Five Tips for Beach Photography
The beach is one of my favorite landscapes to visit and to photograph. I've been shooting there since I first began learning photography. Here is a bit of a tutorial or at least a few things I've learned about beach photography.
Tips for Beach Photography
Weather
First, any day is a good day to photograph the beach. It might be cloudy or foggy (which can be dreary or fantastic) but you can still achieve some very beautiful, perhaps moody pictures. Let the weather guide you in creating images of nature in all it's beauty, whatever that might be. Of course, we always hope for the best natural light conditions, but sometimes we need to take what nature has provided and run with it.
Sand
Second, take care with your gear so as not to get sand in it. Although many cameras and lenses are sealed, sand and grit can get into the focus ring or other parts of your gear. Since it is usually breezy at the beach, sand can be in the air. So take care especially when changing lenses during your beach photography adventures.
Time of Day
Third, seek to photograph the beach at sunrise (aka funrise) and sunset when the sun is low in the sky creating some incredible yummy golden light.
Tripod
Fourth, using a tripod while shooting long exposures is a must. Use a sturdy one because the wind can cause movement. You might even need to weigh it down a bit.
Filters
Fifth, filters can be your friend. Graduated filters, high density, or polarizing filters can help you control the light. Know what they do and how to use them. I used to avoid them until I bought my Lee filter system. What a difference!
Best Practices
Sixth, keep all the regular guidelines of photography in mind. Photograph from different angles and perspectives. Use different lenses. Try new things with your settings, filters, and lenses.
Most importantly ~ ENJOY! AND. JUST. GO. SHOOT.
See my sunset session at Seal Beach here.
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All landscape, fine art, and still life images are available for purchase.
Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com to purchase prints or schedule your portrait session.
Nadeen Flynn is an award winning northern California fine art photographer. Living in the greater Sacramento area, she specializes in fine art landscape and still life photography. Nadeen’s style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. This retains the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She offers in-person workshops and mentoring. She currently lives in rural northern California with her husband and a couple thousand walnut trees.
Currently booking mentoring sessions. Locations include Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Roseville, Rocklin, and Sacramento areas.
(530) 633-7575