By Raghav | | June 26, 2026

How I Embraced Monsoon Portraits: Five Lessons from Chennai

On a rain-soaked June evening in 2023, I found myself at the iconic Marina Beach, my camera gear precariously balanced under a makeshift tarp. The downpour had caught me off guard, but instead of retreating, I decided to embrace the elements. This decision not only salvaged a challenging shoot but also ignited a newfound passion for monsoon portraits. Over the years, I’ve navigated the unique challenges and extraordinary beauty of shooting in Chennai’s monsoon season, and I’m excited to share five lessons I learned along the way.

1. The Beauty of Overcast Skies

During my first monsoon portrait session on July 15, 2021, with a lovely couple named Arjun and Meera at Theosophical Society, I discovered the magic of overcast skies. Instead of harsh shadows from the sun, the soft light provided by the cloud cover allowed me to highlight their expressions beautifully. I used my trusty Nikon Z6 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, shooting at ISO 400, f/2.8, and 1/125s. The result was a series of intimate portraits that felt both candid and timeless.

When shooting under these conditions, remember that the light can change rapidly. I often check the histogram on my camera to ensure I’m not losing details in the highlights. Overcast days are perfect for portraits; the even lighting helps in making skin tones look flattering. I advise starting your shoot an hour or two before the rain starts when the clouds are thick, but the rain hasn’t quite hit yet. The dim light can create a moody atmosphere that’s perfect for storytelling.

2. Rain as a Creative Element

Fast forward to August 10, 2022, when I was set to photograph a family in their backyard in Kotturpuram. As the clouds gathered ominously, I had a decision to make: cancel or embrace the rain? I chose the latter. Armed with an umbrella and my Nikon D850, I captured the family laughing and playing in the rain. The droplets created a beautiful bokeh effect, and the lush backdrop of their garden was brought to life by the rainfall.

To get the perfect shot, I adjusted my settings to ISO 200, f/4, and 1/250s to freeze the action while keeping the background soft. The portraits turned out vibrant and full of life, and the family was thrilled with the results. This experience taught me that rain can be an incredible ally. It adds a dynamic element to portraits, making them feel alive and spontaneous. Don’t hesitate to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the raindrops and create a stunning visual narrative.

3. Embracing Imperfection

On September 5, 2023, I was commissioned by a local fashion designer for a portfolio shoot at the historic Fort St. George. As is typical during the monsoon, the skies opened up, and we were forced to work under the cover of the fort’s arches. Instead of trying to recreate our original vision, I embraced the unique surroundings. The damp textures of the fort’s walls and the shimmering wet pavement added depth to the images.

Using a Canon EOS R5, I shot with an 85mm f/1.2 lens at ISO 800, f/2, and 1/160s. The results were striking; the models looked ethereal against the dark, moody backdrop. This experience reinforced a vital lesson: sometimes, the unexpected challenges can lead to the most remarkable outcomes. As a photographer, it’s essential to adapt and find beauty in less-than-ideal conditions.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my journey, I can pinpoint several mistakes that taught me invaluable lessons. One of the most significant occurred during a wedding shoot in Mahabalipuram on October 14, 2021. I was so focused on capturing the couple’s first look that I neglected to consider the backdrop. The sun was setting, and I had positioned them against an overexposed horizon, resulting in washed-out images.

That day, I learned the importance of scouting locations beforehand. Now, I always visit the site ahead of time, regardless of whether it’s a wedding venue or a casual portrait shoot. Understanding the light at different times of day and knowing where to position my subjects has drastically improved my work. I also learned to always have a backup plan for alternate locations in case of unexpected weather changes.

Location Guide: Best Monsoon Portrait Spots in Chennai

Chennai boasts several fantastic locations for monsoon portraits, each offering its unique charm. Here are my top three picks, along with some practical tips:

Theosophical Society

Located in Adyar, this lush garden is a hidden gem for portrait photography. The sprawling grounds offer a variety of backdrops, from ancient trees to serene water bodies. Best visited early in the morning before the crowds arrive, but be aware of their visiting hours, which are usually from 9 AM to 5 PM. Parking can be a challenge, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Fort St. George

This historic site not only provides stunning architecture but also rich textures perfect for moody portraits. The fort is open to the public, but be prepared for a nominal entry fee. Shooting here during the early hours or late afternoons offers softer light, especially during monsoons. Be mindful of the rain; the fort’s corridors can get slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

The vibrant colors and intricate architecture of this temple create a breathtaking backdrop for portraits. Visiting on weekdays is ideal to avoid large crowds, and it’s best to shoot during the evening when the temple is beautifully lit. Make sure to get permission if you’re planning a professional shoot, and keep an eye on the weather forecast, as the temple’s outdoor areas can get wet quickly.

Editing for Monsoon Portraits

After capturing stunning images in the rain, the next step is editing. I typically use Adobe Lightroom Classic for post-processing. One of my go-to techniques is enhancing the colors to bring out the vibrancy in rainy scenes. For example, during a shoot in Mylapore on July 22, 2022, I adjusted the contrast and saturation slightly to accentuate the rich blues and greens in the images. My settings were: contrast +10, saturation +15, and clarity +5. The result was striking — the colors popped, and the mood of the monsoon was preserved beautifully.

Additionally, I often apply a vignette effect to draw attention to my subjects. This small adjustment can transform an already captivating image into something truly special. Remember, each image will require different tweaks, so trust your instinct and the story you want to tell through your edits.

Final Thoughts

Monsoon portrait photography in Chennai is not just about the rain; it’s about capturing the essence of life and emotion in unique circumstances. Each downpour presents an opportunity to create something beautiful, and with the lessons I’ve shared, I hope you feel inspired to embrace the rain, adapt to your surroundings, and find joy in imperfection.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, remember that every challenge can lead to a beautiful outcome. So grab your gear, don your raincoat, and step into the world of monsoon portraits!

As a photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience, I specialize in capturing weddings, portraits, and travel moments across Tamil Nadu. I’ve learned that each shoot offers a new lesson, and I’m passionate about sharing my insights with fellow photography enthusiasts.