By Raghav | | August 1, 2026

What I Learned from 30 Portraits in Chennai’s Monsoon

On July 15, 2023, I found myself in the heart of T. Nagar, braving the unexpected downpour that swept across Chennai. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had scheduled a portrait session with Arjun, a local musician whose soulful melodies echo through the narrow lanes of this bustling neighborhood. Little did I know, this shoot would teach me invaluable lessons about adaptability, creativity, and the power of the unexpected.

Embracing the Elements

As the first drops began to fall, I quickly scrambled to cover my gear with a rain jacket—a precaution I learned from a previous shoot. The last thing I wanted was to ruin my Nikon Z6 II, which I had outfitted with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens. The rain intensified, and I could see the worried expression on Arjun’s face. But instead of calling it quits, I decided to turn the adverse weather into an opportunity.

Finding Beauty in the Rain

We took shelter under a small awning of a roadside shop selling fresh fruits. With the rain pouring down, the vibrant colors of the fruits popped against the gray backdrop. I shot at an aperture of f/2.8 to create a shallow depth of field, isolating Arjun from the chaotic background. In that moment, I realized that portraits during the monsoon could narrate a story of resilience and creativity.

Capturing Movement

As the rain began to taper off, I encouraged Arjun to step out and embrace the wet streets. I switched to a faster shutter speed of 1/500 sec to capture the droplets as they danced around him. The challenge was to make the rain look intentional rather than a nuisance. A few frames later, I caught a moment where his smile radiated warmth against the cool backdrop, and I knew this was going to be one of the standout shots of the day.

Location, Location, Location

Chennai’s monsoon offers a unique canvas for portrait photography, but choosing the right location is crucial. After my experience with Arjun, I explored a few more spots that I would recommend for similar shoots.

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This iconic temple is a visual feast with its intricate architecture and vibrant colors. The best time to shoot here is early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh light. Parking can be tricky, but there’s a small parking area nearby. Just remember to seek permission for photography inside the temple premises, as it is a sacred space.

2. Marina Beach

While the beach can be crowded, a monsoon shoot here can yield stunning results. The clouds create dramatic skies, and the wet sand reflects light beautifully. I recommend visiting during the golden hour for that magical lighting. Keep an eye on the tide, though; it can come in fast, so plan your shoot accordingly!

3. Theosophical Society, Adyar

This serene location is perfect for capturing portraits amidst nature. The sprawling gardens and ancient trees provide a tranquil backdrop. You’ll need prior permission to shoot here, but it’s worth the effort for the rich greenery and soft light filtering through the leaves. I find it best to shoot here just after a rain shower when the fresh scent of earth adds to the atmosphere.

Mistakes I Made

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes that have shaped my approach to photography. One glaring error occurred during a family portrait session in November 2022 at Besant Nagar Beach. I was so focused on the lighting that I neglected to consider the tide. As I set up for a perfect shot, a wave crashed unexpectedly, soaking my gear and the family I was photographing.

This taught me the importance of situational awareness. Now, I always scout the location beforehand and check tidal schedules when shooting near water. I’ve also invested in weather-sealed gear to prevent damage in such situations. Remember, no shot is worth risking your equipment or compromising your subject’s comfort!

Post-Processing: The Final Touch

After capturing the portraits, the next step is post-processing. I rely on Adobe Lightroom Classic for my editing. For Arjun’s portraits, I applied a few subtle adjustments: I increased the contrast by +25, boosted shadows by +15, and slightly reduced highlights by -10 to bring out the details in his face while preserving the moody atmosphere.

Here’s a before and after comparison of one of the shots:

Before: The raw image had flat lighting due to the overcast sky.

After: Post-editing, the picture had a rich depth and vibrancy that showcased Arjun’s personality while highlighting the beauty of the rain-soaked streets.

Building a Connection with Your Subjects

One of the most significant aspects of portrait photography is the connection you build with your subjects. During my shoots, I often spend time getting to know them before starting. With Arjun, I learned about his journey, dreams, and struggles while we waited for the rain to lighten up. This rapport made it easier for me to capture authentic expressions and emotions.

Engagement Techniques

I use different engagement techniques to put my subjects at ease. For instance, I often share stories from my previous shoots or ask them to share their own experiences. This not only lightens the mood but also creates a more comfortable environment for them to express themselves naturally.

Posing Tips

When it comes to posing, I prefer candid shots over stiff, traditional poses. I often ask my subjects to perform an action related to their interests. For instance, I had Arjun strum his guitar between shots, which led to some of the most genuine smiles captured during our session. The laughter and joy during those moments made for memorable portraits.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on the lessons learned from my monsoon portrait sessions in Chennai, I’ve come to appreciate that weather can be unpredictable, but it also opens doors to creative opportunities. By embracing the elements, selecting the right locations, and building connections with your subjects, you can create portraits that resonate with authenticity and emotion.

So, the next time the rain threatens your plans, consider it a chance to craft something extraordinary. After all, every drop can tell a story, and every portrait can hold a memory.

Author Bio: I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography across Tamil Nadu. My passion lies in capturing authentic moments and creating lasting memories.