Capturing the Perfect Shot: My Top Photography Tips

Hey there, friends! It’s your favorite beach-loving photographer from Saltwashed Photography. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless special moments—from giggling kids building sandcastles to couples sharing a sunset kiss. Along the way, I’ve picked up some handy tips that have helped me nail those perfect shots. I thought it’d be fun to share them with you, whether you’re an aspiring photographer or just love snapping pics on your phone.

1. Chase the Golden Hour

Ah, the golden hour—that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset when the world is bathed in a warm, soft glow. Trust me, this is the best time to shoot outdoors. The light is diffused, reducing harsh shadows and giving everything (and everyone) a flattering look.

I remember one evening when I was photographing a family on the beach. The kids were playing tag, and as the sun began to set, it cast the most beautiful light over the ocean waves. The photos from that session were absolutely stunning, all thanks to the golden hour. So, whenever possible, plan your shoots around this time. There are even apps that can help you track the golden hour based on your location!

2. Get to Know Your Gear

Whether you’re wielding a high-end DSLR or your trusty smartphone, knowing your equipment inside and out is crucial. Spend some time exploring all the settings and features. For cameras, understanding the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—can make a world of difference. For smartphones, get familiar with portrait modes, HDR settings, and manual controls if available.

Once, during a surprise proposal shoot, my camera settings were off due to a previous indoor session. Thanks to my familiarity with my gear, I quickly adjusted on the fly and captured the big moment without a hitch. So, take the time to tinker with your equipment—you won’t regret it!

3. Composition is Key

Good composition can turn an average photo into a captivating one. Start with the rule of thirds: imagine your frame divided into a 3×3 grid and place your subject along these lines or at the intersections. This creates balance and draws the viewer’s eye to the important parts of the scene.

But don’t be afraid to break the rules! Some of my favorite shots came from experimenting with angles and perspectives. Try shooting from a low angle to make subjects appear taller or from a high angle for a unique viewpoint. Use leading lines—like pathways or shorelines—to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

4. Patience Pays Off

Especially when photographing kids, pets, or wildlife, patience is truly a virtue. The most genuine moments are often spontaneous and can’t be staged. Be ready to snap away, but also be prepared to wait for that perfect expression or interaction.

I once spent nearly an hour waiting for a pelican to take flight against a sunset backdrop. Just when I thought about packing up, it soared into the sky, and I captured one of my most cherished images. So, take your time and enjoy the process—the results are well worth it.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, the more you practice photography, the better you’ll get. Carry your camera with you whenever possible and take photos of anything that catches your eye. Experiment with different settings, lighting conditions, and subjects.

I make it a point to shoot something every day, even if it’s just the way the morning light hits my coffee mug. Over time, you’ll develop an eye for what works and start to see opportunities for great shots everywhere.

6. Engage with Your Subjects

If you’re photographing people, building a rapport can make a huge difference. Make them feel comfortable by chatting and joking around. Candid shots often turn out better when your subjects are relaxed and genuinely enjoying themselves.

During family sessions, I like to play games or have the kids show me their silliest faces. Not only does this make the experience more fun for them, but it also results in authentic smiles and laughter captured on camera.

7. Mind the Background

Pay attention to what’s behind your subject. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the focal point of your photo. Whenever possible, use simple, uncluttered backgrounds or adjust your depth of field to blur out distractions.

Once, I was photographing a couple on the beach, and I didn’t notice a group of tourists in bright clothing walking by in the distance. Luckily, I caught it early and adjusted my angle to keep the background clean and focused on the couple.

8. Embrace Natural Poses

Stiff, posed photos can feel lifeless. Encourage natural movements and interactions. Instead of telling people to “say cheese,” prompt them to tell a funny story or think about a happy memory. Capture them walking, talking, or engaging in an activity they love.

I often ask couples to whisper something silly in each other’s ear or have families walk hand-in-hand along the shoreline. These actions produce genuine expressions and create a narrative within the photo.

9. Learn Basic Editing

Post-processing can enhance your photos and bring out details that might not be immediately visible. Programs like Adobe Lightroom or even basic mobile apps can adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. Just remember, less is often more—aim to enhance, not over-process.

I typically adjust the exposure and tweak the colors slightly to match the mood of the scene. For beach photos, enhancing the blues of the water and the warmth of the sunlight can make the image pop while still looking natural.

10. Backup Your Work

This might not be a shooting tip, but it’s crucial. Always backup your photos in multiple places. Use external hard drives, cloud storage, or both. There’s nothing worse than losing precious memories due to a technical glitch.

I’ve had a hard drive fail on me before, and thankfully, I had backups of all my client sessions. Now, I’m meticulous about saving copies in several locations. It’s a small effort for a big peace of mind.

11. Stay Inspired

Photography is an art, and like any artist, staying inspired is important. Follow other photographers whose work you admire, visit galleries, or join photography groups. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new styles can reignite your passion.

I love attending local photography meetups and workshops. Not only do I learn new techniques, but I also get to connect with fellow enthusiasts who inspire me with their creativity.

12. Protect Your Gear

Especially when shooting outdoors, your equipment can be exposed to the elements. Invest in protective gear like camera bags, lens hoods, and weather-resistant covers. Regularly clean your lenses and sensors to keep your images sharp.

Shooting on the beach means dealing with sand and saltwater spray. I always carry lens wipes and a microfiber cloth. After a session, I give everything a good clean to prevent any long-term damage.

13. Understand the Story You Want to Tell

Every photograph tells a story. Before you click the shutter, think about the emotion or message you want to convey. This mindset will guide your composition, lighting, and timing.

When I photograph weddings, I focus on the emotions—the nervous excitement before the ceremony, the joy during the vows, the laughter during the reception. Keeping the story in mind helps me capture moments that are meaningful and memorable.

14. Keep Learning

The world of photography is always evolving. New technologies, techniques, and styles emerge all the time. Stay curious and open to learning. Whether it’s a new editing software or a different photography genre, expanding your knowledge will keep your work fresh.

I’ve recently started exploring drone photography to capture aerial shots of the coastline. It’s been a fun challenge and adds a unique perspective to my portfolio.

Final Thoughts

Photography is a beautiful blend of technical skill and artistic expression. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or everyday moments, these tips can help you elevate your photos from ordinary to extraordinary. But most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey. The best shots often come when you’re having fun and fully immersed in the moment.

So grab your camera, head out into the world, and start capturing those perfect shots. And if you ever want to chat about photography or book a session, you know where to find me!

Happy shooting!