Beaches offer more than a place to relax. For photographers, they are natural studios filled with dramatic light, contrasting textures, and powerful moods. From volcanic sands to tranquil turquoise waters, some coastlines provide endless creative opportunities. These locations stand out for their stunning landscapes and unique photographic potential.
Dramatic Coastlines and Unique Formations
Reynisfjara, Iceland
The black sands of Reynisfjara create a striking backdrop against the roaring North Atlantic. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise sharply from the water, and the Gardar cliff’s basalt columns resemble an enormous organ.
Photography Tips
- Use a fast shutter speed, around 1/250s or faster, to capture waves crashing against the sea stacks.
- Long exposures produce a misty effect around the rocks, ideal for creating an ethereal atmosphere.
- Visit at sunrise for soft light and fewer people.
- Powerful sneaker waves are common, so keep a safe distance.
- Between October and March, the Northern Lights can sometimes be framed above the sea stacks.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
Haystack Rock dominates the shoreline, rising 235 feet and often wrapped in mist.
Photography Tips
- Low tide reveals tide pools and creates reflections in the wet sand.
- The golden hour just before sunset highlights the rock and creates dramatic silhouettes.
- A panoramic view of the coastline can be captured from Ecola State Park to the north.
Bandon Beach, Oregon, USA
This coastline is lined with distinctive sea stacks, including Face Rock.
Photography Tips
- Sunset at low tide uncovers intricate sand patterns and provides access to the base of the formations.
- A wide-angle lens captures the vast seascape and layered rocks.
- Tide pools and sea caves offer additional composition elements.
Praia da Adraga, Portugal
Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this beach features dark, jagged rocks and a natural arch pounded by Atlantic waves.
Photography Tips
- Sunset delivers warm light across the rocks and water.
- Use long exposures with neutral density filters to create smooth, flowing water effects.
- Mid to low tide provides access to the most interesting rock formations.
El Matador State Beach, California, USA
Golden sand meets dramatic sea stacks, arches, and sea caves along this Malibu favorite.
Photography Tips
- Golden hour light adds warmth to the rock formations.
- Weekdays have fewer visitors, making clean compositions easier.
- Low tide is best for reaching sea caves. A permit may be required for professional shoots.
Idyllic Paradises and Unique Sands
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
The pure white silica sand and turquoise waters of Hill Inlet create patterns best appreciated from above.
Photography Tips
- Aerial shots from a seaplane or helicopter capture the swirling sands perfectly.
- For ground-level views, hike to the Tongue Point lookout.
- Bright sand reflects sunlight, so adjust exposure carefully.
- An incoming tide intensifies the blue and teal shades.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
La Digue’s iconic beach is lined with massive granite boulders, shallow turquoise water, and soft white sand.
Photography Tips
- Tides change the landscape dramatically, offering multiple compositions in a single day.
- Midday highlights water colors, though light can be harsh.
- Late afternoon and golden hour bathe the granite in warm light.
- Entry requires a pass through L’Union Estate Park.
Uvita Beach, Costa Rica
Part of Marino Ballena National Park, this beach is famous for its Whale Tail-shaped sandbar.
Photography Tips
- Low tide is best for walking the sandbar and capturing reflections.
- Sunset works better than sunrise since mountains block early light.
- Lush jungle and mountains add depth to wide shots.
The Wild North of Tenerife
Tenerife’s volcanic origins create dramatic black sand beaches and powerful seascapes.
Playa Benijo
Located in Anaga Rural Park, this remote beach has sea stacks rising from dark sand.
Photography Tips
- Sunset adds warm tones that reflect on wet sand and silhouette the stacks.
- The wild setting makes long-exposure shots of waves particularly striking.
Playa de Los Roques
This beach features Roque Grande and Roque Chico, two sea stacks shaped by relentless Atlantic waves.
Photography Tips
- Low tide reveals the full scale of the rocks against the black sand.
- Use wide compositions to show the contrast between the sea stacks and the shoreline.
Punta Da Hidalgo
Lava formations, strong surf, and mountain views make this location dynamic.
Photography Tips
- Sunrise captures the sun rising beside the mountain.
- Sunset bathes the mountain in red light, creating a rich color contrast.
- Long exposures work well with the dramatic wave action.
Final Thoughts
Each of these beaches offers its own set of photographic challenges and rewards. From Iceland’s dark volcanic shores to Australia’s bright silica sands, every location has distinctive textures, colors, and lighting conditions. Careful timing, an understanding of tides, and attention to natural light transform these stunning locations into extraordinary images.
