Explore the
Universe

Step 1 of 2

Create your profile to get all your Alpha Program notifications in one convenient location.

The Basics

Must contain at least 8 characters, an uppercase character, a lowercase character, a number and a symbol.
By joining the Alpha Universe community, you agree to the Terms and the Sony Electronics Inc. Privacy Policy and certify that you are a U.S. resident. (CA Privacy Notice).
Next

Personalize Your Profile

Step 2 of 2

Create your profile to get all your Alpha Program notifications in one convenient location.

Your Specialty *

(Select All That Apply)


I am a... *

(Select All That Apply)


(Optional)


What kind of camera(s) do you shoot with? *

(Select All That Apply)

https://alphauniverseglobal.media.zestyio.com/Person.jpg?width=500&height=500&fit=bounds

Five Ideas for Coastal Compositions

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

Sony α6000. Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens at 16mm. 1/60-sec., f/4, ISO 320. Finding a cave is always rewarding because the walls of the caves act as a perfect frame for your photo. Caves are great to shoot when the tide is low as they will be more accessible. 

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

Sony α6000. Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens at 16mm. 1/80-sec., f/8, ISO 100. If a beach is located below a rugged coastline or cliff, it will most likely have a public staircase leading down to the beach. This staircase can act as a beautiful foreground in your composition and a leading line to the ocean. 

People

Sony α9. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master lens at 24mm. 1/160-sec., f/4, ISO 500. If the beach lacks features such as rocks, including a person or an object such as a lifeguard tower is my go to. A surfer or lifeguard tower in the distance with a good sunset really captures the beach vibe many people love to see.   

Get Down Low or in The Water

Sony α9. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master lens at 24mm. 1/160-sec., f/4, ISO 100. If you have underwater housing for your camera, get in the water and capture the crashing waves and surfers. If you don’t have housing, getting down low by the water line also offers a great opportunity for a unique angle. 

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.

 

JOIN

Shop Now

Banner image

Alpha Imaging Collective Ventures Into The Alaska Wilderness

Tips for Superior Sunsets

Did you like what you just read?

Take a minute and share this story with your friends.


Banner image