1. Create a list of inspiration shots

Trust me, as a wedding planner and has a photography business, inspiration usually strikes when you least expect it.  So, before you run out of ideas, make sure to have a list of shots you want to get before, during, and even after the ceremony.  Most often than not, the best candid beach wedding photos are taken after they kissed each other and while everyone is having a grand day in the beach reception venue in Calatagan.

 

In addition, make sure to keep the couple in the loop.  After all, it is their day, so make it meaningful.  Do not be shy and be aggressive in asking them which photos they want to be taken.  If you can, give suggestions as well, to ensure that you are really doing your job.

Beach wedding is already a given subject.  You have a great sunset as a backdrop, colorful decorations and nice tiki torches and lamp lights to give you the perfect effect, so bring a set of lenses that are capable of taking these magnificent shots.

​

2. Consider the right lighting and timing

The only thing that makes beach wedding photos genuine and original is when you have the best available lighting.  And, a beach venue in Calatagan is the best!  It is an outdoor location, so you have a lot of available lighting.  However, with great lighting come great shadows, too.  So, consider the right timing.  According to Darren Rowse, a renowned Photographer and author of Digital Photography School website, he mentioned that timing is important, as well as, looking for great focal points.  Which is absolutely helpful not only in an indoor setup, but a beach wedding, too.  Avoid those stubborn shadows and backlit problems by considering the best time to get an available light.  During the reception, which is usually night time, make sure you open your aperture as wide as you can and adjust your ISO to get the background correctly.

 

As mentioned earlier, the beach itself is a great subject.  Work you way around it by getting the right focal points and places where to capture the best shots.

​

3. Fill Flash

As per Darren Rowse, you may want to use a fill flash to avoid shadows usually caused by hats, sunglasses, noses, etc.  According to his article, he mentioned the following set of tips to avoid shadows:

• Switch on flash and keep it on high to eliminate shadows.

• If subjects look overexposed, adjust your distance from the subject. Try moving back a little further and use the zoom to make it sharp.

• Experimenting is the key.

On a personal note, do not feel shy or pressured to capture it one more time.  I am sure they’d understand it.  After all, they want to preserve their greatest moment.

​

4. Capture the small things

Do not underestimate these small things when taking beach wedding photos – the rings and other decorations!  Just like the old saying goes, great things come in small packages, so apply it in capturing beach weddings.  Capture the beauty behind the rings, the view of the beach venue in Calatagan, the drama effect of the Bible, and table centerpiece.  This would definitely bring back memories to the couple should they look back at your photos.

 

5. Choose to shoot using RAW file

RAW may come handy in taking beach wedding photos.  It will give you a lot of room to manipulate the images in terms of post processing it.  Although, JPEG file format is enough, wedding photography is kind of an exquisite event, so the more careful you are in taking photos, the better!  There is a huge chance of getting hired again.

​

6. Come prepared

While taking beach wedding photos is a great way to be creative, it could also be your downfall, too.  Therefore, you must come prepared by bringing water-resistant cameras. I have witnessed a lot of unexpected events like raining while the sun is up, or someone fainting due to the scorching weather, or the kids playing with the sand- and, of course, sands may go inside your lens and scratch it!

If you can, please bring your dry box.  If the dry box is too big and heavy, improvise with Ziplocs or airtight Tupperware, which you can buy from supermarkets.  Put a bunch of silica and dehumidifiers.

Make it a habit to wear a hat or bring an umbrella, in case it rains or if it’s too hot!

​

7. Set your cameras on continuous mode

It is better to have multiple shots than nothing at all! If you get the chance on a candid shot, set it on continuous mode.  The chances of having a useful image are high rather than chancing it.

 

8. Do not delete overexposed photos

Personally, I do not delete photos.  As a photo editor, I check all the photos religiously.  Unless it is really dark and impossible to fix, I really try to revive the overexposed photos.  I try to change it into a Sepia or black and white. Voila, another perfect photo full of meaning! 

Black and white photos are the best – they show the soul of the subject.  This is where your photo editing kicks in.  Taking beach wedding photos needs absolute creative minds.