You've already chosen to go against the grain and have a wedding on a beautiful beach. When it comes to your beach wedding photos, you need to step out of the box and go beyond just a portrait. Let's get creative by getting photos of these actions and events:

• The Engagement session
• Bride putting on makeup
• Hairstyle shots from back, front, and sides
• Different details about the beach wedding dress
• The Bride by herself
• The Groom by himself
• Bridal party/shower
• Groom carrying bride in his arms
• Bouquet shots
• Different angles of the wedding cake
  
• Close-up of bride and groom’s faces during first dance
• Bride throwing bouquet
• Infrared shot of couple kissing
• Guests dancing
• Couple leaving in limo

Hiring the right photographer is a crucial decision, as the memories he preserves will be precious to you, but to generations yet to come.

Selecting a photographer is one of the most important decisions in planning your beach wedding, for s/he will be solely responsible for preserving the memories of your perfect day. As usual, one of the best ways to find a great wedding photographer is to ask your friends, coworkers, and family for their recommendations. However, if you are getting married on a beach far from home, that circle of loved ones probably won't know too many photographers in your chosen area. Your second best bet is to ask your wedding planner for his/her suggestions, or inquire through the hotel or resort you will be staying at, if they are involved in hosting your wedding. A last great resource is the internet. Most photographers have websites, and you will be able to see their work online before you ever contact them.

When you interview a photographer, ask specific questions about the locations s/he has covered as a photographer. If s/he has only photographed indoor weddings, or only shows you samples of indoor work, you really must insist on seeing his/her outdoor work. If they can show you great pictures from a family reunion at the beach, at least that will give you an idea of his/her ability to work with the natural elements. You don't want big shadows or squinty eyes in your wedding photographs, and unfortunately, that's a common problem with beach photography.

Secondly, talk with the photographer about your desires and expectations. How obtrusive do you want him/her to be? Do you want lots of candid shots, or do you prefer posed photos? What scenes do you specifically want (i.e. walking down the aisle, exchanging rings, etc), and what group shots are very important to you? Some photographers bring along a second photographer with them and one goes with the groom, the other with the bride. This allows the photographer to be two places at once, and the prints can make very personal and fun “He-Said, She-Said” albums!

1. Look for focal points

I once heard someone say the reason they don't take photos at the beach is becuase it all looks the same. You shouldn't think that way. There are dozens of amaing photo opportunities for you beach wedding photos if you know where to look. For example while many people take shots looking out to sea I find it interesting to go to the water’s edge and then turn completely around and see what’s in your frame from that angle.

One common problem with landscape beach photos is that while they might capture a beautiful scene they actually have no point of interest and can as a result be rather empty and boring. When taking a shot look for a point of interest or focal point that will give those looking at your photo a place for their eye to rest. Perhaps it’s a pattern in the sand, a set of footprints, the crashing of waves over a rock, a life saver’s tower etc. Also look for the little things that tell the story of going to the beach like shoes at the waters edge, sand castles, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Sometimes these can make wonderful little feature shots to break up your vacation album.

2. Timing is important

The start and end of days can present the best opportunities for shooting at the beach. For starters there will be less people there at that time of day but also you’ll find that with the sun shining on an angle that you often get more interesting effects of shadows and colors - particularly in the evening when the light becomes quite warm and golden.