Happy New Year 2014

 

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell." 

May 2014 be the year you conquer yourself; year of positive changes, inner peace and good health!

Happy New Year 2014!

View from my hotel of Gulf of Mexico.

 

This is my first time visiting north west Florida.  This photo of Gulf of Mexico was taken at Fort Walton.  As you know, I am fascinated by sunrises/sunsets.  So you can imagine my excitement when I saw the view from my hotel room.  I was hooked to taking photos and was no longer hungry or tired despite hours of drive. 

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. intrigues me and takes me back to history.  Although I have been there several times, I never get bored (ok except the Fort tour :).  I just love the mix of nature and old style houses.  I had not been there during Christmas time; it was all lit up and the ambience help me get in holiday mode.  

My daring moment

We have seen spirally photos like this time and over right?  Yes, but this photo is special to me because it was taken in a no photography zone.  The photo was taken in a museum where it was prohibited to take any photos.  The house more of a mansion to me was built in the 1900s.  

Not being able to take any photos was a bit bittersweet.  Unhappy that I would not get to capture any of the rooms with antique interiors preserved. Happy that I would be putting down the camera as sometimes it is relieving just to enjoy the view (FYE-For your eyes :).  

However, I could not control myself after seeing the staircase. I ran up and quickly took a shot scared yet excited with adrenaline rush.  All black, oops did not adjust my settings after we entered the house.  So I hurriedly changed the settings and took only two shots as I started to hear people talking (first one was not centered properly).  Then I just walked away as if nothing happened, minus the whistling :)!  

Photographers have been known to disobey rules and do anything for "that" shot.  So although quite small, I was overjoyed that I took the step to make my shot and that I have a story to tell!  I was scared, first that I might get caught because there were security cameras and second that I might be haunted lol, this was a building from the 1900s so who knows right?  Hmm perhaps a good movie concept, photographer being haunted through the photos :)

Sunset in Madeira beach

Beautiful view at Madeira Beach:
I was torn between taking photos of dolphins or the sunset.  Sunset was stable and predictable while the dolphins loved to play around, peek-a-boo, splashhh was all I got. :)  
So I focused more on the scenic view.

Gotta love our furry friends

"Shy guy shy guy...
Oh Lord mercy mercy mercy..."

This little cutie was sitting underneath a desk.  I started to take photos and after only few shots it hid from me as if it were trying to tell me not now OK? That's enough!

Happy Dashain

Finally in Dashain mood after listening to Malashree Dhun and seeing other's posts and photos.  It is a bit tough to switch gear to festive mode living away from home and family.

Here's to wishing you a very Happy Dashain!

May you find peace.
May you prosper!  

Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk 2013

I participated in the Photo Walk at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Here is one of the photos from today's walk.  I was a bit hesitant in signing up for this walk because I did not want to go to another zoo. But it turned out great and I made an attempt to take photos besides just the animals. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who shared their knowledge and experience generously. We did not realize how fast 3 hours went by. I highly recommend the photo walks!  

Portland in Orlando

My hubby lived in Portland for few years.  Although he misses the beautiful city, he sure is glad to be away from the drizzles.  It has been raining in Orlando this week and he keeps telling me "this is exactly how the weather is in Portland".  I took this photo from my phone while waiting in the car.  As long as I've something to take photos with I'm a happy camper no matter the rain or shine.  

Permanence in impermanence

These eerie photos make me wonder about the places and how lively it must have been at one point in history. I am taken back in time where people are going about their daily routine and having a good time with their family and friends.  The photos are a great reminder of the paradox- impermanent yet enduring.

Photo credit:  astrophysicistkev

http://www.boredpanda.com/abandoned-places/

Happy children's day!

September 14th is celebrated as Children's day (Bal Diwas) in Nepal.  I was taking photos from my balcony last year in Kathmandu when I saw these kids in the neighboring house.  After exchanging quick smiles, they brought out their art all set for some "phototime".This photo brings me smiles because of the realization that these girls are going to school and doing some artwork. According to the Americans for the Arts, one of the benefits of including arts in education is that it "stimulates and develops the imagination and critical thinking, and refines cognitive and creative skills".  I wish to see more schools putting emphasis on art and not just on sciences and math.  It is high time that we value professions in the creative line and not raise eyebrows when a child says I want to be an artist when I grow up instead of the conventional or accepted answer of being a doctor or an engineer.  

Darkness and hope

I took this photo back in August when there was supposed to be a blue moon.  Since I did not see anything spectacular that night or perhaps it was bad timing on my part, I decided to play around with the moon.
I remembered this photo today on 09/11 because it reminds of Ying and Yang, shadow and light, black and white, of darkness and hope!

Peace 2013

 Happy Father's Day!  

Here's to celebrating the joy of fatherhood!  

Last year I was in Nepal celebrating Father's day surrounded by family.  

Being away from family during special days and festivals is something I've learnt to live with, well most of the times!  

Turban and teeth

© 2012 Sumona Balla

Perhaps the eldest fruit-seller at the mini bazaar in front of my house in Kathmandu.  He might seem old, but he has a side of playfulness that one cannot ignore.  He might seem feeble, but all day he stands in the corner of the street with his bicycle and basket full of fruits.

My affair with sunsets: Sunset in La Jolla

© 2013 Sumona Balla

One of my favorite things to do is to look up at the ever-changing intriguing sky or in this case look at the horizon as the sun bid farewell for the day.   La Jolla, San Diego is a must visit place if you are looking for sightseeing, tranquility and for being awestruck by nature's beauty.

Something about me

Clickety click blogosphere!

One rainy evening in Pokhara.  

© 2012 Sumona Balla

Welcome to my blog sometimesitjustclicks! 

I am Sumona and am currently living in the beautiful sunshine state.  Academically and professionally I belong to the world of IT.  However, my heart is closer to the creative world.  Throughout my life I have been involved with art in one form or other.  Art has been a part of me through drawing, singing, playing guitar, graphic and web designing.  The latest addition is painting with light aka photography.  

The "gravitational" pull towards photography began in 2011 when I joined an introductory workshop organized by Artudio and The Image Park.  Since then I have come from nervously holding the DSLR for the first time to being confident with my Nikon D5100 (oh yes manual settings all the way baby...quite a brag ehh, pros must be laughing at me by now:)  So, anyone who says "Nice shot! You must have an awesome camera" can zippitt :) I have an ok camera.  Although I would like to own a full frame camera,  I do believe that a good camera is not what makes the photo, you do!  Also, I use 18-55mm kit lens and 55-300mm zoom lens.  

So what is photography to me?  In the past couple years I have realized how numb I was to my surrounding before photography came to my life.  It has awakened me from "automode".  Now I notice.  I stop, look around, observe, feel the ambience and even smell the surrounding. Photography relieves me from stress; I let go of myself and be part of nature, people & their lives and anything that I photograph be it living or not.  When I'm in the zone I forget how many hours I have been shooting or if I am too near a risky situation.  So, yes wise enough to say I must enjoy it.

Although you will find my photos across different genres, I am inclined towards Fine Art photography.  Patterns, colors, shapes, light and shade- sometimes even the mundane everyday sights click to me and I can't help but take out my camera or my phone (more common nowadays).  Being able to add a creative spin by seeing and capturing things from a different point of view intrigues me.  It's like an Aha moment and you know that something just clicked, first in your brain and then in your camera!  

  

And I thought I did not like writing, hmm, I better stop now!

I welcome you to join me as I continue to figure myself out as a person and a photographer.  Please feel free to leave constructive comments & feedbacks!  

Thank you,

Sumona