Mandar Karlekar

My New Website

2007-02-15T13:08:00.000+11:00

Hi,
Thankyou to those who have been checking back and reading my blogs regularly.
I have good news, the new website is up!
Check it out at:
http://www.valuephotography.com

Kind Regards,
Mandar.

Its been a bad day..

2006-12-05T00:02:00.000+11:00

Pleeeeeease don't take a picture..
It's been a bad day..

- R.E.M.

Baby Blue Eyes

2006-12-04T00:43:00.000+11:00

Less then a few months old.. this blue eyed kitten is adorable.
I've got other photos of her playing, but this one up close is my favourite..
I love my macro lens.. it captures colour and contrast well.

The cool down..

2006-11-12T18:46:00.000+11:00

My attempt at another self portrait..
A black and white picture, with angled/contoured lighting was the basis of the photo. Then added some photoshop touches to colour the glow.

Mr T&T

2006-10-15T15:56:00.001+10:00

As property prices continue to rise throughout Sydney. Securing that dream location becomes even more of a fight.
For this harbourside entertainer, location IS prime. A view like that at work.. even if he is making a small amount each day, for this old man from Trinidad and Tobago, playing the steelpan soaking up the Sydney sun.. i'm sure it makes life that little bit easier :)

Mr T&T

2006-10-15T15:56:00.000+10:00

Love is in the air..

2006-10-03T23:58:00.000+10:00

Everywhere I look around.. It must be spreading from these newlyweds. On their special wedding day I took many pictures for Josh and Lenka. This one, my favourite.
There is this natural soft yet vibrant glow to them, It could be from the window that was behind them, but then again.. it could just be the magic in the moment.

Stay Close..

2006-10-03T23:41:00.000+10:00

Stay close little man! or you'll get left behind.

Indigeneous Australian..

2006-10-03T23:17:00.000+10:00

The Aborigines are the first human inhabitants of Australia.
This man sits near a busy walkway at the harbour playing the Didgeridoo
Good he was too! Well played mate.. well done, Thumbs up to that!

Body Art..

2006-09-04T00:15:00.000+10:00

Mehndi is the application of henna on the hands and feet of the bride. This beautiful and intricate form of body art celebrates the bride and beautifies her for the wedding ceremony.
This picture I took, of the bride's sisters hands, the bride herself had a far more detailed, and symmetrically beautiful design on her hands.

Carved in stone..

2006-08-29T23:38:00.000+10:00

Portrait of an angel.

A leaf..

2006-08-29T22:51:00.000+10:00

Simple isn't it... its just a leaf. How many times have you stopped to see and smell the flowers on a plant or tree, but have never looked closely at its leaves.
Take a closer look. Look close enough and see life, flowing through its veins.

Tabla Beat Science..

2006-08-23T01:45:00.001+10:00

Tabla genius!.. Nikhil Harischandrakar playing the tabla at a Kirtan in Sydney.
Nikhil, now considered among the best, started learning tabla at the age of 11.
Having completed a post graduate degree, in Sangeet Alankar. Nikhil plays with an energetic heart and soul. Born in India, now pleasing crowds around Australia.

Glow in the dark..

2006-08-23T01:45:00.000+10:00

The girl in white.. saw her from across the lake, she was just staring into the pond, looking at fish perhaps.. but looked kind of freaky.

Marbleous..

2006-08-23T01:39:00.000+10:00

I have a new lens.. from now on you will see more of my close-up photography.
I've been saving up for this lens for a while. Close-up photography is a whole and completely different new world. See things through the lens that your eyes may not normally see. The magic is in the detail. Still learning, and playing with the lens, but heres one of my first attempts. A marble on glass.

What you lookin' at!?..

2006-08-16T02:28:00.000+10:00

Australia most notoriously violent groups are the bikers. You do not get in their way, do not mess with them, you do not get in their way. You try not to photograph them as they are looking at you. That security guard wasn't getting any of the attention, I was. Oops.. run.

50th Post..

2006-08-16T02:20:00.000+10:00

This may be a bit much, but I was just in the mood for something different..
Photoshop magic... I took a picture of the moon in the morning while the sun was just rising. This I merged with a self portrait shot. A little fine tuning in photoshop... and the end result is this.
Finally i've reached 50 images! :)
Hope you have enjoyed them.

Hey Dj

2006-08-15T23:19:00.000+10:00

I'm taking photos near the Opera bar, I hear music. Funky, cool, new house style music. Very popular around the many comsmopolitan chill out bars around the city.
I go to see who's playing this music, and was suprised to find this old man behind the decks. His charisma oozes a score of musical talent. Great music! entertaining those less then half his age, with a sharp suit and a wicked hat.. rock on old man, you still got it!

Kaajal

2006-08-01T01:06:00.000+10:00

World, I present to you my friend Kaajal a.k.a. moose.
Born in South Africa, living in Sydney, gorgeous in red.

Red Beak

2006-07-26T23:31:00.000+10:00

Red beak, black pearl body, this beautiful swan poses for me as the sun glistens off its oily feathers.

Judgment day..

2006-07-18T01:50:00.000+10:00

As soft fluffy white clouds suddenly burst into flames, they roll across the sky raining fire down on the citizens of Sydney, judgment day is here.
Just kidding. It was a lazy Saturday morning and I had mistakenly been woken up by an alarm which was meant for Monday.. Just as I was about to go back to sleep, through the gap in the curtains I see this. I quickly got the camera, and snapped a photo from my bedroom window, then went back to sleep.. turned out okay I think, except the buildings are a bit grainy, there was absolutely no light except from the bright red clouds, so I set it to 800 ISO, with an exposure time of 1/125 of a second, hence the grain.

Ray of light..

2006-07-18T01:40:00.000+10:00

This turned out better then I had expected. I was annoyed at being in the wrong spot for the perfect sunset picture, but this opportunity through the trees made it worthwhile. The light had almost faded completely, a slight adjustment decrease on the shutter speed, changed setting to a sunny day white balance, a slight increase in sharpness and contrast, gave enough light to show a nice foreground even with the backlit setting. Even better that this turned out as I didn't have enough time to grab my tripod, so it was a quick handheld shot.

Vikrant..

2006-07-18T01:10:00.000+10:00

Taking a photo, of a photographer, taking a photo. Smart guy with a good eye for photography.

Clowing around..

2006-07-18T00:58:00.000+10:00

Say hello to the clowns at luna park..

Javeria..

2006-07-13T00:36:00.000+10:00

My friend Jav what a great smile, peace is what the world needs more of.

Baby feet..

2006-07-10T00:45:00.000+10:00

Baby feet, having never walked on earth, when she does, its one small step for a baby one giant leap for her parents.

Patience..

2006-07-07T00:52:00.000+10:00

At the park, this man waits for the perfect sunset moment.
Having gotten there early, with his big afro hair, he stretches out and relaxes on his wooden folding chair, at his prime sunset spot. Camera in hand and ready!
He shields his eyes waiting for the earth to turn in his favor.
Forget the sunset... that happens everyday, this cool character i had to take.

All is still..

2006-07-07T00:19:00.000+10:00

In the still Of the night, the pier holds the rope holds the boat. All is well.
Water is dead still, a few people still awake.. I just love the effect of this caramelised light..

Luna Park..

2006-07-06T00:12:00.000+10:00

Who doesn't like amusement parks.. No matter to what age I live, there will always be a smile on my face and excitement in my heart when I enter an amusement park.

My buddy Smita..

2006-07-05T00:01:00.000+10:00

Yea.. I Thought I saw a kitty kat. In contrast to the photo, That which is Smita.. is far from black and white.

The wait..

2006-07-04T23:06:00.000+10:00

Heres another one, I've got the Sydney harbour blues.. the perfect photo is well out of reach.

Lean on me..

2006-06-30T00:32:00.000+10:00

When you're not strong..
and i'll be your friend..
i'll help you carry on..

mon bel ami..

2006-06-28T01:30:00.000+10:00

Sure is..

Amita n Kaajal

2006-06-28T00:19:00.000+10:00

Friends.. and natural posers.

The bridge returns..

2006-06-24T16:49:00.000+10:00

When in Sydney, photograph the worthy.

Friends..

2006-06-21T01:14:00.000+10:00

My friends, find just enough shade and sit down for a chat, waiting for me to take my photos. This one isnt amazing, but i just love the sunlight coming through the canopy of the trees, casting scatters of light on the table and my friends. I think it looks nice enough to show.

Trust..

2006-06-21T01:08:00.000+10:00

My friend Hasan as he patiently holds his hand out with food, waiting to gain the trust of the swan, which finally it gives.

Lets go that way..

2006-06-21T01:01:00.000+10:00

hmm... camera shy perhaps.. but they all turned away as i went to take a photo.

Mother swan and baby

2006-06-14T08:03:00.000+10:00

Let your mother lead the way to a happy and prosperous swan life.
The beautiful sunset backdrop on cool winter waters makes for a beautiful, stress free life ahead for the baby i'm sure.

Time for a nap..

2006-06-14T08:02:00.000+10:00

This old man has all the right character for a photo opportunity..
As the sun had alomst faded completely, i really wanted another b&w opportunity, the night green leaves behind him would have caused too much unnecessary noise in the photo to perfectly reflect this old man resting oh so peacefully.

A helping hand..

2006-06-14T08:00:00.000+10:00

How cute is she, a father hands his daughter a piece of bread as he comforts her in building up the courage to hand feed the ducks.

To be that duck..

2006-06-14T07:58:00.000+10:00

The gentle calm as the sun retires for the day, and the ducks go for one last swim while theres still light.

Brand new..

2006-06-11T13:45:00.000+10:00

Cradled in her mothers arms, such a stressed expression. Is it the new world she's come into, is it the bright lights, all the new faces? Who knows what they are thinking.. But it would really be fascinating to read the thoughts of a baby.

The 1 Minute Challenge..

2006-06-11T13:34:00.000+10:00

Sit on that chair and dont move for 1 minute and ill give you sweets. Super hyperactive Isha, tempted by her friends crazy jumping antics on the other side of the room, just could not resist. Jumping and yelling crazily was waaaay more fun then some sweets. I caught her hopping off after what seemed to her like 20 seconds of eternity.

Silent Night, Holy Light..

2006-06-11T13:01:00.000+10:00

Usually the mother in law or grandmother will bring out a silver plate with a lit silver lamp (like those lamps used in indian temples), bracelets, tiny gold finger-rings, or a chain for the baby, blessed rice and kumkum. With this and a prayer they bless the mother and child. I took this photo as the mother in law reached for another item in the silver plate to offer to the new mother and baby.

Unsw campus..

2006-06-09T17:36:00.000+10:00

Such a nice environment to study in, pick a bench, read your notes.

Small Water Fountain..

2006-06-09T17:32:00.000+10:00

Just a small simple water fountain.. frame has the fountain, some nice orange flowers and a worn down window.

St Andrews Cathedral.. (Full view)

2006-06-06T00:49:00.000+10:00

Yes, With a slight retouch of tint, St Andrew's Cathedral... looks magical.

Hazem El Masri..

2006-06-05T08:17:00.000+10:00

Hazem El Masri ready to launch into the conversion attempt just after scoring his a hat-trick for the Bulldogs, to break Terry Lamb's try-scoring record.

Aai..

2006-06-05T01:57:00.000+10:00

Aai.. the Marathi translation for mum.

The Finger Wharf..

2006-06-05T01:35:00.000+10:00

Sydneys famous Finger Wharf comes complete with refurbished multi-million dollar apartments owned by celebs such as actor Russell Crowe and singer Delta Goodrem, as well as a number of classy restaurants. Best part about the wharf is its legendary neighbour.. the legendary Harry's Cafe de Wheels pie shop. After a big friday night out, nothing beats one of Harry's famous pies, I ate mine, and snapped this shot.

Cockle Bay Wharf..

2006-05-22T01:42:00.000+10:00

The amazing colours of the Cockle Bay Wharf, on Sydney's famous Darling Harbour.
The mix of colours painting the water are all collected together from advertising signs high above on skyscrapers, shops, nightclubs, restaurants and other entertainment activities of the wharf. In the center with the blue band, is one of Sydneys best nightclubs. Providing clubbers the best in international dj's playing a variety of dance/trance/techno/house.

The Marina..

2006-05-22T01:34:00.000+10:00

Echo on the Marina, a beautifull getaway 5 mins away from work, a short drive during lunch makes for a great view while i eat. Thought i'd share.

My Mum..

2006-05-22T01:33:00.000+10:00

I just told my mum to pull some funny faces, and click click click went the shutter,
Before she knew it, i had a collage and she hates it.

My Dog..

2006-05-22T01:28:00.000+10:00

Max is being bad.. sleeping on the couch, not a care in the world. Sneakily and patiently waits for everyone to leave the room, climbs up on the couch and peacefully doses off. As soon as he hears somebody coming he will hop off, and curl up on the carpet, just like nothing happened. Later I get yelled at for putting him up there when my mum finds his hair stuck to the couch! Well, i've caught him, i've snuck up and taken the shot. finally, incriminating evidence :)

Hyde Park.. - Sydney

2006-05-20T22:47:00.000+10:00

Hyde Park is gorgeous by night. There were many people walking up and down that path that night. With a 30second exposure, all moving objects, i.e. the people are removed.. or you could say, blurred into the scene. The final result was a still and peacefull path.

The St. Andrew's backyard..

2006-05-20T22:21:00.000+10:00

Hidden behind the St. Andrews Cathedral, hidden away from the city's main roads, this place was dark, yet subtle and dimly let in the right places. Perfect for a photograph of this small garden.

St Andrews Cathedral..

2006-05-20T22:01:00.000+10:00

St Andrew's Cathedral located in the heart of the city of Sydney. It was completed and consecrated in 1868 making it the oldest cathedral in Australia.

Sandstone vs Cement..

2006-05-19T14:56:00.000+10:00

The old and the new, the sandstone stands proud, as a sleeping CBD glows silently in its shadow.

The Harbour Bridge..

2006-05-18T14:47:00.000+10:00

By it self.. its just a symmetric mash of metal, built to serve its purpose. Put next to the opera house, city lights and the shimmering reflections off the harbour, it looks spectacular.

The Opera House..

2006-05-18T01:33:00.000+10:00

Good enough as a great wonder of the world..? surely not.
Definately a appreciatable Sydney icon though.

Feeding time..

2006-05-18T01:14:00.000+10:00

Amazing colours, all natural, and all highlighted and almost glowing.. under the sun. I was walking around campus when i spotted these 2 enjoying the day, perched high up on a tree at UNSW.

Think pink..

2006-05-18T00:50:00.000+10:00

Saw the flowers on a table on one morning.. nice bright colour good backlight from the sun and perfect shape, made for a rather nice photo opportunity.

Rain fell..

2006-05-16T15:29:00.000+10:00

Up close, to water on a branch.
I just love the photographic qualities of water on a branch, all the reflections in each drop of water, combined would enough image to piece together the entire tree.