By Raghav | | May 27, 2026

How I Discovered 5 New Photography Techniques in May

May 2026 was a transformative month for me as a photographer. I found myself pushing my creative boundaries like never before. Between weddings, portrait sessions, and a travel shoot in the Nilgiris, I discovered five new techniques that revolutionized my approach to photography. Each technique came from moments of experimentation, necessity, or sheer curiosity. In this blog post, I’ll take you through those experiences, share my favorite locations in Chennai to try these techniques, and highlight a few mistakes I made along the way.

1. Embracing Low Light: A Wedding Adventure

On May 14, 2026, I was shooting a wedding at the stunning Taj Fisherman’s Cove in Covelong. As the evening festivities began, the natural light dimmed quickly, and I found myself in a challenging situation. My usual go-to settings weren’t cutting it. I had to adapt fast.

I decided to push my ISO settings to 3200 on my Nikon D850, which I rarely did due to the noise that often comes with it. To my surprise, the results were breathtaking. The grain added a unique texture to the images, and the vibrant colors of the bride’s lehenga against the dusky backdrop created a dreamy atmosphere.

For capturing the intimate moments during the ceremony, I switched to my 85mm f/1.4 lens, which allowed me to shoot wide open. The shallow depth of field beautifully isolated the subjects, creating a gorgeous bokeh effect. This experience taught me that low light doesn’t have to be feared; instead, it can be embraced with the right settings and lens choice.

Key Takeaway

Experimenting with higher ISO settings can yield unexpected, artistic results in low light. Don’t shy away from grain; it may enhance your images.

2. Layering Compositions: A Portrait Session

On May 21, I had a portrait shoot with a family in Nungambakkam. They wanted a mix of traditional and modern photographs. I decided to incorporate layering in my compositions to add depth to the images. This technique involves placing elements in the foreground, middle-ground, and background.

During the shoot, I used an archway in the garden as a framing device. By positioning the family just behind the arch, I could create layers within the photograph. I shot with my Nikon Z6 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at f/4, which allowed me to keep both the family and the archway in focus, providing a sense of context without losing intimacy.

The family loved how the archway not only framed them but also connected them to their home. This technique transformed the mundane into something extraordinary. It made me realize that sometimes the best elements for layering are right in front of us; we just need to look creatively.

Key Takeaway

Using natural elements as layers in your compositions can elevate your photographs. Always be on the lookout for ways to create visual depth.

3. Playing with Reflections: An Unexpected Find

One rainy evening on May 10, I was wandering around Marina Beach after a brief downpour. The puddles left behind were glistening like mirrors. I had always overlooked reflections in my work, but this time, inspiration struck. I pulled out my Nikon D750 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, crouched down, and started capturing the vibrant colors of the sunset reflected in the water.

By shooting at f/2.8, I could create a soft focus on the horizon while maintaining sharpness on the reflected cityscape. The results were stunning. I captured the essence of Chennai in a way I never had before. There’s something magical about reflections; they create a duality that adds intrigue to your compositions.

Key Takeaway

Don’t shy away from water or reflective surfaces. They can add an entirely new dimension to your photography.

4. The Power of Negative Space: Nilgiris Adventure

During a weekend trip to the Nilgiris on May 18, I stumbled upon the concept of negative space. I was hiking near Ooty, surrounded by lush green hills, and decided to capture the landscape in a unique way. Instead of filling the frame with the mountains, I left a significant portion of the image empty, emphasizing the vastness of the valley.

I used my Canon EOS R with a 24-105mm lens set at f/8. This allowed me to keep both the foreground flowers and the distant hills in focus while leaving the sky open. The image evoked a sense of solitude and tranquility, which was exactly what I wanted to convey.

Key Takeaway

Using negative space can enhance your storytelling by drawing attention to the subject and evoking emotions in your audience.

5. Motion Blur: Capturing the Essence of Life

On May 25, while photographing street vendors in T. Nagar, I decided to experiment with motion blur. The hustle and bustle of the market was alive with energy, and I wanted to capture that. I set my shutter speed to 1/15th of a second and used my Nikon D850 with a 35mm f/1.8 lens.

As the vendor prepared fresh juice, I panned my camera to follow his movements. The resulting images showed a beautiful blur of color and activity that conveyed the essence of the moment. This technique taught me that sometimes, what appears to be a mistake can lead to extraordinary results.

Key Takeaway

Embrace motion blur to tell a story in your images. It can create a sense of movement and life that static images cannot.

Mistakes I Made and What I Would Do Differently

Reflecting on my experiences this month, I realized that I made several mistakes along the way that taught me valuable lessons.

1. Overthinking Settings

During the wedding at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, I spent too much time adjusting my settings instead of capturing the moment. I missed some candid shots of the couple laughing. If I could redo it, I would set my camera to a quick access mode, allowing me to snap away without hesitation.

2. Ignoring the Weather

On the day I shot at Marina Beach, I didn’t bring a waterproof cover for my camera. I ended up with a slightly damp camera, which could have been avoided. Always check the weather and be prepared for sudden changes, especially during the monsoon season in Chennai.

3. Not Communicating with Clients

During the portrait session in Nungambakkam, I didn’t communicate my vision clearly to the family. They looked uncomfortable in some shots. In hindsight, I would take a few minutes to discuss poses and ideas with them before starting to ensure everyone feels at ease.

Location Tips for Chennai Photographers

Chennai is filled with stunning locations that can help you experiment with these techniques. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

1. Marina Beach

Best for: Reflections and motion blur. Visit early in the morning or during sunset for the best light. Parking is available near the beach, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.

2. San Thome Basilica

Best for: Layering compositions. The architecture provides excellent framing opportunities. Try to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and be prepared to ask for permission if you wish to shoot inside the church.

3. Nungambakkam

Best for: Portrait sessions. The gardens and old bungalows provide excellent backdrops. Street parking is available, but be cautious of parking regulations to avoid fines.

Conclusion

May was a month of transformation for my photography journey. Each new technique brought its challenges and rewards, reshaping my perspective as a professional photographer. I hope my experiences inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Remember, it’s not just about the gear; it’s about the creativity you bring to each shot.

As a Chennai-based photographer with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I continually seek to expand my skills and share my journey through memoriesandmore.in. Let’s create beautiful stories together.