The ever changing ocean , a melody of sound and motion.
A subject that always mesmerises me .
I really will never get sick of watching the waves and admiring the ocean.
So when I hear about the hazardous surf , I grab my camera , and wet weather gear and head to the beach.
1/ Capturing the tumultuous waves.
Freezing motion with fast shutter speeds
*Here is where you will need a small aperture 8fg – 16 fg , and a fast shutter speed , I like 1/800 , or higher .
To achieve this you will almost certainly have to increase your ISO , and shoot on manual settings.
*Watch the weather , stormy dramatic skies are wonderful , as is late in the evening or early in the morning .
The Golden hour , when the light is golden works beautifully.
Watch where the waves are breaking , try to shoot to the side of the waves and not parallel to the beach.
*Be patient , each wave is different , be a persistent observer.
*A polarising filter will darken skies ,manage reflections and suppress glare.
*Use a telephoto lens to get close and personal , but don’t forget a wide angle will capture the entire beach as well
*Choose a safe spot where the waves are breaking beautifully and stay safe , clean your lens from water droplets . Change your viewpoint , low is great.
2/ Blurring motion, slowing your shutter speed.
This is so popular with Landscape Photography, using long exposures to blur the motion of the moving ocean . Here are my tips
*Don’t even think of not using a tripod , and a self timer , you cant touch that shutter , any movement will cause a blur that just doesn’t look good and wasn’t intended , the blur you want is absolutely intentional.
*Use a sturdy tripod , one that wont blow in the wind or crash on unsteady rocks.
*.Use a smaller aperture 8 fg – 16 fg is good and a lower ISO.
*Stay safe , figure out your vantage spot the day before , especially if you’re up at the crack of dawn to capture the rising sun.
*Use a wide angle to get as much of the landscape in as you can.
*Experiment with shutter speeds , Anything below a few seconds , however I love the misty look of 30 second exposures.
*Introduce a steady element in the foreground , rocks or seaweed , this composition works well and doesn’t just look like a unintentional blur.
*Once that sun has risen , you will need to loose light , about the only way is to add filters. They come in densities like 3 stop , 6 stop and 10 stop .
Start with the most transparent , you can add them together . Be aware that if the density is too dark , you will have to focus first , then apply.
And now I,m thinking I must do a blog on all filters.
Thats it , practise and enjoy.
Regards Sharon