Here are a few tips to help you create beach photos that can be enjoyed by you, your friends, and your whole family:
– The best time to capture beautiful beach panoramas are during the early morning or early evening because the sun is at a low angle, making textures and shadows look better in your photographs. These most opportune times are often called the Golden Hour. For more details on the subject, visit this post: Creating Extraordinary Pictures During Golden Hours.
– Try and make sure the horizon is even and straight during your photo shoot, because the horizon is a dominant interest in a beach photograph. If you do not have the time to straighten the horizon, you can do so during post-processing via editing software (but the cropping will reduce the dimensions of your photo).
– CPL filters strongly helps to enhance the view of the sky in your photograph by making the skies look more blue and increasing the color saturation. GND filters also greatly help in reducing the exposure difference between the sea and sky. To find out more about filters, consult this post: Filter (photography) – Function and Definition.
– Try to incorporate an interesting foreground into your beach photo. This may be of a rock, starfish, or anything else that might catch the eye of the viewer.
– Bring a tripod. In addition to reducing any shakes or wobbles, you can also explore and experiment with low-shutter landscape techniques. Remember to plant your tripod legs on a hard surface, like maybe a rock. If you could, avoid setting up your tripod on the sand because any waves coming into shore will disturb the stability of your tripod.
– Experiment with slow shutter speeds to obtain more unique photos. Because waves are a mostly moving object, with the slow shutter we can get a more dynamic result. Also, this technique can blur the surface of the sea to get a foggy affect.
– Experiment with different angles. Eye-level angled photos can get boring. Try extremely low or high angles to get a different feel to your photographs.
– Compose your photographs using the Rule of Thirds. This will further help you in getting an interesting photo.
– Don’t forget to bring your cleaning kit (lens pens, washcloths, etc.). There’s a high chance your gear will come into contact with some seawater, especially if you’re shooting near the water.
– Keep an open mind. Enjoy the fresh seaside air and the warm sun rays. Don’t get too hung up on theory. Be creative, enjoy your trip, and as always: have fun with it!
