By Raghav | | July 22, 2026

How I Photographed Seven Monuments in Chennai This July

On a sweltering morning in July 2026, I found myself standing in front of the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, my camera ready, and my heart racing with excitement. The vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and the early morning light promised a perfect opportunity to showcase this iconic landmark. That day, I embarked on a personal challenge to photograph seven of Chennai’s most revered monuments, a journey that would not only test my skills but also deepen my appreciation for the rich heritage of my city.

Setting the Scene: Why Chennai’s Monuments?

As a professional photographer with over eight years of experience, I’ve often been drawn to capture the essence of my surroundings. Chennai, with its blend of history and culture, offers a treasure trove of opportunities for photographers. The challenge was to present these structures in a way that told a story beyond mere visuals. I wanted to focus on the details that make each monument unique and the narratives they carry.

My plan was simple: spend one week photographing seven monuments, each with its own charm and significance. I wanted to highlight not just the architecture but also the people and the life surrounding these sites. It was a whirlwind, but I was determined to showcase the beauty of Chennai in a way that only a local could.

Monument One: Kapaleeshwarar Temple

My journey began at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple on July 10. I arrived just before dawn to catch the soft light illuminating the temple’s vibrant gopuram. I set up my Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm lens, using an aperture of f/8 to ensure the intricate details of the carvings were sharp. The temple was bustling with early morning devotees, which added a dynamic element to my shots.

One of my favorite captures was of a woman in a bright green sari, walking towards the temple with a basket of flowers. I used a shutter speed of 1/250s to freeze her motion while keeping the temple in focus. The contrast of colors was stunning, and it perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the place. The energy of the crowd blended beautifully with the serene architecture, creating a memorable scene.

Monument Two: Fort St. George

Next on my list was Fort St. George, which I visited on July 12. This fort, steeped in history, required a different approach. I arrived mid-morning, hoping to take advantage of the soft shadows cast by the fort’s walls. I decided to use my 50mm lens for some close-up shots of the cannons and walls, which I knew would give a different perspective.

One mistake I made was underestimating the midday sun. I had planned to shoot without a polarizer, thinking the details would be enough. However, the glare made it challenging to capture vibrant colors. After realigning my approach, I attached a circular polarizer and shifted my composition to minimize reflections. The difference was remarkable. I managed to capture the fort’s historic essence while mitigating the harsh light.

Monument Three: Theosophical Society

On July 15, I ventured to the Theosophical Society in Adyar. This place is known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the city’s hustle. I arrived early to stroll through the gardens and soak in the peaceful environment. My goal was to capture the iconic Adyar Banyan Tree, which is over 450 years old.

Using my Canon EOS R with a 16-35mm lens, I shot in RAW format to retain maximum detail. The challenge was to convey the enormity of the tree while including the surrounding flora. I opted for a low-angle shot with an aperture of f/11, which provided a deep depth of field, allowing the details of the leaves to complement the trunk’s grandeur.

As I was framing the shot, I noticed a couple meditating beneath the tree. I captured their quiet moment, using a shutter speed of 1/125s to maintain clarity. This image not only highlighted the monument but also illustrated the sense of community and peace it fosters.

Monument Four: Santhome Basilica

July 17 was dedicated to Santhome Basilica, a neo-Gothic structure that stands as a testament to Chennai’s colonial history. The exterior was stunning, but I was particularly drawn to the stained glass windows. I arrived during the golden hour, which added a warm glow to my shots.

This time, I used a tripod to ensure stability during longer exposures. I set my camera to ISO 100, f/16, and an exposure time of 1/8s. The result was breathtaking; the colors from the stained glass reflecting beautifully onto the church’s interior. I learned that patience is crucial in architectural photography, waiting for the right light can transform an ordinary shot into something extraordinary.

Monument Five: Vivekananda House

On July 19, my journey brought me to Vivekananda House, where I aimed to capture the essence of the place where Swami Vivekananda spent time during his visit to Chennai. The building’s colonial architecture is captivating, but what struck me most was the surrounding environment. I opted for an early afternoon shoot to capture the sun’s position behind the structure, creating a dramatic silhouette.

Using my Fujifilm X-T3 with a 35mm lens, I adjusted my settings to ISO 200, f/8, and 1/500s to ensure the details of the structure were crisp against the bright sky. As I shot, a group of students arrived for a workshop, which added life to my images. I quickly shifted to capture them interacting with their surroundings, reminding me of the importance of including people in my architectural shots.

Monument Six: Maqbara of the Nawab of Arcot

My penultimate stop was the Maqbara of the Nawab of Arcot on July 21. This lesser-known monument was a hidden gem, and I was excited to explore it. The intricate details of the tombs and the surrounding gardens provided ample opportunities for various compositions. I arrived in the late afternoon, allowing me to exploit the golden light.

I utilized my Sony A7 III with a 85mm lens, focusing on the tomb’s carvings. I shot at f/4 to create a soft bokeh effect that emphasized the details while softly blurring the background. One significant lesson I learned from this shoot was to always scout locations beforehand. I had initially planned to shoot wide but found that tighter compositions worked better for this monument, allowing for a more intimate portrayal of the architecture.

Monument Seven: Chennai Marina Beach

Finally, I wrapped up my week of photographing monuments at Marina Beach on July 22. I aimed to capture the iconic view of the beach with the backdrop of the historic Parliament House. The setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, creating a stunning backdrop.

I used my Nikon Z7 with a 14-30mm lens to encompass both the beach and the legislative building. I set my camera to ISO 64, f/11, and 1/125s to capture the fading light. This shot was not just about the architecture; it was about the vibrancy of life at the beach. Families enjoyed the evening, and I made sure to include them in the frame, highlighting the significance of this landmark in the everyday lives of Chennai residents.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my week-long endeavor, several mistakes stood out that reinforced valuable lessons:

1. Underestimating Light Conditions

At Fort St. George, I had initially ignored the importance of a polarizer. The harsh midday light washed out colors and details. After adjusting, the results were much more satisfying. I learned to always assess lighting conditions and prepare accordingly.

2. Failing to Capture People

In my early shots, I focused solely on the architecture, forgetting that people are integral to the story of these monuments. Including them transformed my images from mere photographs to narratives that reflect the life surrounding these historic sites.

3. Not Exploring Different Angles

While shooting at the Maqbara, I was too focused on wide shots at first. It wasn’t until I moved in closer that I found unique compositions that told a better story. This taught me to keep my mind open to exploration, even when I have a preconceived idea of what I want to capture.

Chennai Location Tips for Monument Photography

To maximize your experience while photographing Chennai’s monuments, consider these insider tips:

1. Timing

Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for capturing the best light. The harsh midday sun can wash out details, so plan your shoots accordingly. For example, the soft light during the golden hour at Santhome Basilica made all the difference in my shots.

2. Permissions

While most monuments are open to the public, it’s wise to check if any permits are required, especially for commercial photography. Fort St. George has specific regulations regarding photography, so always verify ahead of time to avoid any hassles.

3. Parking and Accessibility

Many monuments in Chennai are located in busy areas, so plan your parking beforehand. For instance, Kapaleeshwarar Temple has limited parking options, so arriving early to secure a spot is crucial. Alternatively, consider using public transport to avoid the stress of finding a parking space.

FAQs

Wrapping up my week-long adventure through Chennai’s monuments was not just about photography; it was an exploration of my city’s rich history and culture. Each monument told a story, and through my lens, I aimed to share these narratives with others. The experiences I encountered along the way reminded me that photography is not just about the technicalities; it’s about connecting with the places, the people, and the moments that define our world.

As a photographer based in Chennai, I specialize in capturing weddings, portraits, and the beauty of travel for over eight years. I’m passionate about exploring my city and sharing its stories through my lens.