Bagan (Burma) is an ancient city, dating back to 9th century. During 11th century, over 10,000 Buddhist temples were constructed in the Bagan, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day.

Capturing the sunrise over the sea of old temple remains, required us to get up very early and head to Myengon Pagoda. In the pitch darkness, we ascended the top of the pagoda through narrow steps.

All that effort was well rewarded!

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access 16 photos.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I.

I got an opportunity to photograph the interior and surroundings of the mosque during a trip to Istanbul in Dec 2011.

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access 20 photos.

This is the final set on ballooning over the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey.

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access 12 photos.

Click here to access the older set 1 and set 2.

Continuing with the series on ballooning over the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey, this is the second in the series of 3 sets.

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access 11 photos.

In addition the set 1 can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Cappadocia, is a mass of lunar landscapes, right in the middle of Turkey. You wouldn’t know which one of these unusual rock formations may be leading into a large underground uninhabited city, that were carved about 3,000 years ago by Pagan Hittites.

What better way could there be to view this landscape, other than getting on a hot air balloon?

This is the first of a few series of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia.

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access this series of  15 pictures.

Perfect timing to capture the essence of light is the key to making powerful pictures.

At Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son) in Danang (Vietnam), permitting the right weather conditions, at around 11 AM, streak of sunlight from the opening at the top of the caves, falls directly on the altar.

Click first photo to view in large format and then scroll to access this series of  7 pictures.