Sunset Storm: Remarkable Clouds & Contrast at the Park

There's nothing cooler (literally) than a surprising storm in the summer right during sunset. Dark clouds form on one side while the sun sets by the lake, creating a breathtaking scene with clear, striking contrast.

114 Floors Above: Illuminating Lights in Skyscrapers Effect

When you're 114 floors high above overlooking the city, everything looks small in comparison. 

As sunset morphs into twilight and then into darkness, the skyscrapers light up and have a translucent quality to them, creating a futuristic, somewhat dystopian society. 

I added in other effects, using colors from this shot and dropping in a distorted wave filter to enhance this even more. 

Salmon Pink Flower: Sweet Surprises at Dahlia Garden

An assortment of multi-hued dahlia flowers bloom during the summertime in Golden Gate Park. This particular flower stands out to me with its vibrant salmon pink hue, resembling the colors of Kasugai's fragrant Flower Kiss candy.

Modern Architecture: The Glass Stairs Effect

Stunning interior design and architecture can be found at the Harpa Concert Hall. The glass window panels give a modern, abstract, and futuristic twist to the scene.

I decided to manipulate the image by flipping it around and altering the position. All of the cool angles turn this into silver, shiny glass stairs (so why not just walk on it?)

Featured on Flickr's Explore.

Eye of the Beholder: Natural Twist at Populus Hotel

"A hotel inspired by nature."

This astounding, modern building stands out from the distance. From one point of view, it looks like a 3D paper cut-out coming to life. 

Using locally-sourced and recycled building materials, this sustainable hotel is making a serious difference on the planet and altering how we design for the future. 

Wash It Away: Waterfall from Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park Part II: Just like a wallpaper. 

All five senses are awakened in this environment. Sounds and sights are elevated and take complete control of the scene.

Falling: Stream of Water from Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park Part I: Water, water, water everywhere. 

Different weather patterns can be seen on opposite corners. On one side, you can feel the sun...on the other side, you're braving through the mist. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Purple + Green Aurora Background Gradient Effect

The glowing, astonishing colors of the northern lights. 

Cool and refreshing geo wave gradient effects.

Mix it all together and you get an epic graphic background. 

Contemporary Stairway at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Have to say this is the coolest museum staircase ever. 

I captured its magnificent angles, colors, and textures by zooming in and out, allowing the light to lead the way and transform the mood of each photo. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

A Thousand Layers: Astounding Interior Architecture

Strolled through the streets of Toronto and stumbled upon this astonishing plaza--it is filled with steel and glass, and super tall ceilings revealing the atrium. This design is said to be reminiscent of a country road lined with maple trees.

The amount of light and orientation of the sun in the sky changes the mood of this place, creating one-of-a-kind photos and new memories each and every visit. 

Striking Red Tulip Flowers at Queen's Park

Vivacious flowers take up space at Queen's Park. Blooming, effervescent tulips can be found all over Toronto in all shades of colors. 

These red ones pop right away and deserve to be the main character. 

In the Islands: The Outlines of the Toronto Skyline

Postcard-perfect skies appear, ready for me to capture (and savor) the views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. 

From Toronto Island Park, you get a full panoramic view of all the skyscrapers in the city. Fresh, earthy green leaves and grass bring extra serenity and contentment to the scene.  

The Walled City: Blue & Yellow Contrast in Obidos

Two-thirds of the primary colors take over the scene at Obidos. 

Blue and yellow color-blocked stripes adorn these whitewashed buildings, creating a look that is simple and historic, and also sleek and modern at the same time. 

Light It Up: The Pink Flowers Twilight Effect

Tidal Basin Part IV: I was amazed by all the captivating photos of sakura cherry blossom flowers at twilight at Meguro River in Tokyo and wanted to create my own version. 

I tweaked this photo from Washington DC, altering the hues and saturation, giving it a bright pink effect to showcase the flowers' sharp yet delicate colors and the eye-catching lights before darkness consumed the scene. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore. 

Storm Activity: Mesmerizing Clouds in the Sky

In between the storms, clouds take over the sky, altering its state every second ranging from cumulus to cirrocumulus and everything in between. 

Vibrant Architecture in Reykjavik's City Center Collage

A blend of contrast in Reykjavik's city center with modern and sleek architecture mixed with simple, Scandinavian designs.

The use of solid primary and secondary colors brighten the neighborhood (and ones' day) during winter's everchanging weather patterns. 

The City Contrast: Water, Sky and Mountain View

One look at this and we're transported to Europe.

The sun begins to rise, with hints of color in the horizon brightening the mountains. Clear skies and simple white houses envelope the scene. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Harpa Concert Hall's Impressive Architecture & Design

Astonishing interior design inside at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik. 

Shielding ourselves from the wind storm outside, we stand inside marveling at the one-of-a-kind art inspired by Iceland's geography, surrounded by layers of glass and basalt column outlines. 

Faded Hexagon Art: Pastel Bubbles Background Effect

Fun background designs, faded effects, and soft yet bright, pastel colors continue to awaken our senses. 

I was inspired by the creative, painterly digital art from a manga and had to create my own rendition of it, infusing my favorite colors and blending in different textures. 

Ice Layers: Falljökull Glacier in the Afternoon Sun

Falljökull Glacier Part IV: Layers and layers of ice are stacked so high on a hill with the hazy sun peeking from behind. 

The consistent patterns, captivating textures and translucence considers to astonish us and leave us in a state of awe. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Snowy + Icy Landscape on the Mountains

Falljökull Glacier Part III: A picturesque landscape view of the mountains with a blended and contrasting mix of summer and winter, surrounded by dry terrain and icy spots. 

Over the Hills: The World of Ice and Glaciers

Falljökull Glacier Part II: Ice, ice, ice everywhere.

On a steep hill, on flat surfaces...their shiny texture and hard exterior continues to take over the glacier, expanding our horizon. 

A Sheet of Ice: Frozen in Iceland

Falljökull Glacier Part I: Nothing can compare to the awe you experience being on a glacier. 

We surround ourselves with penguins (humans) as we walk (stomp) on the ice through the steep incline and into the ice cave. This fresh piece of ice transcends all wonders with its turquoise crystallized shape, texture, and sharp tones. 

Magnetic Stream of Waterfall in Iceland

Splashes of water gets splattered around the closer you get to the tall, magnificent waterfall of Seljalandsfoss. 

The loud yet calming sounds of the waterfall captures our attention--and holds it--as we make our way around the walkway, catching all angles of the falls.

Life in Black & White: The Cliffs of Reynisfjara Beach

Black Sand Beach Part II: The sharp ridges, edges, and textures of the cliffs come alive on this day as we battle against wind and rain.

The gloomy overcast sky surprisingly creates the ideal atmosphere. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore. 

Crashing Onto Shore: The Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach Part I: It's like straight out of a black and white movie. 

You don't exactly think of going to a beach on a grey, dreary, drizzling afternoon. But the black sand and cliffs create such a moody, evocative contrast against the white sky as the strong waves crash onto shore. 

When in Amsterdam: Allure of the Floating Flower Market

Canals are everywhere around the city. What sets this one apart is the famous floating flower market aligned so perfectly with the exquisite architecture framed in the background and the reflections by the water. 

By the Canal: Gabled Architecture in Amsterdam

Striking Dutch renaissance architecture can be found all over Amsterdam. Regardless of weather or the time of day, they create such mesmerizing water reflections and contrasting art by the canals. 

Purple Painterly Effect: Sensational Night Light Reflections

Singapore's Waterfront Promenade offers picturesque views of the city skyline. The unique ArtScience museum takes the lead with its famous design and vibrant purple-blue reflections over the waters. 

I used a similar color scheme as the dazzling lights to sweep the sky with a soft yet striking painterly effect. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Urban Nature: Green Space + Skyscraper Design

Lush green space can be found everywhere across Singapore, adorning skyscrapers and sky terraces (both indoors, outdoors) in a scenic, artsy way. 

Blue Fantasy: When in the Mountains Imagery

Roaming in the wild...anything is possible.

When you're close to 10,000 feet above ground level, you feel quite invincible. I had a bit of fun with this image, using the railings, glass reflections, and blue hues of the sunset sky to create this imagery. Duplicating the photo, adding human elements, and some sparkly effects create an enchanting, unusual image.

Blue Twilight: The Lighthouse by the Lake

Hefner Lake and Park Part V: Placid waters and soothing colors in the sky during the twilight hour.

We're all mesmerized by the beauty of the surrounding nature, watching the clear skies jump into all shades of colors until it transitions into muted tones before descending into dusk. 

Basked in Blue Light: Glowing Lighthouse at Twilight

Hefner Lake and Park Part IV: The lighthouse glows every other second into all the colors of the rainbow. 

Blue artificial lights captivate the scene, as the vibrant blue and orange skies of twilight dazzle in the back. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.

Idyllic Blue Hour by the Lighthouse

Hefner Lake and Park Part III: Dark azure blue skies have taken over.

The blue lights radiating from the lighthouse splendidly complements the cool hues of the stratosphere. 

Blue Rush: The Intricacies of Mission Dolores

Mission Dolores Basilica Church Part II: The golden hour (and the hour leading up to it) presents some of the best photographic moments. Buildings just look and hit differently depending on the lighting, the weather, and time of day. I love how this pic of the church looks like it's taken closer to blue hour and offers such a calming, chill presence. You can see the intricate details of the structure even more vividly during this moment. 

Contrasting Mountains in California: Aerial Views

The ridges, outlines, and contrasting colors of the San Gorgonio Mountains create an astonishing photo when captured on camera. 

Add in the crystal clear blue skies and this truly shines. 

Into the New: Desert Landscapes at Palm Springs

A new year = a new beginning. 

High above the mountains at over 8,000 feet, we are reminded of how quickly things can change and how vast the world really is. Opportunities present itself everywhere; we just need to take the leap in making that first step. 

Featured in Flickr's Explore.