How To Take Stunning Beach Photos: 7 Easy Tips For Any Camera

Ever tried to impress your girlfriend with the photos you clicked, but she likes none of them? You’re not alone! All you need are some beach photography tips on lighting, composition, and preparation, and you will be clicking photos like a pro. To know more, stay tuned to the blog!

Beach photos have a way of taking us back to sunny days, with the sound of waves and the feeling of warm sand beneath our feet.

The beach is the perfect place to click photos and capture beautiful memories. It becomes a stunning backdrop for couples or family photos, as well as solo beach selfies. But, getting the perfect beach shot isn’t always easy!

Many people struggle to balance the bright sunlight, frame the right foreground, and adjust their camera settings, and wonder:

• What are the best camera settings for beach photography?
• How to take the best beach pictures?
• How to take family photos without a photographer?

If you are a beginner in beach photography and have similar questions, we have got you!

This blog shares everything from solo to friends or family beach photo ideas for your next beach adventure- whether using a DSLR or just a smartphone.

Keep reading for more!

1. How To  Plan Your Beach Photoshoot?

The best way to get great beach pics is to plan ahead. You can just start by asking yourself these simple questions:

• ✅What to wear on a beach photoshoot?
• 👉Wear light, neutral colors – no neon or dark shades!

• ✅What props can enhance your photos?
• 👉A towel, or beach hat, adds fun without cluttering the photo.

• ✅How to pick the right location?
• 👉Scout quieter backdrops with shade like rocks or piers to get clean shots.

 2.  What Gear Should You Have For Beach Photography?

The best camera is the one you have with you. It’s not about the gear—it’s about your vision.” - Chase Jarvis

Use what you have, an iPhone or a DSLR. Here is a quick beach gear checklist:

• Camera or Smartphone
• Lens Choices (for cameras)
• Tripod
• Other Handy Gear

3. How To Master Natural Lighting At The Beach?

Why Use Golden Hour For Your Beach Photos?

Image: Shot with DSLR at wide aperture (f/2.8), fast shutter speed (1/800s), ISO 100.

Golden hour light, right after sunrise or just before sunset (when the sun is in the sky), creates a soft glowing effect in the photos.

At this hour, the sky gives off warm light that makes any skin tone pop and creates minimal shadows.

How To Deal With Midday Brightness?

Image Settings: ISO 100 | f/5.6 | 1/500s | WB: Daylight

Midday sun causes strong shadows and overexposure. If you must shoot, keep these tips in mind:

• Find shade (under a pier or umbrella).
• Use a reflector to soften shadows.
• Lower your camera’s exposure by -0.3 to -1 stop (to prevent overexposure)
• On smartphones, tap the sky and adjust brightness.

Should You Shoot Beach Photos On A Cloudy Day?

Image: Aperture f/4, ISO 200, Shutter speed 1/250s, 50mm lens.

Cloudy days are actually great for beach portraits because the light is soft and even, and there are no shadows.

While colors may not pop as much, the diffused light allows you to shoot at almost any time of day.

What Is Blue Hour And Why Should You Shoot Photos During It?

Image Settings: Use wide aperture (f/2.8) for dreamy depth of field, ISO 400, and shutter speed around 1/60s.

Blue hour is the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sun is below the horizon, and there is no direct sunlight.

During this period, the sky emits a cool, blue light perfect for romantic and peaceful beach imagery. 

4. What Camera Settings Are Best For Beach Pictures?

What Is The Correct ISO For Beach Photos?

ISO controls how sensitive your camera is to light. A higher ISO makes photos brighter, but it can also add noise (grain).

• In Bright Sun: Use ISO 100-200 for maximum detail and minimal noise.
• In Lower Light (Sunset/Twilight), ISO 400-800 works well for most cameras.

What Is The Best Aperture For The Beach?

Aperture controls how much light enters your camera and affects how much of your photo is in focus.

• Portraits: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 – f/4) to blur the background and make your subject stand out.
  
• Landscapes: Use a narrower aperture (f/8 – f/16) to keep everything in focus, from foreground to background.

What Is The Right Shutter Speed For A Ocean Photoshoot?

Shutter speed controls how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light, with fast speeds freezing motion and slow speeds blurring it to create movement.

For Fast Action (Kids running, waves splashing): 

Use a fast shutter speed (like 1/500s or higher) to freeze the motion and capture crisp details. For faster movement (e.g., surfing), you might need 1/2000s.

Image: Shot with DSLR using fast shutter speed (1/2000s), aperture f/5.6, ISO 400.

Captured in burst mode to freeze the motion.

For Creative Shots (e.g., waves, panning): 

Experiment with slow shutter speeds like 1/15s to 1/4s to blur the background and create a sense of motion. For smooth water shots, try 1-2 second exposures.

How To Take Beach Photos With A Phone?

While phone cameras don't allow you to manually set aperture, you can still control key settings:

• Use Pro Apps like ProCamera to control ISO and adjust shutter speed.
• Adjust Exposure by tapping to focus and moving the exposure slider to lighten or darken.
• Use Burst Mode for action shots, then choose the best frame.
• Enable HDR to balance bright skies and dark subjects.

Want to get tips on protecting your phone and gear from water and sand? Check out 31 clever beach hacks shared by Nauti At The Beach here!

5. How To Nail Your Composition In Your Photos?

Follow The Rule Of Third Grids: 

Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 =9 grids (like a tic-tac-toe board). Place your key subjects (like a person, horizon, or tree) along the lines or at the intersections to create balanced and beautiful beach aesthetics in your picture.

https://youtube.com/shorts/fxg30Nzwuvg?si=zggb7IzR4Q0LGE2V

Find A Focal Point:

Every great photo needs a clear subject, and without it, beach shots can look flat or empty.

Pick something to focus on - like a person, a shell, or a sandcastle. That’s your “star.” Build the photo around it.

For example: If your subject is a child playing, crouch down to their eye level to make them the focus, and use the ocean in the background to add depth and context.

Include Foreground Elements:

Want your beach pictures to pop? Add something in the foreground—like seashells, footprints,  beach grass, or a surfboard edge. It makes your photo interesting and well-fitted into the scene.

Try Different Angles:

• Get low to the ground for a child’s-eye view or dramatic effect.
• Shoot from above (like a dune or tower) for flat-lay style shots.
• Move around your subject for better framing.
• Face the ocean or the land (both give different vibes).
• If the sky looks great (has clouds or colors), show more of it.
• If the sky is dull, angle down to crop the negative space out.6. How Should You Pose For A Photo At The Beach?

https://youtube.com/shorts/FW88pYyjoKg?si=kPW8opK1A0_ztbVm

7. How To Take Photos On The Beach With A Phone?

Try Panorama And Wide Modes:

Want to capture the whole beach vibe? Switch to Pano mode (in Camera app → swipe to PANO). It is best for Sunsets, tall palm trees, and big family moments.

Slowly move your phone in one direction to shoot a sweeping coastline or group shot.

Click Live Photos:

Turn on Live Photo in your iPhone (look for the circular icon in the Camera app – it turns yellow when on).

• It captures 1.5 seconds before & after the photo
• You can change the main frame later if someone blinked

Use Portrait Mode (with Caution): 

Use Portrait Mode (swipe in the Camera app) to blur the background and focus on your subject. However, it occasionally blurs hair or edges oddly, so use this product with caution or apply it in soft or shaded light for optimal results.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got all the Beach photography tips and tricks to click amazing images. But great photos aren’t just about cameras… the right beach gear matters too!

Before you step on the sand, make sure you’re ready with the essentials for your beach trip. A cute beach hat, sand-resistant towel, and handy beach bag from Nauti At The Beach can really level up your beach day and your photos.

Want to have a smooth ocean photoshoot?

Check out our must-have beach accessories now! 

FAQ:

Q1: How can I avoid overexposed, too-bright photos on the beach?

Ans: Shoot during golden hour or reduce brightness using exposure controls or filters.

Q2: What should we wear for family beach photos?

Ans: Light colors like white, beige, and pastels work best—avoid darks or bold prints. 

Q3: How do I protect my camera from sand and water?

Ans: Use a protective bag, keep the strap on, and avoid changing lenses on the beach.

Q4: What’s the best filter for beach photography?

Ans: A circular polarizer cuts glare and deepens sky/water tones - great for beach scenes.

Q5: What’s the best color to wear for a beach photoshoot?

Ans: Soft shades like beige, light blue, and off-white complement the beach and reflect light beautifully.

Q6: How to take family photos without a photographer?

Ans: Use a tripod or phone stand, set a timer or voice command, and shoot during soft natural light.