By Raghav | | June 7, 2026

How I Shot 10 Stunning Sunsets in June at Marina Beach

On June 5th, 2026, I found myself standing at the edge of Marina Beach, my Nikon Z6 II in hand, with the sun dipping low on the horizon. The sky was ablaze with magnificent oranges and purples, a palette that reminded me why I had chosen to be a photographer. I had set myself a challenge: to shoot 10 stunning sunsets over the course of June at this iconic location. Over the next few weeks, I learned valuable lessons, faced unexpected challenges, and captured breathtaking scenes that left a mark on my photography journey.

Setting the Scene: The Magic of Marina Beach

Marina Beach isn’t just a popular tourist spot; it’s a canvas where the sky meets the sea, especially during sunset. The long stretch of golden sand, dotted with fishermen’s boats and vibrant evening crowds, creates the perfect backdrop for stunning photography. I’ve shot here countless times, but each sunset offers something unique. For this project, I decided to capture different angles, lighting conditions, and compositions each time.

First Sunset: June 5th

My first shoot was straightforward. I arrived around 5:30 PM, set up my tripod about 50 meters from the water’s edge, and used my trusty Nikon Z6 II with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The settings were simple: an aperture of f/11, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. As the sun began to set, the colors intensified, and I could see the reflections dancing on the water. I captured several frames, but one, in particular, stood out — a composition with a fisherman silhouetted against the fiery sky.

Second Sunset: June 10th

For my second sunset on June 10th, I decided to experiment with long exposure photography. I arrived earlier at 5 PM to set up and used a ND (Neutral Density) filter to capture the smoothness of the waves. I mounted my Z6 II on a sturdy tripod, switched to manual mode, and set an aperture of f/16, ISO 50, and a shutter speed of 2 seconds. The result was mesmerizing — the soft clouds and waves blended beautifully, creating a dreamlike quality.

Understanding the Golden Hour

Many photographers underestimate the significance of the golden hour. The hour before sunset is crucial; the light becomes softer and more diffused, which allows for more dynamic range in images. During these shoots, I learned to watch the sky closely, noticing how quickly the colors change. On June 15th, I waited patiently, capturing frames even before the sun was within sight. My patience paid off with shots of clouds painted in pink and gold, even before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Third Sunset: June 15th

On this particular evening, I used my favorite lens, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8, to isolate the colors and textures of the clouds. My settings were f/2.8, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/200 seconds. I wanted to capture the contrast between the vibrant sky and the darkening beach. This shot became one of my favorites, with the sun just about to disappear, casting a brilliant orange light over the waves.

Gear and Techniques: What Worked for Me

Throughout these shoots, I relied on some key gear that made a significant difference:

• Nikon Z6 II: Its low-light capabilities are remarkable, making it ideal for sunset photography.
• NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8: A versatile lens that allowed me to switch between wide-angle and zoomed shots effortlessly.
• NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8: Perfect for isolating subjects against a colorful sky.
• ND Filters: Essential for long exposure shots, helping to smoothen the water and sky.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod was crucial for stability, especially during longer exposure times.

Chennai Location Tips for Sunset Photography

Shooting at Marina Beach can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some insider tips for making the most of your sunset photography:

Best Time to Shoot

The golden hour is key — usually, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in June. Arriving early helps you scout different angles and compositions without the rush. The light changes rapidly, so be prepared to adjust your settings on the fly.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. I recommend arriving early to secure a spot near the entrance. There are designated parking areas near the beach, but they fill up quickly. Public transport is also an option, with several buses and auto-rickshaws available to drop you off close to the beach.

Permissions and Restrictions

While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of local regulations and respect the privacy of beachgoers. If you plan to use drones, remember that permissions are required from local authorities, which can take time, so plan ahead.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout my journey of capturing sunsets, I made a few mistakes that taught me valuable lessons. One of the most significant was not checking my gear before a shoot. On June 20th, I arrived with a fully charged battery only to find out my memory card was still in my laptop. I ended up missing some fantastic shots that evening. Always double-check your gear the night before to avoid disappointment.

Another Lesson in Composition

During my fifth sunset shoot, I focused too much on the sunset itself, disregarding the foreground. I shot multiple frames of the sky but failed to include interesting elements in the foreground, like rocks or silhouettes of people. The final images felt incomplete. This taught me the importance of framing and considering all aspects of the composition before pressing the shutter button.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Sunset Photography

By the end of June, I had a portfolio of 10 stunning sunsets, each telling a different story. The experience not only improved my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the natural beauty around us. Capturing sunsets at Marina Beach is more than just a photography project; it’s a reminder of the fleeting moments of beauty life offers.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, I encourage you to grab your camera and head out to your favorite sunset spot. Each sunset has its charm, and with practice, you’ll find your unique way of telling that story through your lens.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I specialize in capturing the beauty of life’s special moments. Based in Chennai, I continue to explore the captivating landscapes of Tamil Nadu, always seeking new stories to tell through my lens.