By Raghav | | August 3, 2026

How I Photographed 10 Stunning Sunsets in August 2026

On the evening of August 1, 2026, I found myself perched on the rocky outcrop at Mahabalipuram, just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The vibrant hues of orange and pink danced across the sky, and I knew I had to seize the moment. With my Nikon Z6 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens in hand, I began adjusting my settings, eager to capture the beauty of that fleeting moment. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a month dedicated to photographing some of the most breathtaking sunsets I had ever witnessed along the Tamil Nadu coast.

The Challenge of Timing and Location

As a photographer, I’ve learned that timing is everything, especially when it comes to capturing sunsets. For my project in August 2026, I aimed to photograph a sunset every evening. I quickly discovered that finding the perfect location and timing required meticulous planning. Here are some of the locations I chose and why they worked so well.

1. Mahabalipuram – August 1

Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut temples and stunning coastal views, was my starting point. I arrived an hour before sunset at 6:15 PM, allowing me to scout the location. The tide was low, exposing the rocky formations, and I set up my shot using a tripod for stability. My settings were ISO 100, aperture f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. The resulting image captured the sun’s reflection on the water and the intricate details of the rocks.

2. Elliot’s Beach – August 5

Five days later, I found myself at Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar. This location has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of people enjoying the seaside. To avoid distractions, I arrived early, around 5 PM. The sunset was scheduled for 6:30 PM. I opted for a wide-angle shot to include the silhouettes of people against the colorful sky. With my settings at ISO 200, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/60 seconds, I captured an image that conveyed the lively spirit of the beach.

3. Marina Beach – August 10

On August 10, I decided to tackle the iconic Marina Beach. Known for its long stretch of sand and the famous lighthouse, it draws huge crowds. I arrived at 4:30 PM to secure a good spot. The sunset was at 6:45 PM, so I had ample time to explore different angles. I settled on a low angle, positioning my camera close to the sand to emphasize the foreground. My settings were ISO 100, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. The photograph beautifully captured the sun setting behind the lighthouse, a perfect blend of nature and city life.

Insider Tips for Sunset Photography in Chennai

Over the years, I’ve picked up several insider tips for photographing sunsets in Chennai that can make a significant difference in your results.

Location Scouting

Before you head out, research the best vantage points. For Chennai, I recommend:

• Mahabalipuram: Ideal for dramatic rock formations and coastal views.
• Elliot’s Beach: Offers a lively atmosphere perfect for capturing people enjoying the sunset.
• Marina Beach: The long stretch allows for various compositions, including the lighthouse and local activity.

Timing is Crucial

Arrive at least an hour before sunset to scout your location and set up your gear. The golden hour, which occurs before sunset, provides soft light that’s perfect for portraits or foreground elements in your compositions.

Gear and Settings

For sunset photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is essential. I primarily use my Nikon Z6, paired with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Here’s what I typically set:

• ISO: 100-200 to minimize noise.
• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for greater depth of field.
• Shutter Speed: Adjust according to light conditions; usually, 1/60 seconds works well.

Mistakes I Made

Even with years of experience, mistakes can happen. Here are a few I’ve learned from during my sunset photography sessions this month.

Overexposure Issues

On August 7, at Kottivakkam Beach, I miscalculated the exposure and ended up with an overexposed shot that washed out the vibrant colors. I was so eager to capture the scene that I forgot to adjust my settings as the sun dipped lower. I learned the hard way that constantly monitoring your exposure is crucial, especially as the light changes rapidly during sunset.

Ignoring the Foreground

While shooting on August 15 at the Covelong Beach, I focused solely on the sunset without considering the foreground elements. The resulting image lacked depth, and I realized that incorporating something in the foreground can add interest and context to the shot. Now, I always make it a point to scout for interesting foreground elements, whether it’s rocks, people, or vegetation.

Not Using a Tripod

On August 20, I attempted to take handheld shots at the Velankanni Beach, but the low light conditions made it challenging to maintain steady shots. My images ended up slightly blurry. I learned that using a tripod not only stabilizes the camera but also allows for longer exposure times without sacrificing image quality.

Editing the Perfect Sunset Photo

Post-processing plays a significant role in enhancing sunset images. On August 28, I edited one of my favorite shots from Mahabalipuram using Adobe Lightroom. Here’s a before-and-after comparison:

Before Editing: The base image had a dull sky and lackluster colors. The settings included ISO 100, f/8, and 1/125 seconds, but the saturation and contrast were low.

After Editing: I increased the saturation by 20%, adjusted the contrast, and applied a slight vignette to focus the viewer’s attention on the sunset. The final image not only showcased the vibrant colors of the sunset but also highlighted the intricate details of the rocks.

Conclusion

August 2026 was a month filled with colorful sunsets and invaluable lessons. Each location taught me something new about the art of capturing these natural wonders. I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of Chennai’s coast, not just for its stunning views but for the stories each sunset tells. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, I encourage you to venture out and explore these locations. Remember, every sunset is unique, and each photograph is a chance to capture a fleeting moment in time.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. My passion for capturing vibrant moments has taken me across Tamil Nadu, and I love sharing insights from my journeys.