I don't live on the beach...
I didn't grow up GOING to the beach...
My experience ON a beach is somewhat limited...

HOWEVER...

I know my camera, I'm always learning and watching the light, and doggone, I WANTED good beach vacation pictures...not just the normal blown out versions of my vaca or the super dark craziness that used to be the norm!!!

Many of you will be heading to the beach this summer...and I know even the thought of taking your beloved camera into the treacherous SANDY SHORE is enough to start you hyperventilating and thinking of creating a lock box for your precious babe...

I've been there...and even though I DID wrap my sweet Missy (that's my camera BTW) with 2 protective layers of towels, AFTER she was already nestled inside the camera back, which was inside the travel backpack in order to make our trek...I DID venture into the realm of some beach photography...

In years past, our family has gone to Florida and St. Joseph, up in Michigan as part of our summer getaways...

First and foremost, it's a good thing to understand the basic settings of your camera...how aperture, shutterspeed and ISO work together...especially on bright, sunshiny days...hopefully you are beginning to get a good handle on those concepts if you've attended a Snapshop...

I wanted to give you a few more helpful hints or suggestions that might take your beach photos just a tad farther this year...and that's what it's all about right?  just taking those baby steps to continue to grow and learn and document the life of your family...in your own unique way...

here we go:

1. Find a Nook:
You can look beyond the beach...it doesn't always have to be everything with pail and shovel...Find a little cove, a lighthouse, a grassy knoll...preferably a place that offers a bit of shade for those squinting eyes...but, still lets you document your time spent on the sandy shore.


remember to watch your light...reposition your little ones if you need to, to get the sun spots off their faces and let their sweet cheeks shine through...I think my niece is adorable, don't you???

2. Use a Wide Angle:
I'm notorious for getting in close...I love close ups...I just do...but so often, I will miss part of the "story" if I don't allow myself to back up and see the WHOLE picture...Don't forget to use a wide angle every once in awhile...Now, don't let it be cluttered with unimportant details, but try to think of a movie setting, as it pans while the opening credits are rolling...



3. Go in Close:
This is my thing!!!  I love to go in close, look for the special details...If you've been to a Snapshop you've seen the up close shells on the beach or the potato from the garden...These are the fun shots because you can have more control over the light because your body produces the shadow for you, if you put your body between your subject and the sun...


4. Use Reflections and Shadows:
The water and the sand can be helpful to you...use it to be creative...to see footprints or reflections...use the sun to make your fun shadows...

I know this is a crazy example...and not something that is necessarily "frame worthy"...but it's the idea that you can use the light in creative and fun ways...find the reflection in the water in the early morning, let the kids make shadows as the sun starts coming down...

7. Be Creative:
You know that I'm all about not stopping the action...to catch the moments and relationships...BUT...sometimes part of the action, is getting your family in on a fun, creative way to document your trip...something out of the ordinary...

remember to just make it fun!!!