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Kateyez888

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Emily
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I am going to Bermuda this coming up weekend...I would like to know what is the best settings to shoot the beach in on my Nikon D90. The camera is way above my head. Like what ISO and F-Stop should I use?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
In the beach there should be plenty of light so you shoul be able to keep your ISO at 100 or 200 at maximum. The aperture depends on what do you want to do. For regular pictures (snapshots) I use f/5.6 to f/8 to ensure the image will be sharp. If you are photographing landscapes start at f/11.

The problem with the beach is that the metering in the camera will tend to underexpose your pictures. Because of the sun reflecting in the sand and in the ocean the scene will be much brighter than what the camera will try to get in an automatic exposure.Remember the cameras measure the exposure considering a standar "middle grey" scene.You will have to dial positive exposure compensation and check your histogram trying not to blow the highlights.
 
If the camera is way above your head then so will be most advice.

Stick the camera on AUTO.
The camera will then analyse each scene and decide the best settings it can.
 
If the camera is way above your head then so will be most advice.

Stick the camera on AUTO.
The camera will then analyse each scene and decide the best settings it can.
Click to expand...
Good advice! Emily, if you try to set up the camera for a scene and it isn't right you risk not getting the shots you want. Putting it on auto will mean you will almost always get the picture you want, even if you're not quite getting the most out of the camera.
 
But she know what F-stops are. We are not talking rocket science here. At least try to compensate exposure. Otherwise you will get underexposed pictures in the beach.
 
Dialing up exposure compensation would make sense, I just don't think considering histograms, middle-grey scenes or setting different f-stops are going to be helpful, even though what you're saying is dead right.
 
I'm afraid I have to agree that shooting on auto is the only option for someone who does not Know the how to operate the camera im PASM.

Emily, Would it not be more appropriate to take a pocket camera for beach shots? especially as you won't benefit from the DSLR until you've gen'd up on it.

Sand, and salt water are very extremely destructive and can damage your kit seriously.

Have a great trip, you lucky so and so.

John
 
Thanks I appreciate all of your advice. I usually shoot in Program in vivid and just change the dials to what looks good and then edit. I have seen some pictures where like the water runs slowly over the rocks, just don't know how to achieve this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I even read tutorial on HDR and bracketing, I am going to step out on a limb and try this too. Another thing I am debating is taking my tripod, it's so big and heavy to lug around, but I know what a difference it can make in a picture. Should I take or not worry about? Thanks again guys!! :)
 
To show movement in water you would need a slow shutter speed so there's time for water to move, but you'll also need low light so the slow shutter doesnt let too much light it and make the image too bright, so perhaps just after sunset or use a nd filter, you would need a tripod or a sturdy platform for that.
 
take lots of shots at different settings, monitor the results on your screen you will soon see how different light effects exposure. one note on care of equipment is to avoid changing lenses on a windy beach.
 
For the smooth water try the following:

1) Set the camera on something solid or a tripod. Do not hand hold it.
2) Before you do 1) set the aperture to F16 or F22, the ISO to 100 and then check the light meter in the camera and adjust the shutter speed so you are about 1 stop over.
3) Put the camera on the hard surface (or keep it on tripod) and press the shutter.
4) Check the picture. Play with just the shutter speed (increase/decrease) until you get the smooth water and correct exposure.

As stated, if it is too light then you won't be able to get the smooth water and the image will be too bright. In this case, wait until the sun starts setting.

Bracketing exposures should be instructed in your manual.

Good luck!
 
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