The same beach that was packed wall-to-wall with sunbathers in my teenage summers looks like an entirely different world in winter. This is what I found there.
Ah, the ’80s beach scene—a wild tapestry of sunbathers, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of Hawaiian Tropic and Coppertone battling for dominance in the salty air. Narragansett Town Beach was the place to be, a sand-packed symphony of towels, coolers, and radios blasting the summer soundtrack. It was like half the state had RSVP’d to the party.
Fast forward a few decades, and there I was, same beach, but a world apart—winter’s chill wrapping the shore in solitude. No sunbathers, no radios, just me and a surprisingly rich canvas of photographic possibilities. The sunrise? Modest on the color front, but peaceful, a quiet breath before the day fully woke.
Then came the unexpected star of the morning: a black lab with more enthusiasm than a kid on a sugar rush. There I was, crouched low behind my tripod, aiming for the perfect shot, when—bam!—down I went, courtesy of this furry whirlwind. The owner chuckled, saying the pup probably mistook me for a seal.
Now, I don’t watch much National Geographic, but I’m pretty sure seals don’t rock neon red winter jackets. No harm done, no gear broken—just a guy sitting on the sand with a grin and a new story. Plus, a handful of photos I’m proud of.
Honestly, it’s hard to have a bad day when it starts like that.
The takeaway: The best photography locations don’t have to be exotic — sometimes it’s the same beach, decades later, seen at a quieter time of year.
A modest, peaceful winter sunrise over familiar sand at Narragansett Town Beach — the kind of unassuming coastal piece that brings quiet warmth into a home without demanding attention. See the print options.