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
This story is from the Issue 251 edition of Digital Photographer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 251 edition of Digital Photographer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 Art
This is anot-so-standard zoom lens, as Matthew Richards discovers on a test drive
AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 Macro 2x
Matthew Richards finds out if double the magnification means couble the value
DxO PhotoLab 8 Elite
DXO's flagship editor gets an upgrade but, asks Rod Lawton, are the results worth it?
Panasonic Lumix GH7
Gareth Bevan thinks a new sensor and AF make this the hybrid camera to beat
STORM CHASE
Paige Vincent on the adrenaline rush, the risks and her passion for shooting in the face of storms
PROTECT YOUR IMAGES FROM AI
Pandora's box is open and, for better or worse, Alis here to stay. Here’s how you can protect your images from being used to train Al models without your permission
CREATE AI COMPOSITES
Serge Ramelli explains how to make AI work for you, by creating otherwise impossible portrait backgrounds
Paul Wilkinson's top 25... PORTRAIT TIPS & TRICKS
Even with so much information out there, taking perfect portraits can be hard work. Pro photographer Paul Wilkinson guides us through this huge genre with his pearls of wisdom
MASTER MINIMALISM
Less is more in the world of minimalism. Rebecca Greig explores what makes minimalist captures work
LITTLE WONDERS
Kim Bunermann meets Louise B to discuss the joys and challenges of working with newborns and freshly baked parents