That jump shot sure looks fun and that hair flip is gorgeous. We invest so much time, effort, and filters to perfect these shots whenever we hit the beach. While such beach photography can capture the best memories, they are also becoming a bit repetitive. “Let’s do a group jump shot by the shore!” Oh, how original.

The next time you go to the beach, make sure your creativity and originality in taking memorable photographs are as vast as the ocean and as limitless as the horizon. Boracay, one of the most photographed beaches in the world, deserves nothing less.

Your Boracay itinerary will not be complete without snaps of the clear waters, long stretch of white sand, and the postcard-worthy sunset. Landscape, then? Sure, but there are also a lot of beach photography tricks to try in Boracay that will surely bring out its charm and beauty. Let’s review some of them.

Focus over landscape

beach-photography-tricks-focus-over-landscape

Photo courtesy of bryansmadera via Instagram

Landscape beach photographs are very common. And while they are generally okay, you should try to look beyond them. The danger with landscape photos is that they look essentially the same. For example: how can you tell which photo of the stunning Boracay sunset stands out from the rest, and why? Landscapes capture a beautiful scene but do not have a point of interest. Many Boracay adventures and exciting activities provide the necessary elements to create a truly stunning shot.

Identify a focal point where the eyes could rest. It could be footprints, a paraw (local sailboat), or water crashing on a rock. Look for patterns.

Tell a story

Photo courtesy of carolineadsboel via Instagram

When you take photos, you capture memories that remind you of how beautiful that day was. A photography tip that goes well with just every event is that photos must be able to tell a story. It must be something that when you look look at it, you will be reminded of what exactly was happening. Kids playing by the beach or building a sand castle, a couple taking a selfie and a dog running freely are good subjects. All photos tell a story; the trick is to be able to tell exactly the one you had in mind when you clicked the shutter.

Elaborate details

Photo courtesy of talib_alharthy via Instagram

There is beauty in details. That pebble or footprint could be interesting details that can provide texture to a photograph. Shoes being washed up by the beach, an empty bottle of beer, a book under a hut, are other examples. Look carefully for details because these small objects can have a big impact.

Mind your foreground

Photo courtesy of razumnyevgeny via Instagram

Add a point of interest in your photos by working on your foreground. You may include an object to add to the texture. Foreground objects tend to engage the eyes more as it adds composition to the image. It also gives the viewers an idea of your surroundings. One invaluable photography guide in capturing a good foreground is by crouching down to take the photo from a lower angle.

Experiment with exposure

Photo courtesy of kong.bin via Instagram

Shooting under the sun or incredibly bright landscapes can be very challenging. Cameras with spot metering can solve some of the exposure problems. Spot metering is that feature wherein you can tell the camera which part of the image you want to be exposed. This is very useful when shooting portraits of people by the beach as spot metering avoid squinting or shadowy faces.

You may also use fill-in flash when shooting under the sun so your subject will still be well lit. You may also use a lens hood to minimize flare. There are also filters that help cut down reflections to help you achieve the perfect lighting for your subject. Don’t be afraid to experiment and you might just surprise yourself.

Master the burst

What if you only have your phone? If you can experiment with brightness, how can you capture moving subjects? This is where the burst mode in most smartphones and photography apps can be useful. It works like a standard camera’s shutter button. Capture crashing waves, speeding boats, children playing or birds in the sky by activating the burst mode and holding down the shutter for half a second longer. Your phone will then take photos one after the other.

Reflections and silhouettes

Photo courtesy of razumnyevgeny via Instagram

Beach photography won’t be complete without capturing reflections in the water or silhouettes off the sunset. Water produces some of the best reflections and a vacation at the beach is a perfect time to explore your composition.

A strong light source, on the other hand, produces good silhouettes. So, just when the sun sets or rises, put the subject in front of it. Set the exposure in such a way that the sun is the brightest in the image. Shoot from a low angle so that your subject stands out against the sky rather than against the sea.

Use lines and color

Photo courtesy of wannabe_travel_photographer via Pexels

In your photo composition, make sure to use these two elements wisely: lines and color. Boracay will give you a lot of lines—from the beach’s edge, the sand, rock formations, and even low hills. Start from one of the bottom corners onto the focal point.

Look for vivid colors at the beach. You are sure to find a lot—from the water, to the sun, to yellow banana boats and bright colors of the beach huts. Experiment and make them the main point of your image.

Beauty of black and white

Photo courtesy of blufishphotos via Instagram

There’s something about black and white photos that feel so right. It is ironic that photos devoid of color can be so striking. Do a little photo production and use the black and white filter on your camera or phone. Not only are they dramatic, they are also a perfect go-to beach photography technique when the beach does not look as alive or during cloudy or overcast days.

Change your perspective

Photo Courtesy of Phil Dolby via Flickr

Most of the time, the beauty of the vast horizon will consume you. But if you just turn your head around, you will see interesting subjects that you can turn into photographic treasures. Wander around the beach, climb a rock formation, look down and up, and you will see the beauty that many others miss. Look what’s behind you, use different angles and welcome a refreshing change to your perspective.

It pays to learn new beach photography techniques before you hit Boracay. The island is so majestic and charming that it would be a sin to miss out on what it has to offer.

Beach Photography Tricks That Will Bring Out That Boracay Magic