Capture the Perfect Moments: Mastering the Art of Beach Photography | Discover expert tips and techniques on how to take beach photos that truly mesmerize.
From those who capture nature with their cameras to hobby photographers, most would agree beaches can be good backdrops for photos. The open sky, the sounds and smells of the sea…they can all inspire creativity. However, what novice photographers may not realize is that while beach photography can be rewarding, it is also particularly challenging. And that’s why we’ll be sharing our best tips on how to take beach photos today! So, whether you want to learn how to take beach photos for Instagram or how to take good family photos at the beach, it’s time to experiment with:
Your camera’s shutter speed controls exposure time. That means, the slower it is, the longer the shutter will remain open to capture an image. So, if you want to figure out how to take long exposure beach photos to take pictures of the crashing waves, flying gulls, and active surfers dominating the water, you can do it with a slower shutter speed. Similarly, opt for crisper and pristine images with fast shutter speeds.
For nighttime photos, keep the shutter speed to 10 seconds on beaches with little to no industrial light sources. Don’t know how to take beach sunrise photos? Let your camera determine the correct shutter speed for sunrise photography by putting it in aperture priority mode.
The trick to figuring out how to take beach photos with DSLR involves understanding two types of filters:
If you’re thinking beach weddings or engagements, knowing how to take engagement photos on the beach will involve the polarizing filter. Since it negates specific portions of the reflected light, the colors in a picture come out clearer and vibrant. The results will be even more eye-catching if the bridal posse is dressed in blues or darker tones since the filter will deepen and enhance those shades.
Neutral density filters work in a similar way but they don’t block specific wavelengths. So, use them on really sunny days or when you want the colors in a picture to come out looking less intense.
Most photography guides will wax poetic about the golden hours. And they should too since beach sunsets and sunrises are magical. The light’s all soft and dreamy, and your images will have some seriously amazing color if you shoot at dawn or dusk.
P.S. those who know how to take great beach photos also know the golden hours start much earlier and last longer.
Figuring out how to take beach photos includes not limiting yourself to just the beach! We’d recommend looking for unique and creative settings you can use for framing your images, like:
Experimenting with locations like these is a great idea for those learning how to take professional beach wedding photos.
Focal points catch an observer’s eye and provide them with context for the story your image is telling. They can be in-your-face, like unique-looking rock formations or something simple like a seashell. So, our next how-to-take-beach-photos tip is to tell you to find that one thing and focus on it.
The aperture controls how much light enters the lens. Figuring out how to take photos at beach at night? Use a low aperture so you get plenty of light without compromising picture quality, like:
On the other hand, if you’re shooting at sunrise, opt for a higher aperture, such as:
Since not everyone will lug around a DSLR, we also have some tips on how to take beach photos with phone:
Want to find out how to take vintage looking beach photos? Go monochrome! That’s the simplest way of giving your images an antique look. So, grab your photos from your DropEvent gallery and apply the black and white to give off those retro vibes.
We’re sure you’re now bursting with ideas of things to try out on your next trip to the beach. Remember the more pictures you take, the better handle you’ll have on how to take beach photos. We’d also suggest using DropEvent to share your results. After all, great photos are worth sharing!
You should use a smaller aperture, like f/11 to focus on the entire beach. But widen the aperture setting if you want to focus on a person or an object.
Use these tips for best results:
The golden hours are ideal for picture taking at the beach. But you can also shoot late in the afternoon since the natural light will be warmer.
DropEvent makes photo-sharing easy, even for a group of strangers. Upload, share, and show moments from your events with one link. No accounts, no apps, no limits.
