Create artistic SEASCAPES

We explain how to plan, shoot and edit incredible coastal masterpieces, using natural light, textures and colour

Water adopts a magical quality within the landscape. Whether it takes the form of a glassy lake, a bubbling stream or a tumbling waterfall, its fluidity adds a sense of energy and contrast of tone. Of all the bodies of water a photographer may encounter, the ocean is an undisputed favourite. In addition to all the characteristics above, the sea introduces a sense of finality to the landscape – a compositional full stop. For the same reason that it’s often a therapeutic experience to stand on a seashore and gaze out to the horizon, capturing this boundary within a photograph provides a unique imbalance of detail, which can be used to focus the attention of the viewer.

There are of course challenges with this. It is all too easy to create images that are detail-heavy in one area and lack interest in others. Furthermore, exposure can be tricky when scenes feature a large expanse of reflective material, meaning we need to adjust our usual workflow to compensate for brightness hotspots. With all of this in mind, it is possible to use the natural rhythm of the coastal environment to shoot an unrivalled variety of patterns, textures and colourful abstracts.

Over the next few pages, we dive into the pro secrets for seaside masterpieces, exploring the best subjects and where to find them. We’ll practise exposing in challenging light, showing movement in a scene and mastering the distribution of texture and detail. Let’s head to the coast!

Work with texture

Natural patterns give your shots extra impact