Engagement Photos at the Beach

[Kilted Madman]

Hey Everyone,

I know this isn't the preferred section for this, but I got no feedback from the proper location. Hoping I can get some answers here.

I've recently been asked to take some engagement photos for a friend... at the beach. I normally don't do this type of work so I'm a little out of sorts. I agreed to do it, as it's for a friend and I didn't want to be a d*ck. I have some questions about this type of shoot though, and I'm hoping I can get some tips, advice, etc...

First. Since it's at the beach, I'm planning on bringing as little gear on to the sand as possible. So, for lighting I was thinking natural sun as it sits later in the afternoon and a nice big reflector. Any thoughts on this, or suggestions on lighting? I'd rather not bring strobes/flashes/stands, out onto the sand if possible.

Second. Are there specific "standard" poses for this type of thing, or can I just come up with my own ideas?

Any suggestions, tips, tricks and or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[PiRho]

I've never done a shoot like that on the beach. so I can't give any real advice here. but I have seen oodles of other people have posted lots of pics of exactly the same thing. have you tried to search this "wed & other events" forum for beach/engagement?

Try

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/search.php?searchid=4781904

There may be more, but thats a start for ya.

~Z

[auroraskye]

Don't go in the middle of the day, that's my biggest tip. Go the last two hours before sundown.

[Ultimate CC]

go just before sundown...i like using a flash just to add a little filler in the pics and make them pop a tad...i did a similar shoot not too long ago...if you check my site under people, click jen and doug and password is ross you can see what i had done..nothing great but they like them...

[NC_Photo]

I do beach portraits almost exclusively. My suggestions - shoot either early or late in the afternoon, not in the middle of the day. Also, use a flash. Don't worry about making sure the sun is behind you....worry about making sure your customers are not staring into the sun - that's what you have a flash for....to fill.

I would say 90% of the time I'm shooting when its still pretty bright and I'm at 1/500 @ f/8 - I shoot a lot of large families (15+ people).

ETA: Feel free to check out my blog - I've got some beach stuff on there.

[Eoseni]

Using a reflector is fine if you have an assistant. Flash is also a definite possibility. I use both. You should not be too fearful for your gear if you are careful. Bring a plastic bag to protect your camera if the wind picks up. I try to have each couple be themselves, but also have a few casual poses in mind just in case. I usually scout the area and plan my shots during this scouting, with the background and poses in mind.