The Photographer's Guide to Shooting in the Ocean
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, shooting under the sea is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a photographer.
The ocean is a tricky subject to capture well. Not only does it constantly change and shift, but it’s also an inexact subject. The light may be different, the waves may be in a different place, and the color of the water could be completely different. \
The ocean is an incredibly difficult subject to shoot. It’s constantly changing, the light can be inconsistent (especially on cloudy days), and there are water droplets that can easily appear in your images. If you want to capture the true beauty of the ocean, you need to be creative and make sure you have a plan for capturing it.
The color of the ocean is one of the most obvious things about it. Depending on where you’re located, you may see deep blue waters with hints of green or brown, or maybe even just dark blue with white caps from waves crashing against the shore. The color of the water changes depending on various factors like time of day, sunlight intensity, and how close it is to shore
Water droplets are another issue because they can easily ruin a photo if they’re not dealt with properly. When taking pictures next to water, be sure to take care - either use a lens cover or plan for any moisture that may appear in your images by wiping off your lens before shooting.
The Importance of Location scouting
As a photographer, you’ll want to start by scouting out the location before shooting. You can find many beautiful locations near the shoreline, but if you’re looking for more dramatic shots, head inland to search for old barns or mountains. Once you find a place that inspires you, set up your shot and get ready to go.
When photographing in the ocean, it’s important to have a plan of action. The ocean is constantly shifting and changing and is unpredictable in many ways. If you’re looking for images with waves crashing on the shoreline, make sure you scout out a location and time that has rough waves. This way when it comes time to photograph, all you have to do is wait for the right waves and shoot away!
It can be difficult to find good angles and vantage points when shooting underwater because everything looks so different from above water. Remember that many different angles can yield an engaging photo. Look up high or down low – or look straight ahead into the horizon with a great sunrise or sunset behind it! Not only will this help create beautiful images of the ocean, but it will also help showcase other amazing features of your location as well!
There are a few ways you can find the right light when shooting in the ocean. One way is to explore different times of day and see what time of day offers the best lighting for your scene. You may also want to invest in a solid ND filter if you’ll be shooting close to sunset or sunrise so that you can slow down the shutter speed and get more consistent exposure.
Another way to find good light is to take some test shots and evaluate them afterward on your computer. You can play around with different settings and positions, then see which combination gives you the best quality shots. Once you figure out which setting works, try exploring other angles or configurations to create a variety of images that all look great. And don’t forget about incorporating natural light! Natural sources like sunlight filtering through trees or open windows will give your image an extra boost.
Don’t be afraid to walk around
One of the best ways to shoot in the ocean is to get in and start walking. Walk up and down the beach. Walk into the water. Walk out of the water. Put your feet in the sand and walk through it. Get down low, or stand up high on a rock overlooking the ocean.
Experiment with your exposure
One of the most difficult things about shooting in the water is that it’s constantly changing. The depth of the water, the amount of light, and what time of day you shoot all affect how your camera sees it. Experiment with your exposure settings to see which ones work best for you.
You may have to use a slower shutter speed when you shoot in water because motion blur is a major concern. There are times when this will be a necessity, but if you can avoid using it, do so. If not, try using a remote shutter release to prevent any shaking from your hands resulting in blurry shots.
Shooting on an overcast day will give you more consistency than shooting on a sunny day since it diffuses the light and creates softer shadows which result in better quality images.
Keep an eye out for leading lines
One of the most effective ways to create a dynamic composition is by incorporating leading lines. As they say, “follow the lines.” When you’re in an environment with lots of natural elements, look for strong vertical or horizontal lines that lead your eye into the photograph. If you want to incorporate water as a leading line, look for crashing waves or even reflections and ripples on the surface of the water which create a fluid and beautiful line that leads your eye into the image.
To shoot in the ocean successfully, it's important to do your research, think outside the box, and keep your eyes open for leading lines. With these six simple steps, you can create stunning photographs of the ocean that your clients will love.
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