Photographing the Surf? Make Plenty of Photos

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

One of the most enjoyable things to photograph in a landscape is the surf. Especially when there are rocks. The interplay of water between the rocks and stones is dynamic and perfect for short long shutter speeds. Just make plenty of photos.

Of course, tastes differ. I think the surf and a rocky beach make a fantastic spectacle. It is one of my favourite subjects. Especially when there are mountains on the horizon as well.

By photographing with long shutter speeds, you can capture the flow of the water between the rocks beautifully. Choose a short long shutter speed for this. Often, 2 seconds is long enough. In other cases, 1/4 second is sufficient.

Choose the neutral density filter that allows for the desired shutter speed. An ND1.8 or ND0.9 is sufficient in most cases. Once everything is set up and adjusted, you can start taking photos. Above all, make plenty of photos.

Every new wave is different. The water flows largely the same, but the amount of water and the force vary. Every seventh wave is more powerful. Every seventh seventh wave adds even more.

Take a photo when it looks like a suitable wave is coming. Keep doing that. Do not take just one photo, or two. Take dozens. Stay in that position for half a quarter of an hour to half an hour and keep taking photos.

The idea is not that you then keep all those photos. That is not necessary, only the two or three best ones are enough. And of those three, choose one as the best. The rest are backups.

If you have spent half an hour at a beautiful location, always keep an eye on the tide, choose another place. Stay there for another half an hour. This way, you can spend many hours while enjoying the eternal sound of the sea.

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