The romance of a beach wedding is undeniable, but so are the obstacles photographers face. Whether it’s harsh lighting, strong winds, or unexpected crowds, mastering beach wedding photography requires skill and adaptability.
1. You Might Have to Photograph in Full Sun
Generally, beach wedding vendors do not set up arches and chairs during golden hour. Therefore, many wedding ceremonies on the beach occur during the day. Occasionally, there will be perfect cloud coverage at 10 a.m., but it isn't uncommon to shoot a beach ceremony in full sun.
Despite harsh lighting conditions, it is still possible to photograph stunning portraits. You may be able to find shade under a lifeguard tower, sand dune, boardwalk, or nearby building.
How to Take Photos in Strong Sunlight
- Use Fill Flash: Bring a speedlight and use direct flash to fill in harsh shadows.
- Off-Camera Flash: For formals, use off-camera flash with a softbox to fill shadows and even out the lighting on the face.
- Reflector: Use a reflector to have more control over natural light.
- Diffuser: Diffusers work well to soften the light on the couple during formals.
2. Plan for Inclement Weather
Beach weather presents unique challenges for wedding photographers because it can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is imperative that you discuss a backup plan with your clients ahead of time.
While you may not always have a perfectly clear day, this doesn't mean you won't be able to create breathtaking portraits. For example, the forecast called for rain on the day of this beach wedding, but the weather worked out perfectly, and we had the beach to ourselves.
Hurricanes
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that weddings booked during hurricane season may get canceled or need to be rescheduled. As a photographer in Florida, I make sure to address this ahead of time with couples and have a backup plan in place.
Wind
In addition to the sun, you may also face a windy day. You can turn your subject so that the wind blows their hair in a favorable direction. Also, be mindful of hair covering the neck or face.
Heat
If you take your camera from an air-conditioned space to a humid environment, your lens will inevitably fog up. It can take 15 minutes or more for your camera to adjust to humid conditions, so try to avoid extreme and rapid temperature changes.
3. Crowds and Bystanders
Uniquely, beach weddings are frequently held on public beaches rather than in private venues. With this in mind, bystanders may get in your shot.
In my experience, crowds do not impede my ability to capture portraits without people in the background. Get creative with angles and composition to minimize background distractions and reduce the need for post-processing.
You will inevitably need to edit out beachgoers at some point, so I like to reassure clients of this if they are concerned about people in the background.
4. What Lens To Use
In my opinion, my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens with a hood is the most useful for beach weddings, and it is my favorite lens for portraits in general.
In combination with that, you should also carry a wider lens, such as the 24-70mm or 24-105mm. With beach weddings, the environment is an important aspect of your composition.
Use A Wider Lens To Capture The Scene
A wider lens will capture the setting well, which is important because your clients want to see the beach in their photos. After all, most couples travel for a beach wedding because they love the scenery. With that in mind, it is vital to expose properly so that you do not blow out the background.
5. Beach Weddings Are More Laid Back
Contrary to a traditional wedding, beach weddings have a more relaxed vibe. Therefore, a more casual dress code is usually expected, and shoes are likely optional.
Flexibility Is Key
It should be noted that beach ceremonies may not follow a strict timeline, so be prepared to be flexible. Due to a lower guest count, destination weddings often provide more freedom with formal portraits. Consequently, there is a heavier focus on photography because there isn't a large reception to rush to after the ceremony.
In Conclusion
Beach wedding photography is a lot of fun because it challenges you creatively and provides more flexibility with formal portraits. While you may experience hurdles with weather and lighting conditions, being a beach wedding photographer will push you to be more adventurous and sharpen your skills.
Don't be afraid to get your feet wet, and be sure to have your gear cleaned regularly to remove the copious amount of sand that will undoubtedly accumulate in your camera bag.
I like to add one more, photographers prepare to get wet.
Sand is very hard on equipment. Be careful!
This is a very helpful breakdown of the unique challenges that come with photographing a beach wedding. The unpredictability of light, weather, and crowds makes adaptability a crucial skill in these environments. Your point about harsh midday lighting is especially relevant. Too many couples expect golden hour magic, but in reality, many beach weddings happen under direct sun. Using off-camera flash and diffusers to manage contrast is key.
I also appreciate your mention of humidity and lens fogging—something photographers new to shooting in coastal areas might not anticipate. Packing silica gel packets in your bag and acclimating gear before stepping onto the beach can help minimize condensation issues.
Regarding lenses, I completely agree that the 70-200mm is a must-have for beach portraits. It compresses the background beautifully and keeps distractions minimal, especially when working with public beaches. A wider lens is equally essential for capturing the full scene—couples choose beach weddings for the scenery, and their images should reflect that.
One thing I’d add is the importance of protecting gear from sand and salt. Even with weather-sealed bodies and lenses, fine grains of sand can cause real damage over time. A rain cover or even a simple plastic bag can go a long way in preventing unnecessary maintenance issues.
How do you approach keeping gear safe in these conditions while still working quickly and efficiently?
Paul Tocatlian
Kisau Photography
www.kisau.com
Another challenge I encountered, loose sand. I shot a wedding ceremony on the beach, the were on deep loose sand, that’s hard work running around with two cameras around your shoulders.