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Taking photos at the beach

Simple techniques and tips for great beach photos.
Content starts here
» Create unique beach pictures
» See the small details
» Capture beach play
» Position the horizon
» Adjust to the light
» Beach panoramas
» Black and white shots
» Protect your camera
» Recommended products


Create unique beach pictures



The beach provides a naturally beautiful canvas, and by simply using a variety of perspectives, you can create extraordinary pictures of your days by the sea. For example, snap a candid shot of someone unaware and enjoying the beach.

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See the small details



Use your camera's macro shooting mode to shoot small details such as a footprint in the sand or a coconut washed to shore. Learn more about close-up photography.

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Capture beach play



Kids and adults alike can't help but frolic on the beach-be sure to catch all the action when it happens.

Two shooting modes on your HP digital camera are especially helpful when taking photos of action.

  • Action shooting mode uses a fast shutter speed to stop action, so you get clear photos without blur.

  • Burst mode lets you take multiple pictures with one click of the shutter button, perfect for catching a sequence of moves.


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Position the horizon



Notice how the horizon line in this photo is in the bottom third of the image - providing more visual interest
Rather than cut your image in half, give your photo more interest, by positioning the horizon in the top or bottom half the frame. Learn more about composing terrific photos.

You can also create great portraits by placing a person to one side and filling the rest of the frame with the horizon.

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Adjust to the light



When at the beach, avoid harsh shadows by shooting on cloudy days, in shade, or around sunrise or sunset. Use can also use your camera's flash when shooting in direct sun to get rid of strong shadows on faces or other objects in your shot.

If you have an HP camera, turn on adaptive lighting, to balance brightness and preserve contrasts in harsh sunlight. Learn more about lighting basics for better photos.

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Beach panoramas



Sweeping beach pictures are the perfect use for panoramic photography. You can capture all the beauty in one long shot. Here's how:

  • Landscape mode: This pre-set adjusts aperture so that objects near and at great distances are sharp and clear.

  • Manual settings: To achieve the same effect manually, set your aperture to a high f-number, like f6.3. This will provide a wide range of focus and ensure that everything near and far is in focus.

  • Panorama: Some HP cameras let you create breathtaking vertical or horizontal panoramic shots by stitching together up to five images in a sequence—all right in the camera.

  • Learn more about panoramic photography.

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Black and white shots



The colours of the sea and sky can be marvelous, but don't forget that the contrast of black and white accentuates lines, textures, and edges, making it a good choice for capturing beach scenes and coastlines. Learn more about black-and-white photography.

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Protect your camera



Keep your camera safe from the sand and surf by storing it in a camera bag out of the hot sun when not in use. Learn more about protecting your camera when you travel.

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Recommended products


Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
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