By Raghav | | August 8, 2026

How I Enhanced My Portrait Skills in August’s Golden Light

On a sultry evening in early August 2022, I found myself in the lush surroundings of the Theosophical Society in Chennai, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect moment to catch the golden hour light filtering through the sprawling banyan trees. It was an impromptu shoot with my friend Priya, who had just returned from a year abroad. As I adjusted the settings on my Nikon D850, I realized that this was not just another portrait session; it was a pivotal moment that would help me refine my skills in capturing the essence of my subject against the backdrop of that enchanting light.

The Power of Light in Portrait Photography

August is a magical month for photographers in Tamil Nadu, especially for those focused on portrait work. The monsoon clouds start to clear, revealing a soft, diffused light that isn’t too harsh yet still vibrant enough to make colors pop. In my experience across 200+ shoots, using natural light during this season has allowed me to create portraits that resonate with warmth and depth. Let me share how this particular evening transformed my approach to portrait photography.

Setting the Scene: The Theosophical Society

When I arrived at the Theosophical Society, the golden light was already casting long shadows as the sun dipped toward the horizon. I had scoped out the location beforehand, knowing it would provide a serene backdrop for the portraits. The large trees and tranquil gardens offered diverse settings, from the rough bark of ancient trees to the manicured lawns, which made it a perfect choice for this shoot.

For this session, I used my Nikon D850 paired with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. This combination allowed me to create a beautiful bokeh effect that isolated Priya from her surroundings while keeping her features sharp. The settings I chose were ISO 200, aperture f/2.8, and shutter speed 1/200s. The low ISO kept the noise to a minimum, while the wide aperture provided that dreamy background blur.

Capturing Emotion in Portraits

One of the keys to enhancing my portrait skills is to focus on capturing genuine emotions. During our shoot, I encouraged Priya to tell me about her travels, her experiences abroad, and what she missed about Chennai. This not only helped us bond and made her more comfortable in front of the camera, but it also allowed me to capture authentic expressions that reflected her personality.

As we moved to a spot under a particularly grand banyan tree, I noticed the light filtering through the leaves created a compelling play of shadows and highlights on her face. I quickly adjusted my settings to f/4 to ensure more of her face was in focus while still maintaining that beautiful background separation. This moment reminded me that the interplay of light and emotion can elevate a portrait from a simple image to a storytelling piece.

Post-Processing: The Finishing Touches

After the shoot, I spent some time editing the images using Adobe Lightroom. One of the most significant changes I made was adjusting the white balance to bring more warmth to the portraits, emulating that golden hour glow we had experienced. In one before-and-after example, the original image had a cooler tone due to the shadows, but after tweaking the temperature to +10 and adding a slight vignette, the photo came alive with warmth and depth. The adjustment helped highlight Priya’s features and the serene backdrop, making it feel more inviting.

Choosing the Right Time for Portraits

Timing is crucial in portrait photography. From my experience, the best time for portrait shoots in Chennai is during the golden hour, which is typically an hour before sunset. On that evening in August, we began shooting around 5:30 PM, which allowed us to make the most of the fading light. However, it’s essential to monitor your surroundings; the Theosophical Society can be busy with visitors, so arriving early to scout locations is imperative.

Mistakes I Made: Lessons Learned

While reflecting on my portrait journey, I can’t help but think of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. One significant blunder occurred in December 2021 during a wedding shoot at the Taj Coromandel. I was so focused on getting the perfect angles that I forgot to adjust my exposure settings for the changing indoor light. As a result, many of the candid shots came out overexposed and lacked detail.

This experience taught me the importance of continuously checking your settings, especially when moving between different lighting conditions. Now, I make it a habit to review my settings regularly, especially when transitioning from outdoor to indoor environments.

Planning for Permissions

Another lesson I learned was the importance of securing permissions when shooting in public or semi-public spaces. At the Theosophical Society, while it is generally open to the public, I recommend checking their guidelines or contacting them beforehand if you plan to conduct a more extensive shoot. Having prior permission not only avoids any potential conflicts but also allows you to focus on capturing beautiful images without interruptions.

Specific Location Guide for Portrait Photography in Chennai

Chennai has a wealth of locations ideal for portrait photography, and knowing the best spots can make all the difference. Here are a few of my favorite places, along with tips for each:

The Theosophical Society

This tranquil oasis is perfect for natural light portraits, especially during the golden hour. As mentioned, the sprawling banyan trees provide excellent shade and unique lighting opportunities. Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so aim to arrive early. Also, check for any photography permissions they may require.

Marina Beach

Another favorite spot of mine is Marina Beach. The soft sands and the backdrop of the waves create a picturesque setting. I recommend shooting in the early morning when the light is soft, and the beach is less crowded. For gear, I’d recommend a versatile zoom lens like the 24-70mm f/2.8, which allows you to capture both close-ups and wide shots without changing lenses. Keep an eye on the tides, as they can change quickly, and be prepared to move if necessary.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This iconic temple in Mylapore not only showcases stunning architecture but also presents vibrant colors that can enhance your portraits. Try to visit during the evening when the temple is beautifully lit. However, make sure to get permission before setting up your shoot, as it is a religious site, and respect the sanctity of the place. It’s best to use a 35mm or 50mm lens to capture the intricate details and the ambiance without overwhelming your subject.

Conclusion: Continuous Learning

As I reflect on my experiences, it’s clear that enhancing my portrait skills is an ongoing journey, enriched by each shoot and every subject. Whether it’s the golden light of August or the lessons learned from mistakes made in the field, every moment contributes to my growth as a photographer. If you’re passionate about improving your portrait photography, I encourage you to experiment with different locations, engage with your subjects, and most importantly, embrace the light.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I continue to explore new techniques and locations to create memorable images that resonate with my clients.