By Raghav | | May 14, 2026

How I Shot 14 Stunning Portraits in Chennai’s May Heat

On May 3, 2026, I found myself sweating profusely under the relentless Chennai sun, setting up my gear at the serene Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. The temperature soared to an unbearable 38°C, but I had a mission: to capture 14 vibrant portraits that would encapsulate the spirit of my subjects against the backdrop of this culturally rich city. Here’s how the day unfolded, including the tips and tricks I learned along the way.

Preparing for the Heat

As I arrived at the location, I realized that preparation was key. I had my Nikon Z6 II with the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 lens, which is perfect for portraits. The shallow depth of field allowed me to create beautiful bokeh, making my subjects pop against the intricate temple architecture. To combat the heat, I packed a cooler with ice water and snacks, which proved invaluable later.

Starting around 7 AM meant avoiding the harsh midday sun. I set up in the temple courtyard, where the shadows from the ancient architecture provided a natural diffuser. The first subject was Priya, a local artist whose vibrant personality matched her colorful saree. We began with her portrait against the temple’s stunning gopuram, capturing the intricate details of the stone carvings.

Finding the Right Angles

As I worked with Priya, I experimented with angles. I shot from slightly below her eye level to emphasize her expressions against the grand temple backdrop. The settings were ISO 100, f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 1/200s. This gave me a crisp image with a soft background, highlighting her features beautifully.

After wrapping up with Priya, I moved on to my next subject, Aakash, a budding musician. We decided to utilize the temple’s vibrant flower market as our backdrop. The colors were a feast for the eyes, but I learned quickly that the best light was fleeting. We were shooting around 8:30 AM, and I had to maximize our time before the sun pushed the lighting into harsh shadows.

Working with Different Subjects

By the time I reached my third subject, Meera, I had developed a rhythm. She was a dancer, and her grace was palpable. We chose a spot near a large banyan tree in the temple precincts. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves created a dreamy effect. I set my camera to aperture priority mode, opting for f/1.4 to create that soft-focus effect on the background while keeping her sharply in focus. The settings were ISO 200, f/1.4, and 1/160s.

However, it was during Meera’s shoot that I realized I had forgotten to bring a reflector to bounce some light back onto her face. The shadows under her eyes were prominent, and I had to think on my feet. I quickly improvised using my white t-shirt as a makeshift reflector, and it worked like a charm! The result was a stunning portrait that showcased her expressive eyes and traditional attire.

Engaging with the Subjects

One important lesson I learned that day was the significance of engaging with my subjects. I spent time talking to each person, not just during the shoot but before it. With Meera, I discussed her dance performances and what the temple represented to her. This connection made her more comfortable and allowed her true self to shine through in the portraits.

Location Tips for Portraits in Chennai

Having worked extensively in Chennai, I can share some specific location tips that greatly enhance portrait photography:

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

As I mentioned, this temple is a gem. Aim for early morning shoots to avoid crowds and harsh light. Parking can be tricky, so I recommend arriving early to snag a spot. The temple opens at 5 AM, which is also a great time for capturing the morning rituals.

2. Theosophical Society, Adyar

The lush greenery and serene environment make this a perfect spot for portraits. I shot a couple’s pre-wedding shoot here last year on December 15, 2025, utilizing the large banyan trees as backdrops. I suggest arriving by 6 AM for the best light and to avoid the heat. Parking is available, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my experiences, I remember one major mistake from a shoot I did last summer in June 2025. I was at the Marina Beach with a family for a portrait session. I had everything planned: the timing, the outfits, and even the poses. However, I forgot to check the tide times. As I set up for the shoot, the waves began to encroach. My gear ended up splashed with seawater, and I had to spend a good chunk of the session cleaning my lens and gear. I learned that day to always check environmental conditions before heading out.

Now, I make it a point to check tide schedules and weather forecasts. This has saved me from similar mishaps during subsequent shoots. Always be prepared for the unexpected; it’s a lesson that will serve every photographer well.

Post-Processing to Enhance Portraits

After my shoot on May 3, I returned to my editing station and began processing the images. I use Adobe Lightroom Classic for most of my editing. One of my favorite before-and-after examples comes from Aakash’s portrait. His initial shot had a slight blue tint due to the morning shadows.

In Lightroom, I adjusted the white balance to warm it up, setting it to 5500K. I increased the contrast and clarity slightly to enhance his features while also applying a gentle vignette around the edges to draw more focus to his face. The before shot was flat and dull, but the after shot was vibrant, showcasing the essence of his personality against the colorful flowers.

Color Grading and Final Touches

Once I was satisfied with the color correction, I moved to color grading. I always add a bit of film grain for texture, which gives portraits a more organic feel. My final export settings were JPEG at 300 DPI for print, ensuring the images were sharp and vibrant.

Conclusion

Shooting portraits during Chennai’s sweltering May heat is no small feat, but with the right approach, it can yield stunning results. By choosing the right locations, engaging with your subjects, and learning from past mistakes, you can create beautiful memories that last a lifetime. I look forward to more shoots in this vibrant city, capturing the essence of its people one portrait at a time.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography across Tamil Nadu. I love capturing the essence of people and places, turning moments into cherished memories.