By Raghav | | July 18, 2026

How I Took 100 Portraits in a Chennai Monsoon Week

Last July, I found myself in the thick of a Chennai monsoon, with rain pouring down and puddles forming everywhere. In the midst of this downpour, I set an ambitious goal: to capture 100 portraits within a week. It wasn’t just about the quantity but also about the quality of the portraits I aimed to create, despite the challenging weather conditions. What I learned during that week shaped my approach to portrait photography in ways I never expected.

The Challenge of Monsoon Portraits

Monsoon in Chennai is not just about the rain; it’s an entire atmosphere. The clouds hang low, the streets glisten, and the air is rich with the smell of wet earth. On July 10, 2026, I kicked off this challenge in my neighborhood, Anna Nagar. My first subject was a local artist named Priya, who had been waiting for a chance to showcase her work. I invited her to a nearby park, but the moment we arrived, the skies opened up. Instead of retreating indoors, I decided to embrace the rain.

Using my Nikon D850 and an 85mm f/1.8 lens, I positioned Priya under a large banyan tree. The leaves acted as a natural umbrella, allowing us to play with the contrast of the vibrant colors of her clothing against the muted greens of the foliage. The rain created a beautiful bokeh in the background, giving depth to the portraits. I set my camera to shutter speed 1/200, aperture f/2.8, and ISO 400, capturing the droplets as they danced around her. By the end of the session, I had taken 30 stunning shots.

Embracing Natural Light

One of the significant advantages of shooting during the monsoon is the diffused natural light. On July 12, I traveled to the iconic Marina Beach, where I met with a group of local musicians. The overcast sky provided an even light that eliminated harsh shadows, ideal for portraits. I used my Canon EOS R with a 50mm f/1.2 lens, setting my aperture to f/2.0 and ISO to 200.

As I captured the musicians playing their instruments, I noticed how the raindrops on their skin added an element of authenticity to the portraits. The expressions of joy and passion on their faces, combined with the magical light, resulted in some of my favorite portraits from the week.

Finding Unique Locations

As the week progressed, I realized that choosing the right locations was just as crucial as mastering the camera settings. On July 15, I ventured into the streets of Mylapore, a cultural hub in Chennai. Here, I found a colorful wall adorned with local street art, an excellent backdrop for portraits. I met with a young dancer named Arjun, who was eager to capture his vibrant personality against this lively setting.

Using my Nikon Z6 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, I set my aperture to f/4.0 and ISO to 320. The combination of Arjun’s expressive poses and the dynamic background resulted in striking portraits. I learned that the monsoon might restrict outdoor sessions, but it also opened up opportunities to find unique and colorful locations that would otherwise be overlooked.

Mistakes I Made

Reflection is an essential part of growth as a photographer. During this intense week of shooting, I stumbled upon several mistakes that taught me valuable lessons.

Not Checking Gear Thoroughly

On July 11, I had a scheduled shoot with a couple in Besant Nagar. Unfortunately, I realized just before the session that my camera battery was almost dead. Instead of my usual routine of checking my gear the night before, I had rushed out in the morning. Thankfully, I managed to find a nearby camera shop that sold compatible batteries, but it added unnecessary stress to the day. Now, I always ensure my batteries are charged, and I pack an extra just in case.

Ignoring the Weather

On another occasion, I underestimated the impact of the weather. On July 13, while shooting in T Nagar, I thought I could work around the scattered showers. I didn’t bring my rain cover for the camera, and after a sudden downpour, my gear got wet. Fortunately, I had a microfiber cloth to wipe off excess moisture, but it served as a wake-up call. Now, I make it a point to check the weather forecast and prepare for unexpected changes.

Tips for Shooting During the Monsoon

After my experience, I’ve compiled some essential tips for anyone looking to capture portraits during the Chennai monsoon.

Location is Key

Choose locations that allow for shelter. Parks with large trees, covered locations like temples, or even urban areas with awnings can provide respite from the rain while still allowing you to capture beautiful portraits. For instance, the Kalakshetra Foundation is an excellent location with beautiful architecture and ample space under cover.

Use the Right Gear

Water-resistant camera bags and rain covers for your equipment are essential. I use a Peak Design Everyday Backpack that keeps my gear safe and dry. Also, consider using lens hoods to protect your lens from raindrops while shooting.

Explore Reflections

After the rain, the streets of Chennai come alive with reflections. Use puddles to create interesting compositions. During my shoot at Marina Beach, I captured reflections of the musicians in the water, adding layers and depth to the portraits.

Editing the Portraits

After returning from each shoot, I would quickly back up my photos and begin the editing process. I use Adobe Lightroom for most of my portrait editing. One particular set of portraits I edited was from Marina Beach. I adjusted the exposure to highlight the subjects, increased the contrast to make the colors pop, and applied a subtle vignette to draw attention to their faces.

For instance, I took a portrait of a musician with the settings at f/2.0, 1/200 sec, and ISO 200. The raw image was slightly underexposed, so I adjusted the exposure and shadows, bringing out the details in his instrument while ensuring the background remained soft and blurred. The final result was a vibrant photograph that truly captured the essence of the moment.

Final Thoughts

By the end of that week, I had successfully captured over 100 portraits, each with its unique story and character. The monsoon taught me to adapt and find beauty in unexpected places. Each subject contributed to the vibrant tapestry of life in Chennai, and I am grateful for their willingness to step into the rain with me. The portraits captured during that week remain some of my favorites, and they remind me that photography is about embracing the moment, rain or shine.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography in Chennai, I’ve learned to navigate the challenges that come my way. My passion lies in capturing authentic moments that tell unique stories, no matter the weather.