5 Things to Photograph for the Perfect Beach Photo Album

It really depends on what your purpose is at the beach: some people are looking for the quintessential beach photo archetype, where other people prefer something off the beaten path and unusual for their photos. Here are five things that are either classic or original. If you have other ideas, share them in the comments!

1. Colored Umbrellas
If you can find someone who’s pitched a brightly decorated sun umbrella in the ground you can frame it either alone or with people in the shot. Even on a bright day, you can use the colors to your advantage.

2. Seaweed
All kinds of plants can wash up on shore. Or even during low tide, unique vegetation can expose itself. Try arranging it in artful patterns, or get in really tight to get great macro shots.

3. Lifeguard Stations
No, I’m not necessarily evoking Baywatch photos, but either with or without the lifeguard present, the lifeguard stands represent a bastion of safety and order within the otherwise wild and dangerous beachfront,

4. Sea Foam
Certain areas can have a veritable meta-sea of sea foam. You can get in close if you’re brave, or you can shoot wider and go for the “walking on the clouds” look.

5. Food and Drink
Here’s something you might not typically think of. I think juxtaposing beach snack foods can be fun, and nothing is better than capturing those perfect moments with friends on the beach relaxing and eating tropical fruit or enjoying a nice cold one.