The coast is the perfect place for taking spectacular pictures. The aim of the photographer should be to combine the beauty of the coastal landscape with its unique atmosphere in one image. This often presents many challenges as the environment can be harsh and the power of nature overwhelming at times, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Planning is therefore one of the most important things, along with a technical understanding of how to compose shots and highlight colour.
The secret to coastal photography is to engage with the surroundings so you can avoid creating images that the world has already seen. Coastal landscapes consist of a multitude of elements that are just waiting to be staged – that’s why it’s vital to pay attention to details and bring in unconventional perspectives so you can stand out from the crowd.
Focus on specific factors such as colours and shapes to create a compelling set of photos to take your portfolio to the next level. Over the next few pages, we’ll give you an overview of how to improve the quality of your coastal shots with the right equipment, compositions and editing methods.
Pack your gear
Prepare for any situation with the right kit
When shooting by the coast, weather conditions can soon turn extremely harsh. Wind, water and sand are among the biggest enemies of your optical or electronic kit. To weatherproof the camera, invest in a rain cover for protection. Depending on where you are shooting, sea spray can also be an issue.
One well-known technique for protecting the lens – using an extra UV filter and taking it off just before shooting – is inconvenient when shooting seascapes. Working with long exposures and additional filters, this can soon become fiddly and add to the challenges you already face. Although you can combine both of these filters, the quality of your images may suffer. So always keep a microfibre lens cloth in your bag and remember to carefully wipe the lens clean every now and again.
Coastal areas are often vulnerable to strong winds, which can be another challenge. Pack a sturdy tripod and an additional weight to provide extra stability. Before setting off to your shoot, check that all tripod parts
