By Raghav | |
How I Shot 30 Portraits in Chennai’s August Monsoon
On August 15, 2021, I found myself knee-deep in rainwater at the Marina Beach, camera in hand, heart racing with excitement and a hint of anxiety. The Chennai monsoon can be unpredictable, but it also offers a unique backdrop that can elevate portrait photography. I had a client, Priya, who wanted to capture the essence of the rainy season in her portraits, and little did I know that this shoot would teach me invaluable lessons about working with the elements. Over the course of the day, I managed to shoot 30 stunning portraits, each filled with character and emotion. Here’s how I approached this challenge and the lessons I learned along the way.
Embracing the Elements: The Setup
When I first started my career in photography eight years ago, I was always skeptical about shooting during the monsoon. But as I gained experience, I realized that embracing the rain could lead to compelling imagery. For this shoot with Priya, I came prepared. I packed my trusty Nikon D850, along with a 50mm f/1.8 lens and a couple of speedlights. I also brought my umbrella—an essential piece of gear for any monsoon shoot.
We began at the iconic Marina Beach, known for its long stretch of shoreline and vibrant atmosphere. The best time to shoot here during the monsoon is during the golden hour, which falls around 6 PM. I arrived earlier to scout the location, and I wasn’t disappointed. The beach was less crowded, and the clouds provided a dramatic backdrop that I knew would enhance the portraits. I positioned Priya slightly off-center, using the natural light filtering through the clouds to highlight her features.
Capturing Emotions
One of the best parts of working with Priya was her willingness to embrace the weather. As the rain started to fall, I encouraged her to let go of any inhibitions and just be in the moment. We played with various poses, and I experimented with different angles. For one shot, I had her twirl in the rain, and the droplets caught the light perfectly, creating a magical effect. I set my shutter speed to 1/500s to freeze the motion, while keeping the aperture at f/2.8 for a soft background blur.
After 30 minutes, we had already captured a variety of moods and expressions. There’s something about the rain that adds a layer of emotion to portraits; it captures vulnerability and strength simultaneously. I couldn’t believe how quickly the time flew by, and Priya was thrilled with the results.
Location Spotlight: The Theosophical Society
After our beach shoot, we decided to head to one of my favorite locations in Chennai—The Theosophical Society in Adyar. This lush green sanctuary offers a completely different vibe from the beach, with sprawling gardens, ancient trees, and a tranquil atmosphere. The best part? It’s an excellent location for portraits, especially during the monsoon when the foliage is vibrant and fresh.
Getting There
Parking can be a bit tricky on weekends, as the society attracts many visitors. I recommend arriving early, around 8 AM, to find a good spot. There’s an entrance fee, but it’s minimal, and the beauty of the location is worth every penny. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world, away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai.
Making Use of Natural Light
During our session at The Theosophical Society, I utilized the natural dappled light coming through the trees. I shot with a 35mm f/1.4 lens to create a wider frame, allowing the beautiful surroundings to complement Priya’s portraits. One of my favorite shots was taken under a massive banyan tree, where I positioned her slightly off-center to allow the roots to frame her. The settings for this shot were ISO 400, f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 1/250s. The resulting image was rich in color and had a dream-like quality that perfectly captured the essence of the monsoon.
Mistakes I Made
Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, especially when shooting in challenging conditions like the monsoon. One of the biggest blunders I committed was during a wedding shoot in September 2019. I didn’t take into account the weather forecast and ended up with water-damaged gear. Since then, I’ve learned to always check the forecast and prepare accordingly. Investing in weather-sealed gear is crucial for any outdoor photographer, and I wish I had done this earlier. Additionally, I now carry multiple camera bags to keep my gear dry and organized.
Another mistake I made was underestimating the importance of backup equipment. During a portrait session in Kotturpuram, my primary camera battery died unexpectedly. Thankfully, I had a spare battery, but I had to rush to change it, which disrupted the flow of the shoot. I now always carry at least two charged batteries and a backup camera body, just in case.
Post-Processing: The Final Touches
Once the shoot was over, it was time to dive into post-processing. I use Adobe Lightroom CC for my editing, and I like to keep things natural. For Priya’s portraits, I focused on enhancing the vibrancy of the colors while keeping her skin tones true to life. I adjusted the contrast and added some clarity to give the images a polished look.
One specific before-and-after example stands out. One of the images taken at The Theosophical Society had a slightly dull sky due to the overcast conditions. In post-processing, I brought down the exposure and increased the saturation of the greens, which made the foliage pop. I also applied a subtle vignette to draw the viewer’s eye toward Priya. The settings for the edit included increasing vibrance by +25 and adjusting contrast to +15. The final image was a stunning representation of the monsoon’s beauty, and Priya loved it.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Monsoon
As I look back on that rainy day in August, I realize that the monsoon has its own charm. Shooting in these conditions requires a willingness to adapt, but the results can be breathtaking. Whether it’s the shimmering droplets on a leaf or the soft light filtering through the clouds, there’s a unique beauty that can only be captured during this season. If you’re considering a portrait session during the monsoon, I encourage you to embrace the weather and let it add character to your images.
Don’t forget to check the weather, come prepared with the right gear, and most importantly, have fun with it. You might just end up with portraits that tell a beautiful story.
What camera gear is essential for shooting in the monsoon?
For monsoon photography, I recommend using weather-sealed cameras and lenses to protect against moisture. Additionally, bring along extra batteries, as cold and wet conditions can drain them quickly, and ensure you have a sturdy umbrella to shield both you and your gear from the rain.
How do I prevent my camera from getting wet?
Using weather-sealed equipment is the best way to keep your camera safe. However, if you don’t have weather-sealed gear, consider using rain covers or a simple plastic bag to shield your camera. Always keep a microfiber cloth handy to wipe off any moisture that may accumulate.
What are some good locations in Chennai for portrait photography?
The Theosophical Society in Adyar and Marina Beach are fantastic options for portrait photography. Both locations offer unique backdrops and vibrant environments. The best time to shoot is during the early morning or late afternoon to catch that beautiful natural light.
How do I edit portraits taken in the rain?
In post-processing, focus on enhancing the natural colors and contrast. Use Lightroom to adjust exposure and saturation levels, and consider applying a vignette to draw attention to the subject. Always strive to maintain the authenticity of the image while making it visually appealing.
As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I’ve learned to embrace every moment with my camera. Whether I’m capturing the joy of a wedding or the beauty of the monsoon, I’m dedicated to creating lasting memories for my clients.
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