By Raghav | | August 17, 2026

What I Learned from 10 Portrait Sessions in Chennai This August

August 2026 was a month that stretched my skills and tested my patience as a portrait photographer. I had ten portrait sessions scattered across various stunning locations in Chennai, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. From the sweltering heat to the unpredictable monsoon rains, every shoot offered valuable lessons that I’m excited to share. Here’s a breakdown of what I learned from these sessions, complete with personal anecdotes, tips, and a few mistakes I made along the way.

1. Location Matters: The Best Spots for Portraits in Chennai

Choosing the right location is crucial for any portrait session. This August, I had the opportunity to shoot in several iconic spots around Chennai. Each location had its unique vibe, lighting conditions, and challenges.

1.1 Marina Beach: Embracing the Crowds

On August 5, I had a session with a delightful couple, Rohan and Priya, at Marina Beach during the early morning hours. We aimed to capture the soft, golden light of dawn, but I quickly learned that early mornings also attract enthusiastic joggers and families looking to enjoy the beach.

As we set up, I realized my usual approach of an isolated portrait wouldn’t work here. Instead, I opted for a wide-angle shot that incorporated the lively atmosphere around them. I positioned Rohan and Priya just off-center to avoid crowds but included the beach’s energy in the frame. The resulting images felt vibrant and alive, capturing the essence of a Chennai morning.

Tip: If you’re shooting at Marina Beach, aim for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight. Parking can be tricky; I recommend arriving early to secure a spot along the beach road.

1.2 Theosophical Society: A Serene Escape

On August 10, I photographed a family at the Theosophical Society in Adyar. This location is a hidden gem with sprawling gardens and ancient trees. The moment I stepped onto the grounds, I knew it would provide a peaceful backdrop for the family portraits of the Nair family.

However, I made a crucial mistake by not checking the weather forecast beforehand. Just as we began shooting, dark clouds rolled in, and it started to drizzle. While I initially panicked, I quickly adapted by taking shelter under a massive banyan tree. The diffused light from the clouds created a soft, flattering glow on their faces, and the raindrops added a whimsical touch to the portraits.

Tip: Always check the weather, but don’t let it deter you. Sometimes, unexpected conditions lead to stunning results. Parking is available at the entrance, but I recommend arriving early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

1.3 Fort St. George: History in the Frame

August 14 brought me to Fort St. George for a session with a corporate client, Anjali, who needed professional portraits for her LinkedIn profile. I arrived excited about capturing the historic architecture as a backdrop.

The Fort’s stone walls and colonial structures provided a great setting, but I underestimated the harsh midday sun. I was shooting at f/8, ISO 100, and 1/2000 sec to counter the brightness, but the shadows were too harsh on Anjali’s face. I quickly adjusted my approach and moved her into the shade of a large tree nearby. This not only softened the light but also added a touch of greenery to the composition.

Tip: For locations like Fort St. George, plan your shoot during golden hour or find shaded areas to avoid harsh sunlight. Parking can be a challenge due to limited space, so consider using public transport or carpooling.

2. Understanding Light: The Key to Great Portraits

One of the most important lessons I learned this August was the significance of understanding and manipulating light. Whether I was battling the harsh sun or harnessing the soft light of a cloudy day, I realized that light could make or break a portrait.

2.1 The Power of Reflectors

During my session with Rohan and Priya at Marina Beach, I used a simple 5-in-1 reflector to bounce light back onto their faces, especially as they turned away from the sun. This created a beautiful, even illumination that enhanced their features without any harsh shadows. I shot at f/4.5, ISO 200, and 1/1250 sec, ensuring the background was slightly blurred while keeping them in focus.

2.2 Embracing Overcast Days

On August 12, I had a session with a young artist, Meera, in her studio. The overcast sky provided even, diffused light that was perfect for capturing the vibrant colors of her paintings. I shot at f/5.6, ISO 400, and 1/250 sec, allowing the colors to pop without the risk of blown highlights. It reminded me that sometimes, the best light is the one that we least expect.

2.3 High and Low Angles

While shooting at Theosophical Society, I experimented with different angles. I captured some shots from below to give the banyan trees a majestic look while also taking some from a higher perspective to add depth to the family portraits. This approach not only varied my compositions but also showcased the beauty of the surroundings.

3. Connecting with Subjects: The Human Element

Portrait photography is not just about technical skills; it’s equally about connecting with your subjects. Over these ten sessions, I learned how to make my clients feel comfortable and relaxed, allowing their true personalities to shine through.

3.1 Establishing Rapport

During my shoot with the Nair family, I spent the first few minutes chatting with them about their favorite spots in the garden. I found out that their daughter loves climbing trees. We ended up capturing some playful shots of her climbing a low branch, which turned out to be some of the best moments of the day. Establishing rapport helped me create a relaxed atmosphere, leading to genuine smiles and laughter.

3.2 Using Props to Spark Interaction

For Anjali’s corporate shoot at Fort St. George, I introduced a few props, such as a vintage notebook and fountain pen. These items not only added an element of interest but also helped her feel more at ease. When she started writing in the notebook, I captured candid moments that showcased her personality, resulting in a more dynamic portfolio.

3.3 The Importance of Direction

As a photographer, giving clear directions is essential. During a session at Marina Beach, I encouraged Rohan and Priya to interact by holding hands, walking towards the waves, and sharing whispers. These prompts helped elicit natural emotions and genuine expressions, leading to some stunning shots. I learned that sometimes, all it takes is a little guidance to bring out the best in your subjects.

Mistakes I Made: Lessons to Remember

Throughout these sessions, I encountered a few hiccups that taught me invaluable lessons. Here are some mistakes I made and what I would do differently next time.

4.1 Inadequate Preparation

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t check the weather before my shoot at Theosophical Society. While the rain led to some unique shots, I could have avoided the stress of scrambling for cover if I had planned better. In the future, I’ll always check the weather and have backup plans for unexpected changes.

4.2 Not Using a Tripod

During my session with Meera, I opted to shoot handheld instead of using a tripod. I missed some sharp shots because of camera shake, especially in lower light conditions. I’ve learned that carrying a tripod can make a significant difference, particularly in locations like her studio with varied lighting.

4.3 Overthinking Poses

Initially, I was overly focused on directing poses, which made some of my subjects feel stiff and unnatural. Instead of worrying about every detail, I’ve realized that allowing clients to move organically leads to more authentic images. I plan to embrace flexibility in my approach during future shoots.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

August 2026 was a month of growth for me as a portrait photographer in Chennai. Each session, whether at Marina Beach, Theosophical Society, or Fort St. George, taught me about the power of location, light, and human connection. I’m grateful for the experiences and the lessons learned, and I’m excited to apply this knowledge to future projects.

As I continue my journey in photography, I encourage others to embrace every opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. Remember, every portrait tells a story—let’s make sure it’s a beautiful one.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography across Tamil Nadu. I’m passionate about capturing the unique beauty of people and places, always striving to create memorable images that tell a story.