By Raghav | | May 5, 2026

What I Learned from 30 Sunsets at Marina Beach This May

Last May, I set myself a challenge: to photograph the sunset at Marina Beach every evening for a month. With its vibrant colors and shifting skies, this iconic Chennai location has always been a favorite of mine. Armed with my trusted Nikon D850 and a variety of lenses, I spent 30 evenings capturing the magic of the setting sun. Each sunset brought its own lessons, challenges, and unforgettable moments. Here’s what I learned from those 30 enchanting evenings.

The Challenge Begins

On May 1, 2025, I arrived at Marina Beach with my gear packed and my mind set on creating a portfolio that showcased the myriad hues of sunset. I parked at the Kotturpuram end, where there’s ample parking space and less crowd compared to the crowded stretch near the lighthouse. As I set up my tripod, I could feel a mix of excitement and anticipation.

The first sunset was a spectacle. The sky transitioned from a soft blue to fiery oranges and reds. I used my 24-70mm f/2.8 lens to capture the full scene, setting my aperture to f/11 to ensure a deep depth of field. I shot at ISO 100 and a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds. The result was a stunning image that perfectly encapsulated the beauty of that evening. This was the spark that ignited my commitment for the month.

Finding the Right Spot

Over the next few days, I explored various spots along the beach. I discovered that the area near the Gandhi Statue offered a great perspective, often surrounded by silhouettes of people enjoying the sunset. On May 5, I met a couple named Arjun and Priya who were celebrating their anniversary. I asked if I could photograph them against the sunset backdrop. The shot turned out beautifully; the couple with the vivid sky behind them was a perfect blend of love and nature.

For this particular shot, I adjusted my settings to ISO 200 and a faster shutter speed of 1/200 seconds to prevent any motion blur as they moved. The final image, with its warm tones and soft bokeh from the background, became one of my favorites from the month.

Variations in Color and Mood

As the month progressed, I became increasingly aware of how different atmospheric conditions affected the sunset. On May 10, I arrived to find a cloudy sky, thinking I might be in for a disappointing evening. Instead, I was greeted with one of the most dramatic sunsets I’d ever seen. The clouds acted as a canvas, reflecting shades of purple and pink not visible on clear days.

That evening, I switched to my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to capture tighter compositions of the clouds. I set my camera to aperture priority mode, allowing the camera to adjust the shutter speed for the changing light. My settings were ISO 400, f/8, and the shutter speed varied between 1/250 to 1/500 seconds. The resulting shots were ethereal and moody, reminding me that sometimes the unexpected can lead to the most rewarding images.

Capturing Emotion and Context

One of the most powerful lessons came on May 15. I witnessed a group of children playing cricket on the beach as the sun dipped below the horizon. The joy on their faces was palpable, and I knew I had to capture this moment. I approached them and asked if I could take some photos. They were more than happy to pose, but I also wanted to capture candid moments of them in action.

I set my camera to continuous shooting mode, adjusting my settings to ISO 800, f/4, and using a shutter speed of 1/1000 seconds to freeze their movement. The images of these kids, silhouetted against the vibrant sunset, told a story of joy and freedom that I knew would resonate with anyone who viewed them. This experience reinforced the idea that great photography is often about capturing the connection between people and their environment.

Mistakes I Made

Every month-long project comes with its share of missteps, and my sunset challenge was no exception. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not scouting locations properly. On May 3, I arrived too late to my chosen spot, the beach near the Marina Aquarium, and ended up with a less than ideal composition. The sun was already too low, and I missed the vibrant colors I was aiming for.

Lesson learned: Always arrive early. I began to set a rule for myself to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to allow time for setup and adjustment. This way, I could analyze the environment and adjust my compositions accordingly. By the end of the month, my pre-sunset routines had become a crucial part of my workflow.

Editing and Post-Processing

After spending countless evenings at the beach, I also learned the importance of editing to enhance the images I had captured. On May 25, I spent an entire rainy afternoon in my editing suite, working with Adobe Lightroom to refine my favorite shots. One particular image, taken with a Nikon D850 at ISO 100, f/11, and 1/125 seconds, showed a striking sunset over the water. However, it lacked the vibrancy I had seen in person.

I adjusted the contrast, increased the saturation slightly, and played with the highlights and shadows until the image truly reflected the scene I had experienced. The final edit brought out the vivid oranges and pinks, transforming a good photo into a great one. Remember, editing is not just about correction; it’s a way to express your artistic vision.

Location Tips for Marina Beach

If you’re planning a sunset photography session at Marina Beach, here are some insider tips to enhance your experience:

• Best Time: The ideal time to shoot is between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Arriving early will help you secure the best spot and allow you to set up without rushing.
• Parking: The Kotturpuram end has more parking space and is less congested. If you’re arriving on a weekend, consider getting there well in advance to avoid the crowds.
• Permissions: If you plan to use a tripod or any additional lighting equipment, it’s always good practice to check if any permissions are required, particularly if you’re shooting for commercial purposes.
• Weather Apps: Use apps like Windy or AccuWeather to track sunset times and weather conditions. This can help you plan for cloudy evenings or unexpected rain.
• Local Cuisine: After your shoot, treat yourself to some local snacks from the beach vendors. The sundal and fresh coconut water are must-try options!

Conclusion

As my month of sunsets at Marina Beach came to a close, I found myself reflecting not only on the skills I had honed but also on the connections I had made. Every evening was a lesson in colors, emotions, and the beauty of fleeting moments. I walked away with over 300 images, but more importantly, I gained insights that will shape my future work.

Photography is an evolving journey, and each shoot teaches us something new. For anyone considering a similar challenge, I say: embrace the journey, learn from your mistakes, and let your experiences guide your creativity. Here’s to many more sunsets, and the stories they tell!

I’m Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai with over 8 years of experience in wedding, portrait, and travel photography. I have a passion for capturing the beauty of Tamil Nadu and beyond, and I’m always eager to share my insights and experiences with fellow photography enthusiasts.