By Raghav | | June 23, 2026

What I Learned from 10 Portraits in Chennai’s Summer Sun

On a scorching afternoon last May, I found myself sweating profusely outside the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, trying to get a series of portraits that would do justice to the vibrant energy of the surroundings. The heat was relentless, and as I adjusted my Nikon D850 and 85mm f/1.4 lens, I quickly realized that capturing the essence of my subjects in such conditions was going to be a challenge. Over the years, I’ve shot countless portraits, but shooting in the harsh summer sun of Chennai taught me some valuable lessons that I want to share.

Preparing for the Heat

Chennai’s summer can be brutal, with temperatures soaring above 35°C (95°F). I remember one shoot with a client named Priya on June 15, 2023, at the serene Besant Nagar Beach. We aimed to catch the golden hour, but we started around 4 PM when the sun was still high. I used my trusty Canon EOS R5 with a 50mm f/1.2 lens, thinking the beach would provide a soft backdrop. However, the glare was overwhelming, and Priya was clearly uncomfortable.

I learned that pre-planning is vital. A few tips I picked up:

• **Timing is Everything**: Early mornings or late evenings are best for outdoor shoots. Aim for 6 AM or 6 PM to avoid the harshest sun.
• **Hydration**: Always carry water for yourself and your clients. It keeps everyone relaxed and ready to shoot.
• **Shady Spots**: Scout for shaded areas where you can create softer light. This can make a huge difference in the final result.

Choosing the Right Gear

When it comes to outdoor portraits, gear choice is essential. I’ve made my share of mistakes in picking the wrong lens or camera settings. For example, during a family shoot at the serene Adyar Eco Park on November 10, 2022, I decided to use my 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, thinking it would give me versatility. However, the wide aperture of f/2.8 couldn’t create the desired depth of field and bokeh that I was aiming for.

Instead, I learned that using prime lenses like the 85mm or 135mm for portraits can yield stunning results with beautiful background separation. For my portraits, I now prefer shooting at f/1.8 or f/2.8 to achieve that dreamy effect.

Lighting Techniques

Lighting can make or break a portrait, especially in the harsh summer sun. During a session with a couple, Arjun and Kavya, on a bright day at Theosophical Society on July 1, 2023, I faced a significant challenge. The sunlight was directly overhead, creating unflattering shadows on their faces.

This experience taught me the importance of utilizing reflectors or diffusers. I often carry a 5-in-1 reflector with me to bounce light back onto my subjects or soften it. During that session, I used the white side of the reflector to illuminate their faces, which dramatically improved the quality of the images. Here’s a quick breakdown of effective lighting techniques I now employ:

• **Use Reflectors**: They can help fill in shadows and add a nice catchlight to the eyes.
• **Backlighting**: Position your subjects so that the sun is behind them. This can create a beautiful halo effect.
• **Experiment with Angles**: Don’t be afraid to move around your subjects. Sometimes, a slight change in angle can make a huge difference.

Engaging with Your Subjects

One of my most memorable portrait sessions happened on April 12, 2023, with a talented musician named Ravi at the Kalakshetra Foundation in Thiruvanmiyur. The location was perfect for capturing his passion for music. However, I noticed that he seemed a bit shy and reserved initially.

To engage him, I asked him to play a few notes on his guitar while I snapped away. This not only made him comfortable but also produced some of the most genuine expressions I’ve ever captured. Here’s what I learned about engaging with subjects:

• **Build Rapport**: Talk to your subjects; make them feel at ease. Share a laugh or two to break the ice.
• **Involve Them in the Process**: Ask for their input on poses or locations. It helps them feel more invested in the shoot.
• **Capture Candid Moments**: Some of the best shots come when your subjects are unaware of the camera.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that mistakes can be the best teachers. One of my significant missteps happened during a portrait session with a young model named Sneha at Nandi Hills on February 20, 2023. I was so focused on the perfect shot that I forgot to check my settings before the shoot began. I ended up shooting the first few frames at ISO 3200, which resulted in grainy images, especially in the bright daylight.

What I learned from this experience is to always double-check your camera settings before starting a shoot. Here’s a quick checklist I now follow:

• **Set the Right ISO**: For outdoor daytime shoots, keep it low, around 100-400.
• **Aperture and Shutter Speed**: Adjust according to the lighting. A faster shutter speed (like 1/200 or 1/500) can help freeze motion.
• **White Balance**: Make sure to set the correct white balance to avoid color casts.

Location Guide: Best Portrait Spots in Chennai

Now that I’ve shared some insights from my experiences, let’s dive into my top picks for portrait locations in Chennai, along with insider tips for each.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This temple is a perfect blend of history and vibrant colors. The intricate carvings and architecture make for a stunning backdrop.

• **Best Time**: Early mornings for soft light.
• **Parking**: Available but can get crowded. Arrive early.
• **Permission**: Always check for restrictions on photography, especially during festivals.

2. Theosophical Society, Adyar

This serene location offers lush greenery and stunning architecture. It’s perfect for capturing calm and reflective portraits.

• **Best Time**: Late afternoons when the light is softer.
• **Parking**: Ample parking space available.
• **Permission**: Check with the administration for photography permissions.

3. Besant Nagar Beach

The beach provides a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunset shots. The waves and sand create a lovely natural backdrop.

• **Best Time**: Golden hour just before sunset.
• **Parking**: Nearby parking is limited, so consider public transport.
• **Permission**: Generally no restrictions, but be mindful of the crowd.

Post-Processing: Enhancing Your Portraits

Once I’ve captured my portraits, the editing stage is where the magic continues. I primarily use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for post-processing. For instance, during the editing of a portrait of Kavya taken at the Theosophical Society, I adjusted the exposure, contrast, and saturation to bring out the colors of her outfit and the lush greens around her. Here are some key adjustments I often make:

• **Exposure**: Fine-tune to ensure the subject is well-lit.
• **Contrast**: Increase contrast to add depth.
• **Color Grading**: Adjust hues to match the mood of the portrait.

One before-and-after example that stands out is from a family shoot at Vandalur Zoo where I captured a candid moment of a family laughing together. The original image came out slightly dull, so I increased the vibrancy and added a subtle vignette to draw focus to the family. The results were night and day, transforming the image into a vibrant, engaging portrait.

Overall, my experiences shooting portraits in Chennai’s blazing summer sun have taught me invaluable lessons about preparation, gear, lighting, engagement, and post-processing. Each portrait session is not just about taking photos; it’s about creating connections and capturing the essence of my subjects in a way that resonates with them.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I strive to create genuine connections through my lens. My journey has been filled with lessons learned on the streets of Tamil Nadu, and I look forward to capturing many more memories for my clients.