How to Capture the Best Photos from your Singer Island Condo

It’s often been said that photography is “90% seeing and 10% photographing.” Every aspiring photographer wants to take better pictures, but nature shots can be especially challenging. In South Florida, water is everywhere, and taking better photos of the beach, ocean or boating takes practice. Some people are fortunate to live surrounded by water, such as on Singer Island, Florida, which is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Here are some tips for getting the best photos of the waterfront.

Remember the rule of thirds. When it comes to composition, imagine a grid over your subject area, with two vertical and two horizontal lines (like a tic-tac-toe board). Your main subject should be placed where those lines intersect to create the most pleasing composition. Perhaps you see a boat in the distance from your Singer Island condo balcony; use the rule of thirds to place the boat on one of those intersecting lines.

Look beyond the obvious. So often we miss photo opportunities that we just walked by! Florida oceanfront condos often offer direct access to the beach. While walking the beach, get up close to your subject. Every once in a while turn around and look back towards where you just came from. Take the time to see your subject in a new perspective.

Use tripods for waterfront photos from your luxury condo. Florida has so many beautiful waterfront vistas; it’s tempting to shoot quickly. But the best photos are those where you slow down and think before you shoot. Using a tripod will ensure the overall sharpness of the photo and gives you the chance to put thought into your composition and lighting before you snap.

The better the light, the better the image. This is true for any shot, but especially true for waterfront photography taken from a Singer Island condo. Make use of the reflective properties of the water, and shoot early in the day or late in the afternoon to take advantage of long shadows that add visual interest.

Shoot lots of film. While it seems obvious, this is an important photography tip. Change the shutter speed, vary between horizontal and vertical compositions, zoom in, and then step back. Because photography, like other art, is very subjective, only you will know what you prefer. Some photographers like a more saturated image, while others favor a softer palette.

The waterfront is a beautiful subject matter, and when you live on or near the water, there is plenty of opportunity to practice—and that’s really what makes the difference. Looking at the water every day, you can really appreciate the subtle changes in the horizon, an especially vibrant sunset, an unexpected migration of birds—capturing these extraordinary moments is what makes waterfront photography so magical.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singer Island, Palm Beach are not owned, developed or sold by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. 2700 North Ocean LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton mark under a license from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.