By Raghav | | May 17, 2026

What I Learned from 12 Days of Street Photography in May

In May 2026, I embarked on a 12-day street photography adventure around Chennai, armed with my trusty Nikon Z6 and a 35mm lens. I aimed to encapsulate the raw energy of the city, capturing moments that would tell stories of its vibrant culture and life. This journey wasn’t just about taking photos; it was an immersive experience that taught me invaluable lessons, honed my skills, and reinforced the importance of being present in the moment.

Day 1: The Unexpected Encounter at Mylapore

On May 5th, as I wandered through the bustling streets of Mylapore, I stumbled upon a small tea stall where a group of elderly men gathered every morning. Their laughter and animated discussions drew me in. I approached them with my camera, and to my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms. I spent over an hour there, capturing candid moments as they shared stories from their youth. One gentleman, Ramesh, even invited me to join them for a cup of filter coffee, which I couldn’t refuse.

I shot in aperture priority mode, setting my aperture to f/2.8 to create a beautiful bokeh effect that isolated my subjects against the bustling background. The resulting images were rich with emotion and authenticity, but it was the opportunity for connection that truly made the experience memorable. This taught me the importance of engaging with the people I photograph — it can lead to wonderfully unexpected moments.

Day 3: The Colorful Streets of George Town

By Day 3, I found myself in George Town, an area renowned for its vibrant street art and colorful buildings. On May 7th, I set out early in the morning to capture the city awakening. As I walked through the narrow lanes, I was struck by the contrast of the bright murals against the weathered facades. My goal was to use the early morning light to create dramatic shadows and highlights.

While photographing a striking mural of a peacock, I noticed a street vendor selling flowers nearby. I switched to my 50mm lens to create a tighter composition. With a shutter speed of 1/250s and ISO set to 200, I captured the vendor in action, surrounded by a sea of colorful blooms. The resulting shots conveyed the vibrancy of George Town’s spirit.

However, I soon realized that while I was busy focusing on compositions, I was missing the stories that unfolded around me. After reviewing my shots, I felt a disconnect. I learned that street photography is not just about aesthetics; it’s about capturing the essence of life. The essence is often found in the interactions between people, not just in solitary subjects.

Day 6: The Chaos of T. Nagar

On May 10th, I ventured into T. Nagar, a shopping district famous for its bustling crowds and shops. The energy was palpable, and I was excited to capture the frenzy of shoppers and vendors. However, this was also the day where I made one of my biggest mistakes — I got overwhelmed by the chaos.

While I had planned to shoot candid moments, I found myself getting frustrated with the crowds. Instead of embracing the chaos, I tried to shoot from a distance, which resulted in impersonal images. It wasn’t until I took a step back, literally and figuratively, that I realized I needed to immerse myself in the environment. I approached a vendor selling bangles and asked if I could photograph her as she arranged her colorful display.

This interaction led to some of my best shots of the trip. I used a low angle to emphasize the vibrant colors of the bangles, shooting at f/4 to maintain focus on the vendor while slightly blurring the background. In that moment, I learned that sometimes you need to dive into the chaos instead of avoiding it.

Day 8: Capturing Tradition at Kapaleeshwarar Temple

On May 12th, I visited the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a site steeped in tradition and spirituality. The temple was bustling with devotees, and I wanted to capture the rituals without intruding on anyone’s privacy. I chose a longer lens — my 85mm — to maintain some distance while still being able to capture intimate moments. I set my shutter speed to 1/500s and aperture to f/2.8, allowing me to freeze the action in the soft morning light.

One moment that stood out was a young boy, no older than seven, who was offering flowers to the deity. I captured his expression of reverence, and the photo became one of my favorites from the trip. It reminded me of the power of storytelling in street photography. The interactions within the temple were sacred and beautiful, and I aimed to preserve that sentiment in my images.

Mistakes I Made

Reflecting on my 12 days of street photography, I can pinpoint several mistakes that served as pivotal learning moments:

1. Overthinking Compositions: In the beginning, I spent too much time worrying about perfect framing and angles. It took me a few days to realize that sometimes the best moments come from being spontaneous. I learned to trust my instincts and embrace imperfections.

2. Ignoring the Environment: I was so focused on individual subjects that I neglected the environment that surrounded them. Including contextual elements can enrich the story behind each picture. In T. Nagar, for instance, capturing the chaotic surroundings added depth to my photographs.

3. Fearing Rejection: Initially, I hesitated to approach people for portraits, fearing rejection. However, engaging with my subjects created a more authentic experience. The smiles and stories I received in return were worth the initial nerves.

Location Tips for Street Photography in Chennai

Throughout my journey, I discovered some fantastic locations and tips for street photography in Chennai:

Mylapore

Mylapore is a hub of cultural activity, with its temples, traditional music, and art. Best visited early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds, the area also offers various food stalls and vibrant street life. Parking can be tricky, so I recommend using public transport or arriving early to secure a spot.

George Town

Known for its street art and heritage buildings, George Town is a visual feast. The late afternoon is ideal for capturing the golden hour light reflecting off the colorful walls. Parking is limited, so consider using a bike or walking to explore the narrow lanes thoroughly.

T. Nagar

The shopping district is bustling with life but can be overwhelming. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to navigate the crowds. Be prepared for a lot of movement and noise, and don’t shy away from getting close to your subjects to capture the vibrancy of the area. Just be cautious of traffic while maneuvering through the streets!

Final Thoughts

My 12 days of street photography in Chennai not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the human experience. Each photograph became a story, a moment frozen in time that encapsulated the essence of the city and its people. The encounters I had and the lessons I learned reinforced my passion for photography and the importance of connecting with the world around me.

In the end, photography is about more than just the images we create; it’s about the relationships we build and the stories we tell. So, grab your camera, step outside, and immerse yourself in the beautiful chaos of street photography. You never know what incredible moments await you.

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. My passion lies in capturing the essence of life through my lens, and I love sharing my journey with fellow photographers.