Tips for Monsoon Travel Photography

Forget filters, forget likes – the monsoon is here, and it’s painted the world in a way that Instagram just can’t capture. In our age of constant clicks, where every scene begs to be uploaded, the monsoon whispers a different story. It’s a story best told through the lens of a camera, or better yet, through your own wide-open eyes. The raindrops pitter-patter a gentle rhythm on vibrant green leaves. The thick deodar jungles, their secrets hidden forested paths, the ranges of mountains and hills and down below, rivers, swollen with the monsoon’s bounty, carve their paths through the landscape. Sunlight struggles to peek, the earthy smell of rain-kissed soil, the cool breeze that dances through your hair, the sound of birds singing a joyful song of renewal – it’s all there, waiting to be experienced. 

So put down your phone, grab your camera and step outside. The monsoon is a fleeting masterpiece, a celebration of nature’s raw beauty. Capture it, cherish it, and let it fill your soul with a kind of magic that no social media feed can replicate the SaffronStays villa – it’s a photographer’s paradise in any season, but during monsoon it becomes magical!

  1. Sky with dramatic clouds – SaffronStays Kasauli estate, Himachal Pradesh 

The heart of Himachal Pradesh, SaffronStays Kasauli Estate is the best place to capture a blue sky with puffy white clouds.  The wind whispers secrets as the clouds drift across the bright blue. Below, there’s a cozy two-story house with blue doors and windows and a big red porch, like a friendly wave. The manicured lawn gleams in the sunlight, while a cool breeze blows through the trees, their branches swaying in a silent dance. It’s a scene straight out of a painting, an invitation to capture the essence of the Himalayas.

Photography Tips:

  • Experiment with ISO settings to maintain clarity in low light without compromising the atmosphere.
  • Utilize a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and enhance the greenery, making the lush surroundings and manicured lawns pop with color.
  • The manicured lawn gleams in the sunlight, while a cool breeze blows through the trees, their branches swaying in a silent dance. It’s a scene straight out of a painting, an invitation to capture the essence.
  • Use a wide-angle shot to capture the full splendor of the Himalayas.

2. The raindrops falling into the lake – SaffronStays Gardens on the Lake, Uttarakhand

At SaffronStays Gardens on the Lake in Uttarakhand, the view of Bhimtal Lake becomes truly beautiful during a heavy rain. This villa is perfect to capture the raindrops falling into the lake, making a soothing sound and creating ripples on the water. The greenery around the lake looks more vibrant and the air feels fresh and revitalizing. Whether you’re on the balcony or in the garden, you can see a lovely scene of rain, water, and nature working together, showing the harmony between the peaceful retreat and the powerful elements. Capture this beautiful moment with your camera and enjoy the blend of calmness and nature’s beauty.

Photography Tips:

  • Use a fast shutter speed to capture the raindrops in mid-air.
  • A wide-angle lens can help include the lake and lush greenery in your frame.
  • Protect your camera gear from rain with appropriate weather protection.
  • Focus on reflections in the water for a unique effect.
  • Zoom in to get detailed shots of the ripples on the lake.
  • Utilize the soft, diffused light during the rain for beautiful, moody photos.
  • Highlight the contrast between the serene lake and the dynamic raindrops.

3. Fog rolls through Trees – SaffronStays The Dunnottar By Kodai Lake, Tamil Nadu

Nestled in a quiet, forested area near Kodaikanal Lake, there’s a Scottish-style Vacation home beckons with timeless charm. SaffronStays The Dunnottar By Kodai Lake is the best place to capture the fog rolls through the trees, creating a mysterious atmosphere. A stone path covered in fallen leaves leads up to the house, hinting at stories waiting to be discovered. Moss-covered trees stand tall around the property, adding to the peaceful and magical feel.

Photography Tips:

  • Capture the mystical atmosphere with early morning fog. 
  • Highlight moss-covered tree trunks and stone pathways up close. 
  • Use soft, diffused light from the fog for moody photos. 
  • Take wide-angle shots to show the entire house and surroundings. 
  • Shoot from a low angle to emphasize towering trees. 
  • Enhance mystery with editing that emphasizes shadows and mists. 

4. The beauty of the sunset – SaffronStays Aquamarina by the Beach, Alibaug

The gentle monsoon rains create a serene scene at Saffronstays Aquamarina by the Beach in Alibaug. A weathered wooden bench sits peacefully on lush, rain-kissed grass, its intricate design offering comfort and beckoning weary souls to pause and rejuvenate. Above, leaves flutter like golden confetti, celebrating the arrival of autumn. The mesmerizing hues of the sunset paint the sky with a breathtaking symphony of colors, capturing every moment. In the distance, a pastel sunset softly reveals its last hues, casting a tranquil glow. A white fence encircles this oasis, offering a sense of security and privacy—a sanctuary where time slows down and worries melt away. 

Photography Tips:

  • Use soft natural light during monsoon for a serene atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal.
  • Focus on details like the patterns of a wooden bench or raindrops on grass for depth and interest.
  • Utilize reflections in puddles for artistic compositions.
  • Embrace dramatic overcast skies to add texture and mood.
  • Contrast vibrant greens with softer sunset hues for visual appeal.
  • Frame your subject with elements like fences, foliage, and sunsets for balanced compositions.

5. Capture the waterfall- SaffronStays Masaya, Alibaug

The private waterfall at Saffronstays Masaya comes alive during the monsoon. The rainwater adds to its volume, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Witness the droplets dance and create a symphony of sound as they plunge into the crystal-clear pool below. Carefully designed channels capture the waterfall, directing it gracefully over the edge. Lush greenery surrounds you, punctuated by the vibrant colors of the monsoon. Moss-covered stones, carefully placed by hand, form the steps of the waterfall, adding an ancient charm to the scene. Crystal-clear water tumbles down, creating a symphony of sound and movement.

Photography Tips:

  • To create a dreamy, ethereal effect, slow down your shutter speed. This technique blurs the movement of the water, transforming it into a soft, flowing texture that enhances the overall mood and atmosphere of your photograph.
  • To capture the monsoon sunlight filtering through the trees, creating dappled light on the stones and water.

6. Rain-Kissed Reflections Photography –  SaffronStays Falcon Hill, Lonavala

Discover SaffronStays Falcon Hill in Lonavala, where a hidden gem awaits amidst the rolling hills—a modern retreat perched on the edge of infinity. Imagine capturing the scene straight from a watercolor painting, where the sky and earth blend seamlessly. The infinity pool, with its calm cerulean waters, mirrors the misty air that wraps around it. During the monsoon, nature adds its own drama, enchanting the landscape long after the rain has passed.

Photography Tips:

  • Capture the ethereal mist and fog dancing around the infinity pool and the surrounding landscape.
  • Use reflections in the pool to create dramatic and artistic compositions.
  • Take advantage of the soft, diffused light during overcast days for moody and atmospheric shots.

It’s monsoon time! SaffronStays provides the ideal places to explore and capture the entire monsoon areas through your photography skills and by using the above photography tips.  

About Ganesh Kumar