By Raghav | | July 29, 2026

How I Framed 5 Stunning Sunsets in Chennai This July

On July 15, 2026, I found myself perched on the rocks at Besant Nagar Beach, waiting for the sun to dip below the horizon. The colors were already hinting at a spectacle, with shades of orange and pink swirling in the clouds. As a professional photographer with over eight years of experience, I’ve learned that timing and location are everything when it comes to capturing the perfect sunset. That evening was a reminder of the magic that unfolds when you’re in the right place at the right time.

Sunset at Marina Beach: July 1, 2026

Marina Beach, often crowded but undeniably iconic, was my first location for a sunset shoot this July. I arrived early, around 5 PM, to claim a spot away from the throngs of people. With my Nikon D850 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, I set up for the golden hour magic. The light was soft and warm, and I adjusted my settings to ISO 100, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. I wanted to capture the vibrant colors but also include the silhouettes of fishermen returning with their catch.

As the sun began to set, the horizon exploded in orange and purple hues. I was particularly drawn to a moment when a small fishing boat sailed across the frame, its silhouette stark against the fiery sky. I framed it perfectly, and that shot became one of my favorites from the month. Later, in post-processing, I increased the contrast slightly while bringing out the vibrancy of the colors, resulting in an image that truly captured the essence of that evening.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach: July 10, 2026

On July 10, I decided to explore Thiruvanmiyur Beach, a less frequented spot that offers a tranquil setting for photography. I arrived at around 6 PM, just as the day began to fade. The beach was almost deserted, making it easier to find a clear vantage point. I used a tripod for stability, which is crucial for low-light settings. My camera settings were ISO 200, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/60 seconds.

What struck me about this location was how the rocky formations along the shore framed the sunset beautifully. I experimented with different angles, capturing the sun dipping behind the rocks. In one of my shots, I included a foreground of seaweed and shells, which added depth. Back at the studio, I used Adobe Lightroom to refine the colors and shadows, and I was thrilled with the final result.

Besant Nagar Beach: July 15, 2026

Returning to Besant Nagar on July 15 was a deliberate choice. This beach has a reputation for its breathtaking sunsets, and I wanted to see if I could recreate the magic I experienced last year. I got there around 5:30 PM, and the sky was already painted with warm tones. I opted for a more experimental approach this time, switching to my 50mm f/1.8 lens to create some bokeh effects.

With my settings at ISO 100, f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 1/200 seconds, I focused on the people enjoying the beach, their silhouettes against the vibrant sky. It was a crowd-pleaser, and I caught a family playing with their dog, the dog leaping joyfully as the sun set behind them. In post-processing, I applied a slight vignette to draw attention to the subjects in the foreground.

Covelong Beach: July 22, 2026

Covelong Beach, a hidden gem just south of Chennai, offered a different vibe for my sunset shoot on July 22. I arrived at 6 PM, and the beach was relatively quiet. I was eager to experiment with long exposure shots, so I set up my ND filter and adjusted my camera settings accordingly: ISO 64, f/16, and a shutter speed of 1 second. Capturing the waves crashing against the rocks with a smooth, silky effect was my primary goal.

As the sun sank lower, the colors deepened, and I focused on a rocky outcrop. The long exposure created an ethereal effect that contrasted beautifully with the fiery sky. This shot required minimal editing; I only adjusted the clarity and contrast slightly in Lightroom to make the colors pop.

Sunset at Elliot’s Beach: July 27, 2026

My final sunset shoot of July was at Elliot’s Beach on the 27th. I arrived around 5:45 PM, excited to capture the lively atmosphere that this beach is known for. With my Nikon Z6 and a 35mm lens, I set my shutter speed to 1/125 seconds, ISO 200, and f/5.6. The goal was to capture not just the sunset but the energy of the beachgoers.

The sun was setting behind the famous Velankanni Church, providing a stunning backdrop. I positioned myself to capture both the sunset and the vibrant crowd. A group of friends was having a bonfire, their laughter filling the air. In post-processing, I emphasized the warm tones to evoke the lively spirit of the evening. This image resonated with many of my clients, becoming a highlight of my portfolio.

Mistakes I Made

While my sunset photography sessions this July were largely successful, I did encounter some hiccups along the way. One major mistake occurred during my shoot at Thiruvanmiyur Beach. I was so engrossed in capturing the sunset that I neglected to check my memory card. When I finally looked, I realized it was full! I had to scramble to delete older files, which cost me precious time. Lesson learned: always check your memory before heading out to shoot!

Another mistake happened during my visit to Covelong Beach. I forgot to bring a remote shutter release, which would have been helpful for my long exposure shots. Instead, I had to rely on the timer function, which added unnecessary pressure to get the timing just right while the waves were crashing. Always double-check your gear before leaving the house!

Chennai Sunset Location Guide

Besant Nagar Beach

Besant Nagar Beach is easily accessible and has ample parking space, but it can get crowded during weekends. The best time to visit is on weekdays around 5:30 PM for fewer people and a clearer view. Be prepared to set up your gear quickly as the light changes rapidly.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

This beach is less touristy, making it a great alternative for photographers. There’s limited parking, so arriving early is essential. The best time for sunset shots here is around 6 PM, and the rocky formations provide excellent framing opportunities.

Covelong Beach

Covelong Beach is a bit farther from the city but worth the trip for its natural beauty. There’s ample parking available, but be mindful of the tides if you plan on getting close to the water. Aim to arrive by 6 PM for the best light.

Elliot’s Beach

Elliot’s Beach is well-connected and offers plenty of parking. The best time for photography is around 5:45 PM, but weekends can be quite busy. This beach has a vibrant atmosphere perfect for capturing both sunsets and people.

Final Thoughts

Framing stunning sunsets in Chennai is an art that requires patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail. This July, I was fortunate to experience the beauty of five different beaches, each with its unique charm. From the iconic Marina Beach to the serene shores of Covelong, every sunset provided its lesson in composition, light, and timing. If you’re a budding photographer, don’t hesitate to explore these locations. Each sunset is a chance to create something beautiful.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. My passion for capturing moments has taken me across Tamil Nadu, and I love sharing my insights to help others succeed in their photography journey.