Why beach light is tricky
The beach is bright. Sand, water and sky all reflect light, so subjects can be lit from many directions, which can be flattering and challenging at once. In the middle of the day, the sun is high and harsh, and people squint. Exposure can also be misleading, because large bright areas may push the camera toward underexposing the subject.
Choose your time
Early morning and late afternoon are often more comfortable for portraits, with lower, softer light. See golden hour portrait photography for how to work with that light. Cloudy days can also be good, since clouds soften the light and reduce glare; the tips in overcast and cloudy day photography apply.
If you must shoot around midday, look for shade from cliffs, dunes, buildings or beach umbrellas, or use a diffuser. For a general comparison, see the best time of day to take photos.
Handle bright sand and water
- Sand and water act as reflectors. Light bounces up from below, which can fill shadows under the eyes and chin. In bright sun it can also add brightness and warmth to the shadow side.
- Expose for the face. Check the preview and histogram. If the subject looks dark, add positive exposure compensation or use spot metering on the face.
- Protect highlights. White sand, foam and sky can clip easily. Watch the highlight warnings and reduce exposure if detail disappears.
- Consider bracketing if you photograph a scene with the subject and a bright sky, though people move, so bracketing is more useful for still scenes.
- A polarizing filter can reduce glare on water, though it may add complexity and affect skies unevenly with wide lenses.
Camera settings
Starting points:
- Aperture: f/2 to f/4 for portraits that separate the subject from the sea. Use f/5.6 to f/8 for groups.
- Shutter speed: fast enough for movement, particularly with wind and waves.
- ISO: low. Bright conditions mean you can often use the lowest ISO.
- Focus: eye autofocus is helpful; refocus often if the subject is moving.
- Lens hood: helps control flare in strong light.
- RAW: easier to correct color casts from sand, water or sky.
If your camera cannot reach your chosen aperture at low ISO in bright sun because of shutter speed limits, a neutral density filter can help.
Posing, squinting and wind
- Squinting: have the subject turn so the sun hits them from the side or behind, or close their eyes and open them on three.
- Wind: hair blowing across faces can be a nuisance or an asset. Turn the subject so the wind blows hair back, and keep clips or ties handy. Movement shots, such as walking along the shore, can make wind look intentional.
- Clothing: loose fabrics can blow around (see what to wear for family pictures on the beach for more ideas). Solid colors usually look cleaner against sand and water. Very white clothing can lose detail in bright light.
- Hands and posture: give them something to do, such as walking, holding a hat or playing with a child.
Backgrounds and composition
- Keep the horizon level.
- Avoid placing the horizon through the subject’s neck.
- Use dunes, rocks, piers or driftwood as leading lines (more in framing and composition).
- Shoot low for more sky, or higher to emphasize sand and footprints.
- Wide shots show the environment, while tighter shots with a longer lens compress and simplify.
Our outdoor portrait photography guide offers general composition and location tips that also apply here.
Protect your gear
- Keep your camera in a bag when not in use, since blowing sand can get into lenses and cameras.
- Avoid changing lenses on windy beaches, or do it inside a bag or vehicle.
- Wipe salt spray with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth, then dry it. Check your manufacturer’s guidance.
- Keep your camera away from waves and wet sand, and be mindful of rising tides.
- Use a lens filter if you want an extra layer of protection.
Frequently asked questions
What camera settings should I use for beach portraits?
A wide to moderate aperture, a shutter speed fast enough to freeze movement, low ISO, and exposure checked on the face.
How do you make beach pictures look good?
Shoot at softer times of day, keep the background simple, expose for the subject, and use the environment for composition.
What is the 20/60/20 rule?
It is an informal idea about light across the day, not a standard rule. See the best time of day to take photos.
What is the 2/3 rule for pictures?
Probably a reference to the rule of thirds, which places key elements along lines dividing the frame into thirds. It is a guideline for composition.