6 Hacks for Beach Photography
In many parts of the world, summer is just around the corner, while in others it’s already hot. Summer is regarded as a less than ideal season for photography by some, but if you know how to make the best of it, you can add quality new work to your portfolio.
Beaches are among the most popular locations for photography in summer, so that’s why we’re giving you this list of 6 hacks that are going to help you capture the beaches of the world in awesome photographs.
Never use a camera without UV
The UV filter is basically a cheap piece of glass that can save you a lot of trouble and money. The problem with beaches is salt water and sand. Even if you stay away from waves and you don’t shoot with your feet in the water, salt and sand particles are still in the air and they are out to contaminate the coating on the front element of your lens. And may I inform you, it’s a b**ch to clean. Buy a UV filter and protect that glass because you don’t want to return home with a shopping list.
What about horizon?
One of the most common mistakes involving the horizon is placing it in the center of the frame or tilting it. Try both just so you can say you’ve done them, but I recommend keeping a straight horizon off center.
Use spot metering
Spot metering is a feature that allows you to tell the camera which part of the frame you want properly exposed. This is an awesome feature to use in bright light because you can get the shady areas properly exposed. It works very well with portraits as well.
Find a point of interest
A lot of amateurs lose interest in beach photography way too quickly because they say they have no point of interest. It’s all waves, sky and sand and they sometimes have problems locking the focus. I see that as just another excuse to leave the camera home. Sometimes all it takes is a wave or a footprint in the sand.
Monochrome
Black and white or monochrome photography is a great way to bring life to those dull, overcast days when colors are just not how they should be. Make the decision to have the final photo in monochrome, but shoot it in color and make the conversion in your digital darkroom.
Visit the beach when others run from it
Ironically, beaches are the most spectacular in the worst of weather. Everybody likes the beach on hot sunny days, but if you want a clean beach shot you have to be there when there are few or no people at all. That means bad weather or early hours. Light is another advantage in both situations because that’s when it is the best for photography. There is a time for having fun and taking a sun bath, and another time for shooting cool pictures. Unfortunately the later one demands some sacrifice when it comes to personal comfort.
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