By Raghav | | July 31, 2026

How I Shot 10 Stunning Portraits in Chennai’s July Light

On July 15, 2023, I found myself at the serene waters of the Adyar Estuary, a hidden gem for photographers in Chennai. The monsoon clouds were gathering, and the diffused light created a beautiful canvas for portraits. I had a client, Maya, who wanted a series of portraits to celebrate her birthday. As I adjusted my Nikon D850 and prepared to capture her essence against the backdrop of nature, I couldn’t help but realize the unique beauty that July light brings to portrait photography in Chennai.

Understanding the Magic of July Light

Every photographer has a favorite season, and for me, it’s July in Chennai. The heavy clouds act as a natural softbox, diffusing harsh sunlight and creating a soft, flattering glow. During this month, the light is perfect for capturing skin tones, especially for portraits. I remember during a shoot on July 21, 2022, at the Valluvar Kottam, the light transformed the scene into a painterly masterpiece, making my subject, Arjun, look ethereal. The soft shadows and highlights added depth to his features.

Choosing the Right Location

When planning a portrait shoot in July, selecting the right location is crucial. Here are two of my favorite spots in Chennai:

1. Adyar Estuary

This location is not just picturesque but also offers various backdrops — from lush greenery to the calm waters. Parking is available near the entrance, but be mindful of the high tide times when planning your shoot. The best time to shoot is during golden hour, right before sunset, when the light is at its most magical.

2. Valluvar Kottam

A historical monument that resonates with Tamil culture, Valluvar Kottam is perfect for portraits. The intricate carvings create stunning backgrounds. You can usually find parking on the side streets nearby, but be aware that the area can get crowded on weekends. I recommend scheduling your shoot early in the morning to avoid the hustle and bustle.

Gear and Camera Settings

When shooting portraits, your gear can make a significant difference. I typically use a Nikon D850 paired with a 85mm f/1.4 lens for that creamy bokeh effect. For my shoot with Maya, I opted for the following settings:

• Aperture: f/2.8 to keep Maya’s face sharp while softly blurring the background.
• ISO: 200 to minimize noise, as the light was already soft.
• Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec to freeze subtle movements.

In my experience, keeping your ISO low in the humid conditions of Chennai helps in maintaining quality. I also recommend using a reflector, particularly a silver one, to bounce light back onto your subject’s face for that extra sparkle in the eyes.

Capturing the Moments

During my shoot with Maya, I was reminded of the importance of connection. I spent time chatting with her, understanding her personality, and what she wanted from the shoot. This rapport helped me capture genuine expressions, something I learned the hard way during a session with Priya back in September 2021.

At that time, I was too focused on getting the technical aspects right and forgot to connect with my subject. The resulting images felt stiff and lacked emotion. I promised myself I wouldn’t make that mistake again. With Maya, I encouraged her to move around and interact with her surroundings, which led to some of the most beautiful candid shots of the day.

Before and After Editing Example

One of my favorite portraits from the session was a close-up of Maya laughing against the backdrop of the Adyar Estuary. Here’s a quick breakdown of the before and after editing:

• Before Editing: The original image was bright but slightly flat due to the overcast sky.
• Editing Adjustments: I used Adobe Lightroom (version 11.4) to enhance the contrast and vibrance. I increased the shadows and slightly adjusted the exposure to bring out her features.
• After Editing: The final image had a richer color palette, with Maya’s laughter illuminated beautifully against the lush green background.

Mistakes I Made

Every shoot comes with its share of lessons, and I’ve had my fair share of blunders. During a wedding shoot in Tiruvannamalai back in March 2022, I forgot to charge my backup batteries. Midway through the ceremony, my camera shut down, and I was left scrambling. I learned the hard way that preparation is key. Now, I always carry two fully charged batteries and keep a checklist before any shoot. Trust me, this small step can save you from a lot of stress.

Final Thoughts on July Portraits

As I wrapped up Maya’s shoot, I felt grateful for the beautiful moments we had captured. The combination of the soft July light, the stunning backdrop, and the personal connection transformed our session into something special. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings and locations. There’s immense beauty waiting to be captured in Chennai’s July light.

Remember, every portrait tells a story, and it’s up to us to illuminate those narratives through our lenses.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I thrive on capturing the essence of every moment. My journey has taken me across Tamil Nadu, and I’m always excited to share insights and tips to help fellow photographers along the way.