By Raghav | | July 1, 2026

How I Shot 5 Stunning Portraits at Chennai’s Marina Beach

On a humid evening in late May 2023, I stood on the shores of Marina Beach, camera gear slung over my shoulder, battling the fading light as I aimed to create stunning portraits. It was one of those evenings where the golden hour promised something special, and I was determined to make the most of it. As I set up my Nikon D850 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I realized that capturing compelling portraits amidst the chaos of beachgoers required both a deep understanding of my subjects and the unpredictable environment around me.

Choosing the Right Time and Place

Marina Beach is known for its sprawling sands and vibrant atmosphere, but choosing the right spot can be a challenge. I arrived around 5 PM, knowing the sun would dip low enough to cast that beautiful golden light, perfect for portraits. After scouting the area, I found a quieter section just past the statue of Kamarajar, which offered a stunning backdrop of the sea while avoiding the crowds.

For the first portrait, I worked with a local college student, Priya, who was eager to have her pictures taken. I positioned her about 10 feet from the water’s edge, where the waves gently lapped at the sand. Using a wide aperture of f/2.8 allowed me to blur the background while keeping her sharp and vibrant. The sunlight illuminated her face, creating a soft glow that I couldn’t have planned better if I tried. I had her laugh and look away from the camera, capturing her candid expressions that made the portrait feel alive.

Insider Tip: Timing is Everything

One of the best-kept secrets about Marina Beach is that the light can change dramatically from 5 PM to 6 PM. If you’re looking for that golden hour magic, aim to shoot during the last 30 minutes before sunset. Be prepared to move quickly; the light fades fast!

Engaging with Your Subjects

Building a rapport with your subjects is crucial. After the successful shoot with Priya, I wanted to take advantage of the location’s energy. I approached a family enjoying a picnic nearby. They were celebrating their daughter Meera’s birthday, and after chatting with them, we set up an impromptu portrait session. The family was delighted, and I captured the joy and warmth of their interactions. I used my 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for these shots, varying the focal lengths to include both close-ups and wider shots of the whole family together.

For one of the standout images, I asked them to form a circle and hold hands, which resulted in a dynamic composition. The sun was setting behind them, providing a beautiful rim light that highlighted their faces while casting soft shadows across the sand. I shot at ISO 400, f/4, and 1/200 sec — a sweet spot that balanced the ambient light and allowed for some movement without losing quality.

Insider Tip: Use Natural Interactions

Encourage your subjects to interact naturally. It always results in more authentic and emotive portraits. Capture laughter, looks, and moments that reflect who they are. The more comfortable they feel, the better your shots will turn out.

Understanding the Environment

As I continued shooting, I was reminded that the beach environment brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Just as I was setting up for a third portrait of a young couple, the tide unexpectedly surged closer. I had my D850 on a tripod, and I quickly adjusted to avoid getting my gear wet. This is where experience comes into play. Knowing the tide patterns at Marina Beach, I had positioned myself where I thought I was safe, but the unpredictable nature of the ocean reminded me to always be prepared for the unexpected.

For this couple, I used a different approach. I shot at a lower angle, placing them against the backdrop of the setting sun. This time, I switched to my trusty Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens, which allowed me to capture the soft bokeh of the waves in the background. The couple’s expressions were filled with joy and excitement, mirrored by the colors exploding in the sky. My settings were ISO 200, f/2.8, and 1/250 sec for this shot, allowing me to freeze their joyful moments and capture the sunset’s brilliance.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that I had made a few common mistakes that could have cost me some great shots. One key mistake was forgetting to check my battery levels before heading out. On that day, I had only one fully charged battery and a backup that was nearly dead. I learned the hard way that capturing portraits during the golden hour can quickly drain your batteries, especially when using continuous shooting modes.

Another mistake was not having a lens cloth handy. The salty air at Marina Beach can easily lead to smudges on your lens, which can ruin your shots. I ended up missing a few great moments because I had to clean my lens on the fly.

Editing for Impact

Once I returned home, the real work began. I imported the shots into Adobe Lightroom Classic (version 12.0) for editing. One of my favorite shots from Priya’s session required some fine-tuning. The before shot showed a bit of harsh lighting on her face, which I corrected by adjusting the exposure and highlights down slightly while enhancing the shadows to bring out the details in her hair.

Here are some specific editing steps I took:

• Adjusted the exposure to +0.5 to brighten up the image.
• Reduced highlights to -30 to soften the bright spots.
• Increased shadows to +20 to bring out the texture in her hair.
• Applied a slight vignette to draw focus towards her face.

The final image was a testament to both the shooting and editing processes, showcasing the vibrant colors of the beach and the warmth of Priya’s smile.

Location Guide: Marina Beach

When planning your shoot at Marina Beach, consider these practical tips:

• Parking: Use the beachside parking near the entrance at Kotturpuram. It’s more convenient and less crowded than other areas.
• Best Time: For portraits, aim for early mornings (around 6 AM) or the golden hour before sunset (5 PM in summer, 4 PM in winter).
• Permissions: Generally, you won’t need special permissions for casual photography, but if you plan on using props or a large setup, it’s advisable to check with local authorities.

Final Thoughts

Capturing portraits at Marina Beach is an exhilarating experience, blending the charm of the sea with the vibrancy of life. Each session presents unique challenges and opportunities that shape the final outcome. Every portrait tells a story, and the memories forged on those sandy shores will last a lifetime. Remember, the key to great photography lies not just in the gear you use but in the stories you wish to tell through your lens.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography based in Chennai, I have honed my skills to capture the essence of moments that matter. My work takes me across Tamil Nadu, and I specialize in creating imagery that resonates with emotion and storytelling.