Welcome to visuallyART: 10 Tips For Beach Photography

Here are 10 Tips for when you head
to the beach with your Digital Camera

Step 1 >>> Look for focal points
For example while many people take shots looking out to sea I find it interesting to go to the water’s edge and then turn completely around and see what’s in your frame from that angle.

Step 2 >>> Timing is important The start and end of days can present the best opportunities for shooting at the beach.

Step 3 >>> Watch the Horizon

Step 4 >>> Head to the Beach When Others Avoid it
Another timing issue is that the beach can really come to life on those days that everyone avoids it because of inclement weather. Stormy seas, threatening and dramatic clouds and wind slowing lifesaver flags and trees over call all make for atmospheric shots.

Step 5 >>> Exposure Bracketing
If your camera has a manual mode it can be well worth playing with it at the beach and experimenting with different levels of exposure.

Step 6 >>> Spot Metering
This can be effective especially when photographing people as it allows you to face them away from the sun and to meter on their shadowy face and therefore avoid squinting (a common problem with photographing people at the beach).

Step 7 >>> Fill Flash
If you’re photographing people at the beach as a portrait and it’s bright you’ll find that they will almost always have shadows on their face (often cast by hats, glasses, noses etc). Switch on your flash and force it to fire when shooting in these situations and you’ll find the shadows eliminated and your actual subject is well exposed.

Step 8 >>> UV Filters
UV filters are useful for DSLR owners a couple of reasons in beach photography. Firstly they act as a protection for your lens (see below) but also they do filter out ultraviolet light in a certain range.

Step 9 >>> Polarizing Filters

Step 10 >>> Black and White
There’s something about a black and white shot at the beach that completely changes the mood and feel of a shot. It’s also a great way to bring to life beach shots taken on dull or overcast days which can often leave a beach scene looking a little colorless.