Float like a butterfly
As a photographer in Los Angeles, there’s no denying that the beach is one of my favorite places to shoot. There’s just something magical about the combination of golden sand, the endless blue horizon, and the waves crashing in the background that creates the perfect backdrop for any photoshoot. Whether I’m working on a fashion campaign, swimwear shoot, or just capturing a beautiful moment, the beach provides an energy and vibe that’s hard to beat.
That said, as much as I love shooting at the beach, it’s not always as picture-perfect as it seems. Sure, the end result looks flawless, but behind the scenes? Well, let’s just say it’s a bit more wild than you might expect!
The Waves: Nature’s Unexpected “Photo Assistant”
Let’s talk about the waves. Oh, the waves. They’re beautiful, they’re dramatic, and they provide the most stunning, natural backdrop for a beach photoshoot. But let me tell you—those waves have a mind of their own. If you’ve ever been out on a photoshoot by the ocean, you know that no matter how much you plan, the waves will ALWAYS have the final say.
It’s happened to me more times than I can count: I’ll be in the middle of adjusting a model’s pose or capturing that perfect shot, and then BAM—a rogue wave comes out of nowhere and crashes right into me. You think you have everything under control, but the ocean decides otherwise. I’ve learned to embrace it, of course (mostly), but it’s hard not to laugh when you’re drenched from head to toe, trying to salvage your camera gear while keeping a straight face.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve been caught off guard by those sneaky waves. You know, the ones that just creepup on you, making you think it’s safe… until it’s not. But hey, it makes for great blooper reel material, right?
And Then There Are the Bees…
While getting hit by waves is par for the course at the beach, getting stung by bees? Well, that’s a whole other chapter in my beachside adventures. Yes, I’ll admit it—I’ve been stung by a bee (or several) during beach photoshoots. I didn’t even see it coming! I was so focused on getting the perfect shot that I didn’t notice a little bee buzzing around. And suddenly… OUCH! The bee decided to take a stand, and I ended up the unwilling target.
You might think a bee sting would throw me off my game, but no—I just power through it! After all, what’s a little sting when you’re capturing the magic of a photoshoot? The sting itself doesn’t last long (thankfully), but the look on the model’s face as I try to keep it together while subtly nursing my bee wound is priceless.
I like to think of it as just another “charming” part of the job. Nature has a way of keeping me humble while also adding a bit of excitement to the mix. And hey, if the model is ever wondering why I’m laughing or limping through the shoot—well, I’ve got a fun story to share after.
Why I Keep Coming Back for More
Despite the occasional wave disaster or surprise bee attack, there’s something about beach photoshoots that keeps me coming back for more. Maybe it’s the fact that the beach is always different—no two days at the beach are the same. The light, the tides, the energy of the ocean—they all contribute to making each shoot unique.
And let’s be real—there’s something incredibly freeing about shooting on the beach. The open space, the sound of the surf, and the natural beauty around you make it feel like there are no limits. The beach gives me the perfect setting to experiment, to get creative, and to truly capture the essence of my subject.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, the waves and the bees are just part of the adventure that comes with shooting at the beach. Sure, they might catch me off guard (okay, more like every time), but they also add to the fun and unpredictability of the process. After all, if everything went according to plan, I wouldn’t have all those hilarious, slightly embarrassing, but totally memorable moments that make my job so exciting.
So, if you ever see me at the beach, camera in hand, smiling through a soaking wet outfit or nursing a bee sting, just know I’m still loving every minute of it. Because even with all the surprises that the beach throws my way, it’s still one of the best places to create beautiful, unforgettable photos.
