Beaches are one of the most favourite locations preferred by wedding photographers from around the globe. Why do you think most of the foreign destination weddings happen at the beachside? The sound of waves, warm sunlight, and gentle breeze can genuinely brighten up your wedding day. The photographs and videos will not be an exception. As a Trivandrum-based photographer with more than 15 years of experience in this field, I would like to share my thoughts here. This article will give you the tips to get in the best beach wedding photography.
6 tips to get the best beach wedding shots
Given below are some tips to get the best beach wedding photography snaps:
1. Off-Camera Lighting
Since the beach has an abundance of natural light, you will typically be taking pictures of your couples in the sun without any shade to protect them from the intense light. This is when off-camera lighting would be used to balance the exposure of your background and your couple.
When the sunlight is really strong, you can employ off-camera lighting to fill in and balance your couple’s exposure and background. Increase the flash power to make your couple stand out in the background of your beach wedding pictures if you want to add some drama.
2. Find the right spot
It is essential to spend time at the beach prior to the wedding day in order to take stunning pictures. By scouting the area, you can find the finest locations for different kinds of photographs, particularly those with unusual backgrounds like cliffs or eye-catching rock formations.
Something on a pier or where there is a short walk from the parking lot to the seating is a preferred option.
This isn’t just important for your guests either. You will be providing in food, decorations, tables, and chairs. If you have to walk a long way, this can be quite a pain, so picking somewhere close to the main road can be perfect.
3. Prepare in advance for key shots
A checklist of must-haves can ensure that nothing important goes unseen on such an auspicious day. All couples have a unique story, but then there are some universal favourites that make an appearance: Imagine the first look—the moment when the couple sees each other before they say, “I do.” This raw emotion often leads to a few of the most treasured photographs.
Never forget those great ceremony moments: exchanging rings, sealing vows with a kiss—always good to have those memories in the photographs.
Group shots with family and friends also make for great memories that everyone will want to keep. It is a smart idea to schedule some candid shots during the reception—there is sure to be much laughter and jubilation when family and friends are all brought together to celebrate, truly creating wonderful photos.
As they stroll hand in hand along the shore, romantic couple photographs taken at twilight make a beautiful conclusion to the wedding day photographic narrative.
4. Using multiple lenses
Not only should you bring off-camera lighting, but you should also bring two or three additional lenses. Beautiful sunset beach wedding images are best taken with a wide-angle lens. Along with showcasing the complete ceremony location, it will allow you to get captivating family beach wedding images!
In addition to this lens, a telephoto lens enables you to record your couple’s private moments without having to approach them closely. Using this lens also lets you achieve a stunning depth of field in your photographs, thus leaving the background as a soft blue from the ocean. For any lens that you use, learn which beach wedding photography settings are best utilised to snap those amazing photos.
5. Find Complementary Backdrops
Posing in front of the water is not required for every wedding beach photo. Numerous intriguing elements may be found around beaches, which makes them great locations for beach wedding photography. For instance, some beaches are next to large, towering cliffs or lush green fields.
To make your couple photos stand out, place your couple with the lighthouse in the background if there are any surrounding the shore. We strongly advise you to take shots of the surrounding landscape once you’ve completed all of the beach wedding images.
6. Bring out the drone
Other beach wedding ideas include making the most of your surroundings and the various angles available to you! To get phenomenal beach wedding photos, you could also utilise your drone when the location allows it. You might be able to get some amazing, one-of-a-kind pictures for your wedding day images by using a drone to take pictures of your couple resting on the beach or even just enjoying a stroll at sunset.
To acquire those jaw-dropping pictures, think about taking wide-angle views of the shore and the lake. You may also use a drone to take pictures of the wedding location to get the ideal aerial perspective. What we are trying to say is: Explore! However, just be careful while using the drone and have a discussion with your couples before coming to the place as far as drone wedding photography is concerned.
Some useful equipment for wedding photography
Following are some important tips will help you make your wedding photography exciting: Take a look at the below points:
1. Filters and lens hoods
Filters and lens hoods are critical components. For sunny beach photos, a polarising filter is your best friend; it kills glare from the water and sand while adding saturation to colours in your photos. With clearer skies and brighter colours of the water, photos become all the more vibrant.
2. Waterproof gear and protection
In terms of the environment alone, challenges like splashes of seawater or sandy breezes call for waterproof gear investment. A waterproof camera bag and lens cover are what you will need in times of unexpected moments or adverse weather. A little caution is all that might keep your investment safe; protect your investment, and you’ll always be ready for the perfect shot without fear of damaging it.
Wrapping Up
While the direct sun, sand, and possibly heat and humidity make it not very easy to shoot beach wedding photography, once you understand the way to master such elements you are up against, you can produce amazing portraits your couple will surely love. The key to taking these amazing portraits is using beach wedding photography tips like we listed above.
We at Greenhat Photography want you to look the way you choose. With our professional photography, we will give a fresh look to every event and yield long-lasting, unforgettable shots.
Based in Trivandrum, Greenhat Photography is a top wedding photography in Trivandrum, is dedicated to capturing your special day in stunning, creative, and sincere pictures. Our gifted photographers’ distinct perspective enhances every event and creates enduring memories. To schedule our services, visit us or contact us at 9447991164