Beach weddings bring immense joy and create many special moments. To capture these memories perfectly, you should familiarise yourself with your camera settings. Wedding photography is a crucial step in building a successful career in photography. While the bride and groom may feel some stress on the wedding day, your excellent photos can help ease their worries and allow them to enjoy the experience.
Understanding certain rules and guidelines helps you take more attractive and stunning shots on the big day. At a beach wedding, you do not need to worry about low lighting as natural light surrounds you from every angle, providing excellent exposure.
Basic Rules: Aperture Speed / Shutter Speed
- Set the aperture to f/16.
- Set the ISO to 100.
- Set the shutter speed to 1/100.
Begin by taking a few trial shots with these settings and review them. If you are pleased with the results, keep these settings; otherwise, make slight adjustments to achieve the perfect images.
Key Points To Follow
- Turn off the flashes to make the most of natural light.
- Disable HDR and automatic lighting optimisation features on your camera.
- In manual mode, aim for the right exposure by adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO while focusing on the sky initially, then move the focus to the couple.
- In priority modes, use the auto-lock function to lock the exposure by focusing on the sky first, then concentrate on the couple.
Don’t be nervous when taking pictures, as fear and tension can cause shaky shots and poor results. Take charge confidently and guide the couple into flattering poses. Some couples may feel shy, so it’s your role to suggest poses that result in stunning photos.
Creative ideas for beach wedding photography include:
- Capturing the bride’s gown flowing with the wind.
- Photographing the couple’s footprints in the sand.
- Taking as many candid shots as possible.
- Shooting from behind the couple for natural poses.
- Using wide shots to capture perfect portraits.
- Focusing on the wedding rings with blurred backgrounds.
- Capturing motion shots for dynamic images.
Important Equipment Tips:
- Protect your camera equipment carefully on the beach.
- Always carry a tripod and avoid placing your camera directly on the sand.
- Use a secure side bag to keep your gear safe.
- Clean any sand or water off the lens immediately to prevent scratches.
- Watch out for the couple’s comfort and safety, as they may be uneasy about waves or small creatures like crabs and snails near the shore.
By following these tips, you can ensure your beach wedding photography is beautiful, professional, and full of memorable moments.