By Raghav | | August 15, 2026

What I Learned from 15 Portraits in Chennai This August

On August 5th, 2026, I found myself at the vibrant and soulful neighborhood of Mylapore, where I had lined up a series of portrait sessions with fifteen different clients throughout the day. Each session would bring its own set of challenges and surprises. As the sun glimmered through the banyan trees, I was reminded of how much I’ve learned over the years and how each portrait tells a unique story.

Setting the Scene: Mylapore’s Essence

Mylapore is a treasure trove of culture and history, and it offers a myriad of backdrops for portrait photography. For my shoot, I chose the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple as my primary location, with its stunning architecture and colorful gopuram. The plan was to capture portraits that not only highlighted the beauty of my clients but also integrated elements of Mylapore’s rich heritage.

Client Sessions: A Diverse Palette

The first session was with a young couple, Priya and Arjun, who were celebrating their engagement. Armed with my trusty Nikon D850 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I was excited to capture their love amidst the temple’s intricate carvings and vibrant colors. We set up shots with them holding hands, laughing, and sharing whispers. I used an aperture of f/2.8 to create a soft bokeh effect in the background, which made their expressions pop.

As the day progressed, I worked with a variety of clients — a fashion designer named Riya, who wanted a portfolio update; a family of four; and even a local artist looking to showcase her work. Each portrait required a different approach. For Riya, I opted for more dynamic shots, using a shutter speed of 1/250s to freeze her movements as she twirled in her colorful attire. In contrast, the family portrait required a softer touch, so I switched to f/4 to include a bit more detail in the background while still drawing focus on their smiles.

Location Challenges and Solutions

Mylapore can get busy, especially on weekends, so timing was crucial. I learned the hard way that it’s best to begin shoots early in the morning. On August 12th, I had a session planned at 10 AM, but the crowds made it nearly impossible to get clean shots. The sun was also harsh, creating unflattering shadows on my clients’ faces.

To combat this, I started scheduling shoots at sunrise, around 6 AM, which offered a softer light and fewer people. This change led to much better portraits and a more relaxed atmosphere for my clients. During the early morning hours, the temple grounds were serene, allowing us to connect and create magic without distractions.

Behind the Lens: Lessons Learned

After fifteen portraits in Mylapore, I reflected on the key takeaways from these sessions. One of the most significant lessons was the importance of communication with my clients. During my session with a shy teenager named Anisha, I noticed she was uncomfortable in front of the camera. I spent time chatting with her about her interests, which helped her relax. Once she felt at ease, her personality shone through in the portraits.

Another critical lesson was the need for flexibility. On August 9th, I had planned to shoot with a couple, but the weather turned unexpectedly gloomy. Instead of rescheduling, I embraced the overcast conditions, which softened the light beautifully. I adjusted my camera settings to an ISO of 800 and used a wider aperture to capture their intimate moments without harsh shadows.

Editing Techniques to Enhance Portraits

Editing is just as crucial as the shoot itself. For one of the portraits of Priya and Arjun, I used Adobe Lightroom to enhance the colors and details. After adjusting the exposure and contrast, I applied a subtle vignette to draw attention to their faces. The before-and-after transformation was striking — the original shot felt flat, but with just a few adjustments, it became vibrant and alive.

Mistakes I Made: Lessons from the Field

Every shoot offers an opportunity to learn, and I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes over the years. One particular incident stands out from my session on August 10th. I had an outdoor shoot scheduled with a family at the beach, and I completely forgot to check the tide schedule. When we arrived, the beach was nearly submerged, leaving us with limited options for backdrops.

This experience taught me the importance of planning. Now, I always check the location conditions ahead of time, especially for outdoor shoots. I also learned to have a backup plan, whether it’s an alternate time, location, or even a different style of shoot. Flexibility is key in photography, and it’s essential to adapt to situations as they arise.

Insider Tips for Portrait Photography in Chennai

If you’re planning to shoot portraits in Chennai, here are some insider tips that I’ve gathered over the years:

Best Locations for Portraits

1. **Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore**: This is a stunning backdrop with rich colors and textures. Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the perfect light.

2. **Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar**: This beach offers a serene atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset. Remember to check the tide times to ensure you have enough space for your shoot.

Gear Recommendations

For portrait photography, I recommend using a prime lens, such as a 50mm or an 85mm. These lenses are fantastic for achieving that soft background blur and capturing sharp details. My go-to camera for portraits is the Nikon D850, known for its incredible dynamic range and low-light performance.

Also, consider bringing a reflector to bounce light onto your subjects, especially in harsh sunlight. I use a collapsible 5-in-1 reflector, which is lightweight and easy to carry around.

Timing Your Shoots

Light can make or break a portrait. The golden hours — shortly after sunrise and before sunset — are ideal for capturing flattering light. If you’re shooting during the day, seek shaded areas to avoid harsh shadows and squinting eyes.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

As I wrapped up my portrait sessions in Mylapore, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful individuals. Each portrait not only tells a story but also reflects the journey of growth I’ve experienced as a photographer. I look forward to many more sessions and the lessons they will undoubtedly bring.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography for over eight years. My journey has taken me across Tamil Nadu, capturing memories and stories through my lens.