By Raghav | | May 22, 2026

What I Learned from 10 Portraits in Chennai’s Monsoon

On July 15, 2023, I found myself under the heavy, dark clouds of Chennai, preparing for a portrait session with a couple named Priya and Arjun. The monsoon was in full swing, and as I stood there in T Nagar, I realized that this vibrant city transforms dramatically during the rainy season. With my Nikon D850 in hand, I learned some invaluable lessons about shooting portraits in challenging weather conditions.

Embracing the Elements

The first thing I noticed was how the rain brought out the colors in the surroundings. I had always loved the look of saturated colors, and shooting during the monsoon amplified that effect. For Priya and Arjun, we decided to take advantage of the lush, green backdrops at the nearby Nageshwara Rao Park. It was around 5 PM, perfect lighting for portraits due to the diffused sunlight filtering through the clouds.

As the rain began to fall, I equipped my camera with a weather-sealed lens—an essential piece of gear for these conditions. I shot at f/2.8, ISO 400, and 1/250s to keep the couple sharp while allowing the background to slightly blur, making them stand out. The intimacy of the rain added a unique touch to their portraits. They laughed and played in the rain, creating genuine moments that I was able to capture.

Location Tip: Nageshwara Rao Park

If you’re planning a portrait shoot here, aim for late afternoon just before the rain sets in. Parking is available on the street, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Always ensure that you have permission for photography, especially if you plan on using props or staging elaborate setups.

Working with Natural Light

One of the biggest challenges I faced during that shoot was the unpredictable nature of the monsoon. Just when I thought the rain had subsided, it started pouring down again. This led me to adapt my approach to using natural light. On July 20, 2023, I shot a portrait session with a local artist, Meera, at the Marina Beach. The sky was overcast, but it provided soft, even light—ideal for portrait photography.

Using a reflector to bounce light onto Meera’s face made a world of difference. I set my camera to f/4, ISO 200, and 1/500s to counteract the slight dimness caused by the clouds. The result was a beautiful portrait that highlighted her features against the moody backdrop of the sea. It reminded me that even in less-than-ideal conditions, one can find beauty and light.

Location Tip: Marina Beach

Marina Beach can be quite crowded, especially on weekends, so plan your shoot during the early morning hours to avoid the crowds. There’s limited parking, so arrive early. If you wish to shoot with props or during events, it’s advisable to check with local authorities for any permits needed.

Capturing Emotion in Motion

On August 10, 2023, I was scheduled to shoot a family portrait in my own neighborhood in Velachery. When I arrived, a sudden downpour halted our session. Instead of rescheduling, I suggested we embrace the rain. We dashed to the nearby Velachery Lake, where the rain created a magical atmosphere. The children were ecstatic, splashing in puddles and laughing, and I captured the genuine joy of the moment.

To freeze the action, I increased my shutter speed to 1/1000s, kept the aperture at f/5.6, and raised the ISO to 800. The kids’ faces lit up with joy, and the raindrops were beautifully captured in mid-air. It was a reminder that spontaneity can lead to some of the best photographs.

Location Tip: Velachery Lake

Velachery Lake is a great location for family shoots, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded. There’s ample parking, but be mindful of the muddy paths if it rains. Always look for interesting angles, like reflections in the water, to enhance your portraits.

Mistakes I Made

Despite the rewarding experiences, I had my share of mistakes. One significant lesson came during a shoot on August 25, 2023. I had planned an elaborate portrait session with a model named Ananya in a small café in Mylapore. I didn’t check the weather forecast, assuming the rain would hold off. It poured heavily, and I didn’t have my rain cover for the camera.

My gear got wet, and I lost about 30 minutes of shooting time waiting for the rain to subside. I learned the hard way to always check the weather and pack appropriate gear for rainy conditions. Now, I always carry a rain cover and extra towels to protect my equipment. This not only saves time but also ensures I can continue capturing those special moments without interruption.

Post-Processing Techniques

Editing plays a crucial role in portrait photography, especially when it comes to correcting colors and enhancing the mood. After the shoot with Priya and Arjun, I imported the images into Adobe Lightroom. One of my favorite techniques is to adjust the contrast and vibrancy to bring out the colors, especially after shooting in overcast weather.

For a specific before-and-after example, I took a shot where the colors were slightly muted due to the rain. In Lightroom, I increased exposure by +0.5, adjusted contrast to +20, and boosted vibrancy to +30. The after image had a richer color palette that made the couple pop against the lush backdrop of the park.

Conclusion

My experience shooting portraits during Chennai’s monsoon has taught me that beauty can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes, embracing the rain can lead to some of the best photographs. I encourage photographers to not shy away from the elements but instead to adapt and find creative ways to make the most of every situation. Whether it’s using natural light, capturing candid moments, or simply enjoying the unpredictable nature of the weather, every experience adds to your growth as a photographer.

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. My journey has taught me to find beauty in every moment, even in the rain.