BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Ben R
 

While at the beach?


I am going to the beach this week and I was wondering what to look for to take pictures of. For example the waves, but what shutter speed and apature? Please reply if you know I would grately appreciate it.


To love this question, log in above
June 23, 2004

 

Damian P. Gadal
  I keep a chart that shows the times of sunrise, sunset, high and low tide, as well as the phases of the moon. It helps me decide if and when I want to shoot at the beach, which beach, and the subject matter (tidepools, surfers, etc.) Shutter spped and apature would depend on the lighting conditions and what you were shooting, as well as the effect you were after...

hth


To love this comment, log in above
July 21, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
 
 
  Ships That Pass
Ships That Pass
Sandy Point Beach, Maryland

Bob Cammarata

 
  Wishing
Wishing
Sandy Point Beach, Maryland

Bob Cammarata

 
 
For surfers or for crashing waves, I've found that a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster will freeze the action of the water. The corresponding aperture setting will depend upon the brightness of the scene.
A slow shutter of 1/30 and below will blur the motion of the water. Be carefull trying to do this when the sun is bright since it will likely cause over-exposure of the wave crests.

Try to be aware of passing ships. They can create rare "story telling" moments. When you see one approaching, look around the beach to find something interesting to place in the foreground, and get into position compositionally before the ship passes through.
(See two examples).


To love this comment, log in above
July 21, 2004

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread