Three Tables Beach

Three Tables Beach gets its name from the three flat reef formations that rise to the surface at low tide, creating natural platforms that break up the water in ways that make for compelling compositions. You can shoot from the shoreline looking out toward the reef tables, using the turquoise shallows and wave action around the coral as foreground interest, or wade in to get low and close to the water for a wider perspective. Early morning offers the calmest conditions and softer light before the trade winds pick up, while midday sun helps saturate the blues and greens of the water around the reef. A wide angle lens works well for capturing the reef formations in relation to the surrounding ocean, and a polarizing filter will cut glare and reveal the coral beneath the surface. Summer months bring calmer water, while winter swells can add drama but limit safe access. (Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii, United States)