Watch Your Exposures
As with snow on a sunny day, bright sand can fool your camera's metering system. Nearly white sand will probably be rendered gray. Most current SLRs and many sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras offer an exposure-compensation feature. By using it, you can add a full stop of exposure to the automatic settings. As with all landscape scenes, working early or late in the day will give you the most pleasing light. The sun will be less harsh at these times, and its low angle will provide texture and a sense of depth.

Five Tips For Shooting Beaches
· Capture expansive views.
· Look for interesting details.
· Use the Sports mode to freeze crashing waves.
· Don't let bright sand fool your meter.
· Protect your gear.

Reader photo by Jim Bitten, Hamburg, NJ

Sand, Salt, And Your Camera
Always protect your camera from the elements. Bright sun, sand and salt water can seriously damage your camera, film and accessories. You may want to invest in an inexpensive waterproof or splashproof compact camera for use at the beach. When using your favorite gear on windy days with blowing sand and spray from the surf, keep your camera in a plastic bag or waterproof pack and remove it only when taking pictures. Whether you're using memory cards or film, always load and unload your camera in a protected place.

Send Us your photos!
Readers are encouraged to submit photos to our monthly Back To Basics feature. Please refer to the table of contents, which lists the location of the entry coupon and more information on monthly topics.

Lynne Eodice is an accomplished writer/photographer and a popular contributor to Photographic magazine.

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