By Raghav | | May 15, 2026

What I Learned from 5 Portrait Shoots in Chennai This May

In early May 2026, I found myself juggling five portrait shoots across Chennai, each with unique challenges and distinct atmospheres. From the serene beauty of Theosophical Society to the vibrant colors of Mylapore, every location pushed my creative boundaries and taught me invaluable lessons. Here’s a deep dive into those experiences, what went right, what went wrong, and how you can apply these insights to your own work.

Shoot One: The Theosophical Society – A Study in Serenity

My first shoot was on May 3rd at the Theosophical Society in Adyar, an oasis of calm amidst the city’s chaos. I was working with a family, the Rajans, who wanted a mix of candid and posed portraits. I decided to leverage the natural light filtering through the lush trees, which turned out to be a game-changer.

For this session, I used my Nikon Z6 paired with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The wide aperture allowed me to isolate subjects against the beautiful, blurred backgrounds of the gardens. I positioned the family near the iconic Banyan tree, which added depth and character to the images.

One challenge I faced was managing the lighting as the sun shifted. I learned to adapt quickly, using reflectors to bounce light onto their faces, ensuring the shadows didn’t overpower the shots. By the end of the shoot, we had captured some genuinely beautiful moments, with the family interacting naturally while the light danced around them.

Key Takeaways

• Natural light is your friend: Embrace it, but be aware of how it changes throughout the session.
• Be adaptable: Keep your gear ready for quick adjustments, especially with shifting sunlight.

Shoot Two: Mylapore Temple – Chaos and Color

On May 7th, I ventured into the heart of Mylapore with my client, Priya, who wanted a vibrant photoshoot against the backdrop of the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This location was a sensory overload — the colors, the sounds, and the people made it both challenging and exhilarating.

For this shoot, I opted for my Canon EOS R6 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens to capture the hustle and bustle. The challenge was getting clear shots of Priya while managing the crowd. I quickly learned the importance of patience and timing. I waited for the right moment when the temple’s colorful gopuram framed her perfectly, creating a stunning composition.

However, I made a critical mistake — I was so focused on capturing the temple’s vibrant architecture that I neglected to check my settings. In the midst of all the excitement, I shot with a shutter speed of 1/60s while ISOs hovered around 2000, which led to some grainy images. Thankfully, I was able to salvage most of them with some noise reduction in Lightroom, but it was a hard lesson learned.

Key Takeaways

• Patience is key: Wait for the right moment, especially in crowded locations.
• Check your settings frequently: Amidst chaos, it’s easy to forget the basics; make it a habit to glance at your camera settings.

Shoot Three: Besant Nagar Beach – Embracing the Elements

On May 10th, I had a portrait session scheduled with the Sharma family at Besant Nagar Beach. The beach was an ideal location for casual, relaxed portraits. I arrived early to scout the best spots, and I was greeted by the gentle sound of waves and the soft morning light.

Equipped with my Sony A7 III and a 35mm f/1.4 lens, I was ready to capture the essence of a beach day. We played around with different poses, sometimes with the family sitting in the sand and sometimes frolicking in the water. The challenge was dealing with the wind; it often played havoc with my subjects’ hair and clothes.

To counteract this, I instructed the family to face different directions to find the best angles. I also used the wind to our advantage, capturing some dynamic shots of them laughing and playing against the backdrop of the waves. The result was a series of lively, vibrant images that truly reflected their personalities.

Key Takeaways

• Work with the environment: Use natural elements to create dynamic compositions.
• Scout beforehand: Arriving early can help you find the best spots and light conditions.

Shoot Four: A Vintage Studio Shoot in T Nagar

On May 12th, I had the opportunity to work with a local model, Meera, in a vintage studio located in T Nagar. This shoot was a refreshing change of pace, allowing me to play with controlled lighting setups. The studio was adorned with antique furniture and props, setting a beautiful, nostalgic tone.

I used my Canon 5D Mark IV with a 85mm f/1.2 lens, perfect for creating that dreamy bokeh effect. With the help of a softbox and a reflector, I was able to achieve soft, flattering light on Meera’s face. This kind of environment allowed for a different style of portrait, where subtle facial expressions were the main focus.

However, I underestimated the time it would take to get the lighting just right. I spent so long adjusting the lights and props that I almost ran out of time for the actual shooting. In the end, we managed to get some lovely images, but I learned the importance of time management during a shoot.

Key Takeaways

• Master your lighting: Spend time understanding your setup; it can make or break your shoot.
• Time management is crucial: Allocate your time wisely between setup and shooting.

Shoot Five: A Cultural Fusion at Fort St. George

My final portrait session of the month took place on May 14th at Fort St. George. I was working with a couple, Arjun and Kavya, who wanted a blend of traditional and contemporary portraits. The fort’s historical backdrop provided the perfect contrast to their modern attire.

For this session, I opted for my Fujifilm X-T4 and a 56mm f/1.2 lens, which allowed me to capture sharp details while maintaining a beautiful separation from the background. The challenge was blending the couple’s modern style with the historical elements of the fort. I tried to juxtapose their modern poses against the old architecture, creating a narrative of past meeting present.

One thing I noticed during this shoot was how the late afternoon sun created harsh shadows. Rather than fight it, I embraced the contrast, using it to add drama to the images. The resulting portraits turned out strikingly beautiful, with a unique blend of light and architecture enhancing their love story.

Key Takeaways

• Blend styles creatively: Look for ways to fuse different elements in your portraits.
• Embrace shadows: Sometimes, harsh lighting can create dramatic effects if used wisely.

Mistakes I Made: Lessons from the Field

Reflecting on these five portrait shoots, I realized that mistakes were my greatest teachers. Here are a few crucial lessons I learned:

• Neglecting Camera Settings: As I mentioned during the Mylapore shoot, I was careless with my settings amidst the excitement. Always take a moment to confirm your settings, especially when moving between different lighting conditions.
• Overlooking Preparation: In the vintage studio shoot, poor time management nearly cost me valuable shooting time. Always plan your setup and shooting time efficiently.
• Underestimating the Power of Environment: The beach shoot taught me to work with nature rather than against it. Pay attention to the surroundings and incorporate them into your shots.

Chennai Location Tips for Portrait Photography

If you’re planning a portrait shoot in Chennai, here are some insider tips for specific locations:

The Theosophical Society

This serene location is perfect for family portraits. Aim to shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light. Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded, so arrive early. No special permissions are needed for photography.

Mylapore Temple

Mylapore Temple offers vibrant colors for dynamic portraits. Best to shoot early in the morning to avoid crowds. Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transport. Ensure to be respectful of worshippers and seek permission if necessary.

Besant Nagar Beach

The beach is ideal for casual and candid portraits. Aim for sunrise or sunset to take advantage of the golden hour. Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly. Be prepared for wind and sand; bring a cloth to protect your gear.

T Nagar Studio

This vintage studio is a hidden gem for controlled lighting and unique props. Booking in advance is essential, especially during wedding season. Parking is limited, so consider carpooling or using public transport to avoid hassle.

Fort St. George

A historical backdrop for portraits, this location offers beautiful architecture. Plan to shoot early in the morning for softer light and fewer tourists. Parking is available nearby, but be mindful of the local laws regarding photography, especially in historical sites.

Each of these shoots taught me something invaluable about the art of portrait photography and the beautiful city of Chennai. The blend of culture, light, and human emotion is a unique combination that challenges and inspires me every time I pick up my camera. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, these lessons can help you navigate your own shooting experiences.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I’m passionate about capturing the unique stories of my clients. Visit my portfolio at memoriesandmore.in for more insights and inspiration.