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.

The sun is the source of all life in our universe, and we should rightfully be thankful for its presence. Yet, in particular situations, the sun can be the photographers worst enemy. They make people squint and cast harsh shadows. In general, the bright sun is a horrible thing for the beach photographer. Yet, here are 3 ways to use the sun to your advantage instead of being annoyed by it.

1. Have people face the sun at an angle
When you’re taking photos of people, instead of having them face directly at the sun, try positioning them such that they’re at a 45 to 90 degree angle looking at the sun. You don’t want them to be backlit with the sun behind them, either. Get it so that the sun is lighting their faces, and yet they don’t have to stare directly at the sun when looking at the camera. Be aware of shadows caused on faces by someone’s nose or by other people next to them, and try to mitigate their effects.

2. Use trees and buildings to your advantage
Many times, even on the beach you can find trees (palm and otherwise) that you can set subjects (people or objects) underneath so that the sun isn’t so harsh on them. Semi-leafy trees can be ideal so that some light is getting through, but not too much. Also, depending on the placement of structures, you can photograph people in the shadows and still find enough light to make a good photo.

3. Create interesting photos with unique shadows
Instead of fighting the sun, USE the sun to create artful patterns. Think of textures and unique figures you can create by figuring out where the sun falls. Instead of “painting with light,” try your hand at painting with shadows.