Seascape Photography Tips

Seascape photography is considered one of the hardest types of photography. The main reason behind it is that, unlike other landscapes, water has its own will, and you cannot control how it behaves. It requires tremendous amounts of practice and patience to get great seascape shots. But you do not have to do it alone, we are here with some seascape photography tips that are sure to help you master this art. 

What is Seascape Photography?

Before diving into the tips, you must understand what Seascape Photography is. To put it in simple words, it is a type of landscape photography focused entirely on seas and oceans. Of course, the composition of the image can include other elements such as people, birds, and even some structures near the sea, however the main element of the image should be the sea. Now, let’s move on to the main highlight.

Tips for Seascape Photography

Perfect Lens

There is no lens that can be the only perfect lens for ocean photography. The reason is basically that to be able to shoot different perspectives, you need a variety of lenses. Of course, the first choice is a wide-angle lens but it can limit your composition. A zoom lens can also suit your needs if you want versatility.

Get a reliable Tripod

This may sound like one of the most basic seascape photography tips. But its usefulness is tremendous. You will surely be grateful when you are shooting in low light or have to capture long exposures of the waves. A tripod will take the weight of your arms and also help you stabilize the lens for those long exposures.

Lens Filter and Cleaning Kit - Seascape Photography Tips

The next thing that you need to worry about is the safety of your lens. When you are shooting right next to the sea, water and even sand are going to get on it. Try to have a Filter on your lens when it is not in use to protect it from scratches. And after you are done with your shoot, then clean it nicely with a microfiber cloth and some distilled water. 

Sun flare seascape - Tips for Seascape Photography

Best Time to Shoot

Of course, the golden hours that are at sunrise and sunset remain the ideal time for seascape photography. As the name suggests, shooting during these times will get great golden hues and shadows in your image. On the other hand, daytime can also provide you with some great shots. During this time sun is high, so the shadows are removed getting you evenly lit ocean surfaces and beaches. An important thing to realize is that you cannot just walk to the sea and instantly get a masterful shot. The best advice that we can give you is to have patience when it comes to the ocean. It will provide you with some magical shots but it requires patience on your behalf. Try to figure out how light affects the seascape during a different time of the day. This will give you some insights so that you can better time your shoots.

Be Mindful of the Tide

Another thing that you need to worry about while planning your shoots is the tide. Some seascapes might not be accessible during high tide while others might not look as amazing during low tide. So always check the weather forecast and tide chart of the location.

Get Creative with the Composition

The best seascape photography tip that we can give you is to run wild with your creativity. You can start with using common methods such as golden ratio, leading lines, and rule of thirds. However, another advantage that you get while shooting seascapes is the water. It has its own will and is always in motion. You can try to incorporate that motion in your composition as well.
Seascape of a professional surfer - Seascape Photography tips

Photo edited in Lightroom.

Try Different Perspectives - Seascape Photography Tips

Just like composition, do not limit yourself to shooting wide-angled shots. Also try to look for angles and elevations that can get you a better shot. For instance, a cliff-top can be a great location to set up your gear. Moreover, focusing on only one element such as foreground or background can also result in some great shots.

Perfect Shutter Speed

You have to realize at this point that the water is always in motion, therefore, there is no right or wrong shutter speed in seascape photography. Long exposures will make the water smooth, whereas, short exposures can be used to capture a crashing wave. The only thumb rule is to try different shutter speeds and identify what works best for the given location as well.

Perfect Post-processing is important

For absolutely amazing final results you basically need to know how to professionally edit your seascape photos. So we bring to you professional Photoshop and Lightroom masterclasses crafted by true experts.

Conclusion - Seascape Photography Tips

The only thing constant about seascape photography is that it is always changing. Although we have mentioned the best tips to help you get better at it, you will only master it if you keep going with extreme passion. Be as the ocean, always in motion and evolving! Never stop learning.

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Have a nice photoshoot! 

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