Grandhouse Wedding Photography & Videography<br> Sydney, Australia
The sun, the endless blue ocean mirroring the sky, or the waves that wash you off your feet every time you get close to it, something about the beach makes people feel things. We're never quite sure why we fall in love with the beach, so it's no surprise that couples want to include it in their most treasured wedding memories.
However, there are a few things to consider before shooting on the beach. The windy environment is the first and most important factor to consider; be prepared for things to get a little messy as sand and water may get into your clothes and shoes. If you've already considered all of this, head to the beach.
If you don't want your wedding gown to get wet but still want some beach shots in your album, this is the option for you. Pre-wedding photoshoots, Save the Date photoshoots, and post-wedding photoshoots can all be done on the beaches. Always remember to keep the following points in mind when shooting at the beach for any part of the wedding:
Beaches have a different look depending on the time of day. It's impossible to foresee the same backdrop every time you go in. So, talk to your customer about the kind of atmosphere they'd like in their wedding photos. You can also spend some time discussing why certain times of the day, such as golden hour, are ideal for beach photography. This will assist the couple in being informed and planning ahead of time to ensure that you have adequate time to take their photos.
The best time to go to the beach is during the golden hour. It is precisely one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset when the sky is reddish and smoother than when the sun is up. The sun makes the couple glow during the golden hour, as it's not too bright, but just right, and it allows you to capture great photographs with the proper exposure. This is also the period when you should be pushing the boundaries of your imagination. As the ocean reflects the majestic heavens, try to include them in your photo.
The best part about the golden hour is that you'll have the entire beach to yourself, allowing you to photograph in peace while also experimenting with new techniques.
For the shoot, bring two or three other lenses—a wide lens to capture the grandeur of the beach environment with the couple in the foreground. If you're photographing a beach wedding, you'll almost certainly need a wide-angle lens to catch the entire event. In addition to this lens, a telephoto lens can help you capture the full depth of the picture without the pair being directly in front of the camera, exposing a more extensive section of the blue sea in the background. Before heading to the shoot, familiarise yourself with your camera. Do some test pictures without the couple, if possible, to have a good understanding.
When changing lenses at the beach, be extra careful since even the tiniest grain of sand might cause the camera to malfunction. Also, after the shot, make sure to clean the camera.
Having an extra camera person and an extra set of eyes on hand is usually a good idea, as a wedding is a big event with a lot going on at the same time. This will also prevent you from missing anything, allowing you to get all the images, including those of the bride and groom getting dressed and the entire ceremony. Since the lighting and weather at beaches are unpredictable, a helping hand is always helpful. You might want someone to assist you with the technical aspects of the event, such as lighting or postures, or even to shoot extra photos or candids.
There are numerous creative new techniques and postures that you can explore when photographing at the beach. Always remember to use the sky, the water, and the sun to their full potential in the background. You can also invite your couples to sit and pose in areas with rocks and plants at the beach. If your pair is willing to get their feet wet, consider a few images with the waves splashing or softly sweeping the sand away from their feet.
This sunny f/16 rule can assist you in determining the appropriate exposure. On a beach, you won't have to worry about low-light photographs because you'll be surrounded by natural light, but finding the perfect exposure will be difficult. Using the f/16 rule, setting the aperture to f/16, ISO to 100, and shutter speed to 1/100 is all you need to do. Unless the light is sharply reflected, this does an excellent job most of the time.
Silhouettes are a terrific way to create gorgeous photos that will leave people mesmerized. The most fantastic time to do so is when the sun is setting. By exposing the sun, you'll be able to bring out all of the colours in the sky and ocean, creating a vibrant backdrop for your pair to pose in.
Ensure the flash, HDR, and automatic lighting optimization options are switched off while capturing these snaps. When taking these images, keep in mind that the background is just as necessary as the couple, and the snapshot will only be ideal if both of these elements are flawlessly blended. To get the correct exposure, turn the camera towards the sky rather than at the sun, then play with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO until it's just right.
Remember that the silhouette photographs tell a tale through shadows as only their shadows will be visible. So it's always a good idea to study a few wedding poses and silhouette poses ahead of time so you can be quick and professional.
You're taking your equipment to the most susceptible location; everything that can harm it is abundant on the beach, such as sand and water and the wind that can aid them. It will be a dreadful task to remove the sand if it goes in. In the process of cleaning your camera or lens, you may even end up damaging it. As a result, it's always a good idea to bring a tripod with you.
Ziplock bags are also an excellent way to keep your equipment safe. Carry enough of these to hold all of your batteries, lenses, and other accessories, and store them in them while not in use, then in your camera bag.
It's also a good idea to have an air blower with you, especially if you're working with super expensive lenses and sensors. There's also the option of purchasing a lens cloth. Cleaning your lens on a regular basis is also a smart option, as is cleaning all equipment after each photo, regardless of where you are shooting. As a result, you'll be able to prepare them for the next shot.
