By Raghav | | June 25, 2026

How I Shot 100 Portraits in Chennai’s June Monsoon

On June 15, 2026, I found myself in the midst of an unexpected downpour while shooting portraits at the serene Theosophical Society in Adyar. The rain was relentless, but instead of retreating, I decided to embrace the wet weather. Armed with my trusty Nikon D850 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I discovered that the June monsoon in Chennai wasn’t just a challenge; it was a canvas waiting to be painted with vibrant emotions and stunning visuals. Little did I know that this day would lead me to shoot 100 portraits in just a few hours, each telling its own story against the backdrop of a rainy Chennai.

Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Location

When planning this shoot, I knew that capturing portraits during the monsoon required locations that would add character and depth. The Theosophical Society was a perfect choice due to its lush greenery and colonial architecture. The towering trees and winding paths provided a natural shelter from the rain while adding a dramatic flair to the images.

During the shoot, I set up a makeshift area under one of the large banyan trees. The thick foliage provided a beautiful diffused light, allowing me to avoid harsh shadows despite the overcast sky. I experimented with different angles, using the trees as framing elements, which added a sense of intimacy to each portrait.

Gear I Used

For this shoot, I relied on my Nikon D850, which excels in low light, paired with a 50mm f/1.8 lens for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh. I also brought along a reflector to bounce light onto my subjects, which was particularly useful for brightening their faces against the darker background. A simple umbrella served as additional protection against the rain for both my gear and the subjects while creating a playful atmosphere.

Client Experience: Connecting with Subjects

One of the highlights of my day was meeting a young artist named Priya, who was passionate about capturing the essence of Chennai in her paintings. As we chatted about her creative process, I could see her personality shine through. I encouraged her to interact with her surroundings, and as she twirled with an umbrella, I snapped away, capturing her laughter amidst the downpour. The results were magical, and Priya later told me that these portraits embodied her spirit more than any other photograph she had.

Mastering the Monsoon Light

Shooting during the monsoon presents unique challenges, especially with the unpredictable light. On June 20, at a popular spot near Marina Beach, I faced rapid changes in light. One moment it was bright, and the next, dark clouds rolled in, creating a moody atmosphere that could either enhance or ruin a portrait.

To adapt, I switched to using my Nikon’s auto ISO feature, allowing the camera to adjust to changing light conditions. This decision proved invaluable. For example, when the skies darkened, I shot at ISO 1600 with an aperture of f/2.8 and a shutter speed of 1/125s. The resulting portraits were rich in detail and mood, capturing the essence of Chennai’s monsoon.

Insights from a Rainy Day Shoot

One of the portraits I took that day was of a street vendor named Raju, who was selling fried snacks. The contrast of his vibrant orange shirt against the gray sky made for a striking image. I used a slower shutter speed of 1/60s to capture the movement of raindrops falling around him while keeping his face in sharp focus. Later, in post-processing, I enhanced the colors slightly using Adobe Lightroom to make the image pop.

Before editing, the image felt flat due to the overcast conditions, but with adjustments to contrast and vibrance, it transformed into a dynamic portrait that told a story of resilience and joy amidst the rain.

Mistakes I Made: Learning From Experience

Reflecting on my journey, one significant mistake I made was underestimating the impact of humidity on my gear. On June 22, while shooting in Kotturpuram, I noticed that my camera started to fog up due to the moisture in the air. I quickly learned the importance of keeping silica gel packs in my camera bag to absorb excess moisture and prevent fogging. Additionally, I now always carry lens cloths to wipe any water spots that may appear during a shoot.

Planning for the Unexpected

Another lesson learned was about managing time during the unpredictable monsoon. When I arrived at the Marina for a shoot with a family on June 24, I hadn’t accounted for the sudden rain that would force us to seek shelter. We ended up losing precious time, and I realized the importance of having backup plans and locations that can accommodate sudden weather changes.

Capturing Portraits in Rainy Chennai: Tips and Tricks

As I wrapped up the series of portraits, I was thrilled with the variety I had captured. Here are some tips to make the most of shooting portraits during the Chennai monsoon:

1. Embrace the Weather

Don’t shy away from the rain; instead, embrace it. Rain can add a unique element to your portraits. Use umbrellas creatively, or have your subjects interact with the environment.

2. Use the Right Settings

In low light, I recommend using a wide aperture (f/1.8 to f/2.8) to allow more light in. Keep your shutter speed above 1/60s to avoid motion blur unless you want to capture movement. Auto ISO can be a lifesaver in changing light conditions.

3. Scout Locations Ahead of Time

Before heading out, scout potential locations. Look for areas with natural coverage that can provide shelter during sudden downpours. The Theosophical Society, for instance, offers beautiful backdrops with plenty of areas to shield from the rain.

4. Communicate with Your Subjects

Engage with your subjects to make them feel comfortable. The more relaxed they are, the more natural and authentic their expressions will be. I found that sharing personal stories made my subjects open up, allowing me to capture their true essence.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Monsoon

My experience capturing 100 portraits in Chennai’s June monsoon was not just about taking pictures; it was a reminder of the beauty that lies in unpredictability. Each droplet of rain, every gust of wind, added a layer of emotion to the portraits that was simply irreplaceable. Whether it was Priya dancing with her umbrella or Raju laughing amidst the chaos of the rain, these moments will stay with me forever.

As photographers, we need to adapt, learn, and grow from each experience. The next time the monsoon clouds roll in, instead of hiding away, grab your camera, step outside, and embrace the magic of the rain.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I believe that every shoot is a new adventure waiting to be explored.