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In beach scenes of people, the second biggest danger is distraction. Here's where simplification comes in. Pay close attention to the background. It's easy to overlook distracting things when you're surrounded by so many interesting sights. Look carefully. If you see distracting elements - trash cans, coolers, misplaced towels, etc. - try to either remove them or change your angle to eliminate them from view.

Related Articles & Projects: Fun at the Beach Survival Kit How to Take Great Halloween Pictures 10 Easy Ways To Improve Your Family Photographs Craft: Gone Swimming Beach Plaque Craft: Scrapbook Your Vacation First time here? Don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter!

This picture of the girl with the sea gulls is an example of one that could benefit from a little more simplification. We find those two out-of-focus figures sitting at the water's edge are distracting. The photographer might have eliminated them by finding a slightly better angle.

Children at play are among the best subjects on the beach. Something about the beach seems to promote kids getting lost in fantasy projects. Don't forget to document the results.

Another common type of beach photo is the scenic shot where you show an entire stretch of beach. It's unusual to get a shot without people so don't even try. In fact, people give a sense of scale to these shots.

Their activity may even tell a story. Shooting from a high angle may help to capture the sweep of the beach.

Lighting can play a key role in beach photographs. We've reminded you to use fill flash to avoid heavy dark shadows in foreground subjects.

On the other hand, don't rule out using backlighting for dramatic silhouettes including sunset shots.







More You Might Like:
Fun at the Beach Survival Kit
How to Take Great Halloween Pictures
10 Easy Ways To Improve Your Family Photographs
Craft: Gone Swimming Beach Plaque
Craft: Scrapbook Your Vacation

About the Author:
Reprinted with permission from the New York Institute of Photography

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