By Raghav | | June 28, 2026

What I Learned from 5 Sunset Shoots in June 2026

June 15, 2026, was one of those evenings that reminded me why I love photography—standing on the pristine sands of Mahabalipuram, my Nikon Z6 in hand, I watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples. I was there to capture a couple’s pre-wedding shoot, but what I ended up with was a collection of lessons that would shape my approach for years to come. Over the course of five sunset shoots this month, I encountered a plethora of challenges and realizations that every photographer, whether seasoned or novice, should be aware of.

1. The Magic Hour is Never Guaranteed

On June 10, I found myself at the serene Besant Nagar Beach for a family photoshoot. The clients, the Ramaswamy family, were excited, and I promised them breathtaking sunset images. As the time approached, I set up my gear—Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, and a tripod, of course. The clouds rolled in unexpectedly, blanketing the sky and blocking out the vibrant colors I had anticipated.

While I did manage to get some decent shots, the rich hues of the sunset I had envisioned never materialized. The lesson? Always have a backup plan. Instead of focusing solely on the sunset, I shifted my attention to candid family moments, capturing the laughter and connection that truly mattered. In my experience, some of the best images come from adapting to the situation, especially when Mother Nature has other plans.

Tip for Besant Nagar Beach

• Parking: There’s ample parking available near the beach, but arriving early is advisable, especially on weekends.
• Best Time: Aim to arrive at least an hour before sunset to scout your compositions and set up your gear.
• Permission: No permits are needed for casual photography, but commercial shoots require permission from the local authorities.

2. The Right Gear for the Right Moment

June 20 saw me at the iconic Marina Beach for a solo shoot. The plan was to experiment with my new ND filters to create long-exposure shots of the waves against the sunset backdrop. This time, I was armed with my Canon EOS R5 and a 16-35mm f/4 lens. I set the aperture to f/11, shutter speed at 30 seconds, and ISO at 100. The results were mesmerizing, but not without a hiccup.

While I was busy adjusting the filter, I realized I had forgotten to bring my remote shutter release. In the process of taking long exposures, any slight shake can ruin the shot. After a few test runs and realizing they were all unusable, I decided to make use of a sturdy rock to balance my camera on. I was able to get a few good shots, but it reinforced the importance of double-checking my gear before heading out.

Lesson Learned

Always create a checklist of your gear before every shoot, especially when you’re trying something new. It’s easy to forget something small but essential that can make or break your session.

3. Embrace the Unexpected

On June 25, I had a shoot planned with a couple, Priya and Arjun, at the picturesque Ekkatuthangal Lake. The day was warm, the forecast was clear, and everything seemed perfect. However, as we began shooting, a sudden windstorm blew in, displacing chairs from a nearby wedding setup and creating a chaotic scene. Instead of panicking, I chose to embrace the chaos. I captured Priya and Arjun laughing and holding onto each other as the wind tousled their hair and dresses. The unexpected storm turned into an opportunity for some dynamic, candid moments that added a unique flair to their gallery.

Tip for Ekkatuthangal Lake

• Parking: There’s limited street parking available, so consider carpooling with clients or arriving early.
• Best Time: The lakeside offers a beautiful reflection of the sunset, so arriving 45 minutes early can help you scout for the best angles.
• Permission: For commercial shoots, check with local authorities to avoid any issues.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on the month, there were several mistakes that I learned from. Here’s a summary of the top three:

• Not Backing Up My Photos: After my first sunset shoot, I realized I hadn’t backed up my images on an external hard drive. It was a stressful night as I worried about losing precious memories. Now, I always back up immediately after a shoot to avoid panic later.
• Ignoring the Weather: On June 10, I ignored the weather forecast, thinking the sunset would be perfect. I’ve learned that checking the weather a few days in advance can help plan shoots better and avoid disappointment.
• Overlooking Composition: During one shoot, I focused too much on the sunset and forgot to consider foreground elements. Now, I make sure to think about how to incorporate interesting elements in the frame, such as rocks or plants, to add depth to my photographs.

Gear Breakdown

When it comes to sunset photography, having the right gear is essential. Here’s what I recommend based on my experiences this month:

Camera

– Nikon Z6 or Canon EOS R5: Both are excellent choices for low light situations and capturing vibrant colors. I used the Nikon Z6 for its superior dynamic range during my Mahabalipuram shoot.

Lenses

– 24-70mm f/2.8: This versatile lens is perfect for both wide shots and close-ups, allowing for flexibility during sunset shoots.

– 16-35mm f/4: Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, especially when using long exposures at Marina Beach.

Accessories

– ND Filters: Essential for long-exposure shots during sunset. They help create that silky water effect I love.

– Tripod: A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable for long exposures. I prefer Manfrotto brands for their durability and reliability.

Conclusion

Each sunset shoot this June was more than just an opportunity to create beautiful images; they were lessons in adaptability, preparation, and the beauty of spontaneity. As I look back, I realize that photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about learning and improving with each click of the shutter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I hope my experiences inspire you to embrace every shoot, regardless of the challenges you might face.

As a photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I take pride in capturing the beauty of Tamil Nadu. Each shoot brings its own challenges and joys, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you.