By Raghav | | June 4, 2026

How I Used Natural Light to Transform My June Portraits

On a humid June afternoon in 2023, I found myself at the base of the towering Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai. The sun was high, casting harsh shadows, and I had a couple of clients, Priya and Arun, who were eager for their pre-wedding portraits. As I stood there setting up my Nikon Z6, I was reminded of the power natural light holds, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Little did I know, this session would teach me invaluable lessons about using sunlight to create stunning images.

The Power of Directional Light

During the shoot with Priya and Arun, I quickly realized the importance of understanding the direction of light. With the sun overpowering any soft shadow I hoped to catch, I decided to position them with their backs toward the sun. This technique, known as backlighting, helped me create a halo effect around them that added depth to the images. Using a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I dialed in my settings to f/2.8, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/200s to ensure I captured the vibrancy of their skin tones without blowing out the highlights.

In another session a month later, I was at the serene Besant Nagar Beach with a family of four. It was early morning, just after sunrise, and the soft, diffused light provided a perfect setting for candid portraits. I used a similar setup, this time opting for my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens. Setting my camera to f/1.8, ISO 200, and 1/500s, I was able to capture the soft smiles and laughter of the family against a stunning backdrop of golden sand and gentle waves. The natural light not only highlighted their features but also created an atmosphere that felt warm and inviting.

Using Reflectors and Diffusers

While I love utilizing natural light, there are times when a little extra help can go a long way. During a shoot for a local fashion designer in Thiruvanmiyur, I learned the importance of reflectors. The designer wanted to showcase her summer collection, but the light was too harsh around noon. I quickly grabbed a collapsible reflector I always carry in my kit and positioned it to bounce light toward the model. The result? The harsh shadows disappeared, and I was able to achieve a much more pleasing skin tone in the final portraits. My camera settings for that shoot were f/4, ISO 100, and a shutter speed of 1/250s.

Finding the Right Locations

Location can make or break a portrait session, especially when working with natural light. Over the years, I’ve developed a list of go-to spots in Chennai that consistently deliver great results.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This location is not just iconic but offers a variety of backdrops. The temple’s architecture provides beautiful patterns and textures. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to shoot here to avoid harsh midday sun. There’s ample parking nearby, but be sure to get permission if you plan to shoot inside the temple premises.

2. Besant Nagar Beach

This beach is perfect for golden hour portraits. The soft, diffused light during sunrise or sunset creates stunning images. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to sunrise or sunset to get the best spots without too many tourists around. Parking can be tricky on weekends, so consider arriving early.

3. Theosophical Society, Adyar

A hidden gem for portrait sessions, the lush greenery and old banyan trees create a magical atmosphere. The soft light filtering through the leaves during the golden hour can create enchanting portraits. However, ensure you have permission to shoot here, especially if you’re using any props or a professional setup.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my journey, I remember a shoot in June 2021 at the Chennai Marina Beach. I was excited to try out a new lens, but I neglected to check the weather forecast. As the skies clouded over, I found myself with flat, lifeless images. I had set my Nikon D750 to f/5.6, ISO 400, and 1/200s, trying to compensate for the lack of light. The result was disappointing.

This experience taught me two valuable lessons: always check the weather, and be prepared to adapt your shooting style. If it’s overcast, consider using the clouds as a giant diffuser, which can soften the light. In situations like that, I would now switch to a wider aperture, like f/2.8, to allow more light in and maintain a faster shutter speed. It’s essential to remain flexible and creative in the face of unexpected conditions.

Post-Processing to Enhance Natural Light

Once I’ve captured the images, I often turn to Adobe Lightroom for post-processing. I remember working on the portraits of a couple, Meera and Karan, from a recent shoot in June 2023. The photos were beautifully lit, but I wanted to elevate them further. After importing them into Lightroom, I adjusted the exposure slightly, boosted the contrast, and played with the highlights and shadows to bring out the details. I also added a subtle vignette to draw attention to the couple, which made all the difference in the final output.

A Before and After Example

Take a look at the portrait of Meera and Karan, shot on the beaches of Besant Nagar. The original image had a good composition, but the colors felt washed out. Here are the settings:

• Camera: Nikon Z6
• Lens: 50mm f/1.8
• Settings: f/2.8, ISO 100, 1/200s

After editing, I increased the vibrance and saturation slightly, adjusted the white balance to remove any yellow tint, and fine-tuned the clarity to enhance their features. The difference was striking; the final image felt alive and vibrant, capturing the essence of their love beautifully.

FAQs

In conclusion, using natural light effectively can transform your portraits, bringing them to life in ways that artificial lighting sometimes can’t. Over my years of experience, I’ve learned to embrace the unique qualities of natural light, adapt to its challenges, and harness its beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, don’t shy away from experimenting. You never know what magical moments you might capture!

Raghav is a professional photographer based in Chennai specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography with over 8 years of experience. He enjoys capturing the essence of his subjects through natural light and creative composition.