Sajeesh Rajendran

When the Tree Loves the Sky…!

Framed in: Love stories unfold across the world, reminding us that life is still filled with warmth and beauty. The sharing of hearts, the embrace of a hug, and the tender dampness of a kiss all reaffirm that living on this earth isn’t as mundane as it sometimes seems. When a tree falls in love with the sky, the impossible becomes possible.

The steadfast, grounded tree stretches its branches wide, yearning toward the cool blue sky, where dreamy clouds float effortlessly. They are worlds apart, seemingly incompatible. Society doesn’t see them as a perfect match, and naturally, doubts arise about whether they could ever truly be together. But no force on earth can keep them apart, except perhaps their own fears or doubts. For two hearts in love, boundaries dissolve, and nothing else matters but the connection they share. That’s the essence of the old saying, “Love is blind.”

But what happens when there’s discord between those two hearts? A kiss—a warm, tender kiss full of affection—can heal any rift. It’s the simplest yet most profound way to bridge the gap and rekindle the spark of love. Let the tree kiss the sky, erasing all differences and coming together despite the odds. Kissing away the blues might just restore the magic of affection that brings them closer.

This should inspire everyone to reconnect with their loved ones, reviving the lost charm of romance that often fades in the monotony of daily life. Let’s make this world a paradise, for only love has the power to turn any hell into a heaven!

 

Framed out: This photograph is part of my series titled Nostalgic Mornings. For me, mornings are the most magical time of any day. There’s something deeply comforting in watching the darkness gradually give way to light, with the gentle sound of birds chirping in the background. Sipping a hot cup of tea, reading the newspaper, and sitting on the balcony while enjoying the cool morning breeze—mornings are truly romantic, a time I wouldn’t trade for anything. The coziness they offer is something to be savored to the fullest.

For a photographer, mornings are brimming with opportunities. The soft, golden rays of the sun, gently slanting across the landscape, bring out a unique beauty in everything they touch. I’m always drawn to pack my gear and set off on early-morning adventures, chasing those perfect moments. This shot was born from one such expedition.

The silhouette of a tree against a clear blue sky, with wisps of clouds delicately scattered around, was an irresistible scene for my lens. Captured with my Yashica FX3, the diagonal tilt of the tree brings a sense of movement and energy to the frame. It’s one of my personal favorites—a picture that’s as romantic as it is visually striking. The blend of simplicity and elegance in this shot makes it a timeless piece in my collection.

 

Grey Frames: “Kissing is a means of getting two people so close together that they can’t see anything wrong with each other.” Rene Yasenek


Beyond Frames: This dedication is special. This is for some one who made me dream the same dream many a times in a day! For the angel who made me believe a tree can love the sky and kisses are the magical remedy for any drifts between two hearts! Its for you.. on this special day.. to make it more special… kisses and love…

The smell of innocence…

 

Framed in:

Babies are a gift from God, reflecting the pure divinity of nature. I remember once, in ninth grade, a teacher asked us why we associate such divine qualities with babies. We were stumped, unable to pinpoint a reason, though we all agreed that babies are simply adorable, full of warmth, and irresistible to hug and kiss. Then, our teacher shared an insight: the divinity we see in babies comes from their innocence and helplessness, which make them truly special.

As we grow older, we gradually lose that innocence while learning to navigate the complexities of life. What is maturity, after all? It’s the shedding of our pure, true selves as we learn to conform to societal expectations and perform for others. I’ve often thought that a person is only fully themselves in those private moments, like when they’re alone in the bathroom, hidden from the eyes of the world.

Our entire education system seems designed to cultivate maturity, teaching us to suppress innocence and become more calculating. The more educated you are, the more cunning you become. But today, I invite you to rediscover what’s been lost. Presenting ‘Expressions of Innocence’—a journey back to reclaim that pure, untainted essence we once had. Let’s step back and let innocence prevail once again.

Framed out: On an assignment for a magazine feature about the tribes of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, I had the opportunity to visit their dwellings and experience their way of life up close. As someone who’s always been passionate about feature photography, especially capturing raw human expressions, I find immense satisfaction in freezing a moment of genuine emotion. It’s like preserving a slice of life in its most authentic form, something I’m grateful to be appreciated for.

During my visit, the innocent charm of a sweet little child caught my attention. I was eager to capture her expression, but as I approached for a portrait, she became frightened. Seeking comfort, she quickly nestled into her grandmother’s hip and started crying. What could have been a simple portrait turned into something more profound—a candid moment that revealed a deeper connection between generations. I captured the scene with my trusty Yashica FX3, equipped with an FX7 lens and loaded with Fuji 200 film.

To this day, I still cherish the innocence in her eyes that shines through in this image.

Grey Frames: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Pablo Picasso

Dark & Curved… To Blurred Destination!

 

Framed in:  Destiny is shaped by how we face life. For those who seek safety in following others, sticking to well-trodden paths, a monotonous and uninspiring destination often awaits. But for those who dare to take the road less traveled, they discover new paths and leave behind trails for others to follow. These are the leaders, the ones who forge ahead.

The journey to destiny might be winding, dark, and filled with obstacles, with only a faint glimmer of hope in the distance. It may be long and challenging, but it is the energy of optimism and the power of dreams that carry us forward. May the paths you choose lead you to enchanting landscapes and fulfilling destinations.

Framed Out:  This snap is one I will never forget. After an exhausting bike ride of over 400 kilometers in a single day, I was heading back to the estate, needing to report for work by 6:45 AM. It was already 6:30, and I still had a half-hour ride ahead of me. But how could I pass up such a stunning scene? I decided to stop my Enfield, fondly called “Mayavi,” and capture the moment.

With my Yashica FX3 in hand, I immortalized the “Road to Destiny.” The exposure was just right, and the photo beautifully captures the cool serenity and completeness of dawn.

Grey Frames: The end is decided when you decide the path. Fidel Castro

Following… without making a noise…

Framed in:  Shadows reveal much about our true selves. They reflect who we really are, unaltered and authentic, an image that cannot be manipulated. When we stray from our path, our shadow serves as a reminder of our true nature, gently guiding us back. It delves into our inner soul, finding its way to our heart. As Buddha said, it is the constant companion, silently following us wherever we go, until the end of our days. It is, in essence, our better half.

A shadow also symbolizes a promise—a confirmation that a great light surrounds us, dispelling the darkness. It is a quiet, ever-present force, leading a silent revolution within us.

Framed Out:  A gloomy day can be transformed with the snap of a fantastic picture. It was a dull afternoon, one of those uneventful holidays that seem to drift by. As I wandered around my mom’s house, camera in hand, I found nothing that caught my eye—until the idea of photographing my own shadow struck me. Driven by curiosity, I used my Yashica FX3 to capture the image, and as I did, a dried leaf entered the frame, adding a touch of elegance. This simple element strengthened the composition, making it visually captivating. The mysterious quality of the photo gave it an intriguing allure, turning an otherwise ordinary moment into something special.

Grey Frames: Shadow owes its birth to light.   John Gay 

Trapped in Between…

 

Framed in: No matter what we do to bring clarity, chaos persists. It’s a curse of our generation, lost in the maze of the Internet and the digital revolution. Despite advancements in communication and technology that should make life easier and more relaxed, we face increasing pressure and unhappiness. Contentment is elusive, especially for today’s youth, who often feel off-track. They drift aimlessly, like being lost at sea without a destination. This leaves them with a strange expression, unable to fully enjoy life.

Imagine a serene landscape filled with lush green tea bushes, a cool, refreshing river flowing through the middle, a pleasant breeze kissing your lips, musical notes played by cuckoos, and gentle drizzles under mild sunlight. What more could you need to enjoy life? Yet, even in such a setting, chaos and solitude remain—a persistent curse.

Framed out: This picture was taken at Panniar Dam in Kerala during my brief tenure as an Assistant Manager at one of the tea estates in Surianelli, managed by HML. It was a memorable Sunday when my best friend, the sound mixer Vishnu, came to visit me at the estate. We decided to make a trip to Panniar Dam, joined by my colleagues Arun K. Nair, Milton Durom, and Sijin. The trip was fantastic in every sense—boating on the dam all day, with occasional showers and rum to keep us company. It was truly one of those days to cherish.

Before we embarked on the boat, there was a moment when the clouds parted and allowed the sun to shine through. I spotted Vishnu sitting on the riverbank, smoking and lost in deep thought. His pose, filled with attitude, caught my attention. Seizing the moment, I captured this shot with my Yashica camera. This picture, with its contemplative and serene mood, remains one of my favorites.

Grey Frames: we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh.       Friedrich Nietzsche