BuzzSugar

How to Solve 3 Common Beach Photography Problems

Anna Monette Roberts — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:12:12 PDT

A day at the beach is the perfect chance to capture carefree memories, but the brightness of the sun reflecting off the sand and water doesn't often yield the best photographic results. Before you start snapping away, take a look at three common beach photography problems and simple ways you can avoid them.

The photos are overexposed: Auto mode can overexpose photos, making them appear washed out. Experiment with the camera's manual setting. First set the camera's ISO (the setting that controls the camera's sensitivity to light) to a low number, like 100. A low ISO setting is best for bright lighting. Set it to a higher number, like 400, when shooting moving objects. Next, change the white balance, and set it to daylight, shade, or cloudy-twilight-sunset, depending on the weather.

The pics are boring: Transform a shot of the sea by finding a point of interest to focus on, whether it's a rock, crashing wave, setting sun, or flying bird. The object breaks up an otherwise basic-looking landscape. Frame the pic using the rule of thirds, and include the horizon of the beach in the background to give the photo depth.

The pics have a weird bluish lighting: Try attaching a few filters to the camera. A UV filter will remove the fog effect that is caused from UV rays, and it helps protect the lens from sun damage. Experiment with a polarizing filter to reduce the glare from water and to darken the bright blue hues of the sky. It can be used occasionally, depending on the effect you are hoping to achieve.

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!

9 Baby Beach Bag Essentials For a Successful Day in the Sand

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:32:59 PDT

Remember when deciding to head to the beach for the day required little more than a blanket, some sunscreen, and some good music? Once there's a baby in the mix, an afternoon at the shore is still an option, it just requires a bit more planning! Before nixing the idea altogether, check out our nine baby beach bag essentials - blankets, towels, and umbrellas are still part of the plan, but here are a few other things that will make your experience one worth repeating throughout the Summer!

Boating Safety: Things to Know Before You Go Afloat

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:27:32 PDT

It seems like boating season unofficially begins on Memorial Day weekend with everyone headed to their lake houses, weekend river residences, or the beach. In different parts of the nation, boating accidents, injuries, and unfortunately fatalities are on the rise. Now that I've captured your attention, let's review a few tips on boating safety.

Boater's fatigue is real, and it can wear you down. The US Coast Guard warns people about this condition, created by the combination of wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat. All these elements can mentally and physically fatigue boaters and subsequently impair their judgment.
Personal flotation devices, otherwise known as life jackets, are vitally important for everyone on board the boat, be it a canoe or a speed boat. Some states even require children under a certain age to wear life jackets, so if the little ones complain about wearing the big orange life vest, tell them it's the law.
Boating and alcohol don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. Coupled with boater's fatigue, folks on a boat will feel the effects of alcohol faster than they would on land. Plus, driving a boat while intoxicated is illegal.
The wind can keep you cool and make you forget you're in the sun, but don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours and always after swimming. Lube up even if it's overcast since UV rays can still damage your skin through clouds.
Watch the weather to keep an eye on local weather conditions, and be prepared for electrical storms. Water conducts electricity, so you don't want to find yourself on the open water during a lightning storm.

15 Pieces That Are Perfect For Memorial Day - and the Rest of the Summer, Too

Brittney Stephens — Sat, 26 May 2012 07:55:05 PDT

As the unofficial start of Summer, Memorial Day gives us a chance to remember our fallen soldiers, relax with family and friends, and bask in the notion that more festive holidays are right around the corner. Since the long weekend is fast approaching, we thought it more than necessary to round up some of our favorite party-perfect pieces for the holiday - and even better, they'll work well for the rest of your Summer celebrations too. Whether you're headed to the beach, a barbecue, or a fun brunch with the girls, we've got you covered. Just click through to see and shop 15 pieces to help you make your way stylishly through the long weekend.

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 26 May 2012 04:26:41 PDT

These sweet Memorial Day treats may steal the show at your barbecue!
What to do with all that stuff baby outgrows.
These personalized baby gifts are perfect if you have any new babies in your life!
Planning a birthday party for your tot? Don't miss our favorite birthday party themes - ever!
Don't head to the beach this weekend without reading our guide to packing a beach bag for a toddler.
Are you on Instagram yet? If so, then join our first Instagram challenge and load a picture that demonstrates motherhood!
Tired of waiting for baby to arrive on her own? Try one of these tried and true methods for inducing labor on your own!
Hats off to the lil preschool graduate with these graduation ideas for tots.
Todd Oldham's beautiful collection of arts-and-crafts projects and supplies hit Target this week. See which are Todd's favorites.
We love Valentina Pinault's impeccable style and jet-setting ways!
Have a stack of used baby food jars sitting around? Try reusing them for more than just food!

Meet the Euro Pop Princesses of the '60s: Yé-Yé Girls

Tara Block — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:52:29 PDT

Are the yé-yé girls having resurgence? First there was Megan's infamous Mad Men song and dance number, and now they've come up again in Wes Anderson's latest film Moonrise Kingdom. In the film - set in 1965, a year before this season of Mad Men - Suzy Bishop is one half of the lovesick preteen couple at the center of the movie. While her style is clearly fashioned after the yé-yé girls, Suzy's interest in the pop singers is brought up at one point when she shows her love interest, Sam Shakusky, her favorite album, Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles by yé-yé girl Françoise Hardy. Later in the movie, Sam and Suzy have a very entertaining dance scene on the beach in their underwear to her song "Le Temps de l'Amour" ("The Time of Love").

Derived from "yeah! yeah!", the yé-yé movement was comprised of female pop singers from France, Québec, Italy, and Spain. The themes and lyrics of the songs, often written by men like Serge Gainsbourg, were deceptively innocent, as the girls beamed sexy naiveté. One not-so-innocent song Serge wrote for yé-yé singer France Gall was "Les Sucettes" ("Lollipops"), which was really referring to oral sex. It included the line, "Annie loves lollipops, aniseed lollipops, when the sweet liquid runs down Annie's throat, she is in paradise." Learn more about France and other popular yé-yé girls like Françoise Hardy, Sylvie Vartan, and Sheila.

Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult Sit Front Row at a Monaco Fashion Show

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:30:09 PDT

Jennifer Lawrence and her boyfriend, Nicholas Hoult, were among royalty at the Amber Lounge fashion show at Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel in Monaco this evening. Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II were on hand for the event, which also brought out Vanessa Hudgens. Jennifer and Nicholas made the trip to Monaco after popping up in London earlier this week. The couple strolled the streets together and also stopped by the Duke of York Theatre. Jennifer is gearing up for an exciting Summer, since she's starting filming on the second movie in the Hunger Games franchise, Catching Fire, and she'll celebrate her birthday in August.

4 Stylish Outfits to Try Over the Long Memorial Day Weekend!

Allison McNamara — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:11:02 PDT

Memorial Day is coming up this weekend, so that means fun-filled days of sun, barbecuing, and the beach! Accordingly, we've styled up some great outfits to keep you chic all weekend long. For a classic, clean look, try out a crisp LWD, and if you're in the mood to test out Spring's Hawaiian-print trend, then we have the perfect bikini for you. You can also elevate your weekend attire with a maxi dress and structured white blazer. Let us know which Memorial Day outfits you like best! On Allison McNamara: Madewell top.

15 Sunscreens to Get You Through Memorial Day and Beyond

Jessica Cruel — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:09:39 PDT

Summer unofficially kicks off this weekend, and even though we know you wear sunscreen in every season (right?), there's no excuse to go without when the sun's shining. Recently, the FDA changed the rules for product makers requiring every brand to include broad-spectrum coverage. So, each sunscreen on our list protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. We've left no body part unturned, so you'll be covered from head to toe, whether you're headed to the beach or just taking a drive.

Source: Flickr user Tay