How to Use a Camera at a Beach

The beach is one of the most picturesque locations and perfect for taking pictures. However, if you're afraid of coating your camera in sand or salt water, you may need a bit of training and prep work. Jump down to step 1 to learn all about the best ways to use your camera at the beach.

Steps

Since heat, humidity and dirt are notoriously dangerous for precision electro-mechanical devices like cameras, a hot, sandy beach is its natural enemy. If there are two or more cameras available from which to choose, leave the expensive one at home.
If it has been a while since last use, review the camera manual and reacquaint yourself with it by taking some test photos in conditions expected for the beach day, if possible. When done, carefully pack the camera for the day.
Advertisement
ASA) setting, if offered. A low speed or ISO number (50 - 200) is usually provides the best results for portraits, bright light and direct sunlight photography; while indoor and sports (fast motion) photography often have better results with faster speeds offered by 200 to 400 ISO range and up. Many "point and shoot" digital cameras however, render unsatisfactory graininess or muddied color results when the ISO is set for values approaching 400 and greater. A film camera's ISO is usually set to match (or approximate) the ISO rating of the film purchased. This can be done manually; or in some cases automatically, depending on the camera's ability to detect a film that has its ISO value encoded on the canister. Typically, the film buyer specifies the ISO of the film desired at the time of purchase - as dictated by its intended use. Film is available in ISO ranges from as low as 50 to over 1000.
Simply stated, white balance has to do with the tint or "warmth" or temperature of the light in the photo. Many cameras have selectable settings that consist of an icon for Sun, Clouds, Fluorescent, Incandescent and other light source types. Do not confuse these icons with those that represent portrait (often a bust), close up (often a flower), distant (often a mountain), night (often stars), etc. Select the setting that best matches the shooting conditions. A mismatch will result in images that have either a slightly blue or pink tint to them. If unsure, "AWB" (or automatic white balance) is a good choice. While this is not the "end of the world" an outdoor image on a hot sunny day can suggest a colder day if a "blue" tint is present. Experimentation with both the ISO and white balance settings is suggested for your particular camera before setting out.
While sand is a danger, the dust created by disturbing it blows everywhere and is difficult to see and control. Sand particles can lodge between moving parts, preventing operation. It is important to keep any protective lens cover on the lens until ready to shoot. Interchangeable lenses should have covers on both ends when not mounted on the camera. The build up of dust however, is insidious. It is very difficult to remove, and often results in scratching surfaces, including glass optics (lens). Once an optic is scratched, it cannot be repaired. Scratches nearly invisible to the naked eye capture light and can show up prominently in (all) pictures. If using a camera that supports the use of filters, installing such a filter is highly recommended. An inexpensive "sunlight" or "UV" filter will impact the image the least, but provide relatively cheap protection to the expensive lens optics. These filters should be the outer-most if other filters are used at the same time.
Many camera bodies are black or dark in color. Wrapping the camera in a white or light colored cloth or towel will reflect the sun's light and resulting heat away from the camera. If packed in a thick, light colored towel, the packing will provide protection from thermal shock. This results in a more desirable slow warming of the camera and lens. A camera will be at or near "room" temperature (or less if the car's air conditioner is directed at it) during the trip to the beach. Upon getting out of the car, the temperature could be 30 degrees or more warmer. A rapid temperature and humidity change can cause condensation to form in the camera and lens, if left unwrapped. This condensation can have undesirable effects on (all) pictures. Furthermore, this moisture can cause oxidation and bacteria growth wherever it accumulates, and can only be removed professionally.
Bring a strobe light or flash unit if not built-in. Use the flash outdoors; doing so will help bring out details that become hidden in the dark shadows that often accompany photos taken in direct sunlight. The flash also allows photos to be taken with the sun behind the subject, instead of trying to keep it behind the photographer, illuminating the subject.
Enable the flash only if there is not enough light to capture the image successfully. Doing this prevents a list of problems including "red eye" in people (and bright eyes in pets), large dark shadows cast behind the object or person, overly bright areas and unnatural colors.
With the lens off the camera body, sand, dust and humidity have a huge, gaping entryway into the camera. Don't do it, as it's not worth the risk. Particles that find their way on to the surface of the sensor will show up as dark spots in the same place on every picture. Removing the particles could result in permanent damage to the sensor. It is far better to select a single lens before leaving home and install on the camera. Otherwise, change lenses only when protected inside a building or under suitable cover.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Bring extra batteries and memory cards to save an unexpected expense of having to purchase replacements while at the beach where nearly everything is more expensive.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Use of a polarizing filter is highly recommended for pictures at the beach of non-metallic objects that reflect light, such as water. Most filters are screwed into threads at the end of the lens. (Unfortunately, most simple "point and shoot" cameras do not support the use of filters). The use of this filter also helps pictures show rich blue skies and white clouds. The filter should be positioned between the camera lens and sunlight or UV filter. Digital cameras should use a "circular polarizing" type while traditional film cameras should use a straight "polarizing" type. All filters are available in different sizes. The size is often indicated on the lens. If unsure, bring the lens to the camera shop for proper sizing.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Warnings

Never wipe dirt and dust from the surface of optics (these include binoculars and eyeglasses). Use a blower brush or compressed air designed for the purpose. Wiping results in scratches in the coatings or glass.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Do not clean optics with ammonia or other cleaners not specifically designed for the purpose of lens cleaning. Special coatings on the optics can become damaged and these cleaners often a leave film on lens surfaces.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0