By Raghav | | July 29, 2026

What I Learned from 10 Portraits in Chennai’s July Rain

On July 14, 2023, I found myself in a downpour, taking portraits of a couple, Arjun and Priya, at the beautiful Marina Beach. The rain had transformed the beach into a surreal landscape, with soft light diffusing through the clouds and water droplets creating a shimmering effect on their skin. As I adjusted my Nikon D850 settings, I realized that this weather, which most would shy away from, presented an incredible opportunity for unique and emotive portraits. Here’s what I learned from that day and the ten portraits I shot during Chennai’s monsoon.

The Beauty of Rainy Day Portraits

When the monsoon hits Chennai, many photographers pack up their gear and wait for clearer skies. But for me, it’s the perfect time to step out. The soft, diffused light that comes with overcast conditions is ideal for portraits. Typically, I prefer to shoot with a wide aperture to achieve that shallow depth of field, and during the rain, this is even more pronounced. On that July day, I used my favorite Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 lens to create intimate portraits that captured the essence of the moment.

1. Embrace the Mood

As I stood under an umbrella, I noticed how the rain brought a different energy to Arjun and Priya. The intimacy created by the unexpected weather allowed them to connect more deeply with each other. I used this mood to my advantage, prompting them to share private jokes and moments, which I captured candidly. The resulting images exuded raw emotion, a rarity that I often strive for in my portraits.

2. Playing with Reflections

One of the most striking features of a rainy day is the reflections in puddles. After capturing a few shots of the couple under the umbrella, I decided to move closer to the ground. I positioned my camera just above a puddle, using the reflection of Arjun and Priya to create an abstract but beautiful composition. The Nikon D850, with its dynamic range, handled the contrasting shadows and highlights beautifully, allowing me to pull details from both the subjects and the reflection. This technique added a layer of complexity to the portraits, elevating them beyond traditional images.

Technical Insights: Settings and Gear

For those interested in the technical side of things, here’s a breakdown of my settings during that shoot:

• Camera: Nikon D850
• Lens: Nikkor 85mm f/1.8
• ISO: 200
• Aperture: f/2.2
• Shutter Speed: 1/200s
• White Balance: Cloudy
• Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic CC

Post-processing involved adjusting the contrast and saturation to bring out the vibrancy of the rainy day, while also ensuring the skin tones remained natural. I always strive for a balance in editing, enhancing the image without overdoing it. For instance, I reduced the shadows slightly to draw attention to Arjun and Priya’s faces while keeping the overall mood intact.

Location Tips for Rainy Day Portraits in Chennai

Chennai has several beautiful spots that can serve as perfect backdrops for portraits during the monsoon. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Marina Beach

As mentioned, Marina Beach is a fantastic location. The best time to shoot is during the golden hour right before sunset, but the monsoon brings its own charm. Parking can be tricky, especially on weekends, so I suggest arriving early. Be prepared for crowds, especially during the rain, as many locals flock to the beach to enjoy the weather.

2. Theosophical Society in Adyar

This serene location features lush greenery and beautiful trees. The canopies provided by the trees are perfect for sheltering your subjects from the rain while allowing for interesting compositions. The soft, diffused light filtering through the leaves creates an enchanting atmosphere. Moreover, you might need to get permission to shoot here, so it’s best to call ahead.

3. Elliot’s Beach

Elliot’s Beach is quieter than Marina and offers a different vibe. The iconic lighthouse and the shoreline create stunning backdrops, especially when the rain enhances the colors of the surroundings. Be cautious of sand and water; a waterproof camera bag is essential. Always ensure your gear is covered to avoid damage.

Mistakes I Made

In my early days, I was too hesitant to shoot in the rain. On July 5, 2018, during a wedding shoot in Kodaikanal, I missed the opportunity to capture some breathtaking outdoor moments because I was afraid of ruining my gear. I ended up with a handful of safe shots, and the couple was disappointed by the lack of creativity in their album. That day taught me that with the right precautions—like using weather-sealed gear and ensuring I had a solid plan for protecting my equipment—I could embrace the elements instead of shying away from them.

Editing for Impact

After the shoot with Arjun and Priya, I spent time in Lightroom refining the images. One technique I love is using the HSL (Hue, Saturation, and Luminance) sliders to enhance specific colors. For instance, I increased the saturation of the greens in the background to make the foliage pop against the couple’s more muted clothing. A subtle vignette also helped to focus the viewer’s attention on the couple, making them the focal point of the shot.

Before and After Editing Example

Here’s a before and after of one of the portraits from that day:

In the before image, the colors were flat, and the contrast was lacking. After editing, the image conveyed the emotion and vibrancy of the moment much better.

Getting Creative with Props

During the shoot, I decided to bring along a few props: a colorful umbrella and some flowers. The umbrella not only served as a shield against the rain but also added a splash of color to the images. I positioned Arjun and Priya so that the umbrella was slightly tilted, creating a dynamic composition. The flowers, which I handed to Priya, added an extra layer of interest and helped tell their story. It’s always beneficial to think ahead and bring along items that can enhance the shoot.

Final Thoughts

Chennai’s July rain can be a photographer’s dream if you’re willing to embrace the unpredictable. The mood, lighting, and unique compositions available during this time can lead to memorable portraits that stand out. Don’t shy away from the elements—embrace them. My advice to fellow photographers is to practice with your gear in different conditions, learn how to protect your equipment, and remember that the most beautiful moments often happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

With over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography, I specialize in capturing the essence of moments across Tamil Nadu. Based in Chennai, I’m passionate about sharing my journey and insights with fellow photographers through my work at Memories and More.