Help a photography newb take sunset/action photos?

-Mike- · 19 Apr 2007 at 03:21

Hi all,

Took my parents camera to the beach today and had a go at taking some sunset shots, and a few of the waves as they rolled in. I've read the sticky and am just after some pointers so I can try and get some decent pictures when I go back there later on today.

Specifically I'm after shots of waves that capture err 'the realness/power' of the water and I'd like to get a few decent sunset ones (batteries died today :mad:

)

The camera has several modes and settings you can change yourself but I assume they are toned down to be average Joe friendly!

Thanks in advance

Windle · 19 Apr 2007 at 10:36

What camera is it ?

-Mike- · 19 Apr 2007 at 11:54

HP-M627, this is where you tell me its no good for taking those kind of photo's right?

Thanks for the reply mate

robertgilbert86 · 19 Apr 2007 at 14:09

To force a quick exposure on the camera for an action shot, put the flash on. It shouldn't blow anything out in the daytime.

Not too sure about good sunset shots. If exposures become a problem try half-pressing the shutter to focus on something distant, but lighter/darker than what you want to shoot. This should tell the camera to meter for a light condition - say aim at the sun, >fast exposure, then aim the camera at the (dark) subject and it should expose the subject well.
That's all trial and error though!

I'd say your best bet (for both the above) is read up on 'rule of thirds' then go out snapping, don't delete any images, and put some time into processing them well. Use levels, brightness/contrast, saturation as you see fit.

Good luck, show the results later.