Photography hints: Capturing the beauty of seascapes
By Shelton Muller
Among the most rewarding challenges in photography is learning how to capture the beauty of the seas and coastline. Ian Rolfe gives us some helpful hints for making the most of the coastal landscapes which surround us.
Coastal scenery is varied and dramatic. From endless expanses of sand to towering limestone cliffs, it’s almost too much of a good thing. But capturing photographs of coastlines and the sea is a constant challenge for any photographer. Applying just a few simple rules will help you yield superior results no matter which seascape you choose to photograph. For example, the inclusion of a prominent coastal feature in most photos adds interest to what would otherwise be a picture of just the sea and sky, so look for foreground interest whenever you compose a photograph.
You should also bear in mind that the sea has many moods. The extreme variations in appearance associated with the sea are due to the fact that the water not only mirrors the changing moods of the weather, but that it magnifies them many times over. Coastal conditions can change very quickly and can also be very different from the weather just a few kilometres inland, so it’s advisable to check on local conditions before you venture out with your photographic gear. Local radio stations often provide up-to-the-minute information for those going boating or fishing and for surfers hoping to catch some waves. Tidal information can be crucial and the movement of the tides can affect the appearance and accessibility of the coast you want to photograph. Knowing where the sun rises and sets will also give you a distinct advantage. Armed with this information, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect when you arrive at your chosen location.
Protecting your gear from the effects of salt water, sea spray and sand is a constant challenge and one of the most invaluable pieces of equipment you can carry is a damp chamois which will allow you to wipe your gear after use. Don’t load film or memory cards near water or spray - it’s a far safer option to move back and reload where your equipment will not be at risk.
The use of polarising, graduated, neutral- density and light-balancing filters can cut down reflections and correct variations in lighting without changing the overall colour of your photograph. Light bounces around so much near the coast and all that blue often needs to be polarised to reduce glare. Even when the light is dull, it’s surprising the amount of glare that remains in the atmosphere so it pays to use these filters most of the time. If you see no effect after attaching them to your lens, just remove the filter and try something else. Graduated filters are essential in stormy weather conditions as the light variation from the foreground to the sky could be at least four stops in difference. A two-stop Cokin grey graduated filter or something similar can be an important item in your kit bag when it comes to coastal photography.
Selection of a fast or slow shutter speed will determine how the movement of the waves will appear. Using a very slow shutter speed will cause water to blur and, near dusk, this can produce a soft ethereal effect and dramatically enhance your picture. Wonderful images can also be easily made near rocky outcrops. As the waves advance and recede, a few seconds of exposure will transform the water into a creeping mist. Conversely, surf and exploding waves often look best if captured at 1/60th of a second or faster. The faster shutter speed looks more natural to the eye and freezes droplets of water within the frame.
Whereas many would consider summer to be the best time for taking photos of coastal landscapes, winter is here and coastal scenery never looks better than in the cold grey months of winter. So make it your goal to capture some wonderful coastal images while you can!
Ian Rolfe can be contacted via his website at ian-rolfe-photography.com.au
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