How to take photos of yourself at the beach

By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026

Short answerShoot early or late for soft light, keep the horizon level, prop the phone on a bag rather than in sand, use a timer or watch remote, and keep sand and water away from the phone.

Light

Midday sun is harsh. Early morning and late afternoon light is softer and warmer.

Setup

Prop the phone on a bag, cooler or tripod, not directly in sand.
Level the horizon with the grid.
Use a 10-second timer or burst.

Protect your phone

Keep it in shade between shots.
Sand scratches lenses; keep it in a pocket or pouch.
iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof, and resistance can decrease over time.

Safety

Keep an eye on your phone when it’s propped up, and on the water.

Questions

Can I film in the water?

Water resistance isn’t a guarantee. A proper waterproof case is safer.

About Music Wide Selfie

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