Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

Hi,

I want to get into photography. I'm going to the beach this Friday, and I thought it would be cool to use my friend as my first subject. Any ideas for beach poses or anything around the beach??

Hanna

notnoBuddha

First off the sun can be killer, the reflection of the water - no help. Stay late if you can; sundown at the beach makes for beautiful light. Now for during th day - what I would do is focus on details; get close. Look for colors and shadows such as feet of other body parts, look for colorful beach balls, towels, shells, rocks and so forth. There is a old quote - "if your pictures are not good enough, you are not close enough.Good luck

jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

just be careful not to get sand in it to start, then watch the sun, it can be your friend or foe especially on a bright day at the beach, low ISO, high shutter speed..and go for it

Denise Jones Loc: Lewes DE

Work during the golden hours - sunrise into the first hours of the day and sunset. During the day the sun and water require filtering - I use a polarizer all the time over a UV filter to shoot during those days in the bright sun. I also get down low and angle up slightly to capture subjects inthe sun. Look around for objects that diffuse the light ... umbrellas etc. And watch the positon of the sun ... are there clouds coming into play ... on storm or rain days watch for rainbows and interesting cloud formations. Aim for the ground to capture reflections in the sand and shallow wate after waves receed. Pratice capturing waves when they crest, interesting splashes against rocks, check out the tiny sea creatures hidden in jetty's... macro shots can be interesting. Watch your horizon - get it straight! Also when shooting wide , ask yourself what is the focus of the shot, what makes it unique and interesting? And look for leading lines in long shots ... find a way to lead the viewer to the area of interest. Experiment with pushing your camera to its limits - higher ISO, higher speed, f-stops changes.

Sand- take a soft camera brush and something to blow the sand of your camera. I use a a rocket blaster and always carry lens solution plus a claening kit. Wipe down everythign after you finish for the day. You might also carry a plastic bag or camera wet jacket with you - protect your equipment.

Bring extra shoes and socks - hot sand and hot rocks are really hard to work on. If you get your shoes soaked who cares ... get in the water and get the shot!

Good luck!

Deeise Wachter Jones Photography 2011

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

This is a great subject and I am jealous. I cannot get to a decent beach without a big trip.

When I have had the chance, like at the Cayman islands, South Florida, etc. I have learned a bit.

1. Know your camera. Know it inside and out cause beach/water shots are demanding just as others have pointed out.
2. Protect your camera but don't be afraid to use it.
3. Never, never get people to pose. It will always look like a posed shot and suck.
4. Focus "pun intended" on a specific theme for the day but if a shot comes along not in the theme do not ignore it. Most of my best work was not planned or preconceived.
5. Have fun or your pics will be not-great.

dicspics Loc: southwest fla. 10 mins from the gulf

The beach is rough, everybody above is right, get some books on taking pics at beach, or go on computor and find what settings others have used. I only work at beach for 2 hours in early morning, and 1 or 2 hours before sundown. Any other time I work in the shade, maybe with a flash..

Video Vinny Loc: Pahrump

Some 'knowledgeable' HOGs will argue this, but I wouldn't dare attempt this venue without a polar over an UV filter, you will have plenty of light to compensate on any good day. if you care about your lens at all. Vinny