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Are You Taking Pictures of Your Own Life? - How to Photograph Kids at the Beach

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How to Photograph Kids at the Beach

Hey there, photography enthusiasts and beach lovers! It's Vanessa Joy, and today I'm excited to share some insights on how to take stunning photos of your kids on the beach without driving them crazy. Trust me, I've been there, trying to get that perfect shot while keeping everyone happy. So, let's dive in and uncover the magic behind beach photography with kids.

Setting the Stage Imagine this: the sun-kissed sands, the soothing sound of the waves, and the laughter of your kids as they play by the shore. That's the backdrop for our adventure today. I'm Vanessa Joy, and I'm about to reveal my secrets for capturing those cherished moments of your little ones on the beach.

Unlocking the Power of Wirestock Before we get into the photography tips, let me share a game-changer with you – Wirestock. If you're into selling your photography or videos, Wirestock is here to make your life easier. No more drowning in keywords and descriptions. With Wirestock's easy submission, you can effortlessly tag and describe your creations for free. Plus, they'll submit your work to major stock libraries like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Trust me, it's a game-changer. Find out more at bit.ly/joywirestock.

Choosing the Right Gear Now, let's talk camera gear. Today, I'm using the Canon EOS M50 Mark II along with three different lenses. While I'm eagerly waiting for the R7 or R10, these are my trusty companions for now. The key? Aperture priority mode – it makes my life easier and lets me focus on the moment.

Capturing Candid Beach Moments As any parent knows, capturing candid shots of kids requires some ninja skills. I'm armed with my 22, 32, and zoom lenses. When it comes to portraits, the 32mm lens at f/1.2 is my secret weapon. Kids playing with sand, hair tousled by the sea breeze – it's the little things that make the memories so vivid.

Playing with Perspective Ah, the horizon line – a tricky element when shooting at the beach. Do I go high or get down low? That's the dilemma. But no worries, I've got it covered. Whether it's capturing the kids walking up a bridge or jumping in unison, perspective is key to capturing that perfect shot.

The Beach, The Water, The Laughter The beach offers endless possibilities – from capturing the serenity of shells to the joy of splashing water. And let's not forget the challenge of exposing for the bright beach environment. Aperture priority is my friend here, allowing me to focus on composition and creativity.

Challenges and Tips for Beach Photography Now, let's talk real talk. Beach photography with kids is no walk in the sand. With the sun blazing and exposure all over the place, it's a juggling act. But remember, you're shooting in raw, so the camera's got your back. And having an extra set of eyes to watch the kids? Priceless.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Imperfection As I wrap up this adventure, I must confess – I'm not a kid photographer, and the beach isn't my go-to place. But guess what? Capturing these moments, despite the challenges, is pure magic. It's about embracing imperfection, enjoying the journey, and freezing those fleeting moments in time.

So, fellow photographers and beach enthusiasts, I hope my insights have inspired you to grab your camera and head to the beach. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about capturing the essence of the moment. Until next time, happy shooting!

Stay creative, Vanessa Joy

 
 
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Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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