By Raghav | | August 5, 2026

How I Shot 5 Magical Sunrise Moments in Chennai’s August

On August 1, 2023, I woke up at 4 AM, groggy but excited. The plan was to photograph the sunrise at Elliot’s Beach, armed with my Nikon Z6 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The promise of golden hour was calling me, and I knew I had to seize the moment. As I arrived, the sky was still a deep indigo, but the anticipation of transformation filled the air.

1. The Calm Before the Storm: Elliot’s Beach

As I set up my tripod facing the sea, I noticed a small fishing boat bobbing gently against the waves. I decided to capture the serenity of the moment. The settings were as follows: ISO 100, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. The first shot, taken just before dawn, turned out to be a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the darkening sky.

As the sun began to rise, I adjusted my settings to ISO 200, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/60 sec, which allowed me to capture the vibrant colors pouring into the sky. The blend of oranges and pinks was magical, and I felt a rush of adrenaline each time I pressed the shutter. Around 6:00 AM, I managed to capture a shot that eventually became one of my favorites — a perfect blend of soft waves and dramatic clouds. It was a reminder of how fleeting these moments can be.

2. The Urban Vibe: Marina Beach

Just three days later, on August 4, I decided to switch gears and head to Marina Beach. The city was waking up, and I wanted to encapsulate that urban vibe along with the natural beauty of dawn. I arrived at 5:30 AM, and the streets were surprisingly quiet, aside from a few early joggers and vendors setting up their stalls.

I positioned myself near the Gandhi Statue, which offered a fantastic foreground for my shots. For this shoot, I used my trusty Nikon D850 with a 35mm f/1.4 lens. The settings were ISO 64, f/5.6, and a shutter speed of 1/200 sec. I focused on the interplay between the sunrise and the silhouettes of the people milling about. Capturing the essence of early morning life at Marina Beach was rewarding. One of my best shots showed a couple sharing a moment, framed against the fiery sky, which I later edited in Adobe Lightroom to enhance the contrast.

Editing Process

For the Marina Beach shot, I used a before-and-after comparison to illustrate the editing process. The original image was flat, lacking the vibrancy of the scene. After enhancing the saturation and adjusting the shadows, I managed to bring out the warmth of the sunrise, making the couple’s silhouette pop against the vivid colors. The final settings were ISO 64, f/5.6, and a shutter speed of 1/200 sec.

3. A Hidden Gem: Neelankarai

On August 10, I discovered Neelankarai, a lesser-known spot that surprised me with its beauty. I arrived at around 5:00 AM, and the atmosphere was tranquil, with only a few locals enjoying the beach. This time, I chose my Canon EOS R with a 50mm f/1.2 lens, aiming to capture the intimate moments of nature waking up.

My settings were ISO 100, f/4, and a shutter speed of 1/160 sec. The sky was a palette of pastel colors, and I focused on the waves lapping gently at the shore. I aimed to capture the feeling of solitude, a contrast to the busier beaches of Chennai. One shot featured a lone fisherman casting his net against the dawn light, which turned out beautifully after post-processing. It was a reminder of the natural rhythm of life in this coastal city.

4. Family and Friends: Thiruvanmiyur Beach

On August 15, I decided to make it a family affair and headed to Thiruvanmiyur Beach with my wife and daughter. We arrived at 5:45 AM, and I was excited to capture not only the sunrise but also the joyful moments of my family. I brought along my Sony A7 III with a 24-105mm f/4 lens for flexibility.

My settings were ISO 200, f/5, and a shutter speed of 1/250 sec. The sky was clear, and the sun peeked over the horizon, illuminating my daughter’s face as she played in the sand. One of my favorite shots was of her running freely, her laughter echoing in the early morning air. I later edited the photo to enhance the brightness and contrast, capturing the pure essence of joy in that moment.

5. A Unique Perspective: Covelong Beach

On August 20, I ventured to Covelong Beach, known for its surfing culture. I arrived at 5:15 AM, eager to witness the sunrise along with surfers readying for the waves. This time, I opted for my Fujifilm X-T4 with a 16-55mm f/2.8 lens, aiming for a broader perspective of the scene.

With settings of ISO 160, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/125 sec, I captured the surfers silhouetted against the rising sun. The shot exuded energy and excitement, a perfect mix of natural beauty and human endeavor. The early morning light created a stunning contrast as the waves crashed, and I knew this was a story worth telling. Post-editing, I boosted the vibrancy to highlight the colors, making the surfers stand out even more.

Mistakes I Made

In my journey of capturing these magical moments, I made a few missteps worth sharing. One of the biggest mistakes happened during my first shoot at Elliot’s Beach. I didn’t check my battery levels before heading out, and halfway through the shoot, my camera died. That taught me the hard way to always double-check my gear. Now, I have a checklist that includes charging batteries, formatting memory cards, and ensuring I have the right lenses for the style of the shoot.

Another mistake was not considering the tide schedules at Neelankarai. I arrived just as the tide was coming in, which limited my options for compositions. Now, I always check tide schedules to ensure I can maximize my shooting opportunities.

Chennai Location Tips for Sunrise Shoots

Elliot’s Beach

Parking can be tricky during weekends, but arriving early gives you the best spot. The beach is less crowded before 6 AM, which allows for a more peaceful shooting experience. Remember to look out for the fishermen as they can add an interesting human element to your shots.

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is most vibrant in the early morning. Arriving by 5 AM is ideal as you can capture not only the sunrise but also the early morning activities. The Gandhi Statue area is particularly photogenic. However, be prepared to deal with a few more people compared to other beaches.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

This beach tends to be quieter and offers a beautiful view during sunrise. Parking is generally available, but make sure to arrive early. Bring along a blanket if you’re planning to stay a bit longer to enjoy breakfast while you shoot.

Covelong Beach

Due to its surfing culture, this beach is lively and offers a broader range of subjects. Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly on weekends. Arriving before dawn allows you to set up and catch the surfers as they prepare for the waves.

As a professional photographer with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I’ve learned that the moments you prepare for often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Based in Chennai, I specialize in capturing the beauty of Tamil Nadu, and my passion for photography continues to grow with each shoot.