By Raghav | | May 7, 2026

What I Learned After 10 Days of Street Photography in May

On the morning of May 1, 2026, I found myself standing at the entrance of Mylapore’s Kapaleeshwarar Temple, camera in hand, excitement coursing through my veins. I had committed to a 10-day street photography challenge, and as the sounds of morning prayers echoed around me, I was reminded why I love this genre: it’s unpredictable, raw, and a true testament to life in all its forms. Over the next ten days, I immersed myself in the vibrant streets of Chennai, capturing everything from bustling markets to serene temples. Here’s what I learned along the way.

Day 1: The Vibrancy of Mylapore

The first day was all about Mylapore. I started early, around 6 AM, to catch the temple rituals. Armed with my Canon EOS R5 and a 50mm f/1.2 lens, I was ready to embrace the morning light. The temple was alive with devotees, and I quickly realized the importance of patience. I focused on candid shots, capturing the faces of the worshippers lost in devotion. One of my favorites was a candid of a grandmother, her hands clasped in prayer, the light of dawn illuminating her face. I shot it at 1/200s, f/1.2, ISO 100, and this low-light setting really brought out the textures in her skin.

Exploring the Streets of George Town

On May 3, I ventured to George Town, a place steeped in history and chaos. The narrow lanes were filled with vendors selling everything from flowers to spices. I positioned myself at the intersection of Kothawal Chavadi, where the hustle and bustle reached its peak. With my Nikon Z6 II and a 35mm f/1.8, I captured the colors and energy of the market. One memorable moment was when I spotted a young boy, no older than six, enthusiastically helping his father sell garlands. I snapped the photo at 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 400, freezing his joy in time.

Insider Tip

If you’re planning to shoot in George Town, aim for early mornings around 7 AM or late afternoons around 5 PM. The light is softer, and you avoid the harsh midday sun. Parking near the area can be tricky, so consider using public transport or ride-sharing options.

Day 5: The Allure of Marina Beach

By May 5, I had explored various neighborhoods, but Marina Beach was a must-do on my list. I arrived at sunrise, armed with my Sony A7 III and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The soft hues of dawn created a magical backdrop for my photographs. I found a group of fishermen hauling in their nets, their silhouettes stark against the rising sun. I captured this scene at 1/500s, f/4, ISO 200. The picture turned out to be a striking representation of the day-to-day life along the coast.

What I Learned

What struck me most at Marina was the beauty of candid moments. While I initially focused on posed shots, it was the unguarded moments that told the real story. I learned to be more discreet and patient, allowing scenes to unfold naturally.

Mistakes I Made

No journey is complete without a few blunders, and mine were no exception. On May 6, while shooting in T. Nagar, I made the rookie mistake of not checking my battery levels. Halfway through a bustling market scene, my camera died, and I missed capturing some incredible interactions. This taught me to always carry a backup battery and check my gear before leaving.

Another Lesson

Another mistake involved my settings. I was shooting in manual mode at times when auto settings would have been more appropriate, particularly in the quickly changing light conditions of the streets. I learned to adapt my approach based on the environment, sometimes switching to aperture priority mode for faster adjustments.

Day 9: The Heart of T. Nagar

On my penultimate day, I returned to T. Nagar, one of Chennai’s busiest shopping districts. The streets were alive with shoppers, and I decided to experiment with street portraits. I approached a group of women sitting outside a saree shop, each draped in colorful fabrics. I asked for their permission to photograph them, and they happily obliged. Using my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 56mm f/1.2 lens, I captured their laughter and camaraderie. One shot, taken at 1/250s, f/2.0, ISO 1600, revealed their vibrant personalities and was one of my favorites from the trip.

Permission and Respect

This experience underscored the importance of consent in street photography. Always approach your subjects respectfully. A simple smile and a request can lead to beautiful images and genuine connections.

Final Thoughts and Reflections

As I wrapped up my 10-day journey on May 10, I reflected on the memories I had captured. The streets of Chennai had opened up to me, revealing not just scenes, but stories. I learned that street photography is about being present, observing, and capturing the essence of everyday life. The joy of this genre lies in its unpredictability and the connections formed with both the subjects and the environment.

Final Tips

1. **Stay adaptable**: Be ready to change your settings and approach based on lighting and environment.

2. **Engage with your subjects**: A friendly approach can lead to authentic portraits.

3. **Carry extra gear**: Always have backup batteries and memory cards.

4. **Know your locations**: Research areas before shooting, especially regarding peak times and accessibility.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai, specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. With over 8 years of experience, I have had the privilege of capturing the beauty of Tamil Nadu through my lens.