The sea is a place of great drama and moods. A photographer can’t control what will happen when shooting a seascape but can be observant and wait for the right moments. Unfortunately not always you have a time…two times over a two weekends I spend in Cornwall, but wasn’t lucky with weather…first time was two bright and sunny... clouds weren’t creating much drama. The second time was too cloudy and mostly grey sky. Even if I manage came back with same collection of images, they don’t not have that impact what you can get if your home town is by the sea and you are able every day watching sky and predict the mood of the rising morning or upcoming evening. 
But even so everything else can be taken in consideration, even if time is not the best… you can try add the people in the shots, rocks, the boats or some buildings by the sea. Seascape is one of the most popular themes for a lot of professional landscape photographers. There is something magical about the combination of endless water and wide horizons. Plus if you manage to add a stunning sunrise, sunset, or cloud formation you’re in business, but it’s not as easy as it seems…I learned it hard way…
L I G H T
A good seascape photographer arrives at a scene early, and waits for the scene to unfold. Waiting patiently for changing colours and changing mood….
Vital to all of this is light - natural light and all the elements it brings to a scene…the best of it is golden hours.
There are three basic qualities of light: intensity, direction and colour.
- Intensity: refers to the strength of light.
- Direction: this refers to light placement.
- Colour: colour of sunlight – it varies depending upon conditions and time of day.
This is one of my best so far sea scene photograph…taken in evening around the sunset. I use option in my camera to change the colour at the scene… First is original, no much colour or contrast there, but adding some hint of blue in second image you can see how it can change complete mood of the scenery, same for the third, where I added a red tone.
Colours in seascape photography depend on light available and also what time you shoot a scene, and where you place your camera.
Time and light come hand in hand. Using both together will most certainly bring out the best in your photographs, if not you have to be creative and use some digital manipulation options.
V I E W P O I N T
The glare of the sun on the water surface often makes seascape photography difficult so finding the right viewpoint is very important.
During early morning or later evening the amount of glare and reflections on the water surface will be reduced, so it`s comes handy. Paying special attention to lighting on rocks, mountains, or cliffs surrounding the seascape can lead to very good images.
When choosing a viewpoint for seascape photography need looking for a focal point of interest…its can be a lighthouse, rock formation, or any interesting landmark or formations of nature are great to use as focal points. The object of focus should be cantered to either the left or right side of the image.
The best probably will be wide angled shots as will produce a better image. Myself, I tried all what I have, simple kit lens – for ordinary images, telephoto – for taking a closer look of interesting object and wide angle lens – trying to make image stand out and make a better impact from skyline.
Simple adjustments to your position can also change the viewpoint and increase the beauty of the photograph. Experimenting with moving the camera up or down, placing it to standing rock or kneeling down for another viewpoint can make dramatically changes and gives you more guaranty that you will come home at least with one good image.
T I P S F O R A S E A S C A P E S
- When photographing a seascape, there are a few tips you need to remember. If the body of water you are photographing is moving rapidly – have to use a slow shutter speed to emphasize the waters movement.
- When taking photos of seascapes, it is best to use a lens hood, especially in areas with a large amount of reflection.
- When photographing a seascape, it is a good idea to use a polarizing filter what very well enhances the colours of the sky and water. This filter will also reduce the amount of reflection on the water.
In internet you can find lots of useful guidelines, bet best of all, what I can honestly advise you is get out and practise.
Capturing a wave as it curls creates great drama in a shot. Remember you need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water (around 1/1000s) and to avoid overexposure due to reflections from the sun. Try to underexpose the image slightly by 1 to 2 stops. You may be able to shoot a wave from a distance using a telephoto lens. With a waterproof housing, you can even be in the water for dramatic or creative photographs.
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