Is there anything I need to know. This is a first time shooting, at the beach
I intend on using my 18-55mm lense, and my 500mm manual focus lense.
Is there a filter (polarize) or any type that would enhance my pics?
also, I am very careful w. my camera for sure...but what are my chances of getting sand in my camera.? I do not intend on changing lenses anywhere near the sand.!!
also should I use the beach setting ?
Question for shooting at the beach?
The best times to shoot are early morning and late afternoon - an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. Avoid shooting during the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky.
A polarizer filter will remove glare from water, sand, glass, painted metal and snow - but not from polished metal. It will also darken a blue sky. Every lens you own should always have either a Skylight or UV/Haze filter protecting the front element of the lens.
You might want to visit http://www.cameraarmor.com and http://www.bonicadive.com and check out their protective camera covers.
If you have to change lenses, do it inside or at least out of any wind. Keep the camera body pointed down, make the change as quickly as possible and get the rear cap on the lens you took off.
Question for shooting at the beach?
A polarizer will definitely help produce richer pictures ( in color and contrast) but only if you shoot at a 90 degree angle from the sun. High noon pictures are pretty boring. If you are using a digital camera and want to use your automatic focus, then a circular polarizer is needed. I personally use a Heliopan circular polarizer, but many of my collegues have opted for either Tiffen (if you can find one) or Hoya. Keep in mind your best pictures will either be just after sunrise or just before sunset.
As far as sand goes, if it's not hitting you from windy conditions then your camera will be ok. Just think of it like food... don't lay it anywhere you wouldn't lay your %26quot;sandwich%26quot; and always put it away when not in use. Not only is the sand a potential problem but direct sun isn't so great either!
Finally, don't know what the beach setting is but starting there, and seeing what the settings are (ISO, f-stop, shutter speed) is a good way to start. Then switch to apeture or shutter priority using those settings and play around... Enjoy!
In addition to the valuable comments above, select White Balance setting to %26quot;Daylight%26quot; so the camera does not override the natural stunning colours in a sunrise or sunset.
If a test image still appears bluish, select %26quot;Shade%26quot; W/B, that should do the trick.
