Beyond the Myth: Cultivating Your Unique Voice in Documentary & Commercial Photography
July 6, 2025
Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon: Photographing Grit in the Mist
The Excitement of the Unexpected!
Runners Braving Monsoon: Pachmarhi Marathon Action. Photo by Ankit Tiwari
This ambitious event was a collaborative effort, bringing together the expertise of World Athletics Label Road Races, the Bhopal Camera Club, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, and a dedicated sports management firm, Adventure and You. To ensure comprehensive coverage, I was fortunate to have an enthusiastic team alongside me: social media maven Bablu Khan and a seasoned fellow amateur photographer, Ankit Tiwari. The team was further bolstered by drone photography artist Kuldeep Lodhi and Jai Tripathi, enabling us to capture diverse perspectives of this unique sporting spectacle.
Ankit Tiwari: Capturing the Pachmarhi Marathon Spirit. Photo: Sauvik Acharyya
Bablu Khan: Documenting the Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon, Photo: Sauvik Acharyya
Our journey to Pachmarhi commenced on a somewhat damp morning of July 12, 2025, following a brief meeting with Rajnish Khare, founder of the Bhopal Camera Club. The drive itself was a visual treat, as picturesque as anticipated, with the roads proving surprisingly smooth. A brief stop along the way allowed for some impromptu roadside photography, capturing the raw beauty of the landscape and the people we encountered. Upon our afternoon arrival, however, we were greeted by a significant change in weather – a relentless downpour. Skipping the hotel check-in, we opted for a quick lunch on the go before heading directly to the marathon's starting point to meet Mitesh Rambhia, the event's dedicated organiser and the founder of Adventure and You. We swiftly captured some headshots of the setup and an initial reconnaissance of the route, all while a slow, steady rain continued its uninterrupted descent. Exhaustion from the day's travel and the persistent rain eventually led us back to the hotel at midnight for a much-needed rest.
Mitesh Rambhia
Rajnish Khare
The following morning presented a formidable challenge. The rain continued its steady pour, and the prospect of protecting our valuable photographic equipment loomed large. What's more, the first marathon category commenced at an ungodly 3 AM, shrouded in complete darkness, making photography impossible. However, as dawn reluctantly broke, we managed to capture some vibrant crowd images and powerful headshots at the start of the 42 km category.
Our focus then shifted to strategically positioning ourselves along the challenging paths the competitors would navigate on their return to the finish line. The morning remained perpetually misty and gloomy, and the low light made capturing sharp images of the athletes in motion incredibly difficult. The persistent rain only compounded our struggles, but despite the adverse conditions, the majority of our photographs turned out well, with a select few truly standing out as spectacular.
Kuldeep Lodhi: Drone Photography & Marathon Spirit. Photo by Sauvik Acharyya
Jai Tripathi: Capturing Perspectives at Pachmarhi Marathon. Photo by Sauvik Acharyya
1. Prioritise Gear and Personal Protection:
Ensure all your equipment is in peak working condition and meticulously covered. Equally important, protect yourself. Being exposed to rain for extended periods can lead to discomfort or even illness. A good waterproof jacket and a head covering are indispensable.
2. Embrace the Single Lens Philosophy:
The weather will simply not permit frequent lens changes. Opt for a single, versatile lens mounted on your camera body. A 24-70mm lens with a wide aperture is often ideal, offering flexibility in framing while allowing sufficient light in challenging conditions.
3. Fuel Smart, Not Heavy:
Avoid large meals before and during the shoot. The marathon route often requires rapid movement and quick adjustments. Instead, pack easily digestible snacks like bananas for quick energy boosts. And always carry a water bottle – amenities might be sparse along the route.
On Location at Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon. Photo by Anki Tiwari
4. Constant Equipment Care:
Regularly wipe down your equipment with a soft, absorbent cloth. Moisture is the enemy of electronics, and consistent cleaning will help prevent damage.
5. Strategic Planning and Rest:
A good night's sleep is crucial. Before heading out, carefully plot your shooting locations and anticipated movements. Thorough planning reduces stress and allows you to focus on capturing those defining moments.
Lone Runner in Mist: Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon. Photo by Bablu Khan
The Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon was more than just a sporting event; it was an adventure, a test of endurance for both athletes and photographers, and a testament to the unexpected beauty that can unfold when nature and human spirit collide. It was a privilege to capture its essence, even through the rain-streaked lens.
