By Raghav | | May 29, 2026

How I Framed 5 Stunning Sunsets in Chennai This May

On a balmy evening on May 15, 2026, I found myself perched on the rocks of Elliots Beach, my Nikon Z6II in hand, waiting for the sun to dip below the horizon. The golden hour had arrived, and I was eager to frame a sunset that would evoke the enchanting spirit of Chennai. With each passing minute, the sky transformed into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, reminding me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

This month has been particularly fruitful for sunsets in Chennai, and I wanted to share my experiences capturing five of them, along with some practical tips for anyone looking to do the same. Each location offers unique challenges and rewards, and through this post, I hope to provide insight into my creative process, the gear I used, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Location 1: Marina Beach – May 10, 2026

Marina Beach is undoubtedly one of Chennai’s most iconic locations. On May 10, I arrived there at 5:30 PM, armed with my trusty Nikon D850 and a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens. I knew the beach would be crowded, but I was determined to find a unique angle.

As I set up near the water’s edge, I watched families enjoying the evening, their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves. I decided to frame a composition that included both the sunset and the silhouettes of beachgoers. I adjusted my settings to 1/200 sec at f/8, ISO 100, ensuring I captured the vibrant colors without overexposing the highlights.

As the sun began to set, I snapped away, capturing the moment when the golden orb kissed the horizon. The result was breathtaking—a vibrant blend of colors reflecting off the water, with the silhouettes creating a sense of depth. After editing in Adobe Lightroom, I boosted the contrast and saturation to make the colors pop, transforming an already beautiful shot into something truly memorable.

Location 2: Besant Nagar – May 12, 2026

Two days later, on May 12, I made my way to Besant Nagar. This area is known for its beachside cafes and laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for capturing a sunset. I arrived around 6 PM, giving myself plenty of time to explore and find the ideal vantage point.

This time, I opted for my Canon EOS R5 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I found a small café with a terrace that overlooked the beach. From there, I could see the sun setting behind the iconic Velankanni Church, which added an interesting foreground element to my shot.

My camera settings were 1/160 sec at f/11, ISO 200. I wanted to create a depth of field that kept both the church and the sunset in focus. As the sun dipped, the sky transformed into a gradient of colors, and I captured the moment just as the lights of the church flickered on. Back in post-processing, I played with shadows and highlights to ensure the church remained dominant but still beautifully silhouetted against the fiery sky.

Location 3: Kotturpuram – May 18, 2026

Kotturpuram offered a different perspective on the sunset. On May 18, I headed to the banks of the Adyar River. I arrived around 5:45 PM, eager to explore this lesser-known spot. It was quieter than the beach, with only a few locals walking their dogs or jogging along the riverbank.

Using my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 56mm f/1.2 lens, I aimed to capture the reflection of the sunset on the water. I set my camera to 1/250 sec at f/8, ISO 100. The challenge here was to find a composition that included both the sunset and the reflections without too many distractions in the frame.

As the sun began its descent, I framed a shot that included some overhanging branches. The way the light filtered through the leaves created a natural frame for the sunset. The result was a serene image that captured the tranquility of the moment. In post-processing, I enhanced the reflections in the water, making them more pronounced, while keeping the overall mood soft.

Location 4: Thiruvanmiyur Beach – May 25, 2026

Fast forward to May 25, when I ventured to Thiruvanmiyur Beach. I arrived at around 6 PM, with the sun already beginning its descent. This beach is relatively less crowded, making it an ideal spot for uninterrupted photography.

This time, I brought my Sony A7R IV and a 16-35mm f/2.8 lens. I wanted to capture a wide-angle shot that included the rocky outcrops in the foreground. My settings were 1/125 sec at f/11, ISO 200. I positioned myself low to the ground to emphasize the foreground elements, creating a sense of depth.

As the sun set, I was mesmerized by the interplay of colors on the rocks and the water. The image I captured was rich in texture and light, and in post-processing, I applied a graduated filter effect to balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground, creating a more dramatic scene.

Location 5: Santhome Church – May 28, 2026

Just yesterday, on May 28, I decided to capture the sunset at Santhome Church. Known for its stunning architecture, the church provides a beautiful backdrop against a sunset. I arrived just after 6 PM, hoping to catch the last rays of the day illuminating the church’s façade.

For this shoot, I used my Nikon Z7 II paired with a 24-70mm f/4 lens. I set up across the street to capture the church framed by some palm trees. My camera settings were 1/200 sec at f/8, ISO 100. As the sun began to set, the church was bathed in a warm glow, and I was fortunate enough to capture a group of devotees exiting, adding life to the frame.

In post-processing, I adjusted the clarity and sharpness to emphasize the architectural details of the church while keeping the sunset soft and dreamy. The final image was a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty, encapsulating the essence of Chennai.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout my years of photography, I’ve made a fair share of mistakes, and capturing these sunsets was no exception. One significant misstep happened during my Marina Beach shoot. I underestimated the importance of arriving early enough to scout my location. My late arrival meant I had to settle for a less than ideal angle, which hindered the framing of the image I envisioned.

Another mistake was not checking my camera settings before shooting at Kotturpuram. I was so focused on the composition that I shot at ISO 800 instead of 100, resulting in grainy images that I couldn’t salvage in post-processing. Now, I always take a moment to double-check my settings before diving into a shoot. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in image quality.

Insider Tips for Capturing Sunsets in Chennai

Now that I’ve shared my experiences, here are some practical tips for anyone looking to capture stunning sunsets in Chennai:

1. Timing is Everything

Arrive at your chosen location at least an hour before sunset. This gives you enough time to explore and set up your equipment. Golden hour lighting can be magical, and you don’t want to miss the perfect moment.

2. Scout Locations in Advance

Familiarize yourself with the area and possible angles to shoot from. Pre-visualizing your shot will save you time and frustration when the sun starts to set.

3. Use a Tripod

If you have one, bring a tripod to stabilize your camera, especially in lower light conditions. This will help you shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur.

4. Experiment with Different Settings

Don’t hesitate to try various aperture settings and shutter speeds to see how they affect your images. A wide aperture can create beautiful bokeh effects, while a narrow aperture can keep everything in focus.

5. Post-Processing is Key

Take the time to edit your photos. Adjusting contrast, brightness, and saturation can elevate your images significantly. Software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop can help you bring out the best in your sunset shots.

FAQs

As I wrap up my reflections on these five stunning sunsets, I hope my experiences and tips inspire you to grab your camera and seek out the beauty of Chennai’s evenings. Each sunset tells a story, and capturing them is about being in the right place at the right time, combined with a bit of creativity and technical know-how.

Photography is a journey, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my adventures with you. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and explore in this vibrant city.

Happy shooting!

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. I love capturing the unique beauty of Tamil Nadu and sharing my knowledge with fellow photography enthusiasts.