From breathtaking horizons and ever-changing lighting to sandy beach bums and interesting sea creatures, the beach presents us with an unlimited amount of photo opportunities. There are some basic beach photography tips everyone should consider, such as following the rule of thirds and capturing photos during the magic hours (just after sunrise and just before sunset), but in order to get some really spectacular beach photos – which, by the way, look brilliant printed on canvas – you should also be creative. Creative in your choice of subjects, creative in your lighting, and creative in your composition. Check out these beach photos for some inspiration.
Write a Message in the Sand
Damp sand is the perfect medium to write on and makes for an interesting beach photo. In addition to single-word photos like those shown below, another great idea is to write a short message intended for the viewer, such as Miss you, I love you, or even the location and date of when the photo was captured. You can also get creative by writing a hashtag in the sand, like #BeachDay or #SummerVibes, to give your social media photos an extra touch of personality.
Product recommendation: The natural, raw beauty and woodgrain texture in Posterjack Barnwood Frames looks incredible when paired with beach photos.
Play With Shadows
Don’t just focus your attention on the solid, tangible subjects; photographing shadows can add an extra layer of interest to beach photos with their cool and quirky lines and curves. Shadows create a dynamic contrast that highlights the texture of the sand and the play of light, adding depth and a sense of mystery to your images. Whether it's the long silhouette of a palm tree or the delicate outline of seashells, capturing these fleeting shapes can turn an ordinary beach scene into a striking composition.
Include Interesting Subjects
Rather than simply photographing the landscape, try to include appealing subjects in both your foreground and background. This technique adds depth and perspective to your photos, drawing the viewer's eye through the entire scene. For instance, a seashell or driftwood in the foreground paired with a distant lighthouse or sailboat in the background can create a more engaging and balanced composition. By thoughtfully positioning elements at different distances, you can guide the viewer's gaze and tell a more compelling visual story, making your beach photos stand out with added layers of interest.
Get Your Subjects to Pose in Interesting Ways
Have fun with your subjects when getting them to pose for the camera. Encourage them to experiment with playful and spontaneous poses that capture the joy and freedom of a day at the beach. Whether it's jumping in the air, striking a silly pose, or simply enjoying a candid moment, these genuine expressions of happiness will bring your photos to life. Don’t be afraid to get creative with props like beach balls, surfboards, or even a fun towel toss. The more relaxed and natural your subjects feel, the more their personalities will shine through, resulting in vibrant, memorable photos that truly capture the spirit of the moment.
Fill Your Frame
When capturing beach photos, we often try to squeeze as much as possible into the frame. This approach makes sense and is only natural – after all, we want to share the scenery with our viewers. With that said, some of the best beach photos don’t actually include much of the beach at all. Filling your frame with your subject(s) can make a great photo and there will still be telltale signs illustrating where the photo was taken, such as extremely sandy fur.
Be Candid
The photo above is a perfect example of how candid photography can result in spectacular photos. You couldn’t plan that shot if you tried. Although having your subjects pose for images can have good results, capturing your subjects when they least expect it can result in some of the best shots.
Play With the Lighting
Photographers love to capture outdoor photos in the moments after the sun rises and just before it sets because the lighting is soft and won’t cast harsh shadows onto their subjects and, of course, everyone loves to see photos of sunrises and sunsets. With beach photography, another great lighting technique is to position the subject directly between the camera and the sun. Doing this will create some wonderful silhouette photos, but make sure to turn off your camera’s flash!
Include Tracks and Textures
Keep your eyes open for interesting textures and tracks in the sand for some great photo opportunities. The beach is full of intricate patterns and details that can add a unique touch to your photos, from the delicate ridges created by the wind to the swirling marks left by waves as they retreat. Look for footprints, tire tracks, or the intricate trails made by small creatures like crabs and birds. These elements can serve as compelling focal points or add depth and interest to your wider landscape shots. Close-up shots of these textures can also highlight the natural beauty of the beach, turning simple scenes into captivating works of art.
Get Wet
Waterproof cameras have become more advanced and affordable than ever, making them a great investment for beach photography. Even if you don’t plan on shooting underwater images, having a waterproof camera offers peace of mind when you're near water, sand, or salt spray. However, if you're not ready to invest in a dedicated waterproof camera, consider using a waterproof case for your smartphone instead. These cases offer excellent protection and allow you to take high-quality photos without worrying about damage from water, sand, or unexpected splashes. With most smartphones now equipped with powerful cameras, a waterproof case can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative for capturing all your beach adventures safely.
Product recommendation: If you want to print your beach photos on a product that really highlights the depth, detail, and vibrancy of your image, you should definitely check out Posterjack Acrylic Prints.
More Interesting Beach Photos to Look At
Here are a few more images to help inspire you. Whether you're aiming for a serene landscape or a lively action shot, these examples offer endless possibilities for your next beach adventure.
There are so many ways you can print your beach photos, and you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. This photo art product overview will provide you with several options to consider, helping you turn your favourite beach moments into beautiful prints. Whether it's a stunning canvas, a sleek metal print, or a custom photo book, these options will help you showcase your summer memories in a way that fits your style. Take the inspiration from your beach photos and transform them into lasting pieces of art to enjoy all year round.
