Original Post in /r/EarthPorn
Spent 4 months in Guwahati last year. Assam and Meghalaya don't require permits, and there is plenty to photograph there. In the meantime, you can try to apply for permits. Sikkim appears to be relatively easy to get into
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g297673-c155144/Sikkim:India:Inner.Line.Permit.For.Sikkim.html
and I can say from experience (looking across the valley from West Bengal near Darjeeling) that it is photograph-worthy. Darjeeling and norther West Bengal is amazing and easy to get to as well. Hope this helps!