By Raghav | | July 9, 2026

How I Shot 7 Stunning Sunsets in Chennai This July

On July 3, 2026, I found myself standing on the rocky shores of Besant Nagar, my camera poised to capture yet another mesmerizing sunset. The sky was ablaze with colors I thought only existed in dreams—fiery oranges melting into deep purples. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I reflected on the various sunset shoots I’ve undertaken over the years, particularly during this past July. Here’s how I captured seven stunning sunsets in Chennai, each unique and unforgettable.

Sunset at Marina Beach: A Classic Scene

It all began on July 1, when I decided to visit Marina Beach, one of Chennai’s most iconic locations. I arrived around 5:30 PM, well ahead of the sunset, to set up my gear. I used my Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, knowing that this versatile combination would allow me to capture both wide landscapes and tighter compositions.

The golden hour was in full swing, and I experimented with different angles. I found a spot on the rocks just off the shore, with the waves crashing dramatically. For this shoot, I dialed my settings to ISO 100, f/11, and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds to maintain sharpness while capturing the movement of the water.

The moment the sun kissed the horizon, I snapped a series of shots, playing with both horizontal and vertical compositions. The afterglow was equally stunning, and I captured the vibrant colors reflecting on the wet sand. I spent about an hour after sunset just soaking in the beauty of the scene, which is something I recommend to anyone—take the time to appreciate the moment beyond just capturing it.

Glistening Glow at Elliot’s Beach

Fast forward to July 5, I headed to Elliot’s Beach, a slightly quieter spot compared to Marina. I arrived around 6 PM, and the beach was less crowded, allowing for a more intimate shooting experience. My gear for this shoot included the same Nikon D850, but I switched to a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to focus on the silhouettes of people enjoying the beach.

I set my camera to ISO 200, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/160 seconds. The sun was lower in the sky, and the colors were beginning to change. I captured families, couples, and individuals against the backdrop of the setting sun, adding a human element to my landscape shots. The contrast of the soft, warm hues of the sunset against the darkening silhouettes was breathtaking.

One of my favorite captures from this shoot was a father and daughter flying a kite, their figures framed against the vibrant sky. It reminded me of the simple joys of life, and I made a mental note to include more candid moments in my sunset photography.

Chennai’s Hidden Treasure: Kovalam Beach

On July 7, I ventured a bit further to Kovalam Beach, known for its unique rock formations. Getting there was quite the adventure! I left my house at 4 PM to avoid the evening traffic and arrived shortly after 5:30 PM. I parked near the lighthouse, which made for an easy hike down to the beach itself.

For this shoot, I brought my trusted Canon EOS R5 with a 15-35mm lens. I set up at the base of the rocks, where the waves crashed dramatically, offering a perfect foreground. My camera settings were ISO 100, f/16, and a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds. The sun was setting behind the lighthouse, creating a unique composition with a dramatic silhouette.

As I framed my shots, I had to be mindful of the waves; I lost my footing a couple of times while trying to get the perfect angle! A local fisherman noticed my struggle and offered to help steady my tripod. I’ll always remember the kindness of strangers in Chennai—this city has a way of bringing people together.

Chill Vibes at Thiruvanmiyur Beach

On July 8, the weather was perfect for another sunset shoot at Thiruvanmiyur Beach. I arrived around 5:45 PM and was amazed at how serene the beach felt compared to the other locations I had visited. The ambiance was calm, with only a few joggers and couples walking along the shoreline.

This time, I decided to experiment with long exposure photography. I set my Nikon Z6 to ISO 64, f/11, and a shutter speed of 10 seconds using a 10-stop ND filter to create a dreamy effect on the waves. It was rewarding to see the silky texture of the water contrasted against the fiery sky.

While capturing this sunset, I learned a valuable lesson about composition. I noticed that incorporating foreground elements—like rocks or driftwood—added depth to my images. I made a mental note to always scout for interesting foregrounds during my future shoots.

Mistakes I Made

Throughout my sunset photography journey, I’ve made a fair share of mistakes that taught me valuable lessons. Here are a couple of notable ones:

1. Losing Track of Time

While shooting at Besant Nagar, I lost track of time and missed the optimal light for a few key shots. I was so engrossed in adjusting my settings that I didn’t realize the sun was setting faster than anticipated. As a result, I ended up with a few images that were underexposed due to the lack of light. The lesson here? Always keep track of the sunset time and prepare your shots ahead of time.

2. Forgetting My Extra Batteries

On one occasion, during a sunset shoot at Elliot’s Beach, I forgot to charge my spare batteries. Midway through shooting, my camera died, and I had to scramble to find a way to charge it before the sun set completely. I learned the hard way that it’s crucial to check your gear and pack extra batteries before heading out.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Sunsets in Chennai

Location Recommendations

Chennai boasts some beautiful locations for sunset photography. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Marina Beach: Best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Parking is available along the beach road, but it fills up quickly on weekends.
• Elliot’s Beach: A quieter alternative to Marina, it’s ideal for capturing silhouettes. Arrive early to find convenient parking.
• Kovalam Beach: Known for its dramatic rock formations, this beach is best shot during low tide for better foreground interest. Parking is available near the lighthouse.

Camera Settings

While every sunset is different, here are some general settings to consider:

• ISO: Start at 100 or 200 to minimize noise.
• Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for sharpness and depth of field.
• Shutter Speed: Depending on light, typically between 1/60 to 1/250 seconds.

Timing and Patience

Arrive early to scout your location and set up your gear. The best light often occurs both before and after the sun dips below the horizon, so be patient and enjoy the moment.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my July sunset shoots in Chennai, I’m filled with gratitude for the beauty this city offers. Each sunset was an opportunity to learn and grow as a photographer. Whether it was at the bustling Marina or the tranquil Kovalam, every location had its charm. If you’re in Chennai, I encourage you to grab your camera and experience the magic of the sunset for yourself. You never know what stunning images await you!

As a professional photographer with over 8 years of experience based in Chennai, I specialize in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. My passion is to create memorable visuals that tell a story, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge to help others capture remarkable moments.