One of the best subjects in photography is the sea. It does not matter if you are shooting on a gloomy day, during winter or during the warm summer. The beach area, the cliff, and the rocky places also have different effects on the theme you are trying to achieve. It is such an interesting form of photography. However, you have to know that it is not really a walk in the park if you have chosen this. You need to make sure that you are employing the right techniques to be able to get that perfect shot. At times, it can also be risky to explore sea and coast photography. Being prepared will surely save you from any risk of an accident.
Now, if you want to focus on the quality of your sea and coast photography, here are some tips that can help you improve your shots:
Long Exposure
One of the best things about sea and coast photography is that you will be able to capture how the water moves. This is something really interesting and you can achieve success through long exposure. This is one of the effective ways on smoothing the water. Depending on the length of exposure, you can certainly achieve the amount of smoothing you require. If you want to smooth the water in its entirety, you can make use of ultra-long exposure. But just like what has been provided in the winter photography tips, you can make any adjustment when there are some outside factors affecting the shot.
Sunburst Technique
Another interesting thing you can do in the ocean is to capture the sun. To be able to apply the sunburst technique, you should choose a bright sunny day for your photoshoot. Now, set your camera setting. Make sure it is in aperture priority mode and the aperture is set to f/16. It would be good to start with a test shot. This way, you will be able to identify the necessary adjustment on the lens. Experimenting on the first few shots is a good start. Move around and try different angles
Know the Tide and Swell
Spending some time observing the tide and the waves will surely give you more idea on how to time your shots. Aside from that, you will also be able to familiarize yourself more about the ocean and its movement. This way, you can take better shots. The ocean is untamed, and it will remain wild. Being able to understand the tide will give you more opportunities to take good photos not only of the water but also the life in it.
Shoot Early or Late
You may think that the sea is always beautiful no matter what time in the day is. However, if you want to capture vivid colors, you should shoot early or late. The most dramatic lighting is right before the sunrise and while the sun is setting. These are the times when you can observe the most vibrant colors in the ocean. With that, take advantage of the most colorful moments of the day. You will certainly be able to take breathtaking photos.
Look for Reflections
One of the best features of water is reflection. It is something that you should always take advantage of whenever you are going to the beach for some photos. To be able to look for reflections, you should look for that part where the water is still. Those parts where the thin layer of water calmly sets in the sand are where the magical parts can be reflected. So walk along the shoreline and just let yourself appreciate reflections and how they can beautify every photo you take.
Focus on Details
The ocean is vast, and it can be overwhelming. It is something that you can appreciate in its entirety. But did you know that there are different things that make it a perfect beauty. This is what you should be looking for if you do not want an ordinary ocean photo. You have to focus on specific details. You can capture the wave, the sand, the floating leaf, or the water caressing your feet. There are small items in the vast ocean that can be great subjects for photography. Look for those small details and make them big in your photo. Focus on them and you will certainly appreciate sea and ocean photography more.
There are different reasons why people visit the beach. Some would want to relax and others just want to have a few moments out of their busy life in the city. But for photographers like you, the reason is to capture some moments and immortalize them through photos. Enjoying a day at the beach or in some places facing the ocean is surely much more enjoyable with a camera on your hand. Knowing some techniques and learning how to make use of your camera’s advance settings will give you more confidence to take photos outdoors. A little training and experience are the most important factors that will determine your success in any form of photography.