5 Tips for EPIC Coastal Photography
- Paul Farace Photography
- 24 hours ago
- 7 min read
Seascapes and coastal photography can be some of the most challenging yet rewarding types of landscape photography. A constant battle against the elements. Dynamic, shifting, dramatic and constantly changing.
If you are lucky enough to live close to seascapes you will know just how much the landscape can change. Seemingly overnight the old is washed away and a new landscape is born. Combine that with some epic lightning and great conditions and well...the rest is history.
Being prepared is everything, especially if you are only visiting an area for a brief time. Knowing what you're doing, where you're going and how the ocean is moving can be the difference between complete disaster and portfolio level images.
All images by Paul Farace Photography
Paul Farace is an award winning Florida based landscape photographer and author with 20 years of experience, specializing in capturing the state's coastlines and waterways. Operating out of St. Augustine, he shares his expertise through fine art prints, adventure videos, educational workshops, and digital content. Explore his work and bio details at Paul Farace Photography.
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Here are 5 essential tips for when you are on your next coastal photography shoot!
#1 Control Your Shutter
When photographing moving water your shutter speed controls the mood of your image. Utilize different speeds to produce many different looks and moods on the same scene. Try these...
Freeze the action:
Use faster shutter speeds of at least 1/250th of a second or more. The faster the shutter, the more crisp your water details will be. Try shooting at or over 1/2000th for really crisp shots.
Silky water:
Use a shutter speed around 1/4 of a second to get a silky water effect. Anywhere from a half second to 1/15th shutter will produce different looks, depending on the speed of the water flow.
Ethereal Mood:
Try using a longer exposure, anywhere from 10-30 seconds, to create an ethereal misty vibe. This can transform a landscape and works great during blue hour when the light is already low.
Pro tips: Use a shutter release or your camera's built in timer to reduce camera shake for long exposures.
Use an ND Filter to control your shutter speed in various lightning conditions and a CPL filter to control glare and reflections.
My Neutral Density Filter: https://amzn.to/4c2cLWe
My Circular Polarizing Filter: https://amzn.to/41XllQ0
#2 Study the Local Tides
The tides can make or break a coastal photo shoot. Tidal knowledge can take years to learn and understand for even a single location. It is ever changing and what you knew yesterday could be gone tomorrow. This makes for an exciting element for landscape photography as we capture and document these fleeting moments. Even a little understanding will put you ahead of the game. So learn to read your tides and keep a tide app ready when photographing coastal scenes.
Check the local tides timing:
Understanding the tides is crucial for great coastal photography. Knowing exactly what the tides will be is essential. This will help to let you know what is going on when you will be there. Some locations work best at low tide, some at hie tide. Some drastically change between tides. Know what is going on will put you way ahead of the game.
Understand how the moon affects the tide:
Full moon = higher tide. Have you hear of a king tide? That is when the high tide is at it's highest point for the entire year. Each month there is an ebb and flow to the tide and some locations are affected more than others. Understanding the current conditions and how they will affect the seascape is essential.
Incoming and outgoing tides:
Is the tide incoming or outgoing during your shoot? Knowing this will help keep you safe and also allow you to capture the best images you are after. Do you want beautiful cascades up close? Make sure you time an incoming tide just right, when the water begins crashing over your scene , and you will have the best results.
Along with NOAA. I often use the Tides Near Me App.
#3 A Strong Foreground Anchor
Including a strong foreground can really elevate your seascape images. Use your foreground to hold and lead your viewer through the frame instead of out of it. Also use it to tell the story of the location you are shooting. It could be a unique piece of driftwood, a specific type of rock, shell or any type of identifying subject.
If there are no strong foreground elements consider using the wet sand and water for beautiful reflections.
Create a visual anchor:
Ground your image with a strong foreground anchor. Rocks, dunes or driftwood can offer a great foreground anchor.
Get close to your foreground:
Using a wide angle lens get as close to your foreground subject as possible. Fill your frame and give the viewer an interesting perspective. Focus stack when needed!
Use reflections:
Coastal photography, unless it's stormy out, can almost always offer reflection images. Whether it's mirror like tide pools or wet sand along the shore you will always be able to find some beautiful reflections happening on the beach.
#4 Use A Solid Tripod
I know this one is pretty obvious, but if you are not already using a solid tripod for your coastal seascape photography, it's almost a must.
It doesn't have to be expensive:
I will be honest I am a bit bitter when it comes to tripods! To this day I still use $100 tripods for all my images. I tried to get a nice one once, bought the wrong company and got burned. Never use Ulanzi....
But that just stands to prove you can still get amazing images with a budget tripod. the one I use is about $100 at most and often $90, you can check it out here.
Tripod companies get in touch....lol.
Make sure it's carbon fiber:
Just make sure it's carbon fiber. If you are shooting in the salt spray, sand and ocean water it has to be carbon fiber. Aluminum will lock up on you in no time. The ocean elements are no joke.
Use tripod spikes or feet:
Use your tripod spikes to make sure to lock your tripod down in the shifting sand. Water, sand and movement is non stop. So make sure to screw on your extra spikes if you have them. If not just use your weight to really dig your tripod in.
#5 Creative Coastal Details
Zoom in and get close to capture stunning coastal details. Play with shutter speed, light and composition to capture endless coastal art.
Zoom in:
Use your zoom lens or zoom with your feet. Whatever it takes to get close. Where I live sunrise is in the morning. Once the light comes up it will begin to backlight the water and you can create some amazing images. Fast shutter or slow, endless looks are on offer.
For example here is the same section of water with two different shutter speeds.
Explore the textures:
From rocks to sand you will find endless coastal textures that transform into amazing art with the right conditions.
I hope these essential coastal photography tips help you get the most epic seascape shots! If you do, send them my way I would love to check them out!
Coastal Photography FAQ
How do I protect my camera gear from salt water and sand?
Salt and sand can permanently damage camera electronics and scratch lenses. Use extreme caution when changing lenses on the beach where wind can blow salt spray into your sensor. Always keep a dust blower and clean microfiber cloths in your bag to wipe down gear immediately after your shoot. Use a lens Pen to keep your lens clean without scratching it: https://amzn.to/3RnU4od
Do I absolutely need filters for coastal photography?
While not mandatory, filters significantly improve your results. A Circular Polarizer (CPL) is essential to cut through the harsh glare on the water's surface and reveal details beneath the waves. Neutral Density (ND) filters are required if you want to achieve smooth, motion-blurred water during daylight hours by reducing the amount of light entering the lens. My CPL Filter: https://amzn.to/4viEeJA
What is the best time of day for coastal photography?
Golden hour, just after sunrise and just before sunset offer the softest light and warmest colors. Blue hour, which occurs right before sunrise or after sunset, is also excellent for long exposures because the low light naturally allows for longer shutter speeds. Avoid midday sun, which creates harsh, unflattering reflections and blown out highlights on the water.
How do I prevent my tripod from moving or sinking in the sand?
Wave action and shifting wet sand will cause your tripod to sink, resulting in blurry images. Push the tripod legs firmly down into the wet sand until they settle completely before framing your shot. If you are shooting in heavy surf or shifting sand use tripod spike feet to help secure your tripod further. Budget Carbon Fiber Tripod: https://amzn.to/4y6ZPae
How do I capture the water with that very smooth, milky effect?
This look is achieved by using a slow shutter speed, typically between 1 second and 10 seconds. Any less produces more silky water and any more creates a more ethereal image. Put your camera on a stable tripod, lower your ISO to its base level (usually ISO 100), and use an ND filter to block out extra light so you can get your shutter speed in range. Use a remote shutter release or a 2-second timer so your finger press doesn't shake the camera before exposing. Hi Quality ND Filter: https://amzn.to/4p2mSz0
What safety precautions should I take when shooting near the ocean?
Never turn your back on the ocean. "Sneaker waves" can suddenly surge much higher up the beach than normal, knocking you over or pulling gear out to sea. Always check local tide charts before heading out so you do not get trapped by a rising tide. Wear sturdy, high-traction footwear when walking on wet, slippery rocks. Budget Water shoes: https://amzn.to/4fjet6W
Thanks for reading!
Check out these next!
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Check out my THIS IS FLORIDA! series on YouTube where I am exploring the full length of Florida's A1A in search of the best landscape photography spots.
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North East Florida Guide: https://www.paulfaracephotography.com/florida-photo-guide
Marineland Seascape Workshop: https://www.paulfaracephotography.com/marineland
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