Photography has quietly taken over a large part of my free time. What started as a way to document trips has turned into something I think about constantly. Composition, light, timing. I find myself looking at ordinary things and wondering what they would look like through the lens.

In January, I went to Yellowstone National Park in winter. Most people go in summer, but winter changes the place completely. The roads are closed to cars. You get around by snowcoach and snowmobile. The wildlife is right there because there is nowhere else for them to go.

We came across a herd of bison standing in snow up to their chests. They were calm, just enduring the cold the way bison have for thousands of years. My fingers went numb taking photos. Worth it.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in winter is something else. Canyon walls dusted with snow, the waterfall partially frozen, steam rising from the river below. Summer photos of this place are everywhere. Winter photos are rare.

Back home in Atlanta, spring has been delivering its own material. I have been spending time in local parks looking for birds and wildflowers.

A great blue heron let me get close the other day before spreading its wings and lifting off. Those birds have a wingspan of about six feet. When one opens up right in front of you, it fills the frame.

The dogwoods are blooming all over Atlanta right now. I took this one against a dark background to isolate the flower. Simple shot, but I like how it turned out.

I have been posting all my photos at photos.rajiv.com. Friends and family, take a look when you get a chance. There is a lot more there than what I have shared here.