Raj Patel Photography

08/12/2024

Support William B. Umstead State Park with the 2025 Calendar featuring my photography

I’m thrilled to share that one of my photos, “Going Slow,” has been chosen as the featured image for the month of May in the 2025 “Capture the Spirit” calendar! This calendar is a special collection of stunning photos taken within the beautiful William B. Umstead State Park, all captured by local photographers like myself.

If you love nature and want to help protect one of North Carolina’s most cherished parks, this is a wonderful way to make a difference. I’m proud to have my work featured and hope you’ll join me in supporting William B. Umstead State Park!

For nature lovers, this calendar is more than just a way to enjoy the park’s beauty year-round—it’s also a meaningful way to support the ongoing conservation efforts that keep Umstead Park the incredible natural gem that is at the heart of RTP.

Every purchase directly contributes to maintaining the park’s trails, preserving its diverse ecosystems, and ensuring that this serene refuge remains a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors.
Calendars are available starting at the Park Visitor Center or online at Support William B. Umstead State Park
Price: $10 per calendar
Availability: July 20, 2024 – while supplies last
Additionally they should also be available at Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Cameron Village, Raleigh, NC.

Check out inset photo by good friend and amazing photographer/hiker . ‘Green Tree Frog’ in month of march and ‘Fall Confidence’ in the month of October.

Also checkout ‘First Ride through Umstead’ is inset photo in month of July.
‘Fungi Family’ is inset photo in month of November

If you like to purchase photo prints don’t hesitate to contact me.

07/11/2024

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/capture-spirit-photo-contest-william-b-umstead-state-park-raj-patel-4ekve

12/23/2023

Stick season is not my favorite for enjoying nature, however I had the most peaceful morning hike on my last workday, before the winter break in 2023. 🌄🌿 Nature's calming with soft skies made reflecting on the year so special. The trail felt calm, reminding me to cherish the present and look ahead. It is such a soulful way to welcome the new year! 😊👣

05/08/2023

iPad reflecting nature

04/01/2023

How I Found Beauty and Happiness along one mile Along Haw River Trail
The mist added a layer of mystery and beauty to everything it touched. It softened the edges and colors of the scenery, creating a dreamy and ethereal effect. It also made some fantastic lighting conditions for photography, especially when the sun peeked through the clouds.

One of my favorite moments was my first time spotting ospreys flying over the river and tending their nest!

I felt refreshed and happy after my short Lower Haw River Trail hike. I felt grateful for having such an enchanting mist and for spotting the Ospreys for the first time.

To read more, please visit my blog on medium at https://bit.ly/MediumHawRiverSpring2023

I would love the opportunity to visit unique wildlife in the stunning natural beautiful Finland to learn how they incorporate nature & happiness into their daily lives at the Master Class on Happiness.

04/01/2023

Thinking outside with nature.
I realized I had discovered the most beautiful standing workstation in the world. I did not have to go far, simply walking mindfully and enjoying my backyard's delicate and amazing cherry blossom blooms.

Nature helps reduce stress, improves mood, and getting physical activity helps boosts overall health and well-being. Being able to take in the outdoors has changed my life. A sense of happiness can be like fireworks on nature trails. Being able to explore North Carolina has influenced my perception of what natural beauty is all about.

Taking breaks in nature always helps bring joy to mind, body, and soul, a Win-Win for all! I got my UI automation to pass! I was having issues with the last part for a few days. I find that simply stepping outside in your backyard is where happiness lies.

I would love the opportunity to visit unique places with natural beauty, like Finland. Finland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, pristine lakes, and a rugged coastline; and learn how they incorporate nature & happiness into their daily lives. To learn in the Master Class on Happiness would open the door for me to enjoy one of the earth's finest. Finlands cultivating happiness and serenity will help me to open the gate to explore true inner happiness.

01/19/2023

08/09/2022

So very grateful and honored to be able to get into the calendar, more grateful to all who purchase them. These can adorn your living spaces too, for prints please contact me, 10% will go to this critical cause to help save Umstead State Park. The summer heat is a universal problem; wildfires damage wildlife habitats. I hope my work can help inspire action to create a safer, sustainable, and greener future for all.
Thank you for helping the Umstead Coalition mission in preserving Umstead State Park.
Our new 16-month calendar (Sept '22 to Dec' 23) will be revealed and go on sale at the July 30 event. The calendar will be available at the Visitor Center, our online store, and the Great Outdoor Provision Company Village District store. https://umsteadcoalition.square.site

(Here is a virtual comp of my digital illustration. www.freepik.com has terrific backgrounds.) #

05/07/2022

Beautiful sunny morning before the rains today, I hope folks did not miss this seeing this.

04/22/2022

We need more positive action to bring hope to all on our home planet.

03/16/2022

My dear friend has a direct relationship with family in a small village in Poland. They take care of influx of refugees and orphans from They take care of refugees and orphans from Ukraine by opening their homes and their hearts.

The Polish villagers are providing basic needs, clothing, food, shelter, and buying art supplies to occupy their time after lessons, medicines, schooling, finding jobs, etc...

Wayne asked for my help donating artwork for a blind auction held at Wilmington, NC end of this month. He has already fundraised $4000 and sent it yesterday.

The best part is that 100% of proceeds will get sent to Poland families to continue supporting the refugee families who arrive sleep-deprived and stressed.

I am very honored to Debra Hooper, who selected this piece to bring the healing power of nature to your living space and help raise money for such a noble cause to help bring some relief to the devastating tragedy to the people of Ukraine.

This limited edition photograph is, titled ' Live your Dream,' was part of my solo exhibition 'Exploring Tranquility' at the Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary, NC Nov 2020-April 2021. It was also featured in Raleigh Magazine in December 2020 issue.

This moment was created at Umstead State Park, along loblolly trail. Right before the entire world was altered by the pandemic. Placing all our dreams on hold through these challenging times we all face together. However, we must be resilient and find ways to create a sense of normality to focus on goals, dreams, and hopes and be stronger together. .








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02/22/2022

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