Beach landscape photography millions of people every year, many of whom are eager to take the perfect shots of their newfound paradise. However, they are often disappointed with the images they’ve taken. This is a common problem because beaches have complex natural lighting and highly reflective surfaces. Sure, it helps to have better gear, but you can also improve your beach landscape photography by being mindful of the environment and using the right settings on your camera. Below are some tips that you might consider for your next trip:
Wait for the Golden Hour
Natural lighting can be tricky. Most of the time, the outdoors are either too bright with the high sun or too dark during the night. The only times when you get a nice balance are sunset and sunrise. These are known in photography as the golden hours. You will get beautiful warm light washing over the entire scenery. Wait patiently for these periods if you want the best possible lighting for your pictures. Set up your gear in advance so that you can quickly snap away when it’s time.
Use a Polarizing Filter
If you are having a hard time dealing with the reflections, then consider purchasing a polarizing filter. You can also borrow one from a friend just to see the effects on your images. You will notice a reduction in glare and a improvement in the colors. You can prevent overexposure for a more even lighting across a scene. Shadows get darker while the blues are enhanced. This type of filter is vital if you need to shoot during the day such as when covering an event.
Shoot in RAW for Ease of Processing
That said, it’s really difficult to manage lighting outdoors. You should prepare to do a lot of post-processing when you get home. You will have an easier time with exposure correction if you shoot in RAW.
Protect Against Fine Particles
The beach may be beautiful but it is also filled with fine particles that can slowly damage your camera and lenses. Be sure to protect your equipment from dust, dirt, salt, water, and sand. Keep everything in a camera bag if you are not using them. Bring a blower to remove sand off your gear as soon as you notice it. You can also use a lens cloth for water droplets.
Increase Shutter Speed
Consider increasing the shutter speed to capture the motion of the waves and the clouds. The longer the shutter remains open, then more noticeable the blur will be.
