The Allure of Seascape Photography
Having grown up on Cape Cod, where we’re essentially surrounded by water, I’ve always been drawn to the ocean. I love its many moods. Part of the excitement of seascape photography is not ever being certain of the conditions you’ll be presented with.
I could arrive at the beach, to see that the tide’s way out, and has left beautiful patterns in the sand from the receding water. Or, it could be high tide with crashing waves and strong wind gusts.
The light can make all the difference between a good and a great photograph. When I want to photograph a sunset, I’m never sure if the sun will be encompassed in a cloud bank, or if it’ll make a grand descent below the horizon, with beautiful colors illuminating the clouds and the pools of water along the shoreline. The sea can be calm or wild with huge rolling waves.
I love the fact that you just NEVER know what’ll happen! Sometimes, after the sun has set, the colors in the sky will continue to intensify and spread. Some of my favorite seascape photographs have occurred after the sun has set, or before it’s risen!
Once I’ve assessed the current conditions, then comes the challenge of finding a good composition. Oftentimes, my subject is the horizon and the waves are my foreground interest.
Even if it’s dark and dreary with totally overcast skies, I always enjoy my seascape photography adventures (it IS an adventure :). It gets me outside and away from my phone and computer! I can listen to the ocean and gulls, smell the salty air, and feel the breeze (or gale-forced winds) against my face. I’m always reminded that I’m blessed to be here and able to witness nature’s many moods!
