Mastering the Art of Seascape Photography in Stormy Weather: A Comprehensive Guide to Capturing the Beauty of the Ocean with a Telephoto Lens
There's nothing quite like the drama and power of a stormy seascape. The crashing waves, dark clouds, and dramatic light create a sense of movement and energy that can be incredibly compelling in photographs. However, capturing these elements effectively can be a challenge, especially when using a telephoto lens. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the technical and creative aspects of photographing seascapes in stormy weather with a telephoto lens, so you can master the art of capturing the beauty of the ocean in any conditions.
One of the most important considerations when photographing seascapes in stormy weather is using a fast shutter speed. The fast-moving clouds, waves, and wind can create a blur in your images if you don't use a fast enough shutter speed. A general rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed that is at least 1/1000th of a second to freeze the motion of the waves and clouds. This will help ensure that your images are sharp and clear, even in the midst of a storm. However, it's worth noting that there are times when a slightly slower shutter speed can be used to create a sense of motion and movement in the image, such as when you want to capture the blur of a breaking wave or the trails of a moving cloud. In these cases, experiment with different shutter speeds to find the right balance between motion blur and sharpness.
Ulla lighthouse, 5 exposure panorama shot with a focal length of 70mm on aps-c . Photo Are Ole Ramstad
In addition to using a fast shutter speed, paying attention to the light in a stormy seascape is essential. Stormy weather can create beautiful light, such as soft, diffused light or dramatic, backlit scenes. Try experimenting with different aperture settings and ISO values to make the most of this light. A lower aperture setting, such as f/8 or f/11, can help create a larger depth of field, which can help capture the entire seascape in focus while still maintaining acceptable sharpness. A higher ISO value can help you achieve a faster shutter speed in low-light conditions; just be aware that a high ISO can introduce noise and grain to your image. It is essential to balance all the exposure triangle components to get the desired effect. Please take a look at the figure below to see what I mean.
All the components in the exposure triangle must be adjusted in relation to the other to create the outcome you want. Illustration: Adobe Stock.
A slab out at sea can create spectacular wave formations. Photo; Are Ole Ramstad
When using a telephoto lens to photograph seascapes in stormy weather, it's essential to pay attention to your composition. The telephoto lens can be used to isolate specific elements of the scene, such as a breaking wave or a dramatic cloud formation. It can also compress the distance between elements in the background, creating a sense of depth and movement. When composing your shots, think about the elements you want to include in the frame and how they relate. Consider the rule of thirds, leading lines and other compositional techniques to add interest and movement to your images. To learn more about leading lines in landscape photography, tap the link below.
The north Atlantic showing its power. Photo: Are Ole Ramstad
Another important aspect of using a telephoto lens for seascape photography is lens stabilization. A lens with image stabilization can help you achieve sharper images by minimizing camera shake and blur caused by wind and waves. This is particularly useful if you shoot handheld in bad weather. Photographing during a storm can be challenging in many ways, and sometimes it's too windy to use a tripod.
five tips to ensure sharp photos with a telephoto lens in stormy weather
Use a fast shutter speed: A fast shutter speed is essential when handholding a telephoto lens to prevent camera shake and blur. Aim for a rate of at least 1/1000th of a second or faster, depending on the wind conditions.
Steady yourself: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and brace yourself against a solid object or wall for stability.
Use image stabilization: If your lens has image stabilization, turn it on to help reduce camera shake.
Hold the lens correctly: Hold the lens with both hands, one on the barrel and the other on the camera body, for extra stability.
Take breaks: Handholding a telephoto lens for an extended period can be tiring. Take breaks to rest your arms and avoid fatigue.
Using a telephoto lens to zoom in on details while being lucky and having a seagull flying into the scene can create a dynamic image. My philosophy on getting lucky is that the more you are out there, the bigger the odds of getting lucky. Photo: Are Ramstad
Safety
When photographing seascapes in stormy weather, it's also essential to pay attention to safety. Bad weather can be dangerous, especially near the ocean, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your equipment. Be aware of the weather forecast, and always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If standing close to the sea, be mindful of rough waves; sometimes, the ocean can give unpleasant surprises. If unsure about the condition, keep a safe distance from cliffs and the water’s edge. It’s always better to walk away and be ready for another day than damage yourself and your equipment.
In conclusion, photographing seascapes in stormy weather can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By understanding the technical aspects of using a telephoto lens, paying attention to the light, the composition and the safety of yourself and your equipment, you are well on your way to creating powerful and dynamic coastal images. If you found this useful, give it a thumbs up and follow along on social media, links below.
-
I’m an enthusiastic amateur photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and nature lover. I got my first «real» camera in 2007, and I was instantly hooked, but the first few years consisted of a lot of trial and error, mostly error; however, my understanding of the craft has grown through the years. All those mistakes in the first years of photography are why I wanted to start this blog, so I can teach you the things I have learned, so you don't have to spend years figuring out the basics. In addition to that, I also want to express my thought on things I think matter, like the health of our beautiful blue home planet. There will be a new photography blog every Sunday and sometimes Wednesdays, so stay tuned. I also like to let you know that I used two writing tools for this essay, Grammarly and GPT-3, to help make the language cohesive; as a dyslexic, these tools are a big help in making these tutorials, blogs and getting my thought on paper in a coherent way.