This month through the theme Monsoon Elements we challenged our readers to photograph the wonder of rains in a captivating and compelling manner. Here’s a look at the Honourable Mentions and Winner of the contest.
Honourable Mentions:
Photograph/Jimmy Kamballur
The Odd Ones Out
Jimmy Kamballur, Kottayam
“I was strolling down the streets when I saw a procession coming up from the opposite end of the road, and somehow I anticipated a photo opportunity. At that exact moment, the rain started pelting down, and the crowd unfurled their umbrellas. I loved how the few coloured umbrellas were breaking the pattern of the black ones. Moreover, the image reminded me of the cover of Stephen King’s novel, Mr Mercedes.”
Camera: Canon EOS 5D
Lens: Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutterspeed: 1/750sec
ISO: 500
Photograph/Malini Chakrabarty
Dreaming of the Gods
Malini Chakrabarty, Kolkata
“The vibrant juxtaposition of the smiling Gods with the sleeping man instantly drew me to the frame. The pattern formed by the rain created a unique filter as well.”
Camera: Canon EOS 600D
Lens: Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutterspeed: 1/100sec
ISO: 100
Photograph/Albin P T
Modern-day Shelters
Albin P T, Palakkad
“While I was on my way around a hospital’s campus, I came across a storing yard. I spotted this security guard taking shelter from the rain inside one of the drum-like structures. I found this scene rather charming and made a picture.”
Camera: Sony SLT-A58
Lens: Sony DT 18–55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutterspeed: 1/60sec
ISO: 100
Photograph/Shiva Rajvanshi
Anger of the Rain Gods
Shiva Rajvanshi, Lucknow
“I was riding pillion on a bike in the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, when I spotted a huge storm approaching. The angry rain clouds against the serene landscape made for a striking frame. We didn’t want to get stuck in the storm, so I shot it from the bike in motion.”
Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Lens: Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Aperture: f/9
Shutterspeed: 1/250sec
ISO: 100
And the winner is…
Photograph/Sonam Phintso
Psychedelic Umbrellas
Sonam Phintso, Gangtok
“I shot this image at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. In order to capture the crazy crowd, I made sure to find the most densely packed area of the stadium. Then I used a telephoto lens and used a fast shutterspeed. I liked how the vibrant colours, along with the distortion at the edges of the image rendered a trippy effect to the photograph.”
Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: Canon EF 75–300mm f/4-5.6 III USM
Aperture: f/5
Shutterspeed: 1/2000sec
ISO: 800