5 Tips for Capturing Better Seascape Photographs

This week I'm thrilled to feature the talent of landscape, nature and travel photographer Jennifer Carr. Jennifer's images are filled with pretty, airy light and beautiful colour. Her images are inspiring, and I love how she finds beauty everywhere. Today, Jennifer is sharing her expertise with us on how to capture better seascape images.

"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring us Jennifer!"

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There is no doubt that spending time near the ocean is a relaxing and rewarding experience. Whether you are holding a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise, or sipping your favorite cocktail while the sun sets, the scene is typically a visual feast for the eyes. It’s a moment that you’ll want to sear in your memory bank forever, and there is no better way to do that than through photography. Here are five tips for capturing better seascape images.

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1. Capture Movement

By using shutter speed creatively, you can choose to freeze motion or create incredible blur in constantly moving water. A fast shutter speed will allow you to capture the size and power of a crashing wave while a slow shutter speed can completely flatten the seas. A neutral density filter and a tripod are a must for those slow shutter speed photographs.

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2. Be Patient

When photographing seascapes, you’ll be very lucky if you find yourself completely alone. The beach is often full of shorebirds or other ocean lovers, also enjoying the show. By being patient and waiting for the right moment, you can usually photograph your companions as compelling elements in your images.

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3. Look for reflections

While the sea and the sun itself are beautiful subjects, including reflections in your photographs can create more visual interest. Reflections are most often found in still waters, so you’ll need to wait for a day with little wind or find areas of still water away from the movement of ocean waves.

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4. Monitor the Weather

Coastal storms make for incredibly dynamic seascape photographs. By monitoring the weather forecast, you can best prepare yourself for how you will approach the scene you will find when you arrive at the beach. Don’t be afraid to sit in the car and wait for something magical to happen!

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5. Experiment with your viewpoint

Most seascape images are shot from the shoreline. However, if you can find a way to get yourself to a higher angle, you can create captivating photographs that your viewers aren’t used to seeing. 

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About Jennifer: Jennifer Carr is a landscape, nature, and travel photographer known for her vibrant, uplifting images. She spends much of her time outdoors and is an avid traveller, always with her Sony camera in hand. She is drawn to photograph the beauty of the natural world around her, capturing colors and light. Jennifer offers photography prints, online and in-person photography mentoring and hosts The Saltwater Retreat for women.

How you can connect with Jennifer:

Website, Instagram, Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Check out Jennifer's Saltwater Retreat. "A women’s photography retreat designed to educate, inspire and awaken your creativity on the Outer Banks of North Carolina."