Picture Perfect Beach Portraits

The beach environment, while beautiful, can present a range of challenges; from harsh light to blowing sand, that can easily take a toll on your subjects, your gear, and yourself. In this class, you'll learn how to work with families, small children, and couples in ways that make the most of wonderful photography situations. Tamara Lackey will give you tips to help keep your subjects engaged and your gear safe so you can get the perfect shots!

Instructor Avatar

Tamara Lackey

Release Date: 2014-04-10

Lessons

Introduction

<p>Join Tamara on the beach as she goes over all of the concepts that will be covered in this class.</p>

Duration: 2 mins 18 seconds

Family

<p>The first shoot involves a family of four on the beach, where Tamara has to manage children while posing the family and working with the environment.</p>

Duration: 9 mins 11 seconds

Using Fill Flash

<p>With the family in shade the challenge is to add some light to the subjects to be able to use an exposure that prevents the background from blowing out.</p>

Duration: 8 mins 4 seconds

Working with Smaller Groupings

<p>To help manage the energy level of the kids over the course of a shoot it helps to work in smaller groups, so that the family members not in the scene can take a break.</p>

Duration: 8 mins 36 seconds

Backlit

<p>Another way to work with the sun is to use it to backlight your subjects.</p>

Duration: 8 mins 9 seconds

Getting Down in the Sand

<p>Some posing positions may seem unusual to your subjects, but the results on camera can look fantastic.</p>

Duration: 6 mins 28 seconds

Take Advantage of What is Around You

<p>Some beaches may have tents or cabanas available for use, which make for a great way to escape the harsh sun and wind.</p>

Duration: 6 mins 54 seconds

Atmospheric Shots

<p>A new family brings a new location and a new time of day. As we move into the later afternoon the light will improve. Seeking out shaded locations for atmospheric shots is a good way to warm up the subjects.</p>

Duration: 9 mins 21 seconds

On the Dunes

<p>The shady side of a dune can make for a great backlit location while waiting for the sun to sink lower.</p>

Duration: 6 mins 56 seconds

On the Way to the Beach

<p>The path to the beach can provide lot's of opportunities for fun family interaction.</p>

Duration: 7 mins 59 seconds

Get Wet

<p>You've got to be prepared to get wet and covered in sand to get the shot.</p>

Duration: 8 mins 3 seconds