By Raghav | | June 11, 2026

What I Learned from 30 Portraits in Chennai’s Monsoon

On June 3, 2026, I found myself at the edge of Elliot’s Beach, a place that usually buzzes with families enjoying the sun. Instead, I was confronted with an entirely different scene. The monsoon had come early, transforming the beach into a canvas of rich colors and dramatic skies. It was the perfect opportunity to challenge myself as a portrait photographer. My aim: to capture the essence of Chennai during this transformative season through 30 unique portraits.

Little did I know that this endeavor would teach me more than just how to handle raindrops on my lens; it would push my creative boundaries and force me to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the weather. Here’s what I learned from that experience.

Embracing the Elements

During the shoot, I quickly realized that the rain doesn’t just create challenges; it also offers stunning opportunities. On June 10, 2026, I set up a session with a local artist, Priya, at the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. The temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural hub, often filled with locals and tourists. As the rain fell lightly, I positioned Priya under the temple’s colorful gopuram (gateway tower), using my Nikon D850 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens.

With the aperture set to f/2.8 and ISO at 400, I was able to capture her against the blurred backdrop of the temple while keeping her sharp and luminous. The rain droplets added a reflective quality to the scene, which I later enhanced slightly in Adobe Lightroom. The natural colors of the temple contrasted beautifully with the vibrant colors of Priya’s traditional attire. She radiated warmth amidst the cool, damp air. The shot became one of my favorites from the series.

Finding Unique Perspectives

On June 5, I collaborated with a dancer named Arjun at the serene Theosophical Society in Adyar. This location is a hidden gem, boasting lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere. As I set up, the rain intensified, creating a rhythmic backdrop that complemented Arjun’s graceful moves. I decided to use a slower shutter speed (1/60 sec) to capture the motion, allowing the rain to form streaks in the frame while keeping him in focus.

With the lighting conditions constantly changing, I kept my settings adjustable—ISO at 800 and aperture at f/4. When I reviewed the images later, the blurred rain in the background added an ethereal quality to the portraits. This taught me an important lesson: don’t shy away from unconventional techniques, especially when the unexpected happens.

Time for Candid Moments

On June 8, I had a session with a group of children at a community center in T Nagar. The kids were enthusiastic despite the rain, and I knew I wanted to capture their playful spirits authentically. I used my Canon EOS R with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, opting for a wider angle to include the surrounding environment. With a fast shutter speed of 1/500 sec, I captured moments of spontaneous laughter as they ran around in the rain.

One particular shot of a boy jumping in a puddle became the highlight of that day. The droplets suspended in the air and the sheer joy on his face made it a standout image. This experience reinforced my belief that sometimes, the best portraits are those that capture genuine emotions rather than overly staged moments.

Mistakes I Made

As I reflect on those 30 portraits, I must admit I made a few missteps. One of the biggest mistakes occurred during my first shoot at Elliot’s Beach. I was so focused on getting the perfect shot that I didn’t check my battery levels. After just a few frames, my camera died, leaving me scrambling to borrow a spare battery from a fellow photographer on the beach. Not only did this disrupt the flow of the shoot, but it also made me miss some captivating moments.

Since then, I’ve adopted a routine to check my gear before every shoot, ensuring I have fully charged batteries, clean lenses, and ample memory cards. This mistake taught me that preparation is just as crucial as creativity in photography.

Chennai Locations for Monsoon Portraits

For those looking to emulate my experience or simply capture the beauty of Chennai during the monsoon, here are some insider tips on locations:

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This iconic temple is not only a visual treat but also a great backdrop for portraits. The vibrant colors and intricate architecture offer a unique contrast to the lush greenery of the rainy season. Parking can be tricky, so aim to arrive early in the morning. The temple opens around 5:00 AM, and you can capture beautiful morning light with fewer tourists around.

2. Theosophical Society, Adyar

The expansive gardens and ancient trees create a serene atmosphere. It’s a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The best time to visit is late afternoon, just before sunset, as the golden hour light filtering through the leaves can give your portraits a magical quality. Be mindful that you may need permission to shoot here, so check in advance.

3. Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar

This beach has a unique charm, especially during the monsoon. The waves crashing against the shore can add a dramatic element to your portraits. Arrive early to secure parking, as it can fill up quickly. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, and always have a waterproof cover for your gear.

Post-Processing: Enhancing Monsoon Vibes

Editing plays a crucial role in bringing out the beauty of your images, especially in the monsoon. For my portraits, I often use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance the colors and contrast. For example, one of the portraits of Priya at Kapaleeshwarar Temple had some washed-out colors due to the overcast skies. I adjusted the contrast and increased the saturation slightly to bring back the vibrancy while maintaining the natural feel.

Additionally, I applied a subtle vignette to draw more focus to Priya’s face. The final settings were: exposure +0.25, contrast +15, saturation +10, and a vignette strength of -20. This approach helped retain the mood of the rainy day while making the subject pop.

Conclusion

As I wrap up my reflections on these 30 portraits, I can confidently say that the Chennai monsoon brought out a different side of my photography. It challenged me to adapt, pushed my creativity to new heights, and allowed me to capture moments of pure joy and resilience. The rain may not always be the most convenient backdrop, but as I’ve learned, it can be one of the most rewarding.

In closing, I encourage you to embrace the unpredictability of the monsoon and see where it takes your photography. Each drop of rain can lead to a new adventure and a beautiful portrait.

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. I love capturing the essence of life’s fleeting moments, especially during the vibrant monsoon season.