Four tips for shooting serious seascapes

1Get to know your location. Learn how the wind and tide affect the surf there. Research the tide times, not only for your safety but also because tide height will affect the waves. I use www.tides4fishing.com.

2Even if it’s not raining, there will be lots of spray. Unless your camera and lens are completely weather-sealed, you will need a cover. You can buy inexpensive camera covers online, but even a plastic bag and elastic band will be better than nothing.

3A lens hood is vital, or you will miss shots while you keep wiping your lens every few minutes. Be careful when you clean your lens, as salt crystals in sea spray may scratch it.

4Stay safe – always keep an eye on what the sea is doing. Stay well back and use a longer focal length if you must. No shot is worth the risk of being swept away.