By Raghav | | May 6, 2026

What I Learned from 30 Days of Street Photography in May

May 2023 felt like a whirlwind, with each day merging into the next as I took to the streets of Chennai with my trusty Nikon D850. I committed to a rigorous 30-day street photography challenge, aiming to capture the pulse of the city and the stories woven into its fabric. The experience was transformative, pushing me out of my comfort zone and igniting my creative instincts. Here’s what I learned during that month, complete with personal anecdotes, practical tips, and hard-won insights.

Choosing the Right Gear for Street Photography

Before diving into the streets, I spent time contemplating my gear. The Nikon D850 is a beast, but for street photography, I found that a lighter setup often yields better results. I decided to pair it with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens and my GoPro Hero 8 for some dynamic shots.

On May 5th, I ventured to Mylapore in the early morning, hoping to catch the vibrant street life in its raw form. With the D850 slung over my shoulder and the 50mm lens ready, I navigated through the narrow lanes. The lens provided a beautiful depth of field, allowing me to isolate subjects against the bustling background. I spotted a local vendor, a kind gentleman named Ramesh, selling traditional South Indian snacks. I approached him with a genuine smile, and after a brief chat, he agreed to let me take his portrait. The resulting image, with Ramesh framed against colorful snack packets, was a favorite from the month.

Gear Insights

For anyone considering a street photography venture, I can’t stress enough the importance of using a lens that allows you to shoot comfortably. The 50mm was versatile enough for both close-ups and wider shots. I also highly recommend using a lens hood to minimize glare. Don’t forget to carry extra batteries; I learned this the hard way when my battery died unexpectedly on the 10th day at the Marina Beach.

Embracing the Unexpected

One of the most beautiful aspects of street photography is its unpredictability. On May 15th, as I wandered through the bustling streets of T Nagar, I stumbled upon a vibrant procession celebrating a local festival. The crowd was thrumming with energy, and I felt an electric rush as I raised my camera to capture candid moments of joy and celebration.

This scene taught me the importance of being present and adaptable. I switched to a faster shutter speed, about 1/500 seconds, to freeze the action as dancers twirled and musicians played. The resulting images were dynamic, full of life, and visually engaging, reminding me that sometimes, the best shots come from unplanned moments.

Capturing Emotion

Throughout the month, I aimed to capture emotion in my shots. On May 22nd, I was at Kotturpuram when I noticed a young girl playing with her dog by the river. The light was perfect, casting a warm glow. I lowered myself to their level, framed the shot to include the dog’s joyful expression, and waited for the moment when the girl laughed. This image, with its blend of innocence and joy, was a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Chennai’s Hidden Gems for Street Photography

Every corner of Chennai has a story, but some locations are particularly rich in character. Here are a couple of my favorite spots for street photography:

Mylapore

Mylapore is a treasure trove of culture and history. The narrow streets are lined with colorful shops, temples, and local eateries. My advice? Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Parking can be tricky, so I recommend using public transport or a bike for easier mobility.

Marina Beach

While Marina Beach is popular among tourists, it offers unique opportunities for street photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. On May 18th, I arrived before dawn to capture the serene beauty before the crowds arrived. I set my camera to ISO 200, f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/160 seconds to capture the soft colors of the sky. The quiet moments before the day began allowed me to focus on the waves and the distant fishermen preparing their boats.

Mistakes I Made

Every photographer has their share of blunders, and I’m no exception. One significant mistake occurred on May 12th when I decided to shoot in manual mode without fully understanding the lighting conditions. I ended up with a series of underexposed images at the bustling Pondy Bazaar, which was frustrating. This experience reinforced the importance of evaluating your surroundings and adjusting settings accordingly. From then on, I began to use aperture priority mode in challenging lighting situations, which allowed me to focus more on composition and less on constantly adjusting settings.

Post-Processing and Final Touches

Post-processing is where the magic happens. After a month filled with thousands of shots