Shooting a coastal landscape is always exciting, but creating the right composition can be tricky. Having an idea for a composition going into the photo session can ensure you capture the best of the location. Running around frantically trying to find a composition as the light is changing during the sunrise or sunset can be fun and exhilarating, but planning will most likely result in a much more productive session and a more focused and higher quality photo. From rugged coastlines to white sand beaches, here are some of my favorite coastal compositions.
Caves
Coastal Overlooks
Sony α7 II. Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens at 28mm. 1/160-sec., f/4, ISO 200. Overlooks allow for beautiful expansive shots of coastlines. The best time to head up to an overlook is if the coast is lined with photogenic features such as interesting rocks or cliffs. Be sure to stay on marked trails and don’t set up on unstable areas.
Staircases
People
Get Down Low or in The Water
The ideal time to shoot any of these locations is around sunrise or sunset. Some scouting during the day along with promising conditions will result in some unique coastal photos. If you are unfamiliar with the location, Google maps satellite view can help you to start scouting locations before you arrive.
Scott Wesson is part of the Alpha Imaging Collective. Follow him on Instagram @thetravelvibe.
