By Raghav | | May 10, 2026

How I Shot 100 Portraits in One Month in Chennai

In March 2023, I set myself a challenge: to shoot 100 unique portraits in Chennai within a single month. I had always been fascinated by the vibrant personalities that populate this city, and I wanted to capture a diverse range of faces and stories. It wasn’t just about quantity; I aimed to push my creative boundaries and refine my portrait skills. Here’s how I managed to achieve this ambitious goal and the lessons I learned along the way.

Planning and Preparation

The first step was to map out a plan. I began by identifying the types of portraits I wanted to capture — from candid street portraits to more posed photographs in interesting locations. I reached out to friends, family, and colleagues, asking them to model for me and connect me with others. Social media became an invaluable tool for this, helping me spread the word. I started gathering names and setting dates, aiming for a mix of backgrounds and professions.

By the end of the first week, I had lined up shoots with 30 different people. This included a mix of artists, students, entrepreneurs, and everyday Chennai residents. I also planned to shoot at various spots around the city, which would not only provide diverse backdrops but also help showcase Chennai’s rich culture.

Locations that Made a Difference

1. Mylapore

Mylapore is one of Chennai’s cultural hubs, and I kicked off my portrait marathon there on March 8, 2023. I set up my first shoot at the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which not only provided stunning architecture but also attracted a variety of local personalities. I shot a portrait of Sneha, a local artist, using my Nikon D850 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The soft morning light filtering through the temple’s intricate carvings worked perfectly for her natural look. I used settings of ISO 200, f/2.8, and a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds.

2. Marina Beach

On March 15, I ventured to Marina Beach during the golden hour to capture the vibrant life along the shore. I was determined to capture the essence of Chennai, so I shot a series of candid portraits of both locals and tourists. One memorable encounter was with Ravi, a fisherman who shared stories of his daily struggles. I shot him with my Canon EOS R5 using a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, settings at ISO 100, f/4, and a shutter speed of 1/200 seconds. The background of the sea and the setting sun added an emotional depth to the portrait.

3. T Nagar

The bustling streets of T Nagar became my playground on March 22. I set aside an afternoon to shoot portraits of shopkeepers and customers amidst the vibrant chaos. One of my favorite subjects was Meena, who owns a saree shop. Her love for her work was evident, and I wanted to capture that passion. Using my Sony A7 III with a 85mm f/1.4 lens, I shot at ISO 400, f/2.2, and a shutter speed of 1/160 seconds. The rich colors of the sarees behind her created a striking contrast with her warm smile.

The Art of Storytelling Through Portraits

As I moved through these locations, I realized that a great portrait is more than just a pretty face; it’s about telling a story. I made it a point to engage with my subjects, asking them questions about their lives, their dreams, and their experiences in Chennai. This not only helped me build rapport but also added layers of meaning to the images. For example, during a shoot at the historic Fort St. George on March 29, I met Arjun, a history teacher. His stories about the fort’s past brought a depth to his portrait that I hadn’t anticipated.

Mistakes I Made

No journey is without its challenges, and my month of portrait shooting was no exception. Here are some mistakes I made, along with the lessons learned:

1. Underestimating the Weather

In Chennai, the weather can change in an instant. I had planned a shoot on March 18 at the Theosophical Society, expecting clear skies. Instead, I was greeted with a sudden downpour that ruined my plans. I learned to always have a backup plan and to check the weather multiple times before heading out.

2. Gear Overload

Initially, I packed every lens and accessory I owned, thinking I would need them all. This only made my shoots cumbersome. After the first week, I streamlined my gear to just two cameras and three versatile lenses. I found that being less encumbered allowed me to focus more on the subject rather than fumbling with equipment.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting

During my shoot at the Guindy National Park on March 25, I neglected to consider the harsh afternoon sun. Some of my images ended up overexposed. I learned to scout locations in advance and to be conscious of the time of day, ensuring I worked with natural light rather than against it.

Editing and Final Touches

After shooting, the real work began. I spent evenings editing the images using Adobe Lightroom Classic. I typically followed a process of adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance. For example, one portrait of a dancer I shot on March 30 needed quite a bit of adjustment; I had initially shot it at ISO 800, f/5.6, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds, which left me with some noise in the shadows. I managed to bring out the depth in her expression by pulling back highlights and adding a bit of grain to maintain the image’s authenticity.

Final Thoughts

By the end of March, I had successfully shot and edited 100 portraits. Each session taught me something new, not just about photography but also about the people of Chennai and their stories. The experience solidified my belief that every face has a story, and it is our duty as photographers to tell them in the most authentic way possible.

For those looking to embark on a similar journey, I encourage planning thoroughly while remaining flexible. Engage with your subjects, capture their narratives, and don’t rush the process. The best portraits often come from moments of genuine connection.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I specialize in capturing the essence of people and places across Chennai and Tamil Nadu. My journey has led me to countless stories, each frame a testament to the beauty of diverse lives.