How to photograph on the beach!

Photographing any water scene has it's challenges!   As discussed in previous posts, the elements, including wind, rain, water, blowing sand  and the glaring, relentless beating of the sun,  can all impede a photographer's quest to capture the perfect photo.

While there is not too much a photographer can do about the wind, rain and blowing sand, you can use a polarizer to cut the glare of the sun on the water!

Polarizers accomplish three main objectives for photographers.  First, a polarizing filter cuts out the glare in a scene.  Mid-day glare on plant leaves can be removed by simply using a polarizing filter.  The glare on water can also be removed by using a polarizer.

The second main purpose of a polarizer is to saturate colors.  This is especially handy when shooting landscapes which are drowned out with harsh lighting.  While this type of shooting situation will often result in desaturated colors, a polarizer can remedy this.

The last thing a polarizer can do is improve the skies in your photography.  Polarizers can deepen the blue sky and brighten the white clouds to create stunning and dramatic skies even in bright sunny conditions.   This is the main reason photographers use polarizers.

Here is a photograph I took on a steamy day using a polarizer!

Keep cool during this heatwave and I hope you have the opportunity to go out and capture a beautiful image! 

Ellen