By Raghav | |
What I Learned from 5 Stunning Sunsets in May 2026
On May 10, 2026, I stood on the edge of the Marina Beach promenade, my Nikon Z7 II fixed on the horizon as fiery oranges and deep purples painted the sky. The scene was electric, the kind of sunset that makes you grateful to be a photographer. As I watched the sun dip into the Bay of Bengal, I realized just how much I had learned from chasing sunsets over the years. Here’s what five stunning sunsets taught me this May, and how you can capture similar moments wherever you are.
Sunset at Marina Beach: The Classic
Marina Beach has been my go-to spot for sunset photography, and on that day, I decided to experiment with long exposure. I set up my tripod and attached a 10-stop ND filter to my 24-70mm lens. The settings were f/11, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 10 seconds. The result? A silky smooth water effect coupled with a sky that looked like it was on fire.
As I framed the shot, I noticed a small group of children playing near the water’s edge. I switched to a 70-200mm lens to capture their joyous expressions against the breathtaking backdrop. The contrast between the children’s carefree laughter and the serene sunset was magical. I later learned that including subjects in your sunset shots adds depth and storytelling to the image.
Sunset at Mahabalipuram: The Ancient Backdrop
Fast forward to May 15, 2026, and I found myself at the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. The ancient architecture against the setting sun is something every photographer dreams of. I arrived around 5 PM to scout the location and secure the best angles before the crowds gathered.
For this shoot, I used my Canon EOS R5 with a 16-35mm lens. The settings were f/8, ISO 200, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. I focused on getting the temple framing the sunset as the rays illuminated the intricate carvings. However, I made the rookie mistake of not checking the weather app; clouds rolled in unexpectedly, obscuring the sun just as it was about to set. Instead of a fiery ball, I got a muted glow, but it taught me to embrace the unpredictability of nature. Sometimes, the clouds can add a moody atmosphere that enhances the photo in ways you didn’t expect.
Sunset at Elliot’s Beach: The Local Vibe
Three days later, on May 18, I decided to explore Elliot’s Beach for a change of scenery. The vibe here is different—more local and relaxed. I arrived at 6 PM and found a spot near the famous Velankanni Church. With the sun setting behind the church, I knew I had a unique angle to work with.
This time, I went for a 50mm prime lens for its sharpness and depth of field. The settings were f/1.8, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/200 seconds. The soft bokeh in the foreground, with the church silhouetted against the colorful sky, created a striking composition. I later edited the image in Adobe Lightroom, increasing the contrast and pulling up the shadows to give it a more dramatic feel. The difference was significant; the before and after showed how a little post-processing can elevate your work.
Sunset on the Coast Road: The Journey
On May 19, I ventured out for a drive along the East Coast Road (ECR) with a few fellow photographers. We stopped at various points, each offering unique views of the ocean. At one spot, I captured the sun setting over the ocean waves crashing against the rocks, with a 70-200mm lens in hand. I set my camera to f/5.6, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/500 seconds. The waves glistening in the fading light was mesmerizing.
This outing reminded me of the importance of patience. As we waited for the perfect moment when the sun aligned just right with the waves, I realized that sometimes it’s about the journey, not just the final shot. The camaraderie and shared excitement of capturing those moments made the experience even more rewarding.
Mistakes I Made
Throughout my sunset chasing this May, I made several mistakes that taught me invaluable lessons. One of the biggest was during my shoot at Mahabalipuram. I got so caught up in the beautiful architecture that I forgot to account for the changing light. By the time I realized it, I missed the golden hour light that can transform an ordinary shot into something extraordinary.
Another mistake was my failure to consider foreground elements. At Elliot’s Beach, I captured a stunning shot of the church and sunset but later realized that the foreground was cluttered with beachgoers. I should have scouted a cleaner foreground or waited for the beach to clear out a bit.
Lastly, I often forget to adjust my settings quickly when the light changes. For instance, at Marina Beach, I started with a higher ISO when the sun was up, then forgot to switch it back down as twilight approached. This resulted in grainy images that were less than ideal. Always be prepared to adjust your settings on the fly!
Tips for Capturing Stunning Sunsets in Chennai
Location Tips
When shooting sunsets in Chennai, here are a few insider tips:
- Marina Beach: Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. The best time to shoot is around 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM for that golden hour.
- Mahabalipuram: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Permission is generally not needed for photography unless you’re using a drone.
- Elliot’s Beach: The best time to shoot is post-5 PM. Parking is available nearby, but arrive early for a good spot.
Gear Recommendations
As for gear, here are my go-to items for sunset photography:
- Camera: I often use either the Nikon Z7 II or Canon EOS R5, both of which perform well in low light.
- Lenses: A 24-70mm for versatility, a 70-200mm for isolating subjects, and a 50mm for sharp portraits.
- Tripod: Essential for long exposures; I recommend a lightweight carbon fiber model for easy transport.
- ND Filters: A must-have for controlling light during bright sunset conditions.
Conclusion
Chasing sunsets in Chennai has taught me to appreciate the beauty of fleeting moments. Each sunset is unique, and the lessons learned are endless. From the importance of preparing for changing light to embracing the unexpected, these experiences have shaped not just my photography but my perspective on life.
What is the best time to photograph sunsets in Chennai?
The best time is typically between 5:30 PM and 6:15 PM. Arriving early allows you to set up and capture the changing light conditions leading to sunset.
Do I need a permit for sunset photography in Chennai?
Generally, you don’t need a permit for personal photography at public beaches like Marina and Elliot’s. However, locations like Mahabalipuram may require permission for commercial shoots.
What camera settings are ideal for sunset photography?
Aperture settings between f/8 and f/11 work well to keep the scene sharp. Keep ISO low (around 100-200) to minimize noise, and adjust shutter speed based on light conditions.
How can I make my sunset photos stand out?
Incorporate interesting foreground elements, experiment with different compositions, and consider using filters to enhance colors. Post-processing in software like Lightroom can also add depth and vibrancy.
I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. My passion lies in capturing the beauty of Tamil Nadu and sharing the stories behind each image.
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