The Best Tips for Beach Photography
We’re pretty spoiled here in San Diego. There aren’t many days that couldn’t constitute as beach days, and even in January – there are heat waves that find people out on the sand in their swimsuits, catching sun or playing beach volleyball.
Like I said, we’re pretty spoiled.
All those beach days can produce more than just a great tan, though. They can also be perfect opportunities for capturing images of those you love, out enjoying the activities they love. Whether it’s a family trip to the beach with plans for sand castles and boogie boarding, or a gathering of friends intent upon surfing and building a bonfire, bringing your camera along is sure to produce images worthy of holding onto.
But how do you ensure those images are going to be as quality as possible?
Well, following these tips can help:
Timing is Everything
The best beach photos will be taken early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun isn’t directly overhead. That’s because during those times, the light is warmer, the angle of the sun less harsh, thus eliminating the unattractive shadows you might see across your subject’s faces in the middle of the afternoon. Sunset can be another great time to pull out your camera, with the soft fading of the light lending to both the background and the complexions of those you are photographing.
Go Black and White
When you are working with a fair amount of sun, black and white may actually be the way to go, relying on the sunshine to create the perfect contrast for black and white images. These can be timeless photos that give a different level of depth to your day at the beach. And while you may not want all of your images to be black and white, it can be a good deviation from the norm as you wait for the sun to start settling further down in the sky.
Catch the Reflections
Depending on the time of day and tide level you may be able to catch reflections of your subjects at the waters edge, in the still wet sand. Pay attention to how the light is leaping off the water and to the angles that best allow you to see your subjects reflections. Using those to your advantage can create unique and beautiful photographs. This can be especially great for images of children playing or collecting seashells at the waters edge.
Watch the Sun
You’ve probably heard that the best daytime images are taken when the sun is to your back. That is generally true, unless you have subjects who would then be stuck staring into the sun as they face you. No one likes pictures of themselves squinting into the sun, and while sunglasses wouldn’t be all that uncommon in a beach shoot, you still don’t want your subjects struggling to see you as they smile your way. So instead of situating yourself with the sun directly behind you, try angling both you and your subjects in such a way that the sun is coming more from the side-back. This can still provide the benefits of lighting without blinding your subjects in the process.
Don’t Forget the Clouds
Sure, clear skies tend to be the norm around here, but every once in a while you can catch some breathtaking cloud formations. And images that capture the rays breaking through those clouds onto the water always tend to be pretty spectacular. So in your efforts to get the best images of your subjects, don’t forget your background. If the horizon promises clouds or gorgeous wave breaks, zoom out and get it all in.