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Timing Timing is important in all photography, whether we are talking about beach photographs, action photography, or candids. And lighting is the main factor influenced by timing. Capturing stunning beach pictures is more dependent on timing than one would think. Most people think it's quite simple to take terrific beach photographs simply because it is bright and sunny. But taking beach photographs when the sun is high in the sky, is one of the absolute worst times to take pictures. At this time of the day, the light is extremely harsh; thus making contrast very difficult, as evidenced by the image above. What this means is - everything looks bright, therefore the contrast presented by shadows and darkness will be missing.
Sunrise and sunset are generally the best times for taking beach photographs (or any other kind of pictures for that matter). Unfortunately, the beach is rather deserted at these times.
Therefore, if at all possible, try to not spend the last 90 minutes before sunset in a restaurant. When on vacation, take as many photos as possible. Then, only share the best ones with your friends and delete the disappointments. What many people do is buy a new digital camera JUST BEFORE LEAVING ON VACATION! If this is what you are planning, familiarize yourself with the equipment before you leave. Go through the owner's manual and take at the least 30 – 50 practice shots, using different settings. The WORST time to figure out how to use your digital camera is on the vacation. Bring your owner’s manual with you. Just like a soldier trains to learn how to operate their weapons in complete darkness, know how to operate your camera with one second’s notice. Learn how to quickly change camera settings, ISO, auto to manual, switch metering modes, go from wide angle to telephoto, and how to turn on the flash for fill-flash situations. Here are a few specific "experience-related" tips:
EquipmentIt doesn’t matter how well you know how to use your camera if you didn’t take the right equipment with you. If you're going to be spending two weeks or more at your vacation destination, you might want to consider bringing a Portable Digital Storage Device, just to make sure you have enough memory for the entire trip.Also check on the equipment and preparation lists in our free eBook "The Must-have Photography Checklist" that you get when subscribing to our free newsletter. Use common sense precautions to protect your equipment. Don't open the camera to replace memory or batteries when there's a wind, since sand can enter your camera. Also, keep in mind that you're taking beach photographs, in other words you are someplace HOT. Therefore, at least keep your camera and equipment in the shade or under a towel. Outdoor Photography Tips |
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