Whether you’re having a girls’ day in the sand, a family excursion to the shore, or a quiet couple’s retreat in the sun, here are a few ideas to help you capture your adventures through creative beach photography.
1. Action shots
Nothing says summertime like action shots on the beach. Grab a GoPro and chase the surf with your friends and family. It makes no difference if you’re splashing in the shallows or surfing, your beach photos can capture all the fun and action.
If you’re using a waterproof camera, don’t be afraid to get close to the action or even submerge the camera underwater for unique perspectives. Set a fast shutter speed during your beach photoshoot to freeze the motion and you’re good to go.
2. Silhouettes
Beachgoers in silhouette are a classic and creative beach photography idea. Sunset is the easiest time of day to capture silhouettes. Just pose your subject in front of a beautiful beach scene, underexpose the shot by a stop or two to create a distinct silhouette, and you’ve got all the elements of a magical beach portrait.
Try leveling-up your pics with palm tree silhouettes or a little bit of rim light around your subject.
3. Sandcastles
No family day at the beach is complete without sandcastles. Capturing the building process from start to finish is a fun way to create lasting memories. Shoot from a low angle to get in on the action and fill the frame with interest. All you need to get started is a sand pail, a shovel, and a little creativity.
Why take posed family photos at the beach when you can capture your kids having fun and making special memories?
4. Instagrammable environmental portraits
These days, every adventure needs a few great Instagram photos. Take turns posing and shooting with your friends to guarantee everyone goes home with a great shot to remember the day.
Play in the surf, sip cocktails under the sun, or just sit and watch the waves. Remember, the best environmental portraits have as much to do with the location as the subject. Search for scenic spots that show off the beauty of the place, and play with different angles and perspectives for a just-right summer photo.
5. Golden hour family beach pictures
For many families, a family portrait session on the beach is an annual tradition. Golden hour (one hour before sunset or one hour after sunrise) provides beautiful, soft, and golden-colored light. If you’re hiring a professional photographer for your session, this is the best time of day to meet.
6. Seascapes
Make sure to capture some landscape photography while you’re at the beach. Whether you’re someplace far flung like Hawaii, or somewhere less exotic, make the most of your beach day by capturing the gorgeous vista before you.
Don’t let your gear feel like a limitation, either! You can capture fabulous seascapes with a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens, a DSLR or an iPhone. Just pay attention to these three things: your composition, the lighting, and finding that perfect moment to click the shutter.
7. Beachy wedding photography
Getting married at the beach this summer? You’ve got the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. Play in the surf with your new spouse, or walk hand in hand along the shore. Pose for silhouettes in front of the sunset, or share a quiet kiss off in the distance. Your wedding photos will make you smile for years to come.
8. Gorgeous couple portraits
Gorgeous couple photos at the beach don’t have to happen on your big day. Recruit a friend to act as photographer, or get set up with a tripod and a remote trigger. It may feel tempting to pose and smile in all your shots, but try to get in some variety and action, too. Jump in the waves. Bury each other in the sand. Find ways to keep it playful as you enjoy your time in the sun.
9. Beach day details
For our final creative photo tip, try to tell the story of your beach day by paying a little more attention to the details. Are you modeling a brand-new bathing suit? Take an abstract shot of the pattern. Did you bring a cooler full of refreshing surf side cocktails? Take some shots of your beverages with the sea in the background. Maybe it’s a tiny hermit crab that catches your eye, or a pair of sunglasses on the corner of your towel. Either way, beach day details are an important part of the story.
Featured Image by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash.
