The Mahakumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, draws over 100 million pilgrims to the holy city of Prayagraj. The 2025 edition promises to be grander, louder, and more vibrant than ever before. To help visual storytellers, we’ve compiled expert tips to ensure you capture every divine moment – from serene sunrise dips in the Ganga to the dramatic processions of sadhus. Get ready to explore camera techniques, ideal gear, and environmental hacks from seasoned professionals.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing the Right Equipment
The foundation of good photography lies in having reliable, versatile gear. Selecting the right equipment not only adds quality to your visuals but also gives you flexibility in various shooting conditions.
| For Photography | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | DSLR or Mirrorless cameras with good low-light capabilities and high ISO support. |
| Lens Choices | Wide-angle (16–35mm) for large scenes; telephoto (70–200mm) for close-up portraits and distant subjects. |
| Accessories | Extra batteries, lens hood, UV filters, memory cards. |
| For Videography | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | 4K-capable cameras with good dynamic range. |
| Audio Tools | External microphones and windscreens for clear audio capture. |
| Stabilizers | Use gimbals for smooth, stable shots in crowded areas. |
Pro Tip: Always shoot in RAW and bracket exposures when unsure of lighting. It gives more flexibility during editing.
2. Mastering Camera Settings
Camera settings are like a painter’s brushstrokes, they define the outcome. Adjusting these wisely according to the lighting and mood is key to capturing powerful images.
| Photography Settings | Details |
|---|---|
| Shutter Speed | Fast (1/500s+) for dynamic action; slow (1/30s) to capture rituals or evening ambiance. |
| Aperture | Wide (f/2.8-f/4) for low light and portraits; narrow (f/8-f/11) for landscapes. |
| ISO | Day: 100–400 for clarity; Night: 800–3200 with caution to avoid grain. |
| Videography Settings | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Rate | 24fps for a cinematic feel; 60fps for slow-motion playback. |
| Resolution | Record in 4K for sharper visuals and detailed frames. |
| Focus Settings | Use manual focus for steady control, especially during crowd scenes. |
Pro Tip: Lock your exposure and focus when filming to prevent the camera from adjusting to every movement or light change.
3. Shooting in Challenging Conditions
Mahakumbh Mela is intense, spiritually and physically. Dust, heat, dense crowds, and sacred chaos can overwhelm your frame. Being prepared ensures the best results.
| For Photography | Details |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Use 300-watt halogen lights for dramatic dust effects. |
| Lens Protection | UV filters protect against dust and ash. |
| Framing Technique | Stand close to your subject, keep them centered, and use wide angles. |
| For Videography | Details |
|---|---|
| Stabilization | Gimbal-mounted GoPros work well in crowded places. |
| Sound | Capture ambient sounds but always use a windscreen for clarity. |
Pro Tip: Shoot from an elevated platform using a telephoto lens to compress backgrounds and capture sacred rituals without intrusion.
4. Night Photography Techniques
The nights of Mahakumbh light up with thousands of diyas, rituals by the river, and meditative silence. Capturing these moments requires an understanding of long exposure and patience.
| For Photography | Details |
|---|---|
| Long Exposure | Use tripods for stable low-light shots; let the camera soak in ambient lighting. |
| Manual Focus | Helps maintain clarity in low light; use focus peaking if available. |
| Depth Awareness | Use wide apertures carefully; movement can cause unintended blur. |
| For Videography | Details |
|---|---|
| Low Light Tools | Use lenses with f/1.8 or lower; avoid digital zooms in low light. |
| Supplemental Light | LED lights help where natural light fails. |
Pro Tip: Accept the unpredictability of night shots. Sometimes, the best frames come from unplanned exposures and accidental shadows.
5. Drone Photography Tips
The Mahakumbh from above is an entirely different world. Aerial shots bring out the scale of the event – the rivers, the crowds, and the movement of faith.
| For Photography | Details |
|---|---|
| Golden Hours | Capture at sunrise and sunset for soft tones and fewer crowds. |
| Composition | Use rivers and bridges as natural lines; find symmetry and rhythm in patterns. |
| Burst Mode | Take multiple shots quickly to select the best frame later. |
| For Videography | Details |
|---|---|
| Cinematic Moves | Start with wide aerial views, then zoom into rituals or group actions. |
| Battery Prep | Carry spare batteries to avoid interruptions. |
| Legal Compliance | Ensure you have permissions and fly only in drone-safe zones. |
Pro Tip: Use the Rule of Thirds while flying. Position major subjects in off-center grids to add drama and depth.
Final Thoughts
For photographers and videographers, it is a treasure trove of moments, waiting to be framed. From adjusting your lens to framing the light of dusk, the right techniques and equipment ensure your story stands out. Stay respectful, be curious, and let your creativity flow as freely as the Ganga herself. Eracamps, the hospitality partner, offers a calm retreat with air-conditioned tents equipped with charging ports, editing zones, and resting areas – ideal for photographers to rewind and fine-tune their footage.
