By Raghav | | May 16, 2026

How I Learned 5 Essential Photography Techniques This May

On the evening of May 5th, 2026, I found myself perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the serene waters of Kanyakumari. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape. It was here, with my Nikon Z6 II in hand, that I witnessed the importance of mastering light in photography. This moment, among many others this month, taught me invaluable lessons and reminded me of techniques that can elevate our work as photographers.

1. Embracing Natural Light

Natural light is a photographer’s best friend, and I learned this firsthand during a wedding shoot for my client Priya on May 11th at the beautiful Nandi Hills. The venue was stunning, but it was the golden hour that truly transformed the images. I had set my camera to aperture priority mode with an f-stop of 2.8 to achieve that dreamy bokeh effect, and I adjusted my ISO to 200 to keep noise at bay.

As I captured Priya’s candid moments with her bridesmaids, the soft light created an ethereal glow. This taught me that planning shoots around the golden hour can significantly enhance image quality. For those shooting in Chennai, I recommend scouting locations like the Santhome Basilica during this time for a similar effect.

2. Composition Techniques: The Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines

On May 8th, I took a stroll through the vibrant streets of Mylapore, where I practiced the rule of thirds and leading lines. With my Canon EOS R, I focused on the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple. I positioned the temple at one of the intersecting points of the grid while allowing the leading lines of the temple’s pathway to draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject.

In this instance, I shot at an aperture of f/4 to keep the temple sharp while slightly blurring the surrounding foliage. This technique provided depth to the photograph. I recommend using a wide-angle lens to capture more of the surrounding environment, especially in busy locations like Mylapore, where you can include both the temple and the bustling life around it.

Tips for Using Leading Lines

• Look for natural paths, railings, or architectural features that can guide the viewer’s eye.
• Experiment with different perspectives; sometimes, a low angle can create more dynamic leading lines.
• Combine leading lines with other elements in your frame for a more compelling composition.

3. Mastering Manual Mode

One evening on May 14th, while experimenting at the Marina Beach, I decided to challenge myself by shooting entirely in manual mode. The vibrant sunset offered a perfect backdrop, but I had to dial in my settings carefully. I chose an ISO of 100, shutter speed of 1/60 seconds, and f-stop of 11 to keep both the foreground and background in focus.

As I adjusted the exposure compensation, I found that manual mode allowed me to be more creative with my shots. I captured a stunning silhouette of a fisherman against the fiery sky, which reminded me that understanding your camera is essential for seizing fleeting moments. If you’re new to manual settings, practice on less busy days at Marina for more control over your shots.

Benefits of Shooting in Manual Mode

• Greater control over exposure settings, allowing for more creative freedom.
• Improved understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing light conditions.

4. Post-Processing Techniques

I often hear the debate about the importance of post-processing in photography. On May 3rd, after returning from a trip to Ooty, I spent the evening editing my photos using Adobe Lightroom (latest version). One of my shots of the lush green hills needed a little pop, so I adjusted the contrast, saturation, and clarity to bring out the rich colors.

Before editing, the image felt flat, but after spending just 15 minutes in Lightroom, it transformed into a vibrant landscape that truly represented the beauty of Ooty. I’ve learned that while capturing the image is crucial, editing is where you can truly define your style. For those starting out, familiarize yourself with Lightroom’s basic tools, as they can make a world of difference.

Editing Tips for Beginners

• Start with basic adjustments: exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows.
• Use presets to speed up your workflow, but always make fine-tuning adjustments.
• Learn to use the graduated filter tool for landscapes to enhance skies or foregrounds.

5. The Importance of Storytelling

Photography is not just about the technicalities; it’s also about telling a story. On May 10th, while shooting a family portrait session at the beautiful Elliot’s Beach, I made it a point to engage with the family. I asked them about their favorite activities, which led to spontaneous shots of them playing and laughing together. This approach resulted in a series of genuine moments that reflected their family dynamics.

During this shoot, I set my camera to continuous shooting mode and used a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds to freeze the action. This technique allowed me to capture the essence of their interactions, turning a simple portrait session into a lively story. For those shooting family portraits in Chennai, consider locations like the beach or parks during early morning or late evening for softer light and fewer crowds.

Engaging with Your Subjects

• Ask open-ended questions to create a comfortable environment.
• Encourage subjects to interact naturally rather than posing stiffly.
• Be patient and wait for those candid moments that tell a deeper story.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that I’ve made my fair share of mistakes that shaped my growth as a photographer. One significant blunder occurred during a wedding shoot in Mahabalipuram last year. I was so focused on the couple’s first dance that I overlooked the surroundings, resulting in distractions in the frame. It was a learning moment for me about balancing attention between the main subjects and the background.

Since then, I always do a quick scan of my surroundings before taking a shot, ensuring that there are no distractions that can detract from the main subject. It’s essential to train your eye to see beyond just the immediate focus and to consider the entire frame before pressing the shutter.

Chennai Location Guide for Photographers

As a Chennai-based photographer, I’ve scouted numerous locations that provide unique backdrops for various types of photography. Here are a few of my top picks:

1. Santhome Basilica

This iconic church is not just a stunning architectural landmark but also offers beautiful interiors and exteriors. The best time to shoot here is during the golden hour. Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded on weekends, so aim for early mornings or weekdays for a more relaxed shoot.

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This temple is a vibrant hub of culture and spirituality, making it perfect for capturing candid shots of devotees and the stunning architecture. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, and remember to seek permission if you’re planning to use professional equipment. The intricate carvings and colorful gopurams can be captured beautifully in the morning light.

3. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is bustling with activity and offers a variety of subjects from locals playing cricket to stunning sunsets. The best time to shoot is just before sunrise or sunset, but be prepared for crowds. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot. For those looking for a different perspective, try using a drone if you have the necessary permissions.

Conclusion

This May was a month of growth and learning for me as a photographer, filled with practical experiences that solidified my understanding of essential techniques. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to refine your skills, embracing natural light, mastering composition, and understanding the importance of storytelling can make a significant difference in your photography. As you explore Chennai or beyond, remember that each moment presents a unique opportunity to create something beautiful.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography throughout Tamil Nadu. I thrive on capturing authentic moments and sharing insights from my journey to help fellow photographers grow.