The beach is full of treasures that, when used correctly, create very compelling imagery. There are shapes, textures, leading lines, light, color, and movement on the beach that can’t be replicated anywhere else. We will hunt for these treasures and learn to position our subjects and ourselves around them to create strong compositions.
We will start with one of the strongest elements the beach has to offer: the light. I will share how I shoot in various types of lighting at the beach. We will discuss camera settings and lens choices. I will demonstrate how to use the light we are given to our advantage, and how it can add strength to our image. We will discuss lens choice for the light we have on this day, and practice with our child models. Attendees will be in small groups and each group will get a chance to photograph the models. I will also discuss my Lensbaby lens, and talk about why I love using this lens at the beach.
Next, we will get creative as a group and search the beach for treasures that will strengthen our image. We will look for leading lines, color, spaces that will lend themselves to movement, and beautiful shore lines. Different items on the beach lend themselves to different styles of shooting as well. We will discuss how we might shoot a family session on the beach as well as children playing on the beach. If the conditions are right I would love to get in the water and play on the shoreline with my underwater camera gear. I will show the attendees how I put my camera in my underwater bag, and what settings I use since I won’t be able to change them much once it is in the bag. Attendees can enter the water with me or just watch if they don’t have their own equipment. The children will splash and swim in the waves while we photograph them. Depending on the light during this session we will discuss how certain types of light can really strengthen images in this setting. We will end the session with questions and time for open ended discussions on whatever attendees would like to learn.
Location: This outdoor boutique program will take place on the beach/boardwalk.
Learning Objective #1 We will discuss lighting situations on the beach and discuss which lenses lend themselves best to creating a strong image, including my favorite wide angle and portrait Tamron lenses, as well as my favorite Lensbaby tilt shift lens. Different light scenarios would include sunrise, full sun, cloudy, sunset, and dusk. We will take advantage of whichever light scenario we are given to make our images stronger. I believe that you can create magic with any light at the beach if you use the right lens and place your subject correctly. While on the topic of lenses, we will also discuss why I like to use a Lensbaby, how I use it, and other creative lenses I like to try out at the beach.
Learning Objective #2 We will hunt for leading lines, shadows, textures, color, movement, and structures that create shapes. One by one, we will talk about how we could place our subject near elements at the beach to create a strong image. Some of these elements may be boardwalks, the shoreline, sand, lifeguard stands, trails, tall grass, even birds. We will place our models near some of these things and discover how they can make our images stronger. We will also focus on the wind at the beach, learn some cool techniques, and see some simple items we bring to the beach to help achieve amazing images with movement.
Learning Objective #3 Attendees will learn how to achieve shots of their subject in the water. I will get in the water with my subject who will be splashing around on the shore and I will photograph him/her using my underwater gear. If attendees have underwater gear they are welcome to get in the water and practice shooting our model. If they do not, they can watch us splash near the shore and see how I place myself and set my camera up. All attendees can learn how to document the movement of the water and joy-filled images of children.
