Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, we yearn for a change of scenery and a break from the daily grind.

That's when the idea of a beach vacation comes to mind - a place where we can unwind, rejuvenate, and bask in the tranquility of the seaside.

The beach offers more than just a chance to relax; it presents a plethora of photo opportunities with its unique beauty and captivating elements. When it comes to beach photography, capturing stunning images goes beyond simply pointing and shooting.

Here are some tips and techniques to raise your photography skills and create mesmerizing visuals that truly reflect the magic of the shoreline.

1. Find a unique visual focus:

When we think of the beach, the classic images of blue seas and skies or serene sunrise and sunsets often come to mind. However, relying solely on the sea and sky can result in monotonous photos.

To add depth and interest, seek out distinctive visual elements that catch the eye. Look for flying seabirds, pontoon bridges, boats on the water's surface, or people enjoying the beach.

These subjects serve as visual anchors, injecting excitement and narrative into your photos. They enhance the overall composition, triggering viewers' imagination and storytelling.

2. Change Perspectives:

One way to breathe life into beach photography is by changing perspectives. Instead of shooting from eye level, take the time to observe your surroundings and find different angles that accentuate the best features of the beach.

Embrace the "flat view" angle, aligning your phone's position with the subject, which resonates with our natural observation habits.

To ensure the subject stands out amidst a crowded frame, employ the "low angle + frame foreground" technique. Use objects like seashells or rocks in the foreground to create depth and emphasize the main subject.

Conversely, for a vertical impact, find an elevated vantage point that showcases the gentle curvature of the coastline, drawing the viewer's gaze towards the horizon. The coastline itself serves as a guiding line, lending vitality and momentum to the image.

3. Slow shutter for a misty effect:

Embrace the art of slow shutter photography to capture the ethereal and misty essence of the sea. By enabling the "Professional Mode" on your phone, you can experiment with different shutter speeds to create intriguing effects.

A shutter speed ranging from 0.5 to 2 seconds is ideal for capturing the graceful flow of seawater, giving it a silky texture. For a more mystical touch, longer shutter speeds reveal a mist-like appearance.

The choice of speed depends on the lighting conditions and water movement, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired effect.

When using slow shutter techniques, consider the overall composition and visual appeal of the photo. Incorporate foreground elements such as lighthouses or rocks to juxtapose the brushed water surface with the vibrant sky, creating an enchanting and dreamlike atmosphere.

4. Play with silhouettes:

Sunrises and sunsets on the beach present a perfect opportunity for capturing breathtaking silhouette portraits. The low angle of the sun's rays during these magical hours bathes the beach in warm, soft light.

To create stunning silhouettes, position your subject against the light source, almost backlighting them. This stark contrast between the subject and the light source highlights their shape and outline, evoking a sense of mystery and allure.

To achieve captivating silhouettes, adjust the exposure compensation on your phone. Once you've chosen the focus position, the screen will display a "small sun" symbol representing exposure compensation.

Slide it down to reduce the exposure, ensuring that the subject remains underexposed while the background retains its luminosity.