By Raghav | | July 5, 2026

How I Shot 30 Portraits in 30 Days This July in Chennai

July 2026 was a whirlwind for me. With the summer heat giving way to the monsoon season, I embarked on a challenging personal project: shooting 30 portraits in 30 days. The aim was to push my creative boundaries, connect with diverse faces, and capture the essence of Chennai through its people. Here’s how it unfolded.

Day 1: Starting with a Bang at Marina Beach

It was July 1st when I decided to kick off my project at Marina Beach. Early morning light is magical, and arriving at 6 AM allowed me to avoid the crowds and catch the golden hour. Armed with my Nikon D850 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I approached a group of fishermen preparing their nets. I introduced myself to Prakash, a seasoned fisherman in his late forties. His weathered face told stories of early mornings and long days at sea.

I set my aperture to f/2.8 to blur the background while ensuring the details of his face were sharp. A shutter speed of 1/200s helped freeze the motion of the waves crashing behind him. The portrait came out beautifully, with the sunrise illuminating his features.

Day 5: Exploring the Streets of T. Nagar

By July 5th, I ventured into the bustling streets of T. Nagar. I had my eye on capturing the vibrant colors of traditional attire. I met Anitha, a saree vendor who was kind enough to let me photograph her among her colorful fabrics. Her smile was infectious, and as I adjusted my settings to ISO 400 and f/4, I captured her surrounded by a rainbow of sarees.

The challenge here was the harsh midday sun. I learned to position her in the shade of her stall, which softened the light beautifully. The resulting shot was a vivid representation of Chennai’s textile culture, and Anitha loved it! This portrait not only showcased her but also told a deeper story about the local commerce.

Day 12: A Portrait at the Theosophical Society

On July 12th, I decided to switch gears and head to the Theosophical Society in Adyar. It’s one of my favorite locations for portrait photography due to its serene environment and lush greenery. I had arranged to meet Meera, a yoga instructor, who often practiced under the giant banyan tree.

The tree’s sprawling branches provided a perfect backdrop. I set my camera to f/2.2 and used a shutter speed of 1/160s. I wanted to create a soft-focus effect on the leaves while keeping Meera in sharp focus. This shoot was a lesson in patience as I waited for the right moment when the light filtered through the leaves, casting a beautiful glow on her face.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout this project, I made a few mistakes that taught me valuable lessons. One such mistake happened on Day 10 when I tried to shoot a portrait of a street artist in Mylapore without consulting him first. I was so eager to capture the moment that I forgot the importance of consent. He was initially hesitant, and I realized that building a connection is crucial before taking someone’s photograph.

From that day on, I made it a point to engage with my subjects, learn their stories, and ensure they were comfortable with the shoot. This not only improved my portraits but also made the experience much more enriching for both of us.

Tips for Shooting in Chennai

1. Best Times to Shoot

Chennai can be blisteringly hot, especially in the afternoons. The best times for portrait photography are early mornings (6 AM – 8 AM) and late afternoons (4 PM – 6 PM). The golden hour provides soft, flattering light that works wonders for skin tones.

2. Location Recommendations

Here are a couple of my go-to locations for portrait shoots in Chennai:

• Theosophical Society, Adyar: A lush, green space that offers various backdrops for serene portraits. Parking is available, but get there early as it can get crowded.
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore: A vibrant location with intricate architecture. However, be mindful of the crowds and seek permission if photographing people within the temple premises.

3. Engaging with Subjects

Always approach your subjects respectfully. Explain your project and ask for their consent before taking photos. Often, people are more than willing to share their stories if you take the time to connect with them.

Day 20: Capturing the Spirit of a Local Artist

On July 20th, I met with Ravi, a local street artist known for his graffiti in the Egmore area. I had followed his work on social media and was excited to capture his essence in front of one of his murals. The colors were vibrant, and I wanted to reflect that in the portrait.

I chose to shoot at f/4 to keep both him and the mural in focus, using ISO 200 and a shutter speed of 1/250s. The results were stunning; the portrait not only featured Ravi but also highlighted his passion and artistry. This image became a favorite of mine and was later featured in an online art magazine.

Post-Processing Techniques

After capturing the portraits, I spent time editing them in Adobe Lightroom. For example, the shot of Anitha in T. Nagar needed a bit of tweaking. I adjusted the exposure to brighten the image slightly, increased the contrast to make the colors pop, and added a bit of clarity to enhance the texture of the sarees. The final result showcased the vibrancy of Chennai’s culture beautifully.

Day 30: The Final Portrait

As I wrapped up the project on July 30th, I found myself reflecting on the journey. I decided to photograph my friend, Priya, a fellow photographer, in a small café in Nungambakkam. We both love shooting in natural light, and this café had the perfect ambiance.

I set my camera to f/2.5 and used a 35mm lens to capture her with a softly blurred background of the café’s interior. This final portrait encapsulated the friendships and connections I had built throughout the month, serving as a reminder of the community I am a part of.

Conclusion

Completing 30 portraits in 30 days was more than just a photography challenge; it was an enriching experience that taught me about the people of Chennai and their stories. Each portrait carries a piece of the city’s soul, and I encourage every photographer to undertake a project that pushes their creative limits. Dive into your local community, engage with strangers, and you might just find stories worth telling.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I specialize in capturing the unique essence of Chennai and its people. You can find me exploring the vibrant streets, always on the lookout for the next story to tell through my lens.