Cheat sheet · Landscape & nature

Camera settings for seascapes

Time exposures to wave motion: 1/4–1 s shows motion trails as water recedes; minutes flatten the sea into mist.

ModeManual
Aperturef/8–f/11
Shutter0.3–1 s (texture) or 30 s+ (mist)
ISOBase
FilterND + grad
Quick start: Time exposures to wave motion: 1/4–1 s shows motion trails as water recedes; minutes flatten the sea into mist.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 13. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/4000 stoo brighttoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/1000 s1/4000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/5.61/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/81/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 s
f/111/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 s

Step by step#

  1. Check tide times.
  2. Fire as a wave starts to retreat.
  3. Stand safe — never turn your back on the sea.

Gear checklist#

  • Tripod
  • ND filters
  • Waterproof boots
  • Tide app

Pro tips#

  • Low sun skimming the water lights up wave texture.

Common mistakes#

  • Salt spray on the lens.
Daytime long exposureA 10-stop ND turns 1/60 s into 16 s: smooth seas, streaking clouds and empty streets.… Sunset photographyExpose for the sky, protect highlights and keep shooting 20 minutes after the sun dips for…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for seascapes?

Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: 0.3–1 s (texture) or 30 s+ (mist) · ISO: Base. Time exposures to wave motion: 1/4–1 s shows motion trails as water recedes; minutes flatten the sea into mist.

What gear do I need for seascapes?

Tripod, ND filters, Waterproof boots, Tide app.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources