By Raghav | | June 6, 2026

How I Shot 100 Portraits at Chennai’s June Festival

On June 5, 2026, I found myself amidst a whirl of colors, laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of street food at Chennai’s annual June Festival. The festival, celebrating the onset of the monsoon, draws people from all walks of life, making it a photographer’s paradise for capturing genuine emotions and vibrant scenes. With my trusty Nikon D850 in hand, I set out to shoot 100 portraits, an ambitious goal I had set for myself this year. What I learned during this event not only refined my skills but also taught me valuable lessons about connecting with subjects in a lively environment.

Setting Up for Success

Preparation is essential, especially when you’re aiming to shoot a large number of portraits in a limited time. I arrived at the venue, the bustling Marina Beach, around 5 PM, just as the golden hour was beginning. It’s crucial to plan your arrival at such events; the lighting conditions can change rapidly, and so can the crowd dynamics.

For this shoot, I packed my Nikon D850, a 50mm f/1.8 lens for sharp portraits, and a portable LED light for fill-in when the sun dipped below the horizon. As I set my camera to manual mode, I opted for an aperture of f/2.8 to create a soft background blur while keeping my subjects crisp. My shutter speed was set to 1/200 to freeze any movement, and I adjusted the ISO according to the changing light conditions, starting at 100.

Engaging with the Crowd

The key to capturing vibrant portraits is engagement. As I walked through the festival, I made it a point to speak with people instead of just pointing my camera. My first interaction was with a dancer named Priya, who was adorned in a traditional Kuthu attire, her face lit up with excitement. I asked her about her performance, and she eagerly shared her story of training for the festival. I snapped a few portraits of her against the backdrop of colorful decorations, adjusting the lighting to highlight her features.

The Power of Spontaneity

One of my most memorable encounters that evening was with a group of children playing with water balloons. Their sheer joy was infectious, and I couldn’t resist capturing their playful expressions. I quickly switched my lens to a 24-70mm f/2.8 to get a wider perspective. The fast-paced action required me to set a shutter speed of 1/500 to freeze their movements, and I bumped up the ISO to 400 to compensate for the dimming light. The resulting images were full of life and spontaneity, perfectly encapsulating the festival’s essence.

Tips for Shooting at Festivals

From my experience at the June Festival, here are some practical tips for shooting at similar events:

• Arrive Early: The best light and a chance to scout locations before the crowds arrive.
• Stay Mobile: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your gear light to move quickly.
• Engage with Your Subjects: A simple conversation can lead to more authentic portraits.
• Experiment with Angles: Don’t stick to eye-level shots; try different perspectives for a unique take.

Editing for Impact

After the shoot, the editing process was crucial. I imported my images into Adobe Lightroom Classic (version 12.3). One particular before-and-after example stands out: I had a portrait of Priya that was slightly overexposed. In post-processing, I adjusted the exposure down by -0.5 and brought up the contrast to give her outfit more pop. A touch of clarity and vibrance made the colors shine without appearing unnatural.

Mistakes I Made

Every shoot has its challenges, and the June Festival was no exception. One significant mistake I made was underestimating the power of the sun setting during peak shooting hours. I initially positioned myself too close to the food stalls, where shadows were cast from the awnings, leading to uneven lighting on my subjects. This taught me to always scout the light before making a final decision on where to set up.

Another oversight was not having spare batteries. I was so engrossed in capturing portraits that I didn’t realize my camera was nearing a battery drain. Thankfully, I had just enough juice left to finish the last few shots by strategically using my LED light to help illuminate my final portraits.

Location Tips for Portrait Photography in Chennai

For those looking to shoot portraits in Chennai, here are some of my favorite locations, along with some insider tips:

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This iconic temple offers vibrant colors and intricate architecture as a backdrop. Best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh lighting. Parking can be tricky, so consider using public transport or ride-sharing services.

2. Theosophical Society, Adyar

This serene location has sprawling gardens and ancient trees that provide great natural light. Morning hours are ideal for soft, diffused light. Ensure you get permission for commercial shoots, as the premises are often used for various events.

Reflecting on the Experience

By the end of the June Festival, I had not only achieved my goal of shooting 100 portraits but also gathered invaluable insights into the art of connecting with people. Each interaction, each portrait captured, told a story that was uniquely representative of Chennai’s vibrant culture. It reminded me that as photographers, we are not just image-makers; we are storytellers.

Conclusion

As I packed up my gear after the festival, I felt a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. The energy of the event, combined with the stories of the people I met, made this one of my most memorable shoots yet. I encourage every photographer to immerse themselves in local festivals, as they provide not just an opportunity to practice skills but also a chance to celebrate and document the rich tapestry of life around us.

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 essence of life’s moments, making every frame a story worth telling.