By Raghav | | May 8, 2026

How I Embraced Natural Light During May in Chennai

On a scorching afternoon in May 2023, I found myself at the serene shores of Besant Nagar Beach, camera in hand, desperately waiting for the golden hour. The sun was relentless, but I knew the magic of natural light could transform my shots. This experience not only taught me to work with the light I had but also how to embrace the unique challenges Chennai offers to a photographer. Here’s how I navigated the harsh midday sun and the unexpected beauty that unfolded as the evening approached.

The Power of the Midday Sun

During the summer months in Chennai, particularly in May, the midday sun can be unyielding. On May 15, 2022, I was shooting a pre-wedding session for a lovely couple, Arjun and Meera, in the bustling streets of Mylapore. The bright sun was high, casting harsh shadows that made it challenging to get flattering portraits. I quickly realized that I had to adapt my shooting style.

Instead of fighting the light, I sought out shaded areas — the trees near the Kapaleeshwarar Temple provided a perfect canopy. I used a Nikon D850 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, which allowed me to open up the aperture and create a beautiful bokeh effect while still capturing the couple’s expressions. The dappled light filtering through the leaves was magical, and the portraits turned out to be some of my favorites from that season.

Finding Shade and Creative Angles

When shooting in harsh sunlight, finding shade can be a game changer. For those who are new to Chennai or planning a shoot here, I recommend scouting locations with plenty of trees or architecture that casts shadows. The area around Marina Beach is another great spot; the promenade provides shaded areas where you can shoot without direct sunlight.

Golden Hour: The Photographer’s Best Friend

As the sun began to set on that same day in May 2022, the golden hour cast a warm, soft light that transformed the scene. I positioned Arjun and Meera against the backdrop of the temple, taking advantage of the warm glow. I adjusted my settings to ISO 200, f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 1/250 to ensure I captured the essence of that fleeting moment.

One of the best parts about shooting in Chennai during May is that the evenings, while hot, often bring a beautiful light that can enhance your images. If you’re planning to shoot at Besant Nagar or Marina Beach, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to set up and find the best angles.

Using Reflectors

During one of my wedding shoots in May 2021 at a lovely outdoor venue in Ekkatuthangal, I learned the importance of reflectors in enhancing natural light. The bride was getting ready under a beautiful banyan tree, and while the overhead light was beautiful, the shadows on her face were too harsh. I quickly grabbed a silver reflector from my bag, positioned it to bounce light back onto her face, and the result was stunning. This taught me that having simple tools like reflectors can make a significant difference, especially in harsh lighting conditions.

Mistakes I Made

Early in my career, I often underestimated the power of the sun, especially in the peak summer months. I remember a shoot in May 2020 at the historic Fort St. George. I was so focused on getting the iconic architecture in my shots that I ignored the lighting conditions. The harsh midday sun resulted in overexposed highlights and shadows that obscured the details of the beautiful colonial structures. This was a pivotal learning moment for me — never ignore the light.

Now, I always check the weather and plan my shoots around the best times for natural light. I’ve also learned to embrace the challenges that come with shooting in bright sunlight by being creative instead of relying solely on my camera settings. Using reflectors, finding shade, and adjusting the time of day can all lead to incredible results.

Location Guide: Best Spots for Natural Light in Chennai

As a photographer who has been working in Chennai for over eight years, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots to shoot in natural light, particularly during the month of May:

1. Besant Nagar Beach

Besant Nagar Beach is perfect for evening shoots. The beach offers a stunning sunset backdrop and soft light conditions as the sun dips below the horizon. Arrive early to get a good parking spot, as it can get crowded in the evenings. Make sure to explore the nearby cafes for some candid shots of people enjoying their evening by the sea.

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This temple is rich in culture and architecture, providing ample opportunities for both landscape and portrait photography. The best time to shoot is early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. Parking can be tricky, so aim to arrive early to secure a spot.

3. Marina Beach Promenade

The promenade is perfect for capturing the hustle and bustle of Chennai. The morning light is especially beautiful here, and you can get stunning shots of local life. Be mindful of the crowds, and consider weekdays for fewer distractions. There’s ample parking along the beach road, but it can fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.

Post-Processing Techniques

Editing plays a crucial role in enhancing your images. After a shoot at Fort St. George in May 2023, I went through my images and realized that, although the light was harsh, I could still salvage many photos with some careful editing. Using Adobe Lightroom, I adjusted the exposure to correct highlights and shadows, and I applied a bit of contrast to make the colors pop.

For one specific image where the sky was washed out, I used the graduated filter tool to bring back some color and texture. I also added a slight vignette to draw attention to the subjects. Remember, editing is your friend, but it’s essential to get the best possible shot in-camera first.

Final Thoughts

Embracing natural light during the hot and humid month of May in Chennai has taught me invaluable lessons as a photographer. The challenges presented by harsh sunlight can be transformed into opportunities for creativity. Whether you’re shooting portraits at a temple, candid moments at the beach, or wedding celebrations, understanding how to work with natural light is essential.

Each shoot is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and I encourage fellow photographers to experiment with light, embrace the conditions, and never shy away from challenges. The beauty of Chennai lies not just in its landscapes but in the moments we capture within them.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless moments across Tamil Nadu. Embracing natural light has fundamentally transformed my approach to photography, allowing me to create compelling images that tell a story.