By Raghav | | May 11, 2026

How I Photographed Five Stunning Beaches in May 2026

On May 1, 2026, I found myself waking up to the sound of crashing waves at Mahabalipuram, a place I’ve frequented for its rocky coastlines and historical temples. This time, however, my mission was not just to enjoy the beach but to capture its essence through my lens. As a professional photographer with over eight years of experience, I’ve learned that each location offers unique challenges and opportunities. Little did I know that this trip would teach me even more about beach photography and the nuances of natural light.

Beach One: Mahabalipuram – A Perfect Start

Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is not just about temples. The stunning shoreline provided the perfect backdrop for my first shoot of the trip. Armed with my Nikon D850 and a Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, I set out early to catch the golden hour. I arrived at 5:30 AM, and the light was simply magical.

As I was setting up my tripod, I saw a group of fishermen returning from the sea. The silhouettes against the rising sun created a stunning composition. I quickly switched to my 70-200mm lens to get closer without disturbing them. With settings at ISO 100, f/4, and 1/500s, I captured a series of shots that conveyed the hardworking spirit of these local fishermen. The resulting images were rich in texture and emotion, beautifully contrasting the serene backdrop of the ocean.

Insider Tip

Parking can be tricky near the main attractions in Mahabalipuram, especially during weekends. I recommend parking at the public lot near the Shore Temple and walking to the beach — it’s only a five-minute stroll. The best time for photography is definitely dawn, when the light is soft and the beach is less crowded.

Beach Two: Covelong – A Different Vibe

The next stop was Covelong, a beach about 40 minutes from Mahabalipuram. Known for its water sports, Covelong offers a different kind of energy. I visited on May 3, 2026, and decided to capture the thrill of kitesurfing. The wind was perfect, and I set my D850 to continuous shooting mode with settings at ISO 200, f/8, and 1/1000s. This allowed me to freeze the action as the kitesurfers soared through the air.

While photographing, I noticed a couple, Riya and Arjun, who were celebrating their engagement with a beach photoshoot. I offered to take some candid shots of them, and in return, they allowed me to experiment with my lighting techniques. Using a reflector to bounce sunlight onto them while they posed against the dramatic backdrop of the waves crashing behind them led to some stunning results. Their smiles mixed with the adrenaline of the surfers made my heart race.

What I Learned

Candid photography can be unpredictable, but that’s what makes it exciting. I learned to keep my camera ready and be adaptive to changing conditions. The spontaneity of the moment often leads to the most genuine images.

Beach Three: Elliot’s Beach – Capturing Serenity

On May 5, 2026, I ventured to Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar, a quieter spot known for its relaxed atmosphere. My goal was to capture the peacefulness of early morning joggers and families enjoying their time by the sea. Arriving at 6:00 AM, I set my Nikon D850 with a 35mm f/1.8 lens to capture the soft morning light filtering through the palm trees.

One memorable moment occurred when I spotted a grandmother teaching her granddaughter how to build a sandcastle. I used a low angle to capture the scene, with the sun rising behind them, creating a beautiful halo effect. My settings were ISO 100, f/2.8, and 1/640s. The final image was a heartwarming portrayal of family bonds in a serene setting.

Location Tip

Elliot’s Beach has ample parking available, but I suggest arriving early to secure a good spot. The beach gets crowded later in the day, especially on weekends. The best time for photography here is the early morning hours when soft light creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Beach Four: Marina Beach – Capturing the Crowd

On May 7, 2026, I decided to tackle Marina Beach, arguably the most famous beach in Chennai. My objective was to capture the hustle and bustle of visitors enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. With my D850 and a 24mm lens, I sought to showcase the energy and life that permeates this iconic location.

The challenge here was to capture the essence of Marina without getting lost in the crowd. My solution: focus on individual stories. I found a group of college students playing beach volleyball, and I positioned myself low to the ground, using a fast shutter speed of 1/800s and an aperture of f/5.6 to freeze their movement. The resulting images conveyed the joy and camaraderie of youth in a lively environment.

Editing Example

After the shoot, I processed the images in Adobe Lightroom. For one of the volleyball shots, I adjusted the exposure slightly and increased the contrast to make the colors pop. The before image was quite flat, but after editing, it came alive with vibrancy. I used settings of +0.5 exposure and +20 contrast to achieve the desired effect.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my beach photography experiences, I can identify a couple of key mistakes that taught me invaluable lessons. One of the biggest blunders was not bringing enough battery backups. During my shoot at Covelong, I was so focused on the action that I didn’t realize my battery was running low. I had to cut my session short because I didn’t want to miss capturing the kitesurfers. Now, I always carry at least two extra batteries when heading out for shoots, especially in unpredictable environments like beaches.

Another mistake I made was underestimating the effects of saltwater and sand on my gear. After my first shoot at Mahabalipuram, I didn’t clean my equipment properly, and I noticed some sand particles had lodged in my lens. This led to a few hazy shots during subsequent shoots. I learned the hard way to always clean my gear after shooting at the beach and to use protective filters whenever possible.

Final Beach: Kanyakumari – The Meeting Point of Oceans

On May 9, 2026, I traveled to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, to capture the breathtaking view where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal converge. This was the culmination of my beach photography tour. The sunset here is legendary, and I wanted to make sure I was ready to capture it.

Arriving at 4:30 PM, I set up my gear with a tripod and prepared for the golden hour. I used a 16-35mm lens to capture the vastness of the ocean and the rocky shores. My settings were ISO 100, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/30s. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the sky erupted in hues of orange, purple, and pink. I was able to capture the moment perfectly, and it felt like the finale of my beach photography journey.

Final Thoughts

This trip not only expanded my portfolio but also deepened my appreciation for the diversity of Tamil Nadu’s coastlines. Each beach offered its own unique charm and challenges, allowing me to experiment with different techniques and styles. If you’re a photographer looking to explore beach photography, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in these stunning locations around Chennai.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai, specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography for over eight years, I constantly seek out new experiences and challenges. Beach photography has opened my eyes to the beauty of capturing nature and human emotions intertwined.