By Raghav | | July 10, 2026

What I Learned from 30 Days of Monsoon Photography in Chennai

It was July 2023, and the monsoon in Chennai was in full swing. Every day, I woke up to a symphony of raindrops on my window, a sound that ignited my passion for capturing the beauty of this weather. Over the course of 30 days, I took to the streets, beaches, and neighborhoods of Chennai, armed with my Nikon D850 and a plethora of lenses. This experience wasn’t just about photography; it was a journey of learning and growth in a city that transforms dramatically during the rains.

Finding Beauty in the Chaos

My first shoot was on July 3rd at the iconic Marina Beach. The sky was a canvas of grey, and the waves crashed against the shore with an intensity that was mesmerizing. I set up my tripod and started shooting with a 24mm f/1.4 lens, using a shutter speed of 1/250s to freeze the action of the crashing waves. I remember a group of children playing in the water, splashing joyfully despite the downpour. Those moments reminded me that beauty often resides in chaos.

As I reviewed the images later, I was struck by how the grey skies added an atmosphere that bright sunshine never could. The contrast between the children’s bright clothes and the muted background created a vibrant scene. This taught me that sometimes, you have to embrace the elements rather than shy away from them. The unpredictable nature of monsoon photography can yield the most unexpected and delightful results.

Capturing the Spirit of the City

On July 10th, I ventured into the narrow lanes of Mylapore, a treasure trove of culture and heritage. My aim was to capture the essence of the monsoon as it interacted with daily life. I used my 50mm f/1.8 lens and set my aperture to f/2.8 to create a soft bokeh effect. The bustling streets were alive with vendors selling fresh flowers and hot snacks, oblivious to the rain.

One particular moment stood out: a vendor named Ravi was selling pakoras, his makeshift stall adorned with colorful umbrellas to shield his goods from the rain. I approached him and asked if I could take his portrait. As I clicked, I captured the zest in his smile and the water droplets glistening on his face. This image became one of my favorites from the month. It reminded me that the spirit of Chennai thrives even in the toughest weather conditions.

Technical Takeaways from Mylapore

• Know Your Gear: I used a shutter speed of 1/160s to prevent motion blur, ensuring clarity in my shots while capturing movement.
• Lighting Conditions: Monsoon light can be tricky. I learned to adjust my ISO settings to around 800 to adapt to the darker conditions without losing detail.
• Interaction: Engaging with your subjects can create authentic portraits. Don’t hesitate to ask for permission and tell them what you’re doing.

Rainy Days at the Temple

On July 15th, I visited the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, where the rain had created a serene atmosphere. The temple’s vibrant colors reflected beautifully in the puddles on the ground. I switched to my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to zoom in on the details of the temple architecture while capturing the reflections in the water. My settings were 1/125s at f/4, which allowed me to get sharp images while still showing a bit of movement in the drizzling rain.

One of my favorite shots was of a devotee walking barefoot through the water, holding an umbrella. The contrast of the temple’s intricate carvings against the backdrop of rain was mesmerizing. This experience reinforced the importance of location scouting; the temple offered countless opportunities for unique compositions that I hadn’t anticipated.

Maximizing Your Temple Shoots

• Timing: The best time to shoot is early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
• Permission: Always check if photography is allowed, especially in sacred spaces.
• Patience: Wait for the right moment to capture the essence of devotion, which can be more apparent during the rain.

What I Would Do Differently

Reflecting on my month of monsoon photography, there are definitely things I would approach differently. For instance, on July 20th, I went to Thiruvanmiyur Beach during a particularly heavy downpour. I was overzealous and didn’t check my gear for water resistance. Halfway through my shoot, my camera started malfunctioning due to water seeping in. That day taught me an invaluable lesson about equipment safety.

If I could do it again, I would invest in a good rain cover for my camera and always carry a microfiber cloth to wipe off any moisture. Additionally, I learned that having a backup camera or lens would have saved the day. It’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected, especially when shooting in unpredictable weather.

Exploring Chennai’s Hidden Gems

During this month, I also discovered lesser-known locations that offered unique photographic opportunities. One such spot was the quiet area around Theosophical Society in Adyar. The lush greenery and rain-soaked paths created an ethereal atmosphere. On July 25th, I took some of my best landscape shots there, using my 14-24mm f/2.8 lens. The wide-angle allowed me to capture the grandeur of the trees, with their branches stretching out like arms welcoming the rain.

Another gem was the serene backwaters of Kotturpuram. I took a boat ride on July 28th, where I was able to shoot the reflections of the cloudy sky in the water. I used a polarizing filter to cut through the glare, allowing the colors to pop. This experience reminded me of the beauty that lies just off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered.

Location Tips for Kotturpuram and Theosophical Society

• Access: Both locations are easily accessible by car; however, parking can be limited in Kotturpuram, so aim to arrive early.
• Best Time: Early mornings are ideal for soft light and fewer crowds.
• Permits: No special permissions are needed for street photography, but always respect the sanctity of areas in Theosophical Society.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout the month, I encountered several hurdles that taught me important lessons. For instance, on July 22nd, I failed to account for the humidity affecting my lenses. After a few shoots, I noticed fogging inside my lens, which affected image quality. From this, I learned to always keep silica gel packets in my camera bag to absorb moisture. It’s a simple yet effective solution that can save you from blurry images.

Another mistake was not backing up my images frequently. On July 30th, I had a scare when my laptop crashed, and I nearly lost a week’s worth of work. Since then, I’ve made it a point to back up my files to an external drive and cloud storage regularly. This experience taught me the importance of safeguarding my work, especially after pouring hours into capturing the perfect shot.

Final Thoughts on Monsoon Photography

As I reflect on my month of monsoon photography, I realize that each drop of rain holds a story waiting to be told. The monsoon season in Chennai has a unique charm, transforming the city’s landscape and its people. From capturing moments of joy in the rain to exploring hidden gems, the experience has reshaped my perspective on photography. Embracing the unpredictable nature of weather can lead to some of the most rewarding shots you’ll ever take.

So, if you’re considering venturing out with your camera during the monsoon, do it! Just remember to be prepared, embrace the chaos, and most importantly, have fun. The rain may be relentless, but so is the beauty it brings.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I have seen how the monsoon reveals different facets of life. Each shoot teaches me something new, and I’m excited to continue my journey through the lens.