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Dense woods, blue waters, well-kept parks…Chennai is home to several places that draw photographers from across the city. Justin Dominic & Assis Stanly have the details

High tides lashing out at the Kasimedu beach. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Be it for college projects or leisure, its common to see youngsters clicking away with their DSLR cameras outdoors. Here is a list of popular places in Chennai that are most sought-after for that perfect click.

IIT Madras: With a sprawling 618 acres of wooded land, IIT Madras is the perfect place for a photography session amidst Nature. The area is a protected forest adjoining the Guindy National Park and home to a variety of wildlife such as the spotted deer and blackbuck. Romeo D’Rozario, a Visual Communications student, says, “The IIT is perfect if you’re looking to do the vintage safari shoot.”

Broken bridge: The Broken Bridge has been a prime spot for film shoots for many years. Chennaiites consider this spot, where the Adyar river joins the Elliot’s beach, among their favourites for photo shoots.

Kasimedu coastline: This seashore located in north Chennai has also proved to be a good spot to take photos. The beach here is lined with tetrapods to break the waves. Kevin D’Silva, a media arts student, says, “I plan to make a short film for an upcoming competition. What better place to shoot a psychedelic scene than Kasimedu, where the waves gently hit the rocks by the shoreline?”

Madras War Cemetery: Located at Nandambakkam, this is a memorial that houses the graves of men and women who lost their lives during World War II. The Cemetery, with well-maintained lawns, a 20 ft marble cross and tombstones, would make an ideal spot for photo shoots for those looking for something different.

Semmozhi poonga: This is the first botanical garden in the city and it extends to about 20 acres.

The garden features eight subgardens displaying flora of different varieties, a tree court, mural walk, bonsais, and herbal and exotic gardens, in addition to an artificial duck pond.

Youngsters from surrounding colleges bustle about with their cameras, tripods, phones and video recorders in order to get that perfect click. Joseph Clinton, a visual communication student, says that the poonga is ideal for photo sessions for Nature lovers.