Tips for Spectacular Beach Wedding Photos

Whether your beach wedding plans are casual or chic, you'll love these tips for truly unique photographs which simply couldn't be taken anywhere else.

Here's how to use the beauty of the beach for a stunning wedding photography backdrop!

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Capture the Action

A long stretch of sandy beach brings to mind the carefree joy of running barefoot through the surf. Why not bring the same sense of life to your beach wedding photos? These incredible shots are more than just unforgettable – they're easy! Keep these tips in mind, and then let Mother Nature do most of the work for you!

First, decide what the wedding party will do. In the example below, they're running by the water's edge.

Another option is to have them splash through the surf (although you might want to make that the last photo of the day since they'll be wet afterwards). A third choice is to have them all jump up in the air at once. Any of these beach photos for wedding will be beloved additions to the wedding album!

In order to best accomplish this shot, make sure that the sun is behind you to light every nuance of the action. If there's a breeze, have the wedding party run into it so their features are not obscured by blowing hair. The hair will naturally blow away from their faces if they're running, but not against an offshore wind!

Dramatic Portraits

You can use the setting (or rising!) sun to your advantage to capture some truly amazing portraits of the wedding party. Whether you have clouds to add to the drama, like those in the second photo, or a clear sky as a backdrop, these beach wedding photographs will be nothing short of spectacular. Here's how to re-create the look.

If the sun is over the water, arrange the wedding party so they are in front of it. You will need to use a flash or other lighting in order to keep the shadows off of their faces, but it will be well worth the effort when you see these beach wedding photos! Make sure that the group blocks the direct rays of the sun for the best photo quality.

If the wedding party is facing the setting or rising sun, the light will be incredible! With the soft, natural lighting, you are unlikely to need a flash. The play of the sun across their features will be far better than any artificial lights can offer!

Magical Moments

There are a few magical moments that the wedding photographer should always capture, and most of them are even more dramatic on the beach. In the example that follows, the groom has swept the bride off of her feet and the sunset provides a beautiful background to the scene.

Prepare for every milestone photo opportunity by having your flash ready to go in low light. If you rely on natural light alone, most of your work will remain in the shadows. Don't miss out on those dramatic beach wedding photos!

Happily Ever After ... in Pictures

At least one of your beach wedding photos should be a shot of the bride and groom heading off into the sunset … literally! You need to watch the lighting in this photograph, however, as the sun can wash out your photo. In the example, the overcast day not only serves to diffuse the light, but the clouds add a dramatic touch that works well in the scene.

If the sun is visible on the horizon, position yourself so that at least one of your subjects is blocking the orb. If the light is low, you may need to use a flash to capture the details. If the sun happens to be behind you when you capture this moment, the natural lighting should work well.

Keep these tips in mind with your next foray into beach wedding photography, and you'll have some truly unforgettable moments for display!