Diya

I think this one would make an excellent Greeting Card/Post Card for Diwali.

Initially, I attempted to take this picture using a flash, but the flash just made the picture seem as though it was overexposed. So I went ahead and began taking different shots with varying ISO levels since it was a very low-light setting.

The higher ISO settings seem to work better, but the shot wasn't quite where I wanted it.
(the reddish/orange tint in the shot overwhelmed the subject)

After trying out a couple more combinations, I think I found my sweet spot.
I decided to drop ISO, increase aperture, and slow down the shutter a bit.

I'm glad it turned out the way it did. The available light made for a great shot..

Children's Gym

Took this one at a Children's Gym in Loudoun County, VA.

It was early in the morning and I was barely awake when taking most of these shots, so I had to take quite a few to capture the moment in the way that I wanted to. I think this one captured the moment exceptionally well.

It was the girl's first time at a children's gym and she was very shy of joining the other kids in Calisthenics.

Her cousins were playing in the gym and she kept saying that she wanted to go play with them, but whenever her aunt would take her into the gym, she would come running out first chance that she got.

I took this one at the very second that she overcame her shyness and started following the Calisthenics instructor's excercises..

Havan

A Havan is a sacred ritual in Hinduism that involves a fire ceremony. It is a ritual of sacrifice made to the Hindu god of fire, Agni.

Hindu belief is that lighting the sacred fire will help rid your home and family of evil spirits. It is a very common ceremony amongst Hindu families.

This picture was taken at such a Havan. I love the colors and tones in this capture.

The sacred fire almost looks surreal..