tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47301538293268232432024-03-19T03:48:45.210-05:00Turmeric n spiceTurmeric n Spice is food blog with hundreds of simple healthy easy to make recipes. A lot of variety of recipes to pick from. A great food blogging resource for food photography. Eye catching images and easy explanation of recipes and techniques of cooking.
turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-6713031341146833732023-08-29T13:42:00.004-05:002023-08-29T13:42:46.133-05:00Mysore Rasam: A Taste of Home and Heritage. Bonus cheat sheet on how to capture steam. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprMB_j5_31EgQ1T2eMbbXgJdmh5vYdmFwO3qbGDWAAFgk31juJXgXH4UQ9kvP0gVtihH6aQLhdMdLRbsLLRFVY3cC0l8fwTvHv_UWdK096l6LWgJadxvwfGelkfEuyFu9MEM3G0dzaXBlszQvEi1lg1xpAvEMzT0GgRaAYvJETCSs8hctndUTKpCZ734/s1202/WomanPouringHotSteamyrasam-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprMB_j5_31EgQ1T2eMbbXgJdmh5vYdmFwO3qbGDWAAFgk31juJXgXH4UQ9kvP0gVtihH6aQLhdMdLRbsLLRFVY3cC0l8fwTvHv_UWdK096l6LWgJadxvwfGelkfEuyFu9MEM3G0dzaXBlszQvEi1lg1xpAvEMzT0GgRaAYvJETCSs8hctndUTKpCZ734/s16000/WomanPouringHotSteamyrasam-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdApahlRC5hrMmbIINFqrUR99N-k-Nzt753CVlzuLE0jJu6kLsU9_XbpB8X3W4UyKkUeSrODOl5Srd01OAAeQ9xmEaEeAo2eKnU8yjbfZZwE2zkdI4keNmaWQBMmzm2Fp2_LKf4UpGwx-xFr82qlzTlLXFkZZCbsVjBxYpRnG-EnFVmS3sboQqxbwG6Ig/s1200/Rasam-Powder-Hands2-LR-SimiJois-2023%20copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdApahlRC5hrMmbIINFqrUR99N-k-Nzt753CVlzuLE0jJu6kLsU9_XbpB8X3W4UyKkUeSrODOl5Srd01OAAeQ9xmEaEeAo2eKnU8yjbfZZwE2zkdI4keNmaWQBMmzm2Fp2_LKf4UpGwx-xFr82qlzTlLXFkZZCbsVjBxYpRnG-EnFVmS3sboQqxbwG6Ig/s16000/Rasam-Powder-Hands2-LR-SimiJois-2023%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is longer than a giraffe's neck, so grab your favorite beverage, settle into your comfiest chair, and prepare for an odyssey of words that rival even the most epic of sagas! Scroll down for a cheat sheet - - how to capture steam.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Growing up as a South Indian girl in North India and eventually moving to the USA has been a journey filled with rich experiences that have shaped my understanding of tradition, heritage, and culture.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-32206abd-7fff-e3fb-4aa2-901180ad3c05"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My story begins in a small town in North India. Our culture was deeply embedded in our daily lives, from the language we spoke to the food we ate. Every year we took a long two-month vacation to my grandparents in Mumbai and in Bengaluru. Even though my maternal grandmother was no more, the home had the vibe of the traditional family home. At my father’s home, I vividly remember the aromas of my grandmother's kitchen, where she would prepare traditional South Indian dishes with a loving touch. Our family gatherings were a cacophony of laughter, music, and the clinking of steel plates. Some special meals were relished on banana leaves.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even though it was all India, there were significant cultural differences. The language changed, the food transformed, and even the way people dressed was different. I felt like an outsider as a young child, not knowing who I really was. But as time passed, I began to appreciate the beauty of diversity in India. I embraced the North Indian culture, learned the language, and developed a taste for both South & North Indian cuisine.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The amalgamation of these two distinct regional cultures within my family made our traditions and heritage even more meaningful. We celebrated festivals like Diwali with the grandeur of North India and Ganesh Chaturthi with the authenticity of South India. It was a harmonious blend that showcased the unity in diversity that India is known for.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fast forward to my move to the USA, and I found myself in an entirely new cultural landscape. The diversity here was on a whole new level. People from all corners of the world lived side by side. My South Indian heritage and my experiences in North India had prepared me well to embrace this new world. I discovered a vibrant Indian community, where traditions and cultural celebrations thrived. It was heartwarming to see people from various parts of India coming together to celebrate festivals and share their unique traditions.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Living in the USA also gave me a fresh perspective on my Indian heritage. I realized that my culture was not confined to geographical boundaries but was a part of my identity, something I could carry with me wherever I went. I became an ambassador of sorts, sharing my culture with friends and colleagues. Indian festivals became an opportunity to showcase our rich traditions through dance, music, and cuisine.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As I reflect on my journey, I see how the interplay of tradition, heritage, and culture has enriched my life. It's not just about preserving the customs of the past but about adapting and evolving while staying rooted in one's identity. I've learned that culture is not static; it's a living, breathing entity that can thrive and flourish even in the most unexpected places. My upbringing as a South Indian in North India and my subsequent life in the USA have made me appreciate the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing one's heritage while being open to new experiences and cultures.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This tapestry of cultural diversity that I've been fortunate to weave through my life has become an integral part of who I am. From the vibrant hues of South Indian traditions to the lively rhythms of North India and now the kaleidoscope of cultures in the USA, each thread has contributed to the fabric of my identity. These experiences have not only opened my heart and mind to the world's rich tapestry but have also taught me that our differences are a source of strength and beauty. I'm immensely thankful for the journey that has shaped me, and I carry the colors of these diverse cultures with pride in my own unique design.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today I am excited to share my maternal grandma's Mysore Rasam. There are a million variations of Rasam recipes ...here's to one more. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9OMZH0miLPBqqmcx4pRXS4XX7rplcLr3GbIkoJgEA1SIyCt8ajAk7iobztp_WpjCZ6Qnm8kJhsaoPJgEobfSba1u9KCXetx76z1BxO4Q4NdIZCjYrVxrNq_4dg09RF65MvM8_31r7HYxYce-4N2wQpv_fGaJmw2EGTW0SYKs2nydO2dI9ASWSfvm8o/s800/SimpleEverydaySouthIndian-ADF-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9OMZH0miLPBqqmcx4pRXS4XX7rplcLr3GbIkoJgEA1SIyCt8ajAk7iobztp_WpjCZ6Qnm8kJhsaoPJgEobfSba1u9KCXetx76z1BxO4Q4NdIZCjYrVxrNq_4dg09RF65MvM8_31r7HYxYce-4N2wQpv_fGaJmw2EGTW0SYKs2nydO2dI9ASWSfvm8o/s16000/SimpleEverydaySouthIndian-ADF-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #f7f7f8; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mysore Rasam is more than just a dish; it's a culinary journey through the heart of South Indian flavors and traditions. Hailing from the royal city of Mysore in Karnataka, this aromatic and tangy soup-like preparation is a beloved staple on dining tables across the region.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #f7f7f8; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes Mysore Rasam truly special is its distinctive blend of spices and the expert balance of flavors. To create this delectable concoction, one begins with a fragrant mixture of roasted spices like cumin, pepper, and coriander, ground to perfection. This spice blend is then gently simmered with cooked lentils and tomatoes, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic base. The magic happens when a tadka (tempering) of ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies are poured over the rasam, releasing a tantalizing aroma that awakens the senses.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #f7f7f8; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mysore Rasam embodies the essence of South Indian cuisine - it's warm, comforting, and invigorating. Traditionally, it's served as a soothing soup, a side dish to rice, or even sipped on its own as a digestive after a hearty meal. It's a delightful embodiment of the region's culinary prowess and its dedication to preserving age-old recipes that are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of South India. It's a reminder that in every spoonful of food, there lies a story of a culture, a history, and a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZhx9-J7_9Y1dpFLgmS4vJe8EjlLIJde96vGhMMoSRFL2iNk4Ku4Hfoqym3gbYSTtUBl_7vh0armKfT2rFVoYdEpPL8WlPDnPLXksDiPKJGKMMJHwauCTHTSKH-empFt_Lryhc2wM3M81jKEaNk9b31_xNitRT5kD6yWAKP73iWz3Knoeb8vfAly2Z3w/s1200/Rasam_Powder-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZhx9-J7_9Y1dpFLgmS4vJe8EjlLIJde96vGhMMoSRFL2iNk4Ku4Hfoqym3gbYSTtUBl_7vh0armKfT2rFVoYdEpPL8WlPDnPLXksDiPKJGKMMJHwauCTHTSKH-empFt_Lryhc2wM3M81jKEaNk9b31_xNitRT5kD6yWAKP73iWz3Knoeb8vfAly2Z3w/s16000/Rasam_Powder-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DOYFIOYNHm9gWWcQpIqzM3JGKpBmqVVfCQ5UAoRnzjv3FewtaUuNmkxxz4rwPYoHNAVd8DgorQXrZcXjyTMw2ktfVQTphZbomoAvycfT4SuoXSuMFLD6CBSIL0aUM1-UIr-rP4-U8JvePEwhyy4bI3rg18ebjsug8zJqir4hPPBGlAiqeiVJ3FZTpVo/s1200/RasamPowder.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DOYFIOYNHm9gWWcQpIqzM3JGKpBmqVVfCQ5UAoRnzjv3FewtaUuNmkxxz4rwPYoHNAVd8DgorQXrZcXjyTMw2ktfVQTphZbomoAvycfT4SuoXSuMFLD6CBSIL0aUM1-UIr-rP4-U8JvePEwhyy4bI3rg18ebjsug8zJqir4hPPBGlAiqeiVJ3FZTpVo/s16000/RasamPowder.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPj_fTdiTdYH3Zhe_xuG2zKsrg1Jd-Ejc4X9CUJU6DoCMmT3k0V5fws9ZNYxe816FZ6X2uD1Zu1n4hkl4AGxt6H_PGXMwf-rVNvHcpEOC37m_En3JTzsa5irkIELBjm21lxyHes4vWh1jDKFxRH19K62txzCprUyMqlKyfn5CGLt4fdF2G54wj9bkuP4/s16000/RasamMysore.png" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steam Photography </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Steam, a transient ballet of water and heat, weaves its ethereal story in the heart of every kitchen. A silent poet in the culinary world.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Invisible yet ever-present, steam rises from a simmering pot or a bubbling kettle. It carries with it the promise of warmth, flavor, and comfort. It's a reminder that the simplest of ingredients, under the alchemy of heat, can become extraordinary.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">As a photographer, I've been drawn to this enchanting phenomenon. With each click of my camera, I capture the fleeting elegance of steam. The dance of the swirls & shapes. Here is a quick cheat sheet for those of you who want to try steam photography. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKknPP5hy_0yanI4vYQPC7ILsMvs-sse4YOV_Kd68xQ8U7s2lCJpXh9NELDYaGfXYRd1Lz5o6LT1Ta2ys5z0OpnIlcbb5N1qnbLVxJp7vV9zPe3Fq6o0gnf1sgnzFFfJyPh1O21bPELVwyksXp6uig6-MaWfG-9THP-2si4P1TeVnmHZQEJ-k3ZO0WrRA/s2000/Aqua%20Blue%20Teal%20Drone%20Tips%20Photography%20Tutorial%20Infographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKknPP5hy_0yanI4vYQPC7ILsMvs-sse4YOV_Kd68xQ8U7s2lCJpXh9NELDYaGfXYRd1Lz5o6LT1Ta2ys5z0OpnIlcbb5N1qnbLVxJp7vV9zPe3Fq6o0gnf1sgnzFFfJyPh1O21bPELVwyksXp6uig6-MaWfG-9THP-2si4P1TeVnmHZQEJ-k3ZO0WrRA/s16000/Aqua%20Blue%20Teal%20Drone%20Tips%20Photography%20Tutorial%20Infographic.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl3yhpzJJNSHQivgWVEgJATBLqV_w9IYVkfXr2kKlxhPve0oePHqyXVLZaKbH7ZzhgM2tH4-uqLfmQUtemutJOqbZe2ytIEctiKdD3Wa6k83AVVGDUVEZardGnonLl8AHmE8isqBvvZKWQLUrj4aLSZrWZTyRHxBX1b76_xFcC_3jXYIab-BxFoPKEE0/s1200/RasamPowder-Kitchen-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl3yhpzJJNSHQivgWVEgJATBLqV_w9IYVkfXr2kKlxhPve0oePHqyXVLZaKbH7ZzhgM2tH4-uqLfmQUtemutJOqbZe2ytIEctiKdD3Wa6k83AVVGDUVEZardGnonLl8AHmE8isqBvvZKWQLUrj4aLSZrWZTyRHxBX1b76_xFcC_3jXYIab-BxFoPKEE0/s16000/RasamPowder-Kitchen-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" /></a></div><br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-31520525508294169842023-08-22T16:59:00.004-05:002023-08-22T17:10:57.718-05:00Unveiling My True Calling: A Journey of Self-Discovery through my lens <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXLCAempm7Wwl9gBPA_-D25HVpB2HfNUAKDZ2XVU1oiY5JUbyOPRwWUh7ARPgqg4CZyx3nTlbT5cUUzVTwn5AfUFCzCINuATAfsAVHsQtzcFXRBfHMeoB15UIhVWA23aomB4W8vI0pDIMJmN7rylmvhsVAgCBSaBJPux5zm75GQ4Iwy2CwCOZUNysliA/s1500/Flowers-Dreamy-Romantic-Spring-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois photography" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXLCAempm7Wwl9gBPA_-D25HVpB2HfNUAKDZ2XVU1oiY5JUbyOPRwWUh7ARPgqg4CZyx3nTlbT5cUUzVTwn5AfUFCzCINuATAfsAVHsQtzcFXRBfHMeoB15UIhVWA23aomB4W8vI0pDIMJmN7rylmvhsVAgCBSaBJPux5zm75GQ4Iwy2CwCOZUNysliA/s16000/Flowers-Dreamy-Romantic-Spring-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" title="Simi Jois photography" /></a></div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Life often presents us with opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment in the most unexpected ways. For me, that journey began with a camera in hand and evolved into a powerful fusion of discipline, meditation, and the art of photography.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Growing up, I was like a leaf blowing in the wind, carried along by the currents of life without a clear sense of purpose. I was not interested in anything and interested in everything. Seems like an oxymoron but it was true. Everyone around me seemed to know what they wanted from life .....it took me a very long time.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I felt like a puzzle missing a crucial piece, a ship without a North Star to guide me. This prolonged quest for purpose often left me feeling adrift, as if I were wandering through a vast wilderness with no clear path ahead.</span></div></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7de67ee1-7fff-1b96-aacf-49a2cd3dfa56"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SFQl4-v7jIH1oewCUZytWrtAgkgRcWt0XZbNEWTvhVKuAeJ9D9rCRSMzB0kWTVUY8gXsdGd5yXvBn6DQRNibbdzSxf2K4G7EPWwN40unRTsxhHTTLn4OqN2__IK4qQE8di_NXi-COSw0Givu8pF7ln3jISt0ABOBcKWTW6IRo7LXAQjNxdqPhwIq1ls/s1779/Woman-Bouquet-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois photography" border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SFQl4-v7jIH1oewCUZytWrtAgkgRcWt0XZbNEWTvhVKuAeJ9D9rCRSMzB0kWTVUY8gXsdGd5yXvBn6DQRNibbdzSxf2K4G7EPWwN40unRTsxhHTTLn4OqN2__IK4qQE8di_NXi-COSw0Givu8pF7ln3jISt0ABOBcKWTW6IRo7LXAQjNxdqPhwIq1ls/s16000/Woman-Bouquet-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" title="Simi Jois photography" /></a></div><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> I faced countless moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and frustration. It seemed as if my true calling was an elusive mirage, always just out of reach. At times, I even questioned whether I had any unique talents or passions to discover. As my personal life was unfolding beautifully, I found it hard to articulate the creative hunger within me. A part of me thrived and the other part was waiting to express. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Then, one fateful day, as I turned the corner of middle age, I found myself gravitating towards something new – a hobby, a passion, a whisper of purpose. It was photography, an art form that spoke to my soul like nothing else before. The lens became my companion, and through it, I began to see the world in vibrant detail.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With each click of the camera, I felt a profound sense of connection and purpose. The images I captured weren't just pictures; they were moments of my life's narrative, expressions of my innermost self. It was as if I had finally found the missing piece of my puzzle, the North Star guiding me home.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With the passage of time came wisdom. I realized that the journey itself was teaching me invaluable lessons. It was in the detours, setbacks, and unfulfilling ventures that I learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of introspection. These years of searching were not wasted; they were the chisel that carved away the excess to reveal the true sculpture beneath.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As I delved deeper into the world of photography, I began to realize that it was more than just capturing images; it was a form of self-expression. Through the lens, I found a voice that allowed me to communicate my thoughts, emotions, and perspectives without uttering a single word. It was liberating.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But empowerment through photography was not just about pointing and shooting. I soon discovered that the key to unlocking its true potential lay in the discipline. I committed myself to mastering the technical aspects of photography – from understanding the intricacies of lighting to perfecting composition. Discipline became my guiding star, shaping my photographic journey.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yet, discipline alone was not enough. It was in the stillness of meditation that I found the missing piece of the puzzle. Photography became a form of meditation in itself. Behind the lens, I learned to be fully present, to immerse myself in the moment, and to see the world with a heightened sense of awareness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Meditation taught me patience, an essential virtue in photography. Waiting for the perfect light, the right moment, or the ideal composition required a calm and composed mind. It was in these moments of waiting that I found solace and a deeper connection with the world around me.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The fusion of discipline and meditation transformed my photography into a form of art that not only captured external beauty but also reflected my inner journey.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Through photography, I learned to embrace imperfections, find beauty in the mundane, and appreciate the fleeting nature of life. It became a mirror through which I could explore my own vulnerabilities and strengths, ultimately leading to a profound sense of self-empowerment.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My journey of self-empowerment through photography, discipline, and meditation continues to unfold. It's a path filled with endless possibilities, where each click of the shutter is a reminder that true empowerment begins from within, and the world is our canvas to express our unique vision and voice.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGn4Rav3e83Pce6OOGwoKPAg2BuyB-88Znoarm8Epz4PQmrYGGolRvq8DJ5yKnDou0abDI46YdtrwCMX8ZD0ciJ3-9p8vCZ5WQHS2XvsTfFi5S2lU9wqLtJNMfZF9uxAPSixn6ll55HW3J4QYEv1LY9M3OAy35jSGpfaqaJbplIEBpQzluXg2vJM568k/s1177/WhiteLily-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois photography" border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGn4Rav3e83Pce6OOGwoKPAg2BuyB-88Znoarm8Epz4PQmrYGGolRvq8DJ5yKnDou0abDI46YdtrwCMX8ZD0ciJ3-9p8vCZ5WQHS2XvsTfFi5S2lU9wqLtJNMfZF9uxAPSixn6ll55HW3J4QYEv1LY9M3OAy35jSGpfaqaJbplIEBpQzluXg2vJM568k/s16000/WhiteLily-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" title="Simi Jois photography" /></a></div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px;"><div><span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><br /></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px;">Often, it's not about actively searching for your true calling, it but about embracing life with an open heart and a curious spirit. Trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and following your interests can lead you to unexpected discoveries about yourself and your purpose. When you allow yourself to be open to the experiences that come your way, your true calling has a way of revealing itself naturally. It's a reminder that the path to self-discovery is a dynamic and evolving process, and sometimes, what you seek finds you when you least expect it. I am excited to see the next chapter in my journey. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, filling our days with obligations, routines, and distractions. But beneath the surface of our busy lives, there's a persistent voice, a yearning to connect, to express, and to create. And it's this inner voice that I've decided to heed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, why return to regular blogging? It's because I've come to understand that sharing my thoughts, experiences, and insights on this platform isn't just a pastime; it's a vital part of my journey. It's a way for me to connect with all of you, to share the lessons I've learned, the stories that have shaped me, and the ideas that fuel my passion.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In this digital age, where information flows like a river, there's something profoundly human about carving out a space for authentic expression. It's about more than just words on a screen; it's a channel through which we can explore our creativity, our aspirations, and our shared human experience. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Stay tuned for ramblings, recipes, experiences, and more. If you want to write me a personal note you can email me - at turmeric53@gmail.com </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz7AZsmP9RbsFQ9np2Nih2lYvEOJDbj-j2oGAjBdY53Vyd_wmkEgW7tJrwDLc1TEYfDRd5B86w16mUQFzzRdn0BaoOSWLPbrXwNphH5JtjGzq0osHt_9lumP1UIR3dgIuk-60B7K8z6UIir9upRxGBe1R26hzM30XBI6SMxINsJ_M_xvAmPiNp3RrPQM/s1196/Soa-Relax-SelfLove-LR_simiJois-2023%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois photography" border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz7AZsmP9RbsFQ9np2Nih2lYvEOJDbj-j2oGAjBdY53Vyd_wmkEgW7tJrwDLc1TEYfDRd5B86w16mUQFzzRdn0BaoOSWLPbrXwNphH5JtjGzq0osHt_9lumP1UIR3dgIuk-60B7K8z6UIir9upRxGBe1R26hzM30XBI6SMxINsJ_M_xvAmPiNp3RrPQM/s16000/Soa-Relax-SelfLove-LR_simiJois-2023%20copy.jpg" title="Simi Jois photography" /></a></div><br /><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 2.1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></p><div><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-45774976355743494512023-08-04T16:10:00.005-05:002023-08-04T16:16:27.925-05:00Photography & digital art - how to be true to your voice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJLQXUw6sFOBoplin-tNEt9E51VuCjtrMzeDlS-oxu5kLBOWa7bMIgdyd6hfMe-jgOTFyV_6blEdvyfN4B-pj7w34Ey5ZWJ1tc1KUtP3qlvbV_UAzw9fhDcBhozRxOyNdxmVC-vXWB54hlGZWUdu4-1P_6GGpqyHifdUIABGurZHoMnQ0Xt4Q8gP-JbI/s1000/BlackHole2-LR-SimiJois%20copy%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJLQXUw6sFOBoplin-tNEt9E51VuCjtrMzeDlS-oxu5kLBOWa7bMIgdyd6hfMe-jgOTFyV_6blEdvyfN4B-pj7w34Ey5ZWJ1tc1KUtP3qlvbV_UAzw9fhDcBhozRxOyNdxmVC-vXWB54hlGZWUdu4-1P_6GGpqyHifdUIABGurZHoMnQ0Xt4Q8gP-JbI/s16000/BlackHole2-LR-SimiJois%20copy%202.jpg" title="black hole" /></a></div>What does photography mean to me? For me, photography is a digital medium to express my work. I start out with a concept/idea in my head....chew on it for a few days. Then allow it to take form, it almost always starts with a seed of thought. It is not always that I find success, some concepts need to curate a bit longer than others. This image for example is a work in progress I am not done with it yet, it will take a few trials before I can call it done. <div><br /><div><div>I often get asked if a good photographer needs to use an editing tool. I look at myself as a digital creator, where some of my images barely need any retouching, others might have a lot of digital manipulation to create an image.</div><div><br /></div><div>That brings me to the subject of authenticity, authenticity is a loaded word and it depends on the context. When I created a body of work for <a href="https://pages.adobe.com/stock/en/advocates/artists/simi-jois" target="_blank">Adobe - Taste of Heritage</a> it was very important for me to build the story around cultural authenticity. However, all my projects are not woven around culture or heritage. Some of my projects are just a play of light, texture, and a painterly feel. Still, others are concepts that I want to bring to life. Then authenticity would mean being true to that creative voice. It is a very fluid process and you really cannot quantify it. You know when an image is done that is it done. In such projects authenticity is personal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Coming back to retouching, it is not a magic wand. It requires vision, knowledge, and skill, just like photography. It is also a tool like your camera. I often tell my students, to learn your tools. Be it your camera, lens, lights, or retouching tools. It does not make us better artists if we used only natural light or did not re-touch.. whatever your pet peeve. It makes you a better artist when you know how to execute your idea ( or a client's idea). </div><div><br /></div><div>There are some days when the light from the window is just so beautiful that I walk towards it and just click - nothing else is required in that image. There are times when I want to create an image that is abstract like a visual representation of a black hole - so I go read up all about black holes. What intrigues me about black hole is its capacity to swallow light and create a singularity. For me, the singularity is represented by a void - the black. Light is the sun - the flames of fire (Agni). For weeks I have been thinking about it. In this image, I used t-lights, the one that changes colors ( battery ones). I used long exposure (30 seconds) in a pitch-dark room, rotating the t-lights. Then I bought light overlays and brushes - combined all of it in Photoshop and this is the image. It is still a work in progress, I have not really nailed it yet. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZANSTMCHpfl04R1RDhOWJnbxfEcaru9tsR-lQyJSevqV0RBJNjnNRzvSsRawkfy9DMj5sHzE4fQVF2qjNKcp7x586In9ZAuJhZ3djgbu3qMMd51mJb_-YJDxSI1gTtImRkHZR5cYnQAla2j5rx_SU5h9XSF6Es59kQJrPLSX_ShumlTuzNKphS81irgQ/s1000/Cosmos-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZANSTMCHpfl04R1RDhOWJnbxfEcaru9tsR-lQyJSevqV0RBJNjnNRzvSsRawkfy9DMj5sHzE4fQVF2qjNKcp7x586In9ZAuJhZ3djgbu3qMMd51mJb_-YJDxSI1gTtImRkHZR5cYnQAla2j5rx_SU5h9XSF6Es59kQJrPLSX_ShumlTuzNKphS81irgQ/s16000/Cosmos-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" title="black hole" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The original image before it was edited. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILys_whcGmAIO3cfT6h2toy2WRU8E4BJvRH2JoYNWddAxN2jeEMZe2BcFp5kPtet1vhf6LfWlZrWkk7YkTvij20sYqCeBjcnT7VPT6v73wNpr-epRJndFdqJQ0RNrn7cIQZIkKBxUFxjVCKQpP1gmcv34LZREIR2H-mDWJxHVUpPgYmalm5tghTcAZs8/s1000/DSC_3843%20copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILys_whcGmAIO3cfT6h2toy2WRU8E4BJvRH2JoYNWddAxN2jeEMZe2BcFp5kPtet1vhf6LfWlZrWkk7YkTvij20sYqCeBjcnT7VPT6v73wNpr-epRJndFdqJQ0RNrn7cIQZIkKBxUFxjVCKQpP1gmcv34LZREIR2H-mDWJxHVUpPgYmalm5tghTcAZs8/s16000/DSC_3843%20copy.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><br />There are a few more light painting images I want to share - it is still life, long exposure, and painting with a flashlight. Sharing both edited (below) & unedited. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip40eL1qlnDN8kxWfJ66NO5oSDRPF-Dlrn_H50Xz_Ca-ZSGBukVS0swLrUn-9EDt7ny-Hkj-oXpmPu8MKTFPS5XKdDud0wdarxOXNG1fqMYnkgFWVvEUXPtdk2a85tFioKK5IpuOfEsbsMjoXuUQZFnajg8LZeyLWmsl0iz4-4SIOkDWuHxIQwLthzMkw/s750/Lily-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip40eL1qlnDN8kxWfJ66NO5oSDRPF-Dlrn_H50Xz_Ca-ZSGBukVS0swLrUn-9EDt7ny-Hkj-oXpmPu8MKTFPS5XKdDud0wdarxOXNG1fqMYnkgFWVvEUXPtdk2a85tFioKK5IpuOfEsbsMjoXuUQZFnajg8LZeyLWmsl0iz4-4SIOkDWuHxIQwLthzMkw/s16000/Lily-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2023.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZdTnAnQbXIuHVuj97wwmJ_RJ6yvE5B2vSfRBKBVeYTeX7I0ZrxFkBrNKv3S7puPKe_K0Yelxvj6sjtIdcaEDWyZ6wtfZnIdYteo_O8OY3fGtayKFQppBruXctAhXdwHiQVUp5mL6SibIhQJPuKDIxeaySBGbJw9TcdhOLgX2PD3y9stnQcL1D_GG3Rg/s750/Lily-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2023RAw.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZdTnAnQbXIuHVuj97wwmJ_RJ6yvE5B2vSfRBKBVeYTeX7I0ZrxFkBrNKv3S7puPKe_K0Yelxvj6sjtIdcaEDWyZ6wtfZnIdYteo_O8OY3fGtayKFQppBruXctAhXdwHiQVUp5mL6SibIhQJPuKDIxeaySBGbJw9TcdhOLgX2PD3y9stnQcL1D_GG3Rg/s16000/Lily-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2023RAw.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As you can tell the first set of images required quite a bit of post-processing and the second set did not. It is all very relative, it is what you want to create and how you want to use your tools. Authenticity is not really about - unedited images, it is more about representation of accuracy when required. If you are creating your abstract version of the black hole or beauty of a Lilly - the sky is the limit. Just be authentic to your voice. <br /><p></p><p>Some of the other concept images that I have created. </p><span></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAbKX_jfmp8o4EOfHXl3m5Z71NuzEpMHOLpRMvmMr3SWoc3u5aj3kzZ6bUP3vcZoHvivseWrSSwyDMs59CUd6-eOk5xmareaJGEHaUBR9E7xDLOXik2pkDbHoyS7yNTSySV44_6QwlGZCvW82bUTO4aqNSyGBwbralbfAZ0q-4NgyC1wZjyekZtjnxmo/s1124/SelfPortrait-Monochrome-SimiJois.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAbKX_jfmp8o4EOfHXl3m5Z71NuzEpMHOLpRMvmMr3SWoc3u5aj3kzZ6bUP3vcZoHvivseWrSSwyDMs59CUd6-eOk5xmareaJGEHaUBR9E7xDLOXik2pkDbHoyS7yNTSySV44_6QwlGZCvW82bUTO4aqNSyGBwbralbfAZ0q-4NgyC1wZjyekZtjnxmo/s16000/SelfPortrait-Monochrome-SimiJois.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-BVL8XrU9ZeaKjUoCHuKWMKa1ZboMWt7QI9TUt_mwv_SwMfT3y-3qhplBmJgKgdjRxurZs6Hze70h6eMoBRDcXhssX3dKBNXDQsd-qjXB5zMWblckydY76EP5OKD-5VUcbhQixks6ygKBa9IeCjlmS8FbyoICRdmPTnjIIACmlFz8grrpW-a3wKfXKU/s1124/HourGlass-Seasons-SimiJois-2020.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-BVL8XrU9ZeaKjUoCHuKWMKa1ZboMWt7QI9TUt_mwv_SwMfT3y-3qhplBmJgKgdjRxurZs6Hze70h6eMoBRDcXhssX3dKBNXDQsd-qjXB5zMWblckydY76EP5OKD-5VUcbhQixks6ygKBa9IeCjlmS8FbyoICRdmPTnjIIACmlFz8grrpW-a3wKfXKU/s16000/HourGlass-Seasons-SimiJois-2020.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s0gV09I54DFWpF0x72SKpgWELTAXuHe44Ner4tVOKRP8ZKgLj4zEVq_1icSFkv3_EMRAWsh5aGRYthRrkNECABd7-tGA7h-gpsKPhMIS1EC3LmJiohvICxMTM8Z8KCOgA13YS4PknwvuJhrD4xveNmDfDFSANvJuJg4dj7ct9ikk-7sjYIM6lNS29gY/s750/Landscape-Final3-LR-Book%20copy%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s0gV09I54DFWpF0x72SKpgWELTAXuHe44Ner4tVOKRP8ZKgLj4zEVq_1icSFkv3_EMRAWsh5aGRYthRrkNECABd7-tGA7h-gpsKPhMIS1EC3LmJiohvICxMTM8Z8KCOgA13YS4PknwvuJhrD4xveNmDfDFSANvJuJg4dj7ct9ikk-7sjYIM6lNS29gY/s16000/Landscape-Final3-LR-Book%20copy%203.jpg" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div><br /><br /></div>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-51124120284633598992022-11-09T18:53:00.001-06:002022-11-09T18:53:10.315-06:00What really is a creative block ? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVeV_2GcIrSzlTO74-o6AL-jp54yXhnLOuBJwr0vW9DobnhwALf3xO6OtIzcT_bBL9OnQ-S7nWLq-y7UZf-LTLGq_cJioIfwwW8-WSFADJzLTFPaYBeN0tf1wug_s2s6uBj-4nOLw0vhKciVw1OFP2qbHW-WMgPWq7lF5XRU2yeBIN-DG5GeIHwgg/s1200/RedChili_slip-Red-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVeV_2GcIrSzlTO74-o6AL-jp54yXhnLOuBJwr0vW9DobnhwALf3xO6OtIzcT_bBL9OnQ-S7nWLq-y7UZf-LTLGq_cJioIfwwW8-WSFADJzLTFPaYBeN0tf1wug_s2s6uBj-4nOLw0vhKciVw1OFP2qbHW-WMgPWq7lF5XRU2yeBIN-DG5GeIHwgg/s16000/RedChili_slip-Red-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><div>We are so used to always doing, and achieving, that anytime there is a pause in our lives we do not know how to react. As a child, I was always driven by action because that is what I was told, "do not waste your time." If you are not 'doing' something it was assumed you are wasting time, daydreaming was never really encouraged. A full schedule is equated to being productive... it reminds me of a hamster wheel. Fast forward to my present-day life, I am not guilty of sitting in my studio doing nothing and waiting for the world to go by. This is special because when we sit doing nothing ( we think it is nothing)....the seeds of a creative idea are planted. If one can sit still for long enough, the idea will sprout. But we never give ourselves that chance. </div><div><br /></div><div>In social media or real life, everyone is in a rush, we hurry ...what if we take a moment to pause. The buds take time to bloom, and so does the seed, it takes time to sprout. For me, creative block is a needed pause to clear my mind from the clutter of doing, and from there, something exceptional will emerge. If you have a creative seed in you, it will sprout. You have to give the right environment for it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwrHApEI0hI-ZlRRgzYPG2XUsJ1ggpx9duMyiqTeiWZzeErihc8rDu6xJ_K3WsTHnQ67ahfORmjJR_4H4rrZRJyWAe8cSmp0bRjiAAvROryvjyb9nR7SgPNw4AYCGCQsjwu_axbUX3nlyEzgE4yofJResjYmQhYZdtiAouA0bEAld-ik3BzxuPmd1/s1135/SmokingRedPepper-2-LR-SimiJois-2022%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwrHApEI0hI-ZlRRgzYPG2XUsJ1ggpx9duMyiqTeiWZzeErihc8rDu6xJ_K3WsTHnQ67ahfORmjJR_4H4rrZRJyWAe8cSmp0bRjiAAvROryvjyb9nR7SgPNw4AYCGCQsjwu_axbUX3nlyEzgE4yofJResjYmQhYZdtiAouA0bEAld-ik3BzxuPmd1/s16000/SmokingRedPepper-2-LR-SimiJois-2022%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What do I mean by the right environment? In my workshop, I usually see a lot of students start out with disappointments, the burden of expectation is so heavy that they drown their creativity in it. " I am not getting it", "my images are terrible", "no one is going to like my images" ...and so on. I always have one question to ask...did you enjoy taking the pictures. Rome was not built in a day, it takes time to hone your skills. The only true yardstick for success and growth is - are you enjoying what you are doing without judging the outcome? If yes you are on the right path. We burden ourselves with ownership and outcome. If you release that, maybe you will release your creative block. The very word block blocks us ...what if we called it a creative pause instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you are having a creative lull, maybe a walk outdoors may help. Nature has never failed to inspire. But before you start assuming you are in a block, give yourself a few days or even weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>The right environment is recognition, appreciation, and enjoyment...Start asking yourself - am I having fun. So, if you are shooting spices and you are not enjoying them, drop them. Go for a walk, and take your camera. Or take some paints and play with them. Find something that gives you pleasure. Go from there. Be, gentle with yourself, self-encouragement is really important, it is a mindset and it really helps one grow. </div><div><br /></div><div>The pause should not be confused with laziness and procrastination. I even question laziness ...am I just lazy or am I exhausted at some level and need that break. Only we can sit with what comes from us and we just have to be brutally honest with ourselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is what works for me, I try not to judge myself ( it is always a work in progress), we are always learning. What really matters is how much fun I am having, I want to be like a child...</div><div><br /></div><div>So in conclusion I would just say that I do not think there is anything called a block. A pause may be, and for all, you know it may be filled with creative juiciness... just wait and see what unfolds. Remember gentleness and do not forget to have fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of times my students tell me that my prescription is so difficult, it is so hard as adults to have fun and to be light without getting weighed down by the outcome. My dream is to have a workshop in a beautiful natural sanctuary where one whole day is devoted to just using paints and creating fun. When we say creating art, we instantly have an expectation of something spectacular. The mornings are spent watching the sun-rise...where we pick our camera without judgment and we paint with our lens. When we create from that relaxed energy, it shows, appreciation happens as a by-product. When that shift happens, you will no longer be bothered about recognition because you would have had so much fun that you will not care about the outcome. Like photography, this mindset is a work in progress. It is a beautiful place to be. I cannot say I am there yet, but I am surely on that path and it is liberating. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to know your views on creativity, block, muse, and what is your journey like?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QImigG4ijA0MJHVfsqjJagf_1Zy0aQTICyWjo5YFHwpUTzBAxV_1DDGQcAF0PD-lbJTqMCBavdM56uAEwyVQMsbfDZeNeqkuRNmiWXhIH3sbkUd3V8gGt5gS_p1_dk7nOMmqjPnoC1ce6I6Tfplx4I8irlvtqb3gEZ0PMlfM4exxDbdRei0au916/s800/Red-Long-Pepper-Square-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QImigG4ijA0MJHVfsqjJagf_1Zy0aQTICyWjo5YFHwpUTzBAxV_1DDGQcAF0PD-lbJTqMCBavdM56uAEwyVQMsbfDZeNeqkuRNmiWXhIH3sbkUd3V8gGt5gS_p1_dk7nOMmqjPnoC1ce6I6Tfplx4I8irlvtqb3gEZ0PMlfM4exxDbdRei0au916/s16000/Red-Long-Pepper-Square-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-61824873338936716522022-11-03T09:18:00.004-05:002022-11-03T09:18:57.655-05:00Fall Images - 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkhf7cJMWUrRGneCF8vm0znpl7pqE7_aAuH6M087BkbO2WgiuaXamfNZPhM5BhqTRAy9gTVCHZ-d8C8xeNRdLo0Gw6fWeWg4U7l52VH50xuk7mHQOVKNOTrEfi8d1ZFAIW9SxQNLouxRS0TEHWInRBp21vcp5R7ZlgorJkp4jFTPbsML9xe6RSSxk/s800/Fall-Forest-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkhf7cJMWUrRGneCF8vm0znpl7pqE7_aAuH6M087BkbO2WgiuaXamfNZPhM5BhqTRAy9gTVCHZ-d8C8xeNRdLo0Gw6fWeWg4U7l52VH50xuk7mHQOVKNOTrEfi8d1ZFAIW9SxQNLouxRS0TEHWInRBp21vcp5R7ZlgorJkp4jFTPbsML9xe6RSSxk/s16000/Fall-Forest-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-NjsfTNmonnO73N7XoJ5jvbMy8arGPOBUHoFOIxZgphsZ2f0R-INQZLTqbWceyEUDvk1UK5K7jn91QE9jMrTx60vXf-FYT8I2gvoVzIhd_x07JGVc2FTv4eDdyjlP2MfahFoMaGlJf3ionv6baII8uXe7SIG7BDWVp7b7RCqbx9c2NkNKrm6z44H/s800/RedFallLeaves-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-NjsfTNmonnO73N7XoJ5jvbMy8arGPOBUHoFOIxZgphsZ2f0R-INQZLTqbWceyEUDvk1UK5K7jn91QE9jMrTx60vXf-FYT8I2gvoVzIhd_x07JGVc2FTv4eDdyjlP2MfahFoMaGlJf3ionv6baII8uXe7SIG7BDWVp7b7RCqbx9c2NkNKrm6z44H/s16000/RedFallLeaves-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Capturing fall in all it's glory has always been my dream, alluring at the same time elusive. The very reason why it is elusive it is also alluring...because you really do not know what you are capturing but it pulls you in like a magnet. From tree to tree, leaf to leaf and color to color. The music of the wind and the dance of the leaf to that music. To be able to get that in a still is nothing short of magic. I am no magician... but why judge the outcome? I enjoyed every moment of creating each of these images. As I walked from tree to tree ...trying to listen at what the leaves were trying to tell me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The process of photography is much like loosing yourself to the moment. Contradictory to the belief that you loose the moment if you are trying to capture it. To me I become more intimate with the moment when I see it through my camera. Dorothea Lange rightly says, " the camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" That is precisely what photography has done for me. made me more aware of the silence that hide in things. The little bokeh, the nuaces of the dynamic range. It is nothing sort of meditation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I entered this little forest, I was a strager and I felt I was invading the space: typical human behaviour ....this is the first time I have had this realization that we humans almost assume that all space ir our space. At first I walked around, sat a bit and just looked ...before I knew it it was an hour....only when I felt my presence was kind of acknowledged that I started to make pictures. I only realized all of this when I got back into my car and looked back at the forest, from a strange place I had never been to, to a familiar place ...the transformation was mutual. As if the trees were ok with me hanging out with them. The clouds gave way to sunshine and magical light allured me from tree to tree. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed creating them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2LEormrJXAv9PHsviBaZetLz-qo3aIp6cKagU37ItB_1jSGrcoRFqxr_PEt5Hd2Y8Zzp5YvruUnhVpm5Q-MWS6i8nPJQVK4F5ZOE7_zxDzOcqgesXKO_ZptoVCJg1vVH5uxlzL7r8sR3lShQdDYYR3GAh26D7ikhpnHyNhwN9ieiFVBX1KjHmKMl/s800/Fall-Forest4-LR-SimiJois-2022%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2LEormrJXAv9PHsviBaZetLz-qo3aIp6cKagU37ItB_1jSGrcoRFqxr_PEt5Hd2Y8Zzp5YvruUnhVpm5Q-MWS6i8nPJQVK4F5ZOE7_zxDzOcqgesXKO_ZptoVCJg1vVH5uxlzL7r8sR3lShQdDYYR3GAh26D7ikhpnHyNhwN9ieiFVBX1KjHmKMl/s16000/Fall-Forest4-LR-SimiJois-2022%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqol8A-vs4PY_EyT3nwOdqpsI6t3KUOMDf8-DGJ72vdFiDIC_2N225Sm_w6JZ4eSlJGQe37yyXitxeTtfDEKeMuYw6dZu5OvM2eo3Zx7iitHXVwLsG-4TUc1oNFYnhtOXC1jVd59w4jSY8r1e7W22Ol4-qhVADoM7LAOJ7Lf_xbdPz3LfWiFEklEf/s800/Fall-Golden-Tree-4-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqol8A-vs4PY_EyT3nwOdqpsI6t3KUOMDf8-DGJ72vdFiDIC_2N225Sm_w6JZ4eSlJGQe37yyXitxeTtfDEKeMuYw6dZu5OvM2eo3Zx7iitHXVwLsG-4TUc1oNFYnhtOXC1jVd59w4jSY8r1e7W22Ol4-qhVADoM7LAOJ7Lf_xbdPz3LfWiFEklEf/s16000/Fall-Golden-Tree-4-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6nXtA5ghwYA-XdMV_mf13MIelBG5Ek3t-MQS25hOXcqeVqpi0MYKjyB2DCAiAYX2K3u75PWYucuS02Hrm8aO7mmvFWc7M38uNTgXu8BGPNJbJmjv0B1tqo9cAY5uu-P4ij0ScXAMs7IX400DCu-XkDzc-QYHR_9HkmZAdwcRJExPZYjXBIEelFC/s800/FallColorLeaves-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6nXtA5ghwYA-XdMV_mf13MIelBG5Ek3t-MQS25hOXcqeVqpi0MYKjyB2DCAiAYX2K3u75PWYucuS02Hrm8aO7mmvFWc7M38uNTgXu8BGPNJbJmjv0B1tqo9cAY5uu-P4ij0ScXAMs7IX400DCu-XkDzc-QYHR_9HkmZAdwcRJExPZYjXBIEelFC/s16000/FallColorLeaves-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6iSMAE7Erhxhx6h1LvvLlxihNRu5UtXbTGga5VCbA_Qj5nxcnWxh8SE9hIyhPDali-uZxGx2SMdxTvDXNGdbfJ-8xf-0psCi4Sl07QWvEggl-or10xDVKnEtTh2gN5fhAhIuYC6fHPL5lWt6uRWMFCBFFeHx6cbT96FLVcBuRbk_iWNsUBXnn2sY/s1200/Maple-Leaf2-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6iSMAE7Erhxhx6h1LvvLlxihNRu5UtXbTGga5VCbA_Qj5nxcnWxh8SE9hIyhPDali-uZxGx2SMdxTvDXNGdbfJ-8xf-0psCi4Sl07QWvEggl-or10xDVKnEtTh2gN5fhAhIuYC6fHPL5lWt6uRWMFCBFFeHx6cbT96FLVcBuRbk_iWNsUBXnn2sY/s16000/Maple-Leaf2-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvysGYwT-YcSZ8I-RA84jkUTs9YNUqLvNsxEmmaViV-MVvVYC9mbwivofnl5QBFfkjbtZkyhskIPL2kVOqj-nXI2fA1WADTa6xg_jOBBSy0BfzfIajFUFPsrtFcDHU8J4CoT2U4fFjpWwlprqVi5n9DmJcv-KL-KSeHMBQzgZyV5LYit0mHSS2iAz/s1200/Fall-Golden-LR-Tree-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvysGYwT-YcSZ8I-RA84jkUTs9YNUqLvNsxEmmaViV-MVvVYC9mbwivofnl5QBFfkjbtZkyhskIPL2kVOqj-nXI2fA1WADTa6xg_jOBBSy0BfzfIajFUFPsrtFcDHU8J4CoT2U4fFjpWwlprqVi5n9DmJcv-KL-KSeHMBQzgZyV5LYit0mHSS2iAz/s16000/Fall-Golden-LR-Tree-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mObqlIWrG7uO3sgklVh_ZOh_BPsrqz3rbEeBUvLuI3g8YPov9zWEfuz_zRTAzF935hrvifRL0cRrTuK9KphNYh2FaEDXJAa1ZIQ2Q6qmZ0kvx25bi-bgjtrcx_Z0gXfruesHIkXBtXtg84BHr5-imxigqdFr8Ux7-FUAS_VHlKK9G0ZSrAfY7Hq/s1200/FallLeaf-BlackBoard-Isolated-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mObqlIWrG7uO3sgklVh_ZOh_BPsrqz3rbEeBUvLuI3g8YPov9zWEfuz_zRTAzF935hrvifRL0cRrTuK9KphNYh2FaEDXJAa1ZIQ2Q6qmZ0kvx25bi-bgjtrcx_Z0gXfruesHIkXBtXtg84BHr5-imxigqdFr8Ux7-FUAS_VHlKK9G0ZSrAfY7Hq/s16000/FallLeaf-BlackBoard-Isolated-LR-SimiJois-2022.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-37391113378899491152022-02-17T18:40:00.007-06:002022-02-17T18:44:31.053-06:00Culture and heritage - Part 1 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHPySqk_zNZb_N09a7x38QT-TLG8g4yRu9pz-RPX15sBGuBZ1sj4m6wSaA9kTbSF2rkSK2nLOdMzEj5jq-3e6fvht4k9xsSAc3siyJvmX464WkgTz9PIvvw_2izWqKBhgw8pYCRxvZdDUCzIlYqcEDUVQAvSJ3Uhvsk2DoDaWVsaAxN8RxkXVADfTW=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Diwali" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHPySqk_zNZb_N09a7x38QT-TLG8g4yRu9pz-RPX15sBGuBZ1sj4m6wSaA9kTbSF2rkSK2nLOdMzEj5jq-3e6fvht4k9xsSAc3siyJvmX464WkgTz9PIvvw_2izWqKBhgw8pYCRxvZdDUCzIlYqcEDUVQAvSJ3Uhvsk2DoDaWVsaAxN8RxkXVADfTW=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Y</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">esterday I was speaking to a friend of mine and during the course of our chat, she asked me if I had a blog....it was her way of telling me to go back to blogging. I thought about it and realized I do miss blogging, I miss having a conversation and sharing my slice of life with you. Turmeric n' Spice started as a recipe blog to document the recipes that were passed on and my experiments in the kitchen. Soon, it opened new opportunities for me and before I knew it I was deep into photography. With so much time spent doing photography, I had little or no time left to maintain a blog. Like everything else, a blog does take time and it is a labor of love. Then what has changed you may ask? Well, nothing that really meets the eye but a whole lot in the last few years. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The last few years have taken me to a place where I am extremely conscious of how and where I use my resources, especially time. Having said that, I really want to spend more time on what I love to do. When speaking to my friend, I realized how I miss blogging and maybe it is time to take some time out for blogging and sharing my journey here. It could be recipes, photography, updates, or just sharing. I am not going to obsess about recipes but I will share recipes as and when I can. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I am contemplating between sharing a recipe or a body of work I created last year. I think I am going to share my work here today and I will come back with a recipe next week. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Sometimes at the end of last year, I created a portfolio for Adobe that showcased my culture and heritage, there was a lot about food too. It was a unique opportunity and I am so glad and grateful for it. Here is<b> <a href="https://pages.adobe.com/stock/en/advocates/artists/simi-jois" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a link to all the images I shot</a>.</b> I will share a few of my favorite images from this portfolio and probably share my thoughts behind them. Each image is curated by a team, I worked with Adobe closely to formulate a concept, work on the logistics and finally shoot. I shot about 1200 + images and we picked about 500 to be included in this collection. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeGY0vV_TpAC3EDdfUaPBJ7ZVp0r1CJ6VqDKrT3VgGoOs86uNgtsKlEphbkhuIXRPHr9UPElkj1o97F2hOAZmJwwIWT5mNJCbeH-zwZyBmMiNZQy3FUJAh3RPpIaW9xiCukkjrFNClmgyscAxagK_RCe8VplLIb9r_JwR8mxTT2I7Tz0ebp0tYzr-E=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="Culture" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeGY0vV_TpAC3EDdfUaPBJ7ZVp0r1CJ6VqDKrT3VgGoOs86uNgtsKlEphbkhuIXRPHr9UPElkj1o97F2hOAZmJwwIWT5mNJCbeH-zwZyBmMiNZQy3FUJAh3RPpIaW9xiCukkjrFNClmgyscAxagK_RCe8VplLIb9r_JwR8mxTT2I7Tz0ebp0tYzr-E=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></b></a></div><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">I wanted the collection to have a mix of still-life as well as celebratory images, where I share how we celebrate not just festivals but how we celebrate our lives. When it comes to still-life, I wanted the images to be bold, colorful, and showcase my culture. I wanted to bring symbolism and color to my images.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"> The lotus is a sacred flower. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are often portrayed on a pink lotus in the iconography. You can also see Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Kubera sitting on a lotus throne. The lotus symbolizes the inner potential, grown in swamps, it is your inner journey from the web of the material world to the true realization of who you really are. I really wanted to include this symbolism in the still. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">The peacock feather is a symbol of Lord Krishna, one cannot think about the peacock feather without thinking about Krishna. It is often attributed to representing the cycle of time. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">I also used a banana leaf, if you have ever visited the Southern part of India you will see that the authentic meal is always served on the banana leaf. I will not go into the details of the symbolism but on a practical level, it is the perfect biodegradable plate. </span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">I included the betel leaf and nut - which is an important part of an offering - called tambulam. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">"Tāmbūla consists of a variety of ingredients wrapped in betel leaves. Typically, it includes areca nuts, edible camphor, slaked lime, saffron, and other fragrant herbs. It is one of the 16 offerings in ritual worship, occurring right after food offerings.</span></i></span></p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">There are numerous reasons for elevating the commonly consumed paan to a sacred offering. On a gross level, it aids digestion, particularly after heavy meals. From an Āyurvedic perspective, it ignites Agni, specifically that associated with digesting food. If you’ve ever chewed paan, it’s a delightful experience of the perfect mix of disparate flavors that remains in your awareness long after it is eaten and swallowed. The lingering flavors permeate the senses with lasting freshness.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">On a subtler level, it represents our ability to digest the experience. Normally, our ability to digest experience is uneven. We hang on to the unsavory ones and forget all the good that ever happened to us." - - Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan</span></i><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white;">The lamp, Haldi (turmeric), and kumkum are quintessential parts of an offering. To me, it was the five elements coming together: fire in the lamp, water through the lotus, air through the peacock leaf, earth through the betel leaves and the earthy backdrop, and space through the aroma of everything coming together. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNEdhpZhr9msfvnzSBREOc7O2H6Qfzf0A6D3uHu7DJNDCgIrmqUKXh4KYAGZWK2z8fnHiu4adnmQtd6WCojM-aklsNyoCihKVzJYPbrVwwFRBmEmICgJ-UugRdCw7dS2DTg17gJw23CPo_T2p8j7DPPOU01P0VlVmm5RVRqs2lZRpdYA496mOFJmrV=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Diwali" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNEdhpZhr9msfvnzSBREOc7O2H6Qfzf0A6D3uHu7DJNDCgIrmqUKXh4KYAGZWK2z8fnHiu4adnmQtd6WCojM-aklsNyoCihKVzJYPbrVwwFRBmEmICgJ-UugRdCw7dS2DTg17gJw23CPo_T2p8j7DPPOU01P0VlVmm5RVRqs2lZRpdYA496mOFJmrV=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRoAIUxDuaK4E9_5M8yNzv1LYu_vK0vo6lWrJzllTwcUfsnkN4kvxobh2djwy2HHY2jCW-EqOkiyuebU8_su7GWp78pid1EKvTsI2mpG9BDBzTSnxvWvme8hazgbEC3lfu6amj340HJ6FgstSNT0nzciqQxFAV_f8OTv27h95bAD7l2N6KxJcsI_3B=s850" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; color: #666666; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Diwali" border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="850" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRoAIUxDuaK4E9_5M8yNzv1LYu_vK0vo6lWrJzllTwcUfsnkN4kvxobh2djwy2HHY2jCW-EqOkiyuebU8_su7GWp78pid1EKvTsI2mpG9BDBzTSnxvWvme8hazgbEC3lfu6amj340HJ6FgstSNT0nzciqQxFAV_f8OTv27h95bAD7l2N6KxJcsI_3B=w640-h499" title="Simi Jois Photography" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">The above two images were shot during Diwali the festival of lights - the two women are decorating the house for Diwali. I wanted to really bring out the traditional elements in a modern setting. The wooden floor is a subtle way to bring in the modern home. </span><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDnPela1GDQ7-5NgGd3aUsw-_1euycHKGgXd4wITgLUKtINIGdC3I9MSxfz6r9cn3hmbuqKuSedft-477agKVTMYPdu2IirUVw2TvV_s76BMjnzIjMt_FUt4P7XwJvSt4azMrfxlDvXCNLDumq0iZT3i8xOA434hJ_VUYV_oHC-FDfO1mNTZdVb4mH=s800" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="Sisterhood" border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDnPela1GDQ7-5NgGd3aUsw-_1euycHKGgXd4wITgLUKtINIGdC3I9MSxfz6r9cn3hmbuqKuSedft-477agKVTMYPdu2IirUVw2TvV_s76BMjnzIjMt_FUt4P7XwJvSt4azMrfxlDvXCNLDumq0iZT3i8xOA434hJ_VUYV_oHC-FDfO1mNTZdVb4mH=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">The image above is a true representation of sisterhood. I have always been extremely lucky to work with strong women. I also believe that when we create together magic happens and this image is really a true representation of that for me. </span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC3JbvmXtwvcTf_mu-UYZWWXEA_i2vNXsArcgI-ZtCIpmzVyc_FYTn52qnrkebko-DsH15n3sMg1Lg5oGXQhFxzWC9Fcg4ww8taBNZrqw4CB1DRE1DYokEpy5vI1Qi4QpPjyxMgQIEI9MDtYRc5UTDXMBg4YBIk4x_iD9lHIkkNRE9LpIZd3NhVbm7=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="Dancer" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC3JbvmXtwvcTf_mu-UYZWWXEA_i2vNXsArcgI-ZtCIpmzVyc_FYTn52qnrkebko-DsH15n3sMg1Lg5oGXQhFxzWC9Fcg4ww8taBNZrqw4CB1DRE1DYokEpy5vI1Qi4QpPjyxMgQIEI9MDtYRc5UTDXMBg4YBIk4x_iD9lHIkkNRE9LpIZd3NhVbm7=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></span></a></div><div><p></p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG8xrXabgF6mfhOD9f1WPr1140THg5GcJG3rzMKCNjyso_Hd-AnkvqsIxrm4LKBZKe1mz82z6Pz6TnsF0vP1aXHaMIo_r3SOioQV_n5UY-20Iw-xVhoKE1PI_OFrN2eQRrHYBoW-yZXNvO17mczhbXAws-ESn73DgS0Stz9GeQ75Ue1F1xkwpmauUO=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="Dancer" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG8xrXabgF6mfhOD9f1WPr1140THg5GcJG3rzMKCNjyso_Hd-AnkvqsIxrm4LKBZKe1mz82z6Pz6TnsF0vP1aXHaMIo_r3SOioQV_n5UY-20Iw-xVhoKE1PI_OFrN2eQRrHYBoW-yZXNvO17mczhbXAws-ESn73DgS0Stz9GeQ75Ue1F1xkwpmauUO=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;">The above two images were shot in Seattle in my friend's dance studio. She is a classical Kuchipudi dancer. The shoot was magical. We worked for 5 hours without break and neither one of us realized it, till it was pitch dark outside. I will be sharing a post on the dance form and the mudras ( hand gestures) that I have captured. </span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3wlAwSgD6VsJ8WOPh3Z1kNx1lnl9JuSFFeGt_mu9-mfOXf59BpFJs0TXi57n-6W_sBoFcowJbh-vWR4-nFg4ARYA0AGUmF9cWMZwZpuE23eKph4uIPtGcC7thT0_5yW3OkZ-7W-1ZjoYTILIvyCpRvJR9ou0SGizznm_NeXBNbOURG5Pm8BmvwnU8=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="Girl in Sari" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3wlAwSgD6VsJ8WOPh3Z1kNx1lnl9JuSFFeGt_mu9-mfOXf59BpFJs0TXi57n-6W_sBoFcowJbh-vWR4-nFg4ARYA0AGUmF9cWMZwZpuE23eKph4uIPtGcC7thT0_5yW3OkZ-7W-1ZjoYTILIvyCpRvJR9ou0SGizznm_NeXBNbOURG5Pm8BmvwnU8=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBU1LtzvSVYq2v6OqlnjiD2avmPgTVU9WrdTfvD1s28PBrtNb1gfsF1j60u3d1SvfINnOuwRYam-affs_H3wspN-ILG49tIJRGjhSkkkqLo5kZDc_H5UOBz_zF0_aGc3nrs2G-EjEWXb6KLykd4K6ctQms2QVP5F-qnvgckiUCQBjcJnsmbNNlXmJZ=s1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBU1LtzvSVYq2v6OqlnjiD2avmPgTVU9WrdTfvD1s28PBrtNb1gfsF1j60u3d1SvfINnOuwRYam-affs_H3wspN-ILG49tIJRGjhSkkkqLo5kZDc_H5UOBz_zF0_aGc3nrs2G-EjEWXb6KLykd4K6ctQms2QVP5F-qnvgckiUCQBjcJnsmbNNlXmJZ=s16000" title="Simi Jois Photography" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The traditional South-Indian filter coffee, served traditionally in a tumbler and a cup. </span></div>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-56293885180564025112021-05-10T21:24:00.006-05:002021-05-10T21:32:59.206-05:00 Basil Berry Moscow Mule <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ro1gEIlNWVzxxUS-9et3JHc-AX4X_wkny08yO2BMlmAP2weT6E6XJBWTMiWuKBQnO8K9uob7wVHk3oyyJ2EdnsOy0hYJy-TZYIM6APa4PWoVPRIksOEbFK9Krv6BCqpU-EDmpRe4KM/s1198/Berry-Cocktail-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ro1gEIlNWVzxxUS-9et3JHc-AX4X_wkny08yO2BMlmAP2weT6E6XJBWTMiWuKBQnO8K9uob7wVHk3oyyJ2EdnsOy0hYJy-TZYIM6APa4PWoVPRIksOEbFK9Krv6BCqpU-EDmpRe4KM/s16000/Berry-Cocktail-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" title="Basil Berry Moscow Mule" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwq6fYN3VbwyZNmUB17MTJEm8OaoVjJ1NBo7XDIo0foVayXWo1Ai5EsLacAwDMtm0nO-xfp44t80ISPy3LTveiNozWhItU4xuDVIWNCyG_3SHbYo-edft1Lm7RROMqgzi6-ViEyx-ww8/s1198/RedPetuniaOnWindowSill-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwq6fYN3VbwyZNmUB17MTJEm8OaoVjJ1NBo7XDIo0foVayXWo1Ai5EsLacAwDMtm0nO-xfp44t80ISPy3LTveiNozWhItU4xuDVIWNCyG_3SHbYo-edft1Lm7RROMqgzi6-ViEyx-ww8/s16000/RedPetuniaOnWindowSill-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" title="Red petunia" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
It has been such a long time since I have shared a recipe here on the blog. For some reason I have this urge to restart blogging this year. I hope to get on a regular schedule soon. You can expect me to share not just recipes but a lot of photography tips as well. <div><div><br /></div><div>If you are not following me on Instagram - here is a<a href="https://www.instagram.com/culinaryoptics/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> link to my profile</a>. I have shared the BTS ( behind the scenes) video on Instagram Reels. I have shot the above two images with a back light and a reflector lighting the front. The red petunia was shot in golden hour and the drink was shot in mid afternoon. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The drink itself is extremely simple. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ingradients </b></div><div>1 cup mixed berries </div><div>1 inch ginger </div><div>1 cup water </div><div>1/4 cup sugar </div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">Preparation:</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;"> </span>Grate the ginger, mox the berries, water and sugar and let it boil and reduce. Blend and strain. Let it cool</div><div><br /></div><div>For the drink : </div><div><div class="wDYxhc" data-attrid="kc:/base/lightweight/cocktail:ingredient_imperial" data-hveid="CFUQAA" data-md="1001" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQkCkwI3oECFUQAA" style="background-color: white; clear: none; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQyxMoADAjegQIVRAB" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf" style="font-weight: bolder;">Ingredients: </span><span class="Eq0J8 LrzXr kno-fv">1 1/2 oz Vodka, 1/6 oz Lime juice, 4 oz Ginger beer, 2 oz berry compote, basil leaves </span></div></div></div></div><div class="wDYxhc" data-attrid="kc:/base/lightweight/cocktail:preparation" data-hveid="CE8QAA" data-md="1001" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQkCkwJHoECE8QAA" style="background-color: white; clear: none; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQyxMoADAkegQITxAB" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf" style="font-weight: bolder;">Preparation: </span><span class="Eq0J8 LrzXr kno-fv">Combine vodka and ginger beer and berry compote in a glass filled with ice. Add lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with basil leaf </span></div></div></div></div><div class="wDYxhc" data-attrid="kc:/base/lightweight/cocktail:served" data-hveid="CFEQAA" data-md="1001" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQkCkwJXoECFEQAA" style="background-color: white; clear: none; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="Z1hOCe"><div class="zloOqf PZPZlf" data-ved="2ahUKEwiwsbDJxsDwAhUXH80KHSPbA5IQyxMoADAlegQIURAB" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 7px;"><div class="rVusze"><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf" style="font-weight: bolder;">Served: </span><span class="Eq0J8 LrzXr kno-fv">On the rocks; poured over ice.</span></div><div class="rVusze">Traditionally it is served in a copper bug, but the color was so beautiful, I decided to serve it in a glass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8H0a09X8neDZ9ZEKLp_rpeJt21O2TaxAeIG9pPet4DvAZnHJNLwW4Aoxayn0-GpQ9UedeaMpkmCyccTpMMaB4l0Gns5bxWLs_xaVV5Wa3edvtY_bfK5URWeBrcSu7hXc01GBy4hEEAg/s999/BerriesInHeartBowl-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8H0a09X8neDZ9ZEKLp_rpeJt21O2TaxAeIG9pPet4DvAZnHJNLwW4Aoxayn0-GpQ9UedeaMpkmCyccTpMMaB4l0Gns5bxWLs_xaVV5Wa3edvtY_bfK5URWeBrcSu7hXc01GBy4hEEAg/s16000/BerriesInHeartBowl-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJCsyTWeSpbQaQ20RdjskqKS3XPrPdW6FciH9icGWy1jwy2DQVI-WvXKSAqsgHeq9OHUpWNMl1cOIMhpDlLg19WM1Hr1ZRdkxHvquiJtfCWtu2J8AwmaiApxDpMUdQgTkykqTi8QFfZE/s1198/RedPetuniaOnWindowSill-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simi Jois Photography" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJCsyTWeSpbQaQ20RdjskqKS3XPrPdW6FciH9icGWy1jwy2DQVI-WvXKSAqsgHeq9OHUpWNMl1cOIMhpDlLg19WM1Hr1ZRdkxHvquiJtfCWtu2J8AwmaiApxDpMUdQgTkykqTi8QFfZE/s16000/RedPetuniaOnWindowSill-LR-SimiJois-2021.jpg" title="Basil Berry Moscow Mule" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-5762476955301958822021-03-02T12:13:00.002-06:002021-03-02T16:17:18.307-06:00Photography 1:1 - A three month mentoring program<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipplXzUa0ZO5HVL80TvpzJhx3gPPRRRoMuH1kqSosWWXQ1uhjXdLvHpfckTCndAd-h4nnlXu2_Pm0ClqLHyaHUfUSMBBPIHmhUam5TvckFsDEgfKW7wNWKkmdQo4pJ2wEZgUVAXvgRThQ/s1198/Lilac-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" height="930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipplXzUa0ZO5HVL80TvpzJhx3gPPRRRoMuH1kqSosWWXQ1uhjXdLvHpfckTCndAd-h4nnlXu2_Pm0ClqLHyaHUfUSMBBPIHmhUam5TvckFsDEgfKW7wNWKkmdQo4pJ2wEZgUVAXvgRThQ/w622-h930/Lilac-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg" width="622" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnkTZNjLdDG6hyHaXvwyf5bfKKACAh7A2KDjAFDevhROVbtW1IlPq37UMgH3wyYaj-tfslXMVi0kTZTMnRzJZ0bt8VU5Axq-7DsAbtigGzh4CFLAdtdc4MhQIkxPvBsng282MJP52Ck4/s5820/BerriesInTray-HR-L-SimiJois-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5820" data-original-width="3885" height="944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnkTZNjLdDG6hyHaXvwyf5bfKKACAh7A2KDjAFDevhROVbtW1IlPq37UMgH3wyYaj-tfslXMVi0kTZTMnRzJZ0bt8VU5Axq-7DsAbtigGzh4CFLAdtdc4MhQIkxPvBsng282MJP52Ck4/w630-h944/BerriesInTray-HR-L-SimiJois-2020.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Last year I was speaking to a very good friend of mine who has also taken a few photography workshops with me, she recommended I start a long-term coaching/mentoring program. Her reasons were valid, she said she wanted someone to handhold her through the process. A day's workshop is great for someone who has a lot of self-discipline and can go and execute what they learned. A long term coaching ensures hand-holding and constant feedback. You may learn all the theory but you may not know what you are doing wrong and why your images are not turning out the way you want them. That is where the teacher and a group of like-minded photographers help. After some contemplation, I launched the three-month mentoring program. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I want to keep the group intimate but at the same time have enough students to keep it interactive. I have limited seats (12-14). It is a very interactive program. You are expected to constantly engage and your camera will be put to good use. It is a time-consuming program, both from my end and from yours. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4szvYr6OLfFKAeF9Lx5tfMd_RVu8gbDXe23stVhvI5ZMWetNRNwQubKVYyrtPJ21fpRWbXY7ysm2r2X15kH6AwVGOx0_Rtw_15RjXkD_0lcJdtt6wZY2lrzC5HFOSb0gq5yHe5APR0DY/s2246/Mungdaal-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="2000" height="682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4szvYr6OLfFKAeF9Lx5tfMd_RVu8gbDXe23stVhvI5ZMWetNRNwQubKVYyrtPJ21fpRWbXY7ysm2r2X15kH6AwVGOx0_Rtw_15RjXkD_0lcJdtt6wZY2lrzC5HFOSb0gq5yHe5APR0DY/w607-h682/Mungdaal-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" width="607" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">A little bit about the program - </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="il"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />1</span> -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photojournal & critique</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I will create a private Facebook group for this purpose. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each one will create an album in the group and post all their images in the album. Practice makes perfect - the more you use your skills the better you become. I recommend you take a picture every day, if not every day at least 4-5 days a week. Post the images you take in your album. Your photo journal will show you your progress and help me critique. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> 2 - Partner work</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One of the ideas for doing this program is to develop a community so we can work together. I have always seen, when you have someone to bounce your ideas with, we work better. Each member will have a partner to work with. You will critique each other's images on FB. Critiquing really helps us grow, so the more you critique, the more we will learn. This is the reason I strongly believe that critiquing is an integral part of this program. This will help you develop a keen eye for details. You are not restricted to critiquing just your partner's work but I encourage you to do it on as many images in the group as you can. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I also encourage partners to push each other to do better. You can plan with your partner and have a theme for your </span><span class="il" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">photo</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> journal or use creative ways to collaborate & grow.</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Once a week I will have a one-on-one call with you and your partner to assess your progress and address your questions, issues, or concerns. I will be critiquing the images from the week with you. This will be a 45min-60min call. I will post the day/time slots for my availability and you can sign up for a slot that works for you. Each week it will be the same day/time you pick. </span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You can pick your partner or I can help you with it. It is very flexible. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">3 - Lessons </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We will have 5-6 lessons which will be scheduled for all. They will be pre-scheduled and will be about 3-4 hours each. I will be talking in-depth about food styling, lighting, camera setting, shooting in manual, metering, focus, post-processing in photoshop,</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and artificial continuous light. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To know in detail you can always reach out to me and I can schedule a call. If you are interested in the program, email is the best way to reach me. Email - turmeric53@gmail.com. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">All the lessons and one on one critiques with your partner will be held on Zoom. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Cost </b>-<b> </b>please email me for details. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHknCVwPv1wyJYeT0SaoLw8vEwtyo_vgDz8WW_QRrU8t3VHVen84cTDe43ATbzz09S4DPnGh6g7UBVRGJRB6Dl1krTeWH22D1kTYme6shj5oO-GL_c55ihfWNk8N50_Hw6GzRtc_c1Vds/s6016/WarmLemonTea-HR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6016" data-original-width="4016" height="876" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHknCVwPv1wyJYeT0SaoLw8vEwtyo_vgDz8WW_QRrU8t3VHVen84cTDe43ATbzz09S4DPnGh6g7UBVRGJRB6Dl1krTeWH22D1kTYme6shj5oO-GL_c55ihfWNk8N50_Hw6GzRtc_c1Vds/w586-h876/WarmLemonTea-HR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth_uFpkp1GAWGQVlZ1zZtAF8JI28_wD0zMfz4JZWVs0A10i1nIqj7MjOW6dDU7vB0S_kxGePfCV3I07FFVXUqPoWSlEmy7ijO8T3xNqut_1mUasyYgnKCKbn5DcbY5p64Uh30ZdcAx4M/s5682/DSC_9616+Edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5682" data-original-width="3788" height="896" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth_uFpkp1GAWGQVlZ1zZtAF8JI28_wD0zMfz4JZWVs0A10i1nIqj7MjOW6dDU7vB0S_kxGePfCV3I07FFVXUqPoWSlEmy7ijO8T3xNqut_1mUasyYgnKCKbn5DcbY5p64Uh30ZdcAx4M/w596-h896/DSC_9616+Edited.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YS-n_CYJwFDvsWn0M3SU4iVsqzc7aaX_zvl6ALJYskYp0UZJZydcqrGl-s6nAn_mIHoe5yOHromR92TztULo1hM3-ElEvzgvXVrrgcwjFM48bQzjzkBD2bJPJjhl-VE334pNlAz1lPE/s2996/RoastedRootVeggies-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="2000" height="895" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YS-n_CYJwFDvsWn0M3SU4iVsqzc7aaX_zvl6ALJYskYp0UZJZydcqrGl-s6nAn_mIHoe5yOHromR92TztULo1hM3-ElEvzgvXVrrgcwjFM48bQzjzkBD2bJPJjhl-VE334pNlAz1lPE/w599-h895/RoastedRootVeggies-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" width="599" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Testimonials - </span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Simplicity, clarity, depth, perfection, artist ... these are the few things that come to mind when I think of Simi Jois, my teacher. This photography workshop amidst a pandemic was supposed to be a good source of self productivity and good use of time when all we had was time. But for me, this investment turned out to be one of magnificent energy and happiness! Even as I write this I am excited as I know Simi has started me on a journey I hope to travel for quite some time. Her calming energy, constant encouragement, gentle handholding, and at times a kick in the rear to do better and dive in deeper always arrived at the perfect moment. I had not held a camera until this workshop. I thought I took decent photos but only with a cellular phone. But little did I know! The camera was unchartered territory. Today I barely pick up my phone to shoot.... And for that, I am forever indebted as a student is to her amazing teacher!" - Anna Sen Venkatesh</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"When I enrolled in Simi's classes, I didn't really know what would be in store. Simi is the best thing that happened to me in my photography journey. Her pics have a unique, artistic touch to them. She is a great teacher and a mentor who explains things until you get it right! When I look back at my photos, I see the progress after joining Simi's classes. She taught me how to understand every aspect in a pic, most importantly, light. Her course covers everything from shooting, food styling to editing. My favorite part in this course has been critiquing. I learnt so much by critiquing on others' pics and getting feedback on my pics too. I wasn't really comfortable with this idea initially, but Simi insisted that critiquing is the best way to learn. That was the game changer! Thank you so much Simi, for not holding back your knowledge and expertise. For pushing me out of my comfort zone, motivating me and challenging me to come up with something better every single time. Rarely do I come across artists like you." </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Anita</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Hariharan</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-20279233314262861472020-06-28T12:06:00.000-05:002020-06-28T12:23:36.766-05:00Instagram Photography Challenge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkj5EjxO9E1nuR8KzcverSD9fXjKdjDY3T7weqPSDrFFRilbahnNZQjleWDOJlhhyphenhyphenyFiIWnQJjoNffABo4aBPTAfjWatqVJX-c7eF_DY8LmPGCsQEb1ghZNzowzrZ0KpNPGfayE6RL7c/s1600/Grapes-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkj5EjxO9E1nuR8KzcverSD9fXjKdjDY3T7weqPSDrFFRilbahnNZQjleWDOJlhhyphenhyphenyFiIWnQJjoNffABo4aBPTAfjWatqVJX-c7eF_DY8LmPGCsQEb1ghZNzowzrZ0KpNPGfayE6RL7c/s1600/Grapes-StillLife-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWREy9_Hsa9bnFzkvpDKQ4SCa_qRYaRz4FzVfjpdEpAN7q77tfKGZIMLcyUzv6mORf_kJd117q7qXRpjbQkSTgdB39Q9kZRiYYw0hmpZvy-O0eXA-IMj5leONxT57IdRDiMnAJb1k_cik/s1600/Grape-Single-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWREy9_Hsa9bnFzkvpDKQ4SCa_qRYaRz4FzVfjpdEpAN7q77tfKGZIMLcyUzv6mORf_kJd117q7qXRpjbQkSTgdB39Q9kZRiYYw0hmpZvy-O0eXA-IMj5leONxT57IdRDiMnAJb1k_cik/s1600/Grape-Single-LR-SimiJois-2020.jpg" /></a><br />
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A couple of weeks ago I started a photography challenge on Instagram. Every week I post a topic with an image and ask you all to participate. Keeping it very simple but letting the creative juices flowing.<br />
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<li>Take a picture or use one from your archive. I highly recommend you to create an image rather than using one from your archives. </li>
<li>Follow me on Instagram. </li>
<li>Use the #CulinaryOptics #WeeklyChallenge</li>
<li>Tag me on the post. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/culinaryoptics/?hl=en" target="_blank">Link to my Instagram </a></li>
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So far we have done splash, summer, white on white and pour. This week I'm planning on a very simple topic - anything in your home, the mundane everyday object. It could be food, flowers, a pen, paper, whatever you want. If you want to read more - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_Kc0qlApc/" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
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I do hope you can participate. Thank you </div>
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turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-69841631188498739742020-04-23T15:27:00.003-05:002020-04-23T15:29:58.826-05:00Moody Food Photography Workshop - Keeping Yourself Sane in Troubled Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone loves a dark moody image. The deep shadows tickle the senses. The technique was used for the first time during the Renaissance period and was called Chiaroscuro. Bold moody, contrast is what it is all about. It is my personal favorite way to light a food story/still. I've been constantly asked to do a workshop on "moody photography."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did you also admire those dark, moody food images that not only create a mood but also, just make your mouth water? Well, here’s the program you’ve been asking for. I </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will be presenting a workshop on Zoom on how to style, light, and shoot those moody images. Learn how to create a mood, while emphasizing your food.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.simijois.com/" target="_blank">I'm thrilled </a>to partner with Jerry, who is my first teacher and a photoshop genius. He will be teaching us how to take our photo editing to the next level. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.photography-by-jerry.com/" target="_blank">Jerry Deutsch</a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a food and product photographer. Learn how to get that image from the camera to the screen or print.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The workshop will take place on May 5, 2020, at 11 am Central Time (that’s Noon Eastern Time) and will take you from start to finish. A question and answer period following the presented material.</span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We know that times are tough right now and many of you are not working, so the cost of this workshop is a mere $10.00 payable by PayPal. So, contact Simi at turmeric53@gmail.com or through Facebook/Instagram Direct Message. To guarantee your seat, make your $10 payment, payable to </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cjois@jois.net</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">through PayPal</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Space is limited so act now to guarantee your spot.</span></span></span><br />
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turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-55774224339079628472020-01-16T15:23:00.003-06:002020-01-16T15:23:58.908-06:00Red lentil veggie soup <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every time I get on the blog to post, I promise myself to keep it regular. It is one thing or the other that has kept me away from posting. To start with I have started teaching photography online, which takes up a lot of time, scheduling classes, prepping class material. Not complaining, I just love it but it takes time. Then I also shoot a lot for<a href="https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/206298855/simijois?tduid=282a61e0d973449e5fcf45e46b244066&as_channel=affiliate&as_campclass=redirect&as_source=arvato&tduid=58530b3888050fcce0eaf700d6d60d5c&as_channel=affiliate&as_campclass=redirect&as_source=arvato" target="_blank"> Adobe</a>, I must have read 8-10 books last year. I'm taking a few courses ( not photography). All that takes away time, but it is not an excuse. I will try to be regular.<br />
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Last two months (almost) I was in India, my mom turned eighty and she asked me to come and spend time with her, so I ended up spending a month with her. It was great because my sister was there as well, so it was three of us, I felt I had traveled back in time, school days. Sharing a few images, the one in the deep maroon sari is my mom. I think I look like my mom - my nose...it is the same nose. We ate, we shopped and we had so much fun.I'm so glad I spent time with her and she was so happy. Precious!<br />
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Then I was in Bengaluru for about three weeks, we had a family wedding. We had a wedding in the family after nearly twenty years, a total riot. We danced almost all night and it was a big fat Indian wedding. This time I met all my cousins and some of my v v close friends. I wanted to meet a few more people but just could not do everything. I also ran into my best friend who was visiting from Singapore and she was there only for two days. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.<br />
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I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing people. Now, back to Chicago, it is not that cold but it's cold. After the hustle-bustle of India, it really feels very quite here. Somedays I love the quite and somedays I really miss India. Thankfully, I love what I do and that keeps me happy-busy.<br />
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This is my go-to recipe for jet-lag days, quick and easy and also very light on the stomach. Red lentil or masoor is one of the lightest lentils to digest, so if you are going vegetarian or vegan - it's good to start with red lentil. It is sold as masoor in the Indian grocery store.<br />
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<u>Recipe </u></h2>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif;">1 cup cooked red lentil/masoor </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif;">2 cup veggies chopped (red bell pepper, carrots, red pumpkin)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif;">1/2 inch ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif;">2 tbsp ghee</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp turmeric</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In a pan add ghee, let it melt and add the veggies, let it roast. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Add salt and cover it till it cooks a bit. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add it to the blender, add the cooked daal and ginger and grind. Add water if necessary. I do not like to add store-bought veggie stock as it has way too much salt. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Serve hot with your favorite bread. Garnish with sweet bell pepper, toasted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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pumpkin seeds and roasted ajwain seed ( onion seed) </span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: century gothic, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can't get easier than that. I love the vibrant color. </span></span></div>
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-12462486668564277302019-07-09T16:26:00.001-05:002019-07-09T16:28:12.871-05:00Muffin Tin Ice cream <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX58WkEYp26CiRjdu5Jm5sBvqhGvnL4XqHeXyPrJ0vyg9Ze5Yc2tZ7FNAMhAHrneidLBNmXx5_-J8I3HbfAQvuQHeK-F7S0Ji-tXT6OnDGhOk0y5cMoYxfbEPoXjBdvvfXSqwyDnJgOhU/s1600/StrawberryBowl-P-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography " border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX58WkEYp26CiRjdu5Jm5sBvqhGvnL4XqHeXyPrJ0vyg9Ze5Yc2tZ7FNAMhAHrneidLBNmXx5_-J8I3HbfAQvuQHeK-F7S0Ji-tXT6OnDGhOk0y5cMoYxfbEPoXjBdvvfXSqwyDnJgOhU/s1600/StrawberryBowl-P-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" title="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography "></a><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyW2U0QOriCoEAILLOPrBfd_727s0ASSYL64TD5WkPYJYJ5bDYotAXd3LWirWwqQN02jvhDW3pPGucQ7iWCDcJnvqPSCjHo6Pkv9eUPTNv-B0LrVu-SIrGeb68gqY6LNqZosymjUwTkw/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-P-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography " border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyW2U0QOriCoEAILLOPrBfd_727s0ASSYL64TD5WkPYJYJ5bDYotAXd3LWirWwqQN02jvhDW3pPGucQ7iWCDcJnvqPSCjHo6Pkv9eUPTNv-B0LrVu-SIrGeb68gqY6LNqZosymjUwTkw/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-P-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" title="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography "></a></div>
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It has been a whirlwind of a year so far. I had promised myself to update TNS at least once a month and I cannot believe that I have not had the time to do so. I was in India in April-May for almost a month and when I got back I was working on a spice project followed by online photography tutorials that were packed. If you are interested to register for my online class - <a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/07/online-food-photography-and-styling.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here.</a> I now offer group lessons as well, the post has all the details and if you have further questions you can email me or send me a message on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/culinaryoptics/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or leave a comment here.<br>
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About these super easy muffin tin ice cream. These are super easy and almost have a gourmet look about them. My sister and brother-in-law were visiting and my brother-in-law loves desserts, so I created this ahead of time so I could spend time with them and not be stuck in the kitchen.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lQcIRxs8AepPDpNm3Q1YkU6C2JNFJ-2AsLNRZbnjWl8Y6nRf_dRm7oo2TMDiID3SE2n1RcKd1I2ICOlwa_asuKwljMVJViMlUctdf0nYp3NN3L6ttVyUGfuVK1UoGLrx95QROjp4Xe4/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-Light-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography " border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lQcIRxs8AepPDpNm3Q1YkU6C2JNFJ-2AsLNRZbnjWl8Y6nRf_dRm7oo2TMDiID3SE2n1RcKd1I2ICOlwa_asuKwljMVJViMlUctdf0nYp3NN3L6ttVyUGfuVK1UoGLrx95QROjp4Xe4/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-Light-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" title="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography "></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUHvHg7vZYJFV0SdA1jobYIJPAr5H0aKh4JyKQ_LQShhq4DkN4cYOEwpUcq4Jd9gu88dnNeJhEFTfuYOnKFJNcIkR0EClC-gIPgcqrG78rbRmyn679zEqRERF9W88Md2uR6Npif_vOKQ/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-L-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography " border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUHvHg7vZYJFV0SdA1jobYIJPAr5H0aKh4JyKQ_LQShhq4DkN4cYOEwpUcq4Jd9gu88dnNeJhEFTfuYOnKFJNcIkR0EClC-gIPgcqrG78rbRmyn679zEqRERF9W88Md2uR6Npif_vOKQ/s1600/MuffinTinIceCream-L-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" title="Muffin Tin Ice cream - Simi Jois Photography "></a></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/07/muffin-tin-ice-cream.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-48053705726103836452019-07-09T11:58:00.001-05:002019-07-09T16:00:29.096-05:00Online food photography and styling group lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YfPgLP4clYr3MVTao48O1EHwEV3XZGZoXVukBfE_pNShu0wym-xdEB-7CbFh_xxaIshsqtB3DS-j9pqGzSgFkn4xXwiQXqmWuMRVzLE7siIyovvop_b0KFea-pbewSF4hjlNoqf95L4/s1600/White+%2526+Gold+Accent+Simple+Minimalist+Elegant+Wedding+Blog+Pinterest+Graphic+%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YfPgLP4clYr3MVTao48O1EHwEV3XZGZoXVukBfE_pNShu0wym-xdEB-7CbFh_xxaIshsqtB3DS-j9pqGzSgFkn4xXwiQXqmWuMRVzLE7siIyovvop_b0KFea-pbewSF4hjlNoqf95L4/s1600/White+%2526+Gold+Accent+Simple+Minimalist+Elegant+Wedding+Blog+Pinterest+Graphic+%25284%2529.png" /></a></div>
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Food Photography is not as overwhelming as it looks when you first pick up your camera. Not all genre of photography requires the same skill. If you ask me to do sports photography, I would probably need not just different lenses but also some lessons in sports photography, where timing is everything.<br />
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Food and lifestyle photography is about storytelling. It is about colors, textures, light, shade, framing and a lot more. It can get overwhelming. In my last workshop, I had a student walk up to me and say..." Why are we doing all this? What is the purpose of it all?" You have to find your purpose, you have to find what urges you to pick up the camera and create. You have to find what makes your heart skip a beat and warm up. Just like a poet may not have any purpose to write about dancing daffodils, yet the only purpose is a calling from the heart. Photography is art, it is an expression of that voice in you that are looking for a canvas.<br />
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In the last few years, I have enjoyed conducting a hands-on workshop. The energy and creativity give me goosebumps. A lot of people don't like to learn in workshops, a lot of them are not in the same town and can't travel. This is a great opportunity for people like you, who want to learn at your own pace and in the convenience of your home. Online classes were limited to a one on one customized lesson plans, but now I am offering group lessons.<br />
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<b>WHEN </b><br />
The first group lesson will be scheduled in the <i>second week of August</i>, depending on the time zone of the students who enroll, I will announce the date/time. I will send out a few date/time and you can pick what works for you<br />
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<b>How</b><br />
Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime - again students can vote what they prefer.<br />
<i>3 session of 2 hours each </i><br />
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<b>What</b><br />
<b>Manual mode and storytelling.</b><br />
You do not require to know how to shoot manual, but at the end of 3 days, you will start getting comfortable with using manual mode.<br />
How to narrate a story and use the camera to work for you and not against you.<br />
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So if this is something that you have been wanting to learn and not done it yet. Here is your chance to enroll in this group lesson. I will be limiting the number of students to keep the class intimate.<br />
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If you are interested please fill this<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6srZqkjNhC9WyZimyj-q-q2CCQdHQ4_amPymiGraHIXhAYA/viewform" target="_blank"> online form</a><br />
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<b>Fee*</b><br />
$150 for the 3 sessions ( 2 hours each)<br />
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Thank you and looking forward to seeing you there.<br />
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*If you have financial hardships please<a href="mailto:turmeric53@gmail.com" target="_blank"> email me</a> and let me see how we can work things out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy4t0uFxGzKsqDFgeeW4JZ4mWY5AJRYvqhyphenhyphenCxL1QIlq4uViXR2vaUam6pPJS5zAqfGjTIKnK4r4uiyLA-Q7lWPz3SzsWuubCvK_hbkFPfbz-aw0PD9zyg9CGvIpL2TP42vyKN-c7ZWBE/s1600/White+%2526+Gold+Accent+Simple+Minimalist+Elegant+Wedding+Blog+Pinterest+Graphic+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy4t0uFxGzKsqDFgeeW4JZ4mWY5AJRYvqhyphenhyphenCxL1QIlq4uViXR2vaUam6pPJS5zAqfGjTIKnK4r4uiyLA-Q7lWPz3SzsWuubCvK_hbkFPfbz-aw0PD9zyg9CGvIpL2TP42vyKN-c7ZWBE/s1600/White+%2526+Gold+Accent+Simple+Minimalist+Elegant+Wedding+Blog+Pinterest+Graphic+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-76274011461000531192019-03-05T10:51:00.000-06:002019-03-05T10:54:30.231-06:00Blood orange upside down egg less cake - no sugar cake <br>
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It is still quite cold this side of the planet, snow on the ground with the promise of more. With all that cold, I wanted to bake a warm spicy cake for our wedding anniversary. Both S and I are not big frosting fans, and with Aish, at school, we really do not indulge in desserts as much as we used to. I wanted to make a simple no-sugar cake. I love the idea of dates in the cake, it adds moisture and mild sweetness, so if you have a keen sweet tooth, you will need to add some sugar to this.<br>
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This recipe is adapted from <a href="https://hebbarskitchen.com/date-cake-recipe-date-walnut-cake/?fbclid=IwAR1gjSKmxKVidDw5qPtHtUCXSzPK1c7wcbOVeANnqT00dfl1e0UccvJ58RQ" target="_blank">here</a>. I incorporated some spices and made it a blood orange upside down cake. I also added a warm syrup to go with the cake, adding some sweetness and spiciness to the cake.<br>
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I'm doing a food photography and styling workshop in Bengaluru, India this May - <a href="https://www.dcpexpeditions.com/workshop/428/Food-Styling-and-Photography-Masterclass-Workshop-Bengaluru-May-2019/" target="_blank">click here for details. </a><br>
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<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/03/blood-orange-upside-down-egg-less-cake.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-68035567138933489512019-02-18T17:10:00.002-06:002019-02-18T17:31:19.917-06:00Blood orange - pomegranate- cranberry khatta-meetha (sweet-sour) mocktail <br />
KalaKhatta our very own chatpatta - videshi style<br />
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I grew up in India and every year during our summer break we would visit my uncle in Mumbai. Mumbai is known for street food and barf ka gola (shaved ice with syrup) is something that I just loved. A specific flavor was kala-khatta, an absolute favorite. This mocktail is inspired from it.<br />
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If you are not familiar with chaat masala, it is a must-have in every pantry. It is a spice blend that has a bit of sourness, saltiness, sweetness, a bit astringent. absolutely lip-smacking. Sprinkle it on anything and it brings the flavors to life. Don't miss making this one...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEC0mfO11oUylq6l2McmdNnlE9rygkq1st_alPEvNAK_DGptTWIqRb4wzq45660qWoul9akH0grTp4xvkE5XCNsQqifVstiXeWXNJRV34upzQoWN5_Gi4_JoBEnRO_NJSUP-kOGtmWqg/s1600/BloodOranges-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEC0mfO11oUylq6l2McmdNnlE9rygkq1st_alPEvNAK_DGptTWIqRb4wzq45660qWoul9akH0grTp4xvkE5XCNsQqifVstiXeWXNJRV34upzQoWN5_Gi4_JoBEnRO_NJSUP-kOGtmWqg/s1600/BloodOranges-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
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2-3 cups blood orange juiced<br />
1 cup pomegranate juice<br />
4-5 cranberries<br />
some raw tamarind or juice of half lime<br />
1-inch ginger juice<br />
1 tsp chaat masala<br />
1/2 tsp red chili powder<br />
4 tbsp sugar<br />
1 cup of water<br />
2 cups club soda OR<br />
1/2 cup vodka<br />
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Instructions :<br />
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<ul>
<li>Take the cranberries and blend with water </li>
<li>Add sugar and make a simple syrup, to this add raw tamarind or lime juice</li>
<li>Let it cool then add chaat, red chili powder & ginger juice </li>
<li>Mix with the juices</li>
<li>Add club soda and served chilled</li>
</ul>
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If you add vodka omit the club soda. </div>
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turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-7242561248994762962019-02-06T14:15:00.001-06:002019-02-06T14:15:31.232-06:00Stir fried noodles - Under 30 minutes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikGukp-XfnJ5Ap0MJ6X565WwIrh_399tdWS6TPSPOwGl2S-AA_sktruYMiwSmZ2vs_Flhyphenhyphen6dxndZBQoTin0swaEITun95yUlz6vQsb7Xn55ALow38YfUYKy5Paaor7UXa7ozWLG6QCiM/s1600/Schezwan-noodles2-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikGukp-XfnJ5Ap0MJ6X565WwIrh_399tdWS6TPSPOwGl2S-AA_sktruYMiwSmZ2vs_Flhyphenhyphen6dxndZBQoTin0swaEITun95yUlz6vQsb7Xn55ALow38YfUYKy5Paaor7UXa7ozWLG6QCiM/s1600/Schezwan-noodles2-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg"></a></div>
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</strike> <strike><br>
</strike> <strike>THIS this this is the ultimate lazy person's quick meal. Quicker than a take-out. No kidding. With all the snow, -52F and stuck at home, I am in no mood to spend hours cooking. Though that is a good way of spending time, somehow, I've become this lazy person with my nose in a book. Perfect for a cold brrrr day. </strike><br>
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That was almost ten days ago, I have been meaning to post this, but somehow one thing or the other has kept me away. Between my skype photography lessons, client work and my own life the days seem to blur into nights in a flash. I have never enjoyed photography as much as I am doing this year. I think the classes are so refreshing, thank you for enrolling. Keeps me on my toes.<br>
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Between all this, I've been catching up on reading. Right now I am reading two books, both non-dual inquiry. As a teen, I have spent hours learning about Advaita philosophy from my father. Somewhere, between my twenties and now I got distanced from any form of philosophy as life took over. And the same life just pulled me back into it. With such strength, that I willingly got pulled along. The last couple of years, I have started meditating, it has changed my life. I'm just so happy, not that I was ever a sad person, but this happiness has a different texture to it, it has a sense of fulfillment. Earlier, I was outcome driven and now I am more task driven. That really cuts out the anxiety of the outcome and makes the overall experience of doing anything very joy full.<br>
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We only live once and we have to be truthful to who we are. There is no perfect life, it is all in the mind and the mind can mislead, often addressed as monkey-mind, needs to get tamed and meditation is a great tool.<br>
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Going back to the stir-fried noodles, the sauce is the key. Add any veggies or meat of choice. I have used fettuccine here as I ran out of my favorite brown rice noodles. So pick the noodle of your choice.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXbIzopWGtgRxODRSWvvcH_RWbd5h2GjfR4yfrdSgLlTM3f4Ousxod1c34baK0I2K0Wha1F8JxCoeENmhzrogVzva6xbQc5V9zlbbnrCihzpxrdEAhugIAzY4ogqv4dLDwOBnzbLihRw/s1600/StirFry-Defination-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXbIzopWGtgRxODRSWvvcH_RWbd5h2GjfR4yfrdSgLlTM3f4Ousxod1c34baK0I2K0Wha1F8JxCoeENmhzrogVzva6xbQc5V9zlbbnrCihzpxrdEAhugIAzY4ogqv4dLDwOBnzbLihRw/s1600/StirFry-Defination-LR-SimiJois-2019.jpg"></a></div>
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Here comes the recipe ....<br>
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<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/02/stir-fried-noodles-under-30-minutes.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-37743905763936898692019-01-27T19:01:00.000-06:002019-01-27T19:54:34.173-06:00Finding your voice - Online custom photography and styling course <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">P</span>hotography is a journey. It is a visual story-telling. Just like the English language has 24 alphabets, from which we can weave stories, emotions, communication and everything we want to express. Similarly, in photography, we have the camera and the lens from which we can narrate our visual stories.<br />
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<i>Why do we need to narrate stories?</i> We are natural storytellers, have you noticed how you narrate a small incident to your best friend, it is like a story. Starting from your voice to facial expressions to the words.<br />
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<i>Why do some photographs look so beautiful and tend to be like by everyone?</i> There is more to the photograph than the objects in it, something that touches our emotional core. This visual communication is called visual storytelling.<br />
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<i>How do you find your voice?</i> Just like you, your voice is unique too. We all have a face, hands, legs but yet no two people are the same. Even identical twins have different likes, views and so many things that make them unique. What is your visual identity?<br />
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<i>Learn how to find your voice</i> as you take your work to the next level. Food photography and styling can be intimidating with camera settings, lenses, light, styling, storytelling, colors, composition, framing, angle, the possibilities are endless. I hand-hold you to find your <i>own</i> style, from camera settings to styling, to lighting and editing. Photography has brought so much meaning in my life, it really is not rocket science, I would love to share my passion with you. It gives me great joy to see you hone your skills and find yourself through photography.<br />
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Each class is custom built for your needs, it is not a one size fits all. I make the time to custom design the class by asking you the right questions. Each class is 75 min long and is conducted via Skype/Face time. US$95/class. List of classes open from Feb-May 2019<br />
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<b><br />
</b> <b>CAMERA 101 : From Auto to Manual ( 2-3 classes)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Lenses and focal length </li>
<li>Depth of field and how/when to use them </li>
<li>Shutter speed and movement in photography </li>
<li>Aperture mode, shutter mode and manual mode </li>
</ul>
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<div>
<b>Styling Basics (2 classes)</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Storytelling</li>
<li>Composition Theory </li>
<li>Colors</li>
<li>Shapes and props</li>
<li>Step by step styling </li>
<li>Deconstruction of 8-10 images</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<div>
<b>Painting your background (1 class)</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Step by step painting </li>
<li>Dry brush technique </li>
<li>Wet on wet technique </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zLisAAga5XWMHowNUUSqXlD5WXgVA4oZ2pWqk7yX2_qYxDp4FhhQtkpV7t6ijXQgd4Awql9cTzdv35F2HY_HbfE6RtFZlB5i7ujsZ846cEd5b9kT7yDZb9KEXmXG7qQDRqMwZ0nnotM/s1600/PaintingPropBoards-800PX-SimiJois-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zLisAAga5XWMHowNUUSqXlD5WXgVA4oZ2pWqk7yX2_qYxDp4FhhQtkpV7t6ijXQgd4Awql9cTzdv35F2HY_HbfE6RtFZlB5i7ujsZ846cEd5b9kT7yDZb9KEXmXG7qQDRqMwZ0nnotM/s1600/PaintingPropBoards-800PX-SimiJois-2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div>
<b>How to capture steam (1 class 2 hours long)</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Shutter speed and steam </li>
<li>Aperture and steam </li>
<li>Step by step capturing of steam </li>
</ul>
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<b>Moody Images- chiaroscuro in food (2 Classes)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Lighting</li>
<li>Styling</li>
<li>Working with shadows</li>
<li>Post processing</li>
<li>You will create 2 moody images</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdiQqkevt-x4g9VRFBcFmgcuYv6wL6euCNberDhkBNEhys0A9TzIIrTTJhb71iqx6FoIzq8U82ik_7Itg5ZRfJldf7ILbVPG6cZ7-y0F-7D06wufe3D-fmteBCegDT4OSUUpVHXdD6Q/s1600/EggDrop-LR-Jan2019-SimiJois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdiQqkevt-x4g9VRFBcFmgcuYv6wL6euCNberDhkBNEhys0A9TzIIrTTJhb71iqx6FoIzq8U82ik_7Itg5ZRfJldf7ILbVPG6cZ7-y0F-7D06wufe3D-fmteBCegDT4OSUUpVHXdD6Q/s1600/EggDrop-LR-Jan2019-SimiJois.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div>
<b>Finding your voice (5-6 classes)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Storytelling</li>
<li>Food styling</li>
<li>Lighting</li>
<li>Deconstruction of 8-10 images</li>
<li>Post processing</li>
<li>Last assignment where you will style and shoot 2 dishes with your storyboard. An additional class will be conducted to deconstruct your image. </li>
</ul>
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Each of these classes will be custom built with your requirements in mind. If you shoot in aperture priority mode and want to learn Manual mode, it will be different than some one who uses a point and shoot. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Promotion </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Buy one get one free. Either you can gift a class to a friend or take one yourself. Limited time offer till February 28, 2019. Price: US$95/class (till promotion last) </span></b><br />
<b><br /></b> <b>After February 28th - US$75/Class</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Once you have filled the <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/cVc8lpHjA4BbTjff2" target="_blank">form</a>, I will contact you to set up a time so we can go ahead and create the custom class for you and help you schedule. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b><a href="mailto:turmeric53@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> for further inquiries. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Please make sure you have filled the forms before we schedule our first call, so I can do my homework and go over your work and equipment details. - <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/cVc8lpHjA4BbTjff2" target="_blank">LINK TO FORM </a></b><br />
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-78396199583344566142019-01-23T16:52:00.001-06:002019-01-23T17:07:07.925-06:00Apple Cider masala Chai <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always loved poetry and there was a time when I used to write. Last week as I was cleaning my study I found my old poetry book. Turned the pages and read a few of them. I'm sharing one here today and my photography for this post is inspired by this poem.<br>
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I<i> in myself, myself in me<br>
<br>Let me discover the I in me, <br>let us all discover the I in us, <br>Not that I which says, <br>I want,<br>I desire, <br>I own, <br>Let us see the I where everything seems your own, not belonging but a part of you. Not even a part of you, but complete you and in no other fraction. <br>Let me see the flower and say :<br>How beautiful I am <br>How sweet I smell<br>The winds, the mountains, the forest, the trees, the lake, the waterfall - all of them are in me and I'm in them. They are all I. <br>In such a sweet dream I was ...<br>What strange screams that wake me from this dream, the voice that says: I want, I desire, I own. It is mine cause I bought it, I earned it, my blood, my money...The I has become we. <br>I say " I love I" and they call me conceit.</i><br>
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Walking in six-inch deep snow and setting up a shoot as the winds blew in more snow, the moment felt as beautiful as poetry. I saw a squirrel startled by my movements rush into a tree and all the snow fell, as it jumped from branch to branch. Absolutely blissful. Nature is beautiful even when it is brutal.<br>
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If you want to learn steam photography - best time as the temperatures dip ( summer is not really perfect for steam). <a href="mailto:turmeric53@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me </a> I'm going to be doing a promotion on my classes - stay tuned.<br>
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<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/01/apple-cider-masala-chai.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-66401285543881065702019-01-19T20:12:00.001-06:002019-01-19T20:12:28.368-06:00Smoked Dhaba Dal Fry (Lentil Curry with smoky ghee flavor) <br>
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One of the resolutions this year is to blog more recipes, everyday deliciousness. Thanks to one of my friend/neighbor who asked me what do Indian families eat every day ? Especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan, what's the homemade vegetarian version of chicken-tikka? That was an hour well spent explaining to him the nuances of Indian everyday dishes. With all the explanation, I still did not do justice to Indian cuisine, it is that versatile. That led to my resolution to blog everyday recipes in the kitchen.<br>
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Here is my quick everyday daal. You can do a mix and match of different combos of daal, the basic spices remaining same. The smoky ghee flavor is the highlight and this is a great dish for winter. Good amount of protein had to say that for my meat-eating friends, who think vegetarians and vegans are falling off like toothpicks, due to lack of nutrition. Hardly! I'm not getting into the debate of meat vs plant-based food, to each their own. Just be happy, whatever you eat. It is good to stay in your own business and not judge either way.<br>
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I cooked this for my best friend, we tend to get together for lunch or coffee at least every other week. It was cold and we were in the mood for a eat in, she loved it. I packed the leftovers for her and ended up making it again the next day. My teen, who actually hates dal, loves this version. On another note, my teen is nineteen, OMG people... remember the time I would blog about her..." almost teen" We need to find a new name for her, even though I am tempted to find a new name, I think I will just call her Aish ( that is what we call her at home).<br>
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On a serious note, a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped me raise money for the BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) - we raized $500. Thank you so much.<br>
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<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2019/01/smoked-dhaba-dal-fry-lentil-curry-with.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-47165297752331690352018-12-13T18:15:00.000-06:002018-12-14T10:28:50.263-06:00Print Sale for charity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is that time of the year to look back, contemplate and be grateful for. Last year I started to sell my work for charity, my small contribution. All the images displayed in this blog post are for sale. All the prints are 12 by 18 inches - $50 ( which includes S&H) - Print sales in US & Canada. For everyone outside the US - you can get a high-resolution e-image, that I will email to you and you can get it printed to any size.<br />
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100% of the proceeds go to the <a href="https://www.bcrf.org/" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Research Foundation.</a><br />
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Each one in the collages above is a separate print.<br />
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Thank you so much for saving lives and supporting this cause. Email me for inquiries: <b>turmeric53@gmail.com </b><br />
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-38851232238530369552018-10-14T15:17:00.001-05:002018-10-14T15:17:22.941-05:00Sunday Stills - Tip for working with ice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is real ice and not fake. I love to use real ice in shoots as it just adds to the authenticity of the image. When using ice, I usually like to buy it from the grocery store, love the shapes and texture and some reason it is not foggy like the ice I make at home.<br />
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For this shot, I used multiple reflectors...the<i> ice acts like a mirror</i>, reflecting light. I have seen backlight works best for ice images like this, with a couple of reflectors on the side.<br />
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Wanted to showcase caviar like a jewel... hope it worked<br />
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Do you like it with ice or without ??<br />
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turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-69077429108758319692018-10-07T17:38:00.002-05:002018-10-07T17:47:14.305-05:00Sunday Stills and a photography tip on White Balance <br />
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When photographing different shades of white - use auto WB mode or when you edit, use the WB dropper in Photoshop and click on the brightest white. You will have perfect shades of whites, no pale yellows or extreme-blue-whites.<br />
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The white on white above is very different white than the one below (last one). Shot on different days, different light and different whites but both equally white and pristine.<br />
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If you are interested to learn hands-on ....<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2018/10/food-styling-and-photography-workshop.html" target="_blank">click here. </a><br />
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turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-7410377329815607572018-10-04T14:05:00.000-05:002018-10-04T22:02:52.368-05:00Food Styling and photography workshop - November - 2018 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnvNQpRMrMvbpqcnOvW5G4dw2zUCm8M9dCqfe1VEkIH-V9DRPI4MmZqAD4AkMvXlY8JQ-aLSMVnvWHAcoLvY5fODNMMfJCD0RUFt96HyinOxWeCtUEtmEoij204DekqSKtV5cZbhxrDc/s1600/MumbaiWorkshop-SimiJois-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnvNQpRMrMvbpqcnOvW5G4dw2zUCm8M9dCqfe1VEkIH-V9DRPI4MmZqAD4AkMvXlY8JQ-aLSMVnvWHAcoLvY5fODNMMfJCD0RUFt96HyinOxWeCtUEtmEoij204DekqSKtV5cZbhxrDc/s1600/MumbaiWorkshop-SimiJois-2018.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8MtLpOWlMzNoYIjA0SaLG1wQE5cxCFUfkcmvBoDQYz_IJ4H9Nj5zY3KWdMLRlSbRd_CIAVsLm0u_t7duO5pq_7FSeq1A_AnIdQLf6wUQrfFva33lcm40ckOqc2ektes2uMGVQf8Xj2M/s1600/Avacado-SimiJois.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8MtLpOWlMzNoYIjA0SaLG1wQE5cxCFUfkcmvBoDQYz_IJ4H9Nj5zY3KWdMLRlSbRd_CIAVsLm0u_t7duO5pq_7FSeq1A_AnIdQLf6wUQrfFva33lcm40ckOqc2ektes2uMGVQf8Xj2M/s1600/Avacado-SimiJois.jpg" /></a><br />
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Food Photography is much like painting, a blank canvas with endless possibilities. From colors, to prop placement, to framing, angle, lens choices... you have so many tools to play with. I'm honored to partner with<a href="http://www.dcpexpeditions.com/team.php?id=2" target="_blank"> DCP Expeditions</a> to conduct a food photography and styling workshop in Mumbai on November 17th. I'm really so excited about this event. It is an all-day workshop and definitely hands on.<br />
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Some of the broad topics I will cover are<br />
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- Composition<br />
- Styling<br />
- Color theory<br />
- Light molding<br />
- How to capture steam<br />
- How to shoot moody<br />
- How to shoot white on white<br />
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If there is anything else you want me to cover, you can reach me <a href="mailto:turmeric53@gmail.com" target="_blank">here</a> or message me on Social Media.<br />
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I am also planning an ongoing interaction and learning so we can keep the momentum going even after the workshop - still a work in progress. Will reveal more when we meet.<br />
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So bring your camera and join me in Mumbai on Nov 17th. Hope to see you there.<br />
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</b> <b>EVENT PAGE: <a href="http://www.dcpexpeditions.com/workshop/428/Food-Styling-and-Photography-Masterclass-Workshop-Mumbai-November-2018/" target="_blank">Here </a></b><br />
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RSVP: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/352304878887151/" target="_blank">Here</a><br />
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-6817963319457215232018-09-30T10:00:00.000-05:002018-09-30T11:21:34.621-05:00Sunday Stills with styling tips <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50emVbWTqV3LYD-uJ68IkOucfc_1BbkdmoDhTII_VaOcMya0GGPoF2OqlBbQQv8E5Uxre5DRcqKSUVom7SA38dR6vkuRm1vJx9thk6EFCZQ88AYFAThZzeHM68LF4Wvj0JlYP1nNJ8uc/s1600/FarmTomatoes-RoundTray-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50emVbWTqV3LYD-uJ68IkOucfc_1BbkdmoDhTII_VaOcMya0GGPoF2OqlBbQQv8E5Uxre5DRcqKSUVom7SA38dR6vkuRm1vJx9thk6EFCZQ88AYFAThZzeHM68LF4Wvj0JlYP1nNJ8uc/s1600/FarmTomatoes-RoundTray-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm restarting my SundayStills with a tip every week. This week's tip is, if you are planning to photograph fresh produce, make sure you take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour or two before the shoot. Shoot them at room temperature, especially if they are red color produce. I do not know the science behind it, but I can tell you from experience, the difference is visually perceptive.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. If you want me to ask me questions about styling/photography, <a href="mailto:turmeric53@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">email me </a>and I will try my best to answer it. IF you want me to work on tutorials, let me know and your wish is my command...lol!<br />
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Have a fabulous week ahead.<br />
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<br />turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4730153829326823243.post-20629616846340810812018-09-29T16:46:00.001-05:002018-09-29T17:13:14.793-05:00Magic of alchemy : Mango-Pineapple and Watermelon-Beet : freshly squeezed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnZ0wP0FgY-iYMLySNj44lZH_s84W6ACpyuwVUigWb9KikHJ6NBciyAdj3a0NcTunALPjLDl7GXUCSuK1Et1ln61MHpR4HZXpa8LqZGZy9RP4dF1brQSVZ8_iKKQHJr4m5q77Y8nxOAg/s1600/BouringGingerale-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnZ0wP0FgY-iYMLySNj44lZH_s84W6ACpyuwVUigWb9KikHJ6NBciyAdj3a0NcTunALPjLDl7GXUCSuK1Et1ln61MHpR4HZXpa8LqZGZy9RP4dF1brQSVZ8_iKKQHJr4m5q77Y8nxOAg/s1600/BouringGingerale-LR-SimiJois-2018.jpg"></a></div>
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I have at least five recipes that are in the draft that needs to be posted on the blog. It just has been so busy this side of the world that I cannot find time to write up a blog post. I think I am going to spend the next few hours doing just that, a big mug of coffee, my favorite music in the background and working on the blog.<br>
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I have really been looking forward to some me time. Last week I ran the Chicago half marathon and that was on my mind...it was a special moment for me. I have done this before, but this year was exceptional. Last year at this time I was preparing for the half marathon and was feeling great about the way I was progressing, I could not even imagine that life had different plans for me. Out of the blue, some health issues cropped up and there began my long journey..... doctors, tests, treatments and most difficult of all 'fear'. I withdrew into my photography, to find strength...I try to look for courage or channel my fear into creativity. It did not work for me, my creative side felt like a block of cement on my heart. I felt even my art had given up on me....and then life unfolded. A dear friend gifted me a book about healing, which I really recommend to anyone going through health issues, even if you are not, it is a must read - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Placebo-Making-Matter/dp/1401944582" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You are the placebo - Joe Dispenza </a>( this is not a sponsored post) ...from Placebo my spiritual journey started and more and more books fell into my lap. With each book, I became mentally stronger and accepted my situation for what it was.<br>
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It did not take me that long to pick up my camera again, but I was skeptical...my love for photography had a cloud just like a cloudy fall day, and the shadows were deep. I did not experience the same joy as I used to, it was now a mechanical act...something was broken inside me. Most days I would photograph only because I had nothing better to do with myself. Thankfully some of my clients were very patient with my situation and gave me ample time to work.<br>
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My focus shifted from photography to reading meditation and journaling, I was trying to look for something to center me...The more I meditated, the more often I would pick up my camera...until it became a form of meditation. Earlier when I photographed I always had the end image in mind...now, I just look deep into the light, sometimes I get lost, meditative and forget everything but the 'moment'.<br>
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I was living a life outside of myself, even photography ...it was outside of me. As I look back, this one year has transformed me completely. I'm so grateful for who I am today, needless to say, I have an army of angles that have made this possible.<br>
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When I hold that camera today, I am not just making a picture, it is a connection ... strangely some of my friends noticed the change in my work and told me that...<br>
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So, I just had to run the half marathon, to tell myself that I'm a kick-ass woman lol! Well, could not have done this without my hubby, who really had to kick my butt.<br>
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Life happens...and life has to go on....!! To everyone who is going through a challenging phase in your life, a friend sent me this during my most difficult days and I swear by every word in these lines...<br>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person that walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What defines us is how well we rise after falling”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“However good or bad a situation is, it will change”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and finally…. “believe you can and you’re halfway there”</span></b><br>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Also, kindness is the most significant gift.... just show some kindness, you do not know what someone is going through. If you can't be kind...I do not think you can ever give anything to anyone or to yourself. </span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">To everyone who has been part of this journey, I don't know how to express my gratitude, you are a rocking awesome human and I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for the prayers and love. </span></span></span><br>
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<a href="http://www.turmericnspice.com/2018/09/magic-of-alchemy-mango-pineapple-and.html#more">Click to continue for RECIPE</a>turmericnspicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08011771917483511257noreply@blogger.com0