“Beach mode” might be listed as “snow mode” on your camera. You can use either setting when shooting at the beach.
If you want to adjust the aperture, remember that a larger aperture blurs more of the background. If you don’t want the water to be in focus, for instance, try shooting at f/8 or f/11. This can make the waves blur together.
Taking a landscape shot? Skip the flash since you’re trying to balance the light of the sand, water, and sky. If you stand too far away from your subject, the flash won’t be very effective so read your camera’s manual to find out how close to your subject you need to be.
Your phone may take more than 3 photos in one burst. Read your manual to find out how many frames it will take with each shot. This setting is really useful if you’re trying to photograph people as they move or act casually.
This is a wonderful way to focus on details that are along the shoreline while capturing the waves or an amazing reflection.
Think of your image like a grid that’s divided into thirds. Photograph the sunset so it’s not dead-center. Instead, it should be in the upper third or lower third of the frame, or to the right or left.
Work quickly since the sun goes down quickly once it’s reached the horizon.
This works well if you don’t want to focus on facial expressions or the subject’s details.
For an easy shot that looks relaxed, stretch your feet out on the sand. Photograph your feet with the waves lapping against them. The image will look casual, but stylish.
If you don’t feel like scrambling to get in front of the camera before the timer goes off, attach a camera remote control. Then, just press on the control when you’re ready to take the picture.
Use reflections in your photography! The reflections from a tide pool or from water trapped in a rock can make for unusual beach photographs. Capture the details and textures of your subjects. Get close so you see the rough texture of driftwood, impressions in the sand, or foam on the edge of the water. If you’re getting really close to something small, turn on your camera’s macro setting to capture the most detail.
The softer lighting will make it easier to capture details on the beach like the grains of sand, the waves lapping at the shore, and your subjects’ faces. The hour shortly after sunrise or before sunset is known as the golden hour. This is when the lighting is warm and golden. You won’t get many shadows, but you’ll get naturally gentle lighting.
To use the digital level, look through your camera’s viewfinder or monitor. You’ll see a level gauge and it should turn green once the horizon is level.
