By Raghav | | June 21, 2026

How I Shot 20 Stunning Sunsets in Chennai This June

This June, I found myself standing on the shore of Elliots Beach, camera in hand, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. It was June 10, and I was determined to photograph 20 stunning sunsets across Chennai before the month ended, and I was about to learn a lot about timing, weather, and the importance of patience. With over eight years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I knew this challenge would stretch my skills and creativity, but it was also a great opportunity to reflect on what I’ve learned about capturing sunsets in this vibrant city.

The Challenge Begins

On June 1, I kicked off this personal project with a clear goal: to photograph 20 unique sunsets from different locations around Chennai. The first stop was Marina Beach. I arrived at 5 PM, armed with my trusty Nikon D850 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The sky was cloudless, which often can be a sunset photographer’s nightmare, as clouds add depth and drama to the sky. However, I set up my tripod, framed the shot, and waited. The sun began its descent, casting golden rays across the water, and while the sky didn’t explode in color, the serene beauty of the moment was worth capturing.

After a few clicks, I decided to experiment with settings. At ISO 100, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/60, I captured a decent image but felt it needed more pop. Back at the editing table, I pushed the saturation and contrast slightly, which transformed the image from a flat capture to a vibrant scene that breathed life into my portfolio. This was lesson one: even a less-than-ideal sunset can be salvaged with the right post-processing techniques.

Exploring Diverse Locations

As the days passed, I ventured to various spots around the city. One particularly memorable evening was June 15 at the Broken Bridge, a lesser-known gem. Arriving an hour early, I found a secluded spot that offered an unobstructed view of the horizon. With the rugged bridge structure framing the sunset, I snapped several shots as the sun faded into a fiery ball of red and orange. The settings I used here were ISO 200, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125. The resulting images had beautiful detail in the foreground and a spectacular gradient in the sky.

Another great location was the rooftop of a café in Besant Nagar, where I had the pleasure of shooting alongside a couple who wanted to capture their anniversary celebration. As we waited for sunset, I shared tips on composition and framing. It was June 18, and the sky was dynamic, with clouds rolling in that added texture and intrigue. I used my 70-200mm lens to zoom in on the couple against the backdrop of the changing sky. Shooting at ISO 400, f/4, and 1/500, I managed to get some breathtaking shots that blended personal moments with the beauty of nature.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout this challenge, I encountered a few roadblocks that taught me valuable lessons. One significant mistake was on June 12 at the Theosophical Society’s gardens. I arrived without scouting the area beforehand, thinking I could wing it. Unfortunately, the trees obscured much of the sunset view. While I did take some pictures, they lacked the expansive sky I had envisioned. This taught me the importance of scouting locations before the shoot. Now, I always make it a point to visit a location or do thorough online research beforehand to understand the best angles and compositions. Additionally, I learned the hard way about the necessity of backup gear. On June 17, my ND filter slipped off my lens, and I had to shoot without it, resulting in overly bright images that lost detail. Always double-check your gear!

Timing is Everything

One of the key lessons I learned during this month-long project was the importance of timing. The golden hour is crucial, and I made it a point to arrive at each location about an hour before sunset to set up and experiment with different angles. On June 20, I visited the Santhome Basilica, where I arrived early enough to capture the soft light illuminating the church’s façade. I used my Nikon D850 with a 14-24mm lens, shooting at ISO 100, f/8, and 1/250. The combination of the building and the sunset created a stunning silhouette that I’m proud of.

Moreover, I paid close attention to weather patterns throughout the month. On June 16, I noticed cloud formations that hinted at a vibrant sunset. I rushed to the beach, and my instincts were correct. The colors were breathtaking that evening, an explosion of purples and reds reflecting off the water. I shot at ISO 200, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/80 to capture the full spectrum of colors and details.

Specific Location Tips

1. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a classic spot but can be crowded. Arrive early to secure a good spot, particularly if you want to include the crowd in your images. The best time is during weekdays to avoid the weekend rush. Parking is available near the beach, but be prepared for a bit of a walk if you want to get closer to the shoreline.

2. Elliots Beach

Elliots Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere and is less crowded than Marina. The best vantage point is near the Velankanni Church. Arrive at least an hour early, and it’s advisable to check the tide times. Parking is limited, but there are some spots along the main road.

3. Theosophical Society

This location provides a unique blend of nature and architecture. The expansive gardens are perfect for capturing the sunset behind the trees. Be mindful of the opening hours, and consider visiting on weekdays for fewer crowds. Parking is available inside the campus, but you may need permission to shoot, especially if you’re using a tripod.

Editing for Impact

Post-production is just as essential as the shooting process. After spending hours capturing sunsets, I dedicated time to editing my images to enhance their beauty. For instance, I edited one of my favorite shots from June 19, taken at the Broken Bridge. The original image was slightly underexposed, so I adjusted the exposure and increased the vibrance to make the colors pop. My editing workflow included Adobe Lightroom for initial adjustments, followed by Photoshop for finer details like sharpening and noise reduction. I find that a subtle approach works best — enhancing the natural beauty without overdoing it.

Conclusion

By the end of June, I had successfully captured 20 sunsets across various stunning locations in Chennai, each with its unique charm and character. I learned that preparation, timing, and a bit of experimentation can lead to remarkable results. Each sunset taught me something new, and I hope to continue this challenge in the coming months, perhaps exploring more locations outside Chennai as well.

As a professional photographer based in Chennai with over eight years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I’m always on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities to capture the beauty of my surroundings.