BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: How Do I Get that Photographic Technique?

Mare Board		How to Shoot Seascapes I am leaving next week for the West coast of Jamaica. This will be my third trip and I want this year's pictures to really be awesome. I do wedding photography and portrait work on the side and do good work, but for some reason I cannot seem to get my landscapes, especially seascapes, to be eye popping with those tropical blues and greens. I always seem to end up with those typical flat shots that a point and shoot would produce. I own two Nikon's N2000 bodies with the standard 35mm and a 28-105mm and a 75mm-310mm lens. I currently do not use a polarizing filter and was thinking of making that purchase before I leave. Any other suggestions? Camera settings... film to use? My composition is good and know when and where to shoot just need that little extra special touch... I will appeciate any comments! Thanks! To love this question, log in above June 18, 2003

Derek Cragin		A polarizing filter will be your best friend in a situation like this, especially in the Caribbean where the sun is frequently shining and the glare can be a problem. Also consider a UV haze filter, which cuts through the haze. A polarizer will remove glare from the water, thus making the colors "pop". Here are some things to bear in mind: #1 - Polarizers work most effectively when shot at a 90 degree angle to the sun. #2 - Know when to use the filter and when to leave it off your lens; it shouldn't be on your lens at all times, especially if you include the sun in your image, where the filter could cause a ghost image or flare. #3 - You will lose up to two stops of light when using a polarizer, so either take it off your lens in low light, or use a tripod. As for camera settings, it all depends on what you're shooting. A long exposure of waves can create a lovely tapestry effect at dawk or dusk (use a tripod of course). There are boundless photo opportunities at the ocean, so experiment. I'm not sure if you use slide film, but Fujichrome Velvia is a good choice. Best of luck to you on your trip, and I hope you come home with some awesome photos. To love this comment, log in above June 20, 2003

Gary W. Lake		I just wanted to add another filter that I found very useful on my trip - and everywhere else for that matter - is a graduated neutral density filter. They will help you capture those dramatic early-morning and late-evening tropical skies without losing the details in the ground/ocean/buildings or whatever. I love using these filters for sunsets and sunrises. To love this comment, log in above June 24, 2003

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