By Raghav | | May 25, 2026

What I Learned From 25 Days of Street Photography in May

On the morning of May 1, 2026, I found myself perched on a busy bench at the entrance of Marina Beach, watching the sunrise paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. As a professional photographer based in Chennai, I had decided to embark on a month-long street photography project to document the vibrant life and stories that unfold in the streets of my city. Little did I know, this journey would teach me lessons that would shape my approach to photography forever.

Embracing the Unexpected

One of the most remarkable days during this project was May 10. I had set my sights on the bustling streets of Mylapore, known for its rich culture and busy market life. Armed with my trusty Nikon D850 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I wandered through the narrow lanes, capturing everything from the colorful flower vendors to the intricate details of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

As I was photographing a group of kids playing cricket, I noticed an elderly man sitting on a bench, lost in thought. I approached him and struck up a conversation. His name was Raghavan, and he shared stories about his youth, the changes he had seen in Mylapore over the decades, and his love for the community. That interaction turned into an impromptu portrait session. I used a shallow depth of field (f/2.8) to isolate him against the vibrant backdrop of the market, capturing not just his image but his essence. It reminded me that sometimes, the best photographs come from unexpected interactions.

Lessons in Composition

Throughout my 25 days, I experimented with various composition techniques. On May 15, while exploring the bustling streets of T Nagar, I decided to focus on symmetry. I stumbled upon a beautifully arranged fruit stall, overflowing with fresh produce. I crouched low to the ground, framing the stall in a way that emphasized its symmetry. By using a wide-angle lens (24mm f/2.8), I was able to capture the entire scene, creating a dynamic visual story. Later, in post-processing, I enhanced the colors to make the fruits pop, using Lightroom CC. The before and after showed a marked difference: the original was flat and uninviting, while the edited version was vibrant and full of life.

Finding the Right Light

Light can make or break a photograph. On May 20, I ventured out during the golden hour in Besant Nagar. The soft light filtering through the trees created a magical atmosphere. I stumbled upon a group of dancers practicing on the beach. I quickly adjusted my settings to ISO 200, f/4, and a shutter speed of 1/250s to freeze their movements. The results were breathtaking; the warm glows highlighted their expressions and gestures, creating an image that felt alive. In my experience, shooting in natural light during early mornings or late afternoons yields the best results.

Street Portraits: The Art of Connection

Street photography is not just about capturing the environment; it’s about the people in it. On May 23, I visited the bustling flower market near Parry’s Corner. I was drawn to a vendor named Meena, who was skillfully arranging vibrant marigolds. I introduced myself and asked if I could take her portrait. After a warm conversation, she agreed, and I used a 35mm f/1.4 lens to capture her amidst her colorful flowers. The settings I used were ISO 400, f/2.8, and 1/125s, which beautifully blurred the background while keeping her sharp and in focus. That connection not only yielded a stunning image but also gave me a glimpse into her world. I realized that investing time in conversation can lead to incredibly rewarding photographs.

Mistakes I Made

No journey is without its pitfalls, and this project was no exception. One significant mistake I made was on May 5, when I decided to shoot during midday in a crowded area without considering the harsh sun. I ended up with overexposed images that lacked detail and depth. After that shoot, I learned the importance of planning my shooting times based on natural light. Now, I make it a point to either shoot during the golden hours or seek out shaded areas to avoid the harsh midday light. This simple adjustment dramatically improved my street photography results.

Gear Choices

Throughout these 25 days, I relied heavily on my Nikon D850, but I also experimented with different lenses. The 50mm f/1.8 became my go-to for street portraits, while the 24mm f/2.8 was indispensable for capturing wider scenes. I also carried a lightweight tripod, which I found useful during low-light conditions. On some occasions, I even used my smartphone for candid shots when carrying my DSLR felt cumbersome. Flexibility in gear choice allowed me to adapt to various situations quickly.

Location Guide: Best Spots for Street Photography in Chennai

After 25 days of wandering through Chennai, I compiled a list of my favorite locations for street photography, complete with insider tips:

1. Marina Beach

Start your day early to catch the sunrise. Parking is available along the beach, but it fills up quickly. Aim for a weekday visit to avoid crowds. The beach is a great place for candid shots of morning walkers and fishermen.

2. Mylapore

This area is rich in culture and offers vibrant street scenes. Visit in the morning to catch the market life in full swing. Parking can be tricky, so consider using public transport. Don’t miss the Kapaleeshwarar Temple for architectural shots.

3. T Nagar

Known for its shopping streets, T Nagar is perfect for capturing the hustle and bustle. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon. Be mindful of your gear in crowded areas, and consider using a camera strap for security.

4. Besant Nagar

The beach area is fantastic during sunset. You can park nearby, but arrive early to secure a good spot. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great location for capturing candid moments.

The Power of Patience

One of the most important lessons I learned during these 25 days was the value of patience. There were times, especially in busy areas like George Town, where I found myself waiting for the right moment to capture a scene. On May 18, I stood by a busy intersection for nearly 30 minutes, observing the ebb and flow of pedestrians. Finally, I captured a moment where a woman in a vibrant saree crossed paths with a group of schoolchildren. The resulting photograph was a perfect juxtaposition of tradition and youth, showcasing the essence of Chennai.

Final Thoughts

As I look back on my 25-day street photography journey, I realize that it was more than just a project; it was a deep dive into the heart of Chennai. Each click of the shutter told a story, capturing the essence of daily life. I discovered the importance of connection, the power of light, and the beauty of patience. My advice to fellow photographers is to immerse yourself fully in your surroundings, engage with the people, and don’t shy away from experimenting with your gear. Street photography has a way of revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary, and there’s no better place to experience this than in the vibrant streets of Chennai.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I thrive on documenting real-life stories through my lens. Each project is an adventure, and I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences with you.