Shoot Super Seascapes

Take better coastal and water photos today, with landscape and travel photographer Verity Milligan

Although the word ‘landscape’ might imply otherwise, photographing around bodies of water can be very creatively satisfying for a landscape photographer. Some of my most fruitful photographic expeditions have involved photographing dramatic seascapes, or the lakes you find dotted around the UK.

Water provides a natural foreground, especially if you’re photographing during the golden hour at either end of the day, with the promise of dramatic, colourful skies or the potential for atmospheric, misty conditions. In addition, depending on the conditions and the tide, you can capture some impactful reflections of the surrounding scenery. Here we’ll explore some of the techniques I use to capture water, whether I’m shooting inland or at the coast.

6 WAYS TO BE ORGANISED

BEFORE YOU HIT THE COAST, MAKE SURE YOU’RE PREPARED

ESSENTIAL TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

1 Check the weather

Use a reliable app to check up on the weather. One of the most interesting parts of this kind of photography is its unpredictability, but arm yourself with as much knowledge of the conditions as possible.

2 Check the tide times

Different tide times can bring drastically different conditions. Knowing if the tide is coming in or going out means you’re better able to navigate the coast safely.

3 Take the right equipment

Changeable weather, especially during the winter months, can catch you by surprise. Make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear and carrying some waterproofs.

4 Take camera protection

Depending on the conditions, some people might wish to shield their camera in a protective skin, but I get by with an umbrella or plastic rain cover.

5 The right lenses