter EH-5a
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip • Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip

Vertical grip(外接手柄) : Vertical grip (external handle):
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip • Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip
• One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries • One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries.

Reference: On the Nikon D700 Full-Picture (FX) digital SLR D700 detailed parameters exposure

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The temple management has created a few stalls well outside the temple complex who could sell memorabilia, items necessary for the pujas or simple keepsakes. Ganesh, pictured here, is from the adjacent state of Bihar. He has followed his father & his uncle into this small roadside makeshift store outside the Kali Temple.

The earning is not much, but with a couple of stalls like this, the family makes enough money for themselves as well as send some money back to his extended family back in Bihar.

The picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens & fill flash.

Apart from the fact that most of them are as old as the city itself, most of them have witnessed happiness, fun, sadness & even India’s fight for freedom.

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The picture here is of Hari. He had always been a folk singer (also known as a baul - pronounced baa-ool) till his age & ailment caught up with him. Now he walks with a limp & sings, rarely, at the nearby temple. He lives a peaceful life, happy with what people offer him for food or clothes.

The baul culture is so deeply entwined with the Indian folk cultures that it is almost hard to see a baul in pain! He did not ask for it, but my brother would always empty his pocketful of changes to people like Hari. I photographed him with the two bucks that my brother offered, & the gratifying look in his eyes.

The story says that the Rani (Queen) was longing for a pilgrimage to the holy Hindu lands of Kashi along the Ganges (now in the state of Uttar Pradesh) when goddess Kali appeared in her dreams & asked her to create a temple at Dakshineswar.

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Later, the Dakshineswar temple had Ramakrishna Deb as the devout priest for over 30 years. The temple still maintains the room where Ramakrishna Deb & Sharada Maa lived & died. The temple is a part of the life of Hindus & the Bengali community of Kolkata.

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The activities in these lanes continue busily through out the day. These lanes serve many purposes - first as roads, then as places for people to meet & exchange small talks & then as play grounds for kids. There are also small street side shops that help hungry pedestrians with snacks or a mere cup of tea.
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The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens in available fluorescent light without any flash light. The cropping & minor color temperature correction was done using Adobe Photoshop.

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We were driving by through one of the busiest parts of Kolkata at around 10:00 AM. As the market was winding up for the morning, we found this poultry vendor selling his last stock of chicken. Lately the city was worried with cases of bird flu reported at random. Vendors & poultry farmers have to take extra precaution to make sure that their chickens are not infected. Although prices are almost fixed for meat & poultry, the picture shows a buyer examining the chicken while it is being cleaned & packaged.

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The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens in available fluorescent light without any flash light. The cropping & minor color temperature correction was done using Adobe Photoshop.

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It was about 8:00 PM in the city & the weather was humid. The temperature, even after sundown was about 95 F but Yadav, probably from his long habit, did not mind the bellowing heat, smoke & soot from the earthen oven. His customers were the local folks who came bye almost every evening after work. He also cooks up some quick tiffin with bread & eggs for the hungry ones, but most of what he sells during the day is tea - for about INR 1.50 a cup!

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The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens in available fluorescent light without any flash light. The cropping & minor color temperature correction was done using Adobe Photoshop.

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(Click to view more travel photography from Travelduniya.com)

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The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens in available fluorescent light without any flash light. The cropping & minor color temperature correction was done using Adobe Photoshop.

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A family crossing the street in front of Grand Central

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By itself, this is a very ordinary picture. But I like the way in which the father is carrying the youngest kid and watching out for on coming cars while the others followed. That apart the American flags at the corner of Grand Central Station also adds to the mood of this candid street picture.

Bicycles outside a deli in Broadway, New York

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I fell flat on my behind, and had to wait for a few minutes before a couple of people came out of the neighboring shop. People always make the difference in a picture. With the cycles laid across the entire path, they had little chance to avoid me sitting on the road while I got this shot.

This image is taken on hand held Nikon D200 without flash.

Poor person looking for food in New York

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New York, unlike San Francisco where I have spent the last couple of years photographing street life, has absolutely no concern for the poor. The city appears to be completely indifferent to the poverty all around. And the poor have stopped asking for any grace!

One street musician who I had photographed in San Francisco’s Mission once told me that no one ever lives hungry in San Francisco. I have seen how true that is while I was doing my street photography. I am still very eager to hear someone in New York City say that to me!

Policemen busy in Times Square

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They are cautious though. Cautious from all the terror that is spread in the city. And more from the inconvenience they might unknowingly cause to any of the Very Important People of the city while trying to keep the law.

This picture of Times Square is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with no flash.

 Billboards, Advertisements & Posters in New York City

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They have never failed to amaze me. I will post a few more ones, huge, immense billboards in Times Square, that simply add a distinct flavor of New York’s inclination towards hugeness (!). Most of the tourists pay a minute’s attention but the residents are probably so used to them, it don’t matter.

For images like this, I usually sit flat on my behind on the other side of the pavement. I hold my camera at an angle so that the vertical lines of the buildings come out vertical in the view finder. I set the shutter speed to between 10 & 15th of a second. I set the flash on rear sync TTL and wait patiently! I wait for a few pedestrians to cross in front. They add a local flavor to the image. Since the pedestrians see me sitting from a distance, nothing alarms them and they walk by naturally and I get my pictures.

This image was taken in New York City on hand held Nikon D200 with fill in flash at -1EV.

Sometimes, they get anxious visitors too. All inquisitive to look into their work and into the deep pot holes along their walk. This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with fill in flash.

This picture is taken on a hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens. A lone guitar forms a part of the tribute along with the flowers, fruits and saddened hearts.

In this picture the naked cowboy took 2 dollars from each of the 4 guys to pose with them. From a distance it seemed that he was trying to show them their future!

The picture is taken on a hand held Nikon D200 with fill in flash. The naked cowboy does not charge you for taking his picture. He only asks for money if you are asking him to pose with you.

It is quite intimidating to cross a wide lane with nothing but the yellow devils staring and roaring at you. And most of them would not even wait for the signal to go green before they jump the zebra crossing.

This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 behind the Times Square.

I spend some time watching them play. And with their permission took a few pictures. I did not use the flash which could have distracted them and had to hold the camera very steady at the low shutter speed.

There have been all sorts of people who like the nakedness. Young and old, men and women. The mother of this child was more than happy to pay the naked cowboy a five dollar bill to take a picture with this pre-teen girl. Is that insanity or just naked stupidity?

This gentleman here, on the left of the picture has a very amiable way of asking for donation. He is one of those people who you would stop for to listen to. And quite so, he was collecting quite some donations.

His partner though, shown next to him in the distance with a red apron, was just the polar opposite. His vulgarity and rudeness towards the pedestrians was making it very difficult for him to ask for money. And all he could do in shame was apologize in silence.

The bus, parked right in front of the Whoo hoo! bill board seemed to be a nice remark from all the New Yorkers! This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with fill in flash.

The picture is taken on hand held Nikon. The harsh afternoon sun made is necessary to use the flash with caution so as not to cause any blurring.

Being manual, they are easy on the environment, but more than that, they are cheap.

You could find hundreds right in the middle of the Big Apple and a large number, including horse drawn carriages, in Central Park too.

The image was taken on hand held Nikon D200. The pictures are watermarked, reduced in size and resolution for easy display on the websites.

These rides are quite popular during the summer times and with spring in the air, people do not seem to mind the cold nip for a nice leisurely ride.

This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 with fill in flash.

In this picture, a group of foreigners see an excellent bargain on 100% cashmere scarves for just 10 bucks. Thats about 6 Euros! Not to mention that most are made out of cheap polyrayon.

The theater has side steps and you could get a good view of the Broadway on either side. This image is taken on Nikon D200 with fill in flash to compensate for the back light.

I met the group in Times Square playing pipes, flutes & guitar. They also sell their music on CDs and have a whole series on the pipes and flutes.

The image was taken on hand held Nikon D200 without any flash.

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In this picture, a lady shows off her elaborate hair-do and the facial painting.

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Click the picture to see more street pictures and candid portraits. This image was done on hand held Nikon D200 with fill flash to balance the strong harsh afternoon sun. The image has minor Photoshop processing to reduce the contrast between the subject and the background.

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I met this gentleman in a distant corner. Although dressed up for the festivities a few yards away, he did not appear to be in the mood to join the crowd. He was from out of station and, for some reason, was hesitant to flaunt his dress!

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Click on the image to view more street candid pictures. This photograph was taken in the shade on hand held Nikon D200 in ambient light.

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Click on the image above to see more image of Street Musicians from San Francisco in the gallery and the project sections.

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The young lady belongs to a local San Francisco group called the White Rats Morris, and hence the nature of the gift. I still have that rat with me. It sticks to my television set!

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Click on the picture to see more candid street pictures from San Francisco streets. This image was done on hand held Nikon D200 with a wide angle lens.

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Here are the few alternatives to consider:

• To solve the issue immediately, RESET all settings on D300. Hold the QUAL & compensation buttons together for about 3 - 5 seconds. This will remove all your custom settings and will revert them back to the factory settings. This should resolve any internal electronic or software conflicts that are affecting the battery.
• Meanwhile, you should ensure that your battery is truly fully charged as specified in the user manual. Try a different charger or a battery to see if its a camera issue or a battery issue
• Normalize the battery temperature. You “freeze” the battery and then slowly allow it to come up to a room temperature. After that you charge the battery full one more time and then try it.

The RESET solution is provided by the Nikon Help desk. Their investigation might reveal that it is a one-off case of faulty battery. So if you have the same problem, do report it to Nikon.

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Click on the image to see more portraits from San Francisco Streets.

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Picture taken on hand held Nikon D200 in ambient light. This young lady was nice enough to stop for a few pictures, so I had moved her over to the shade where the light was even and did not shine hard in her eyes.

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This child was standing with his family, who were spending time browsing through Cosmo, at a New York City news stand. The mother saw me stand and focus the child who had a faint smile at being photographed. The innocence in her eyes show that Glamor & Vanity Fair does not have much meaning for her now.

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The picture is taken on Broadway, New York with hand held Nikon D200 without flash.
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Most of these official blogs we have seen so far from other organizations are quite slow and the activities are quite passive. Nikon may not be far different from them. But just being a Nikonian from heart gives me something to be proud of now!

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Click here to visit the blog on the Nikon USA

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The picture is taken on Broadway, New York with hand held Nikon D200 without flash.
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The picture is taken with a hand held Nikon D200 on Lexar Pro media card.
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There were only a few people on the streets near The Dave & Busters shop in Broadway, New York City.
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Picture taken on hand held Nikon D200 in Broadway, New York City.

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In November 2005, the California Transportation Energy Future Conference gave New York City Transit’s Department of Buses its Blue Sky Merit Award for contributions to clean air and energy efficiency, adding another feather to NYT’s cap. Read more about NYT’s effort for a cleaner environment here.

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The picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200 in front of the New York City Library.
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Taken on hand held Nikon D200 on manual focus positioned about 20 feet away from myself.

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Amongst the lot of Fords as the yellow taxi cabs rushing and running around creating mayhem in the city, the more quainter Toyotas are probably more enticing to the owners for their fuel economy.
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I spotted this one at a signal in Broadway, New York City. The picture is taken on a hand held Nikon D200 on Lexar Pro media card.

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I was without an umbrella and my camera was drenched. My lens had fog on it, my flash stopped working after being in the rain for a couple of hours and the battery was running out fast due to the cold weather. I was hopping from one umbrella to another trying to reach the Grand Central Station.

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The picture was taken on hand held Nikon D200 at around 6:00 PM in New York City in the rain.

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The mannequin, with the Statue of Liberty crown, and a black T-shirt reading “New York City” was up on Broadway, New York.

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The image is taken on hand held Nikon D200. The sensor did a pretty good job at reading the ambient temperature with the strong incandescent light on one side and the cloudy sky on the other.
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I caught this gentleman walking back home after work in New York City. The rain has just turned into a drizzle and many people were reluctant to bring out their umbrellas.
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This image is taken while walking. The hand held Nikon D200 is set on manual focus to reduce blurriness.
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Taken on hand held Nikon D200 without flash on Lexar Pro media card.

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(click on the picture to enlarge)

I was completely drenched from walking about 10 blocks and was wiping myself clean under a shed in Broadway when I took this picture on hand held Nikon D200 from a distance of about 10 feet. No flashes were used.

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Image taken on Nikon D200 without flash on Lexar Pro media card.

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Discounts may not be attracting much shoppers any more. With people being used to a higher cut of over 50% for most of the year, shops giving out smaller discounts are finding very hard to attract new business.

This picture is taken on hand held Nikon D200. Notice how the camera balances the fluorescent light of the show room and the dark cloudy sky on the right of the picture. This can be very easily corrected in a digital imaging software like photoshop.

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(click on the picture to view larger image)

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Notice how the Nikon D200 handles different color temperatures. The one on the left is fluorescent while the one on right is that of shade. Although the image has a greenish and a bluish tinge on the left and right part,the overall image is still handled brilliantly by the D200. This image is shown as it was shot without any digital manipulation.

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The image is taken on a Nikon D200 with an exposure override of +1.0 to compensate for the weather, on a Lexar Pro media card. No flashes were used.

This image is taken on hand held Nikon D200 on auto focus with a wide angle lens, without flash, with spot metering & +1.0 exposure override. The over ride was necessary due to the weather conditions and the fact that I do not modify the pictures digitally.

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Having said that, the 2 other lenses that automatically come into the discussion are the Nikon 400 mm f/2.8 AF (street price of USD 7,000) and the Sigma 500 mm f/4.5 AF (street price of USD 4,200). Nikon would definitely discontinue the non-VR versions of all the lenses that are already made with VR. The Nikon 500 mm f/4 (non-VR) had been a favorite of most of the nature photographers and had performed superbly for ages would be gone in a few months of time.

Personally, since I do not do sports, I have not much use of the VR in these tele lenses. That leaves the proposition for the Sigma 500 mm f/4.5 AF extremely enticing, especially if I weigh the positive price and the weight factors to the only negative brand factor. But a difference of USD 4,000 does a lot of justification for a small time photographer like me! The reviews had been excellent over years together. And apart from the Service related cribbing that many people reported as a pain point with Sigma, there have been no complaints on the quality or the operations of this lens.

The other brand lens that appears very enticing at least from the price point of view now is the Nikon 200 - 400 mm f/4 G-AFS which comes with a VR for a price of USD 5,100. I have recently sold my very favorite Nikon FM 3A and probably would not have much need of the “D” versions anyway. The Nikon F5 and the Nikon D200 works superbly with the Nikon 200 - 400 mm f/4 G-AFS VR. The zooming ability of this lens, for my needs, out-weighs the benefits of the 500 mm prime.

I have thought of the Sigmonster (Sigma 300 - 800 mm f/5.6) for over a year now. It is probably an excellent value for the money (for a price of USD 7,000) but since I have started doing a lot of streets now, I have to finally get this lens off my mind for good!

As I stood in this Broadway junction in New York City, there were cars, with so called “decent” drivers, who did not hesitate to come a hair’s distance with pedestrians crossing the zebra line. When this driver did not get the right to pass, on a “Walk” signal, he did not lose a moment to show his disgust by honking repeatedly. You could see the anguish on the face of this gentleman who was ushering in his accompanying lady, but probably decided to be decent and kept mute.

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• This is a medium format camera with a 60mm fixed lens
• This accepts only 120 films & has brackets for both 6×6 & 6×4.5 exposures
• This model does not have built in flash - other models do & there is also an option of colored flashes - a very nice tool for creative work
• There is a Bulb mode for long exposures
• There is a 1/4″ tripod mount screw
• The body is plastic on all the models

For USD 25.00, I have always wanted to use this camera, and while using a lot of digital these days for street photography, I felt the need for some innovative street images with this Holga. Famous for vignetting, light leaks, falling backs, scratches on films and all, I find this fascinating for streets.

I shall create another page specific for the lomographic images once I have a handful of pictures to publish.

• This is the 107 model, the low priced one with some nice basic features
• This is a medium format camera with a 75mm f/3.5 fixed lens (equivalent to approx 50mm on a 35mm camera)
• This accepts only 120 films & takes only 6×6 exposures
• There is a self timer
• This model has a film advancing & shutter cocking mechanism which prevents multiple exposure by accident
• The metering is manual
• The body is a combination of metal wrapped in rexin & plastic

This model, the Seagull 170 sells for about USD 130.00 in New York City. I have started to play with both these cameras and will take them out in the streets soon. Quite contrary to the practice, I intend to use this one on streets too!

(click on the picture to enlarge)

This image is taken on hand held Nikon D200 in low evening light in Broadway, New York City. No flashes were used.

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The Joubert family has settled in Botswan to film and photograph the African Wildlife in it’s natural environment. Giving up a luxurious city life, they have been working for the National Geographic for over 15 years now. And they have produced some marvelous films over the time.

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Stalking the big cats on their jeep and following the faint sounds that could only be picked up by an expert, they have captured primitive hunts and predatory behaviors. Derreck mans the movie camera while Beverly works the sounds. And while she is not on her usual role, she captures the moments in her still camera.

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While each of these videos will show the passion and compassion of the film makers, it will also be an immense tutorial on various aspects of wildlife photography for all.

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(click on the image to enlarge)

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This picture is done with a hand held Nikon D200, without any flash, set at 400 ASA and taken while in motion. Here, both the subjects as well as I were crossing a busy intersection near Broadway. The image could probably have been sharper if it were done in a prime lens set to manual focus.

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Although busking is not so popular in New York City, you still find a few of them occasionally. Vincent has been playing the pan for over 25 years and about a decade in New York City. Originally from Trinidad, he doesn’t waste a wink talking to you while keeping the beat! On my request, he played the Jamaican Farewell. I had first heard it on the pan in San Francisco by another street musician.

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I shall post more on Vincent in my later blogs. This picture was taken on a hand held Nikon D200 with fill flash & is part of an extended documentary on Street Musicians. Read more here.

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I have used a watermark on the above image. I apologize for the inconvenience but I am using it since the time I found out that Musicnation.com and a few others have violated copyrights & copied my images while being very insensitive to the musicians all in the name of driving more traffic to their websites.

Nikon intends to remove the two popular softwares Nikon View & Nikon Picture Project from the market by the end of February 2008. Both these were very popular digital imagine softwares primarily used for copying, moving images between devices, sorting and archiving.

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Nikon technical support team is allowing a full version download from their website and suggests that people who have a high dependency on these back up their data.

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You could download the softwares from the Nikon Technical Site here.

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The weekend prior to Presidents Day, while New York city, like the rest of the country was busy rushing from store to store buying as many items on sale as possible, a few young people were out on the chilly streets in Broadway trying to make a difference to the almost 50 thousand homeless, one person at a time.

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All they asked for was a dollar. But the busy shoppers were even more keen to escape the fright of being asked for a donation. Albeit, changes could be brought by a few and rejoiced by all.

To add to the whole act of a desperate crook, they even went ahead and wrote obnoxious statement on Craig. No wonder they had no reference to what they were writing. Here is a link to Craig’s image on the post on Music Nation - http://mnmedia.musicnation.com/Blog/2008/080124/oldmanclarinet.jpg

Here is the  original post on my blog, made on15th August 2007.

http://nonphotographer.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/san-francisco-street-artists-clarinet-by-craig/

I could think of the people behind this website of Musicnation.com to be no less than cheap and have no respect for either the music or the musician. Here is the post I am referring to - http://musicnation.musicnation.com/blog/2008/02/street-musicians-part-ii & the last image on that post is that of Craig.

They don’t realize that we could easily make a watermark on these images. However, we do not do that so that the readers get to see the image at its best!

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Along with that Nikon also rolled out 3 new lenses. Though the new VR tele lenses (500mm et all) are yet to hit the shelves in US, the new ones probably will be retailed sometime in June or July 2008.

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AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens - this is a G lens, which makes it usable only on the electronic cameras. The focal range is very attractive for street shots and travel photography.

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AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is more of a close up lens, but the specifications say that the nearest focus point is 0.6 feet - and that isn’t quite attractive. But if you’re using a 1.5x crop camera, you could still get a good magnification for the distance. This is again a G lens, which makes it quite difficult to use on the manual cameras.

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PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens with its tilt shift capability and the wide angle is a good make. Although,if you’re using a low end camera with a 1.5x crop, you will not benefit from the wide angle (effective focal length on a D200 or a D300 is 36mm). But put it on a D2X or a D3 and you have some powerful composition at hand! It is nice though that Nikon has relaunched the Perspective control lens again. The 85 mm PC lens is still in the market, and this is a welcome addition for the serious photographers.

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You could read the new blog here and email me your suggestions and questions.

After 2 cross country drives, it does not amaze me to hear from my readers on their interest to do similar long hauls. Many of you have followed my narrative on the cross country drive from California to New York and have asked for my tips and suggestions. I have updated the Travel section of photoduniya.com with as much detail as possible. I shall quickly mention a few of the main points here too:

• Check and re check your vehicle. Check for tire gauge, tire pressure, lubricants, alignments and the electrical circuits.

• If you are carrying heavy load in your car, distribute the weight more towards the center of the vehicle. We carried about 600 pounds with us, but we balanced the weight systematically so that driving in the snow, or steep gradients or turns was never a problem either on the wheels or on the driver.

• If you are planning to drive in winter, be prepared for bad road conditions. The image below is from a normal day in Jackson Hole on the Teton Pass, where there is almost always snow and ice on a 10 degree steep narrow road.

Teton Pass on WY-22

• Take time to enjoy the scenery outside and stop to take pictures and say Hello to someone local. These sort of drives are hardly done once and rarely done twice in a lifetime. So enjoy as much as you can.
• Keep your body hydrated and fed correctly. A sick body and an empty stomach could be fatal when driving for long distances over a period of week. Keep water, juices and some dry food in your car.
• Keep a friend or a relative posted of your drive. One of our family friend had constantly kept in contact with us during the entire drive, making sure that we are safe and forewarning us of any sudden changes to the weather ahead.
• Keep your camera handy and take as many pictures as you can. They would be your memories long after you have finished your trip!

If this has encouraged you to take on a similar long distance drive, go ahead and enjoy. Share your route and trip so that we could possibly plan for something similar.

Today was our last day on this coast to coast drive from California on the West to New York in the East ending at about 6:30 PM Eastern Time clocking 3425 miles on the odometer. It is the tenth day of our trip and we drove the last 400 miles from Pennsylvania to Connecticut in about 6 hours.

Hermitage, PA to Danbury, CT @ photoduniya.com

It was cloudy for the most part of the day, with mild drizzle and the wind blowing the snow off from the road sides. We could see the sun peek for a short five minutes in the afternoon as we were driving past the Hudson Valley in New York. The last leg of the drive, about 140 miles on I-84 East through Pennsylvania and New York was quite rough with the road showing pot holes and icy bridges in several places. Added to that is the office traffic that we hit towards the evening.

Pennsylvania & New York landscape @ photoduniya.com

It has been a tremendous journey for the past ten days. This being our second cross country drive, it was a lot easier and we were able to plan, prepare and roll quite comfortably. The images on this journey are taken mostly while driving on hand held Nikon D200. More on the trip will come up later on the Travel section of photoduniya.com.

We reached Hermitage, about 15 miles east of Pennsylvania & Ohio border on route 80. We traveled a total of about 420 miles from Chicago, IL to Hermitage, PA and about 2,900 miles from California so far on this trip.

Chicago, IL to Hermitage, PA @ photoduniya.com

For the third time in this drive we faced rain and strong winds for most of the drive. The cross winds as strong as 20 miles per hour in some stretches made it difficult to drive at a high speed. Moreover we also lost an hour while crossing over from the Central to the Eastern time zone. The landscape though Illinois, Indiana and Ohio had been quite flat with snow all throughout. The snow occurred a week before but we have been tailing a wind rush all through the day. Added to that was the occasional for and mist that clouded the road ahead.

Landscape along I-80 in Indiana & Ohio @ photoduniya.com

We shall end our cross country drive from California to New York tomorrow as we cross over from Pennsylvania into New York and then into Connecticut. The images on this journey are taken mostly while driving on hand held Nikon D200. More on the trip will come up later on the Travel section of photoduniya.com.

We spent Day 8 in downtown Chicago. Our hotel is right on Michigan Avenue and a block from the major attractions. The day was mostly cloudy and windy with temperatures in the low thirties falling to twenties in the evening. We spent time in the Shedd Aquarium indoors for the most part of the day. The skyline appears perfect from the Grant Park, although there is also a river tour from the Navy Pier which could give you the same view.

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL @ photoduniya.com

The highlight of the evening was the skaters at Millennium Park, or the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink where scores of skaters gathered. We followed them for about an hour before heading off to the shopping malls and see the remaining downtown before it got too cold or windy.

Millennium Park in Chicago, IL @ photoduniya.com

All the images are taken on hand held Nikon D200 on Lexar pro media card. More on the trip will come up later on the Travel section of photoduniya.com.

On our 7th day we reached Chicago, IL after driving for about 2700 miles. Its 10:30 PM CST and about 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside with wind chills close to 2 degrees now, as I just returned from an hour and a half night photography in the downtown Chicago.

The drive had been through Iowa and Illinois with the landscape very uneventful except for the strong cross winds that blew from 20 to 25 mph for most of the drive across Iowa. The better part of the drive was the glorious sunny sky and no snow during the entire day. The image below is taken on I-88 East while driving.

Street photography in Chicago, IL downtown photoduniya.com

We have taken a hotel right in the heart of the city, about one block from the Millennium Park. As soon as we touched the city I sprung out with my camera for any of the night time images. The city was lit with decorative lights from Christmas and the New Year celebrations. But it was so cold and windy that few people were outside at 10 in the night.

Street photography in Chicago, IL downtown photoduniya.com

The images were taken on hand held Nikon D200 without any flash at about 800 ASA on Lexar pro media. I shall update more images from the trip on photoduniya.com.

About 9 hours of drive, and about 700 miles East of Cheyenne, WY, we arrived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, about 10 minutes drive from Omaha, Nebraska. We have covered the entire state of Nebraska, East to West, about 550 miles, in about 7 drive hours. The bright sunshine and low winds were especially helpful.

Sand Desert of Nebraska on I-80 @ photoduniya.com

While we call it a night, its about 10:30 PM Central Time and about 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomorrow, we head again on I-80 East bound to Illinois, probably reaching Chicago or some place close.

The image was taken on hand held Nikon D200 while driving. The camera was metered on the snow and was set to +1.3 to compensate for the white zone.

We drove for over 700 miles from Jackson Hole, WY to the south east corner to Cheyenne, WY. The day had been brilliant, sunny, blue skies and for the most part with very low winds. Though the temperature remained in single digits, the sun made it warm enough for a comfortable drive.

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100 miles south of Jackson Hole in winter @ photoduniya.com

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Assuming that 26 East might have some remnant snow, we decided to take the alternate route 189/191 South to I-80 E just past Rocky Springs. Although I-189/191 was mostly hilly near Jackson, but about 100 miles south, the land became as flat as possible, with nothing but snow for as far as the eye could see.

100 miles south of Jackson Hole in winter @ photoduniya.com

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I-80 East is not different either. Flat snow covered lands lay on both the sides, with table rocks in between. As we moved into the sunset, the rocks in front took on a mild Aspen glow. Our average speed remained between 85 mph to about 90 mph for the most part and we covered the 700 miles in about 9.5 hours with a few coffee and gas stops in between.

Flat land and sunset in Wyoming @ photoduniya.com

These images are taken from the car while driving. The Nikon D200 behaved extremely well both in the cold temperatures of Jackson (9 degree Fahrenheit) and the high speed focus lock-on during the drive by photography.

It’s Day 4 on our 6 days’ Winter drive from California to New York. It is a small planned deviation from our standard Interstate 80 drive, not willing to miss Jackson Hole in Winter. I have been taking some photographs on the way, mostly while driving and sometimes pulling over on the shoulder or at some of the vista points. The weather is about freezing, with day time temperature hovering around 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

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WY-22 pass in Jackson Hole in winter @ photoduniya.com

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Jackson Hole is a small community of about a few thousand people at an altitude of about 6,250 feet. We spent the few hours of sunshine driving on the WY-22 pass, the small town of Wilson and the city center of Jackson Hole for some shopping. The small community is going to gather in a small park behind the hospital on Cache Street to usher in the new year 2008 with fire works and food.

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Snow mobiling on WY-22 pass in Jackson Hole @ photoduniya.com

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It’s about 6:15 PM on December 31 2007, we are tucked in our cozy room in Painted Buffalo Inn and getting ready for the long 650 miles drive tomorrow to Laramie, WY - back on I-80 and heading east. It’s about to get 2 below zero Fahrenheit tonight. Many of the roads, including Route 26 is still closed in various places so we shall have to figure out our way to I-80 as we move ahead.

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Downtown Jackson Hole @ photoduniya.com

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All images done on hand held Nikon D200 with occasional use of built-in flash. More images will be uploaded on the Travel section of Photoduniya.com. Meanwhile, on new year’s eve, to all my readers, best wishes for a happy new year 2008!

Day 3 on the 7 day winter cross country drive from California to New York, and we reached Jackson Hole, WY around 6:15 PM Mountain time, just when the sky got dark and snow started to fall. Jackson Hole is a small deviation on our trip from the West to the East coast on Route 80 east. More so because ever since our first cross country drive in 2003 December, I have always wanted to come back to Wyoming in winter.

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I-33 East about 60 miles from Jackson @ photoduniya.com

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The road had been ice with very gusty cross winds, sometimes reaching 50 mph. You could hear the winds howl and try to sweep you off your feet. But the 300 mile drive from our last stop in Salt Lake City, UT to Jackson Hole in Wyoming, was mostly in the sun with some occasional snow and storm and some rain.

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I-33 East in Idaho @ photoduniya.com

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Our day ended after a fabulous dinner in a local favorite, Bubba’s and in the coziness of our home in Painted Bear Inn for the coming two nights in Jackson Hole.

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Bubba’s restaurant in Jackson Hole @ photoduniya.com

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The images are taken on hand held Nikon D200 with no flash. I shall post the entire travel story at a later date with more images.

We are on the second day of our cross country winter drive, from California on the West US coast, to New York in the East US coast. It is a total distance of about 3,000 miles, with a minor diversion to Jackson, WY. Here is our planned route for the drive.

Driving Route from California to New York @ photoduniya.com

We have crossed California into Reno, NV on Day 1 and we’ve reached Salt Lake City, UT on Day 2. As I write, it is snowing here and more is to come tomorrow morning as we head out north to Jackson, WY.

Day 2 in Salt Lake City, UT @ photoduniya.com

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Since our hotels have not been booked in advance, we are checking in at any location as fits the situation and the time. I shall elaborate the drive later, but wanted to keep my readers posted on my trip and the location.

Day 1 in Reno, NV in winter on New Year 2008 eve @ photoduniya.com

With all the snow and the glitter around, Reno was all set to bring in the new year 2008 with the great festivity and color. It started to snow in the evening and the winds brought the wind chill to single digits. While we move on our drive, we wish Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all my readers!

Mitchel is back in his usual place in Union Square, not ready to miss the Christmas in San Francisco. Taking up a place between wreath and light decorated side street, Mitchel entertained the shoppers and tourists with his melody. His soft French accent is noticeable. Although French, he sings carols in English, Spanish and more in French.

Traveling with his music the world over, Mitchel is always back for Christmas at this place year after year.

Mitchel playing the carols @ photoduniya.com

The image is taken on handheld Nikon D200 on Lexar pro media card. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

After fifteen years of a busy life with jobs and family, Henri has come a full circle back to first love - music. Playing since he was nine he can play most of the wind instruments, but he has a special liking for this particular horn. Now that he has enough to bank on for elementary pleasures, Henri plays on the streets and makes his living with his saxophone.

Henri playing the saxophone @ photoduniya.com

The image is taken on handheld Nikon D200 on Lexar pro media card. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

This Santa Clause has been a silent 45 year old tradition in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. Riding his bike on the flower stand, Santa stands at the corner opposite to Macy’s. This might be a very less known fact that this Santa Clause has been in the city for so long. I came to know while talking to the lady at the flower shop. “I have customers who bring in their children and grandchildren to see our Santa. He has been here for so long that its now a small tradition for us”, she smiled.

San Francisco’s Santa Claus @ photoduniya.com

Photographed with hand held Nikon D200 and Nikon speedlight on Lexar pro media.

It is a regular scene - chess players competing against one another for fun. Seated along various parts of Market Street this is a part of the daily city life. So much so that the chess boards are taped permanently to the tables so that they could be set up or tucked away very fast.

San Francisco Chess Player @ photoduniya.com

The image is taken on hand held Nikon D200. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

Jacob usually plays the keyboard in and around the Westfield Mall on Market. A veteran, he is widely traveled and plays a lot of wind and pipe music. An unfortunate turn of events caused him to go through gum surgery and that quite disabled him from playing the saxophone and the trumpet. It is easy to spot this frail gentleman flaunting his Vietnam medal and a “Kill ‘em All” tag around his neck.

Jacob in San Francisco @ photoduniya.com

With the holidays approaching and each of the street musician bringing out their favorite, or should I say unique makeup, Jacob was happy to be behind the stars and the stripes that he has defended all along. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

Since the early 1960s, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory has been shipping hand made fortune cookies to San Francisco. The lady here, one of the three workers, is making chocolate flavored fortune cookies. She makes them one by one - as the machine bakes them, she has to pick up the half done cookies, fold them, put the fortune inside and cool them off. All done in a span of less than ten seconds per cookie.

San Francisco Fortune Cookie Factory @ photoduniya.com

Photographed with hand held Nikon D200 and Speedlight on Lexar pro media.

While in Hollywood for a couple of days during Thanksgiving, I met a few musicians who were playing the the streets. Shown here is a vocalist and guitar player from Universal Studios.

Also flocked along Hollywood Boulevard were tens of rappers who made their own recordings and sold discs to the tourists. Not that I have seen many of the tourists buy any, but the sheer number of sellers and the fact that this remains their primary living makes me believe that there are quite a few customers. Many are plain agents - far from the art and music and deep into the commercial trades on Hollywood streets.

Guitar player in Hollywood @ photoduniya.com

The image is taken on handheld Nikon D200 on Lexar pro media card. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

Mickey Bridges did not spare attention to the last details - both in his music as well as his showmanship. Dressed in typical jazz suits and boots, and a small deck with colored floodlights, Mickey played the saxophone to the visitors of Universal Studios. His music is of very high caliber and as the tired visitors packed up for the day, they got to listen to some very heartfelt live jazz right round the corner.

Mickey Bridges in Hollywood @ photoduniya.com

The image is taken oh handheld Nikon D200 at approximately 22 mm on Lexar pro media. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

I met Shi Ji while strolling along Chinatown in Los Angeles. In a quite corner in Old Chinatown Shi Ji was playing the accordion. He has been playing for over fifty years now. Apart from the accordion, Shi Ji also plays the traditional Chinese ehru.

Shi Ji on the accordion @ photoduniya.com

The photograph was taken on Nikon D200 with a standard lens and speedlight SB 600. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.

I have met Xuan quite a few times, taking pictures whenever I can and having a word when he takes a breather from playing. A plump gentleman with an ever smiling face greeting the bystanders. His music is traditional, slightly distorted by the electric amplifier that he carries along.

Xuan on the ehru @ photoduniya.com

The photograph was taken on Nikon D200 with a standard lens and speedlight SB 600. More images will be uploaded on the Projects section of Photoduniya.com.