Photograph entitled "The Lighthouse" by Mike Dooley — “The Lighthouse” – photographed by Mike Dooley

Jamestown Photography

Jamestown isn’t just a quiet dot on the map — it’s a playground for photographers of all kinds. If your heart beats for coastal seascapes or you’re chasing morning light at the lighthouse, this is the place for Jamestown photography. Whether you’re capturing Beavertail Lighthouse, the rugged rocky shoreline, or discovering hidden details in tide pools, this small island offers endless inspiration for every photographer.

Beavertail Lighthouse at sunset with rocky shoreline and ocean waves in the foreground.

Beavertail State Park – Where Land Meets Open Water

Beavertail State Park is one of those places that feels eternal. Perched at the southern tip of Jamestown, Rhode Island, the park offers panoramic views where rocky cliffs tumble into the Atlantic, waves crash with relentless rhythm, and the horizon seems to stretch forever. From sunrise to sunset, the light here transforms the landscape — soft morning pastels turning to warm golden tones, then fading into the cool blues and purples of twilight. Every visit feels like discovering the coast anew, and it’s a playground for capturing seascapes that balance drama with serenity.

The rocky shoreline is a photographer’s dream. Tide pools mirror the sky, jagged cliffs provide natural framing, and every angle offers a new composition. Whether you’re drawn to long-exposure shots of foamy surf or the delicate textures of lichen-covered granite, Beavertail rewards patience and curiosity. I’ve spent countless mornings wandering these cliffs, camera in hand, chasing that perfect interplay of light, water, and motion. Many of the images created here can be seen in my book Through My Eyes, which is available for purchase through Amazon.

Beyond photography, the park invites you to simply be present. Walk the trails, feel the wind off the ocean, listen to the surf crashing against stone, and watch the seabirds wheel overhead. On quiet days, you can almost hear the history in the rocks — centuries of tides, storms, and ships passing by. For me, Beavertail isn’t just a place to photograph; it’s a space to breathe, to reflect, and to connect with the raw, timeless beauty of the Rhode Island coast.

Taylor Point – A Hidden Gem on the Rhode Island Coast

Taylor Point is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret the ocean has been keeping. Tucked away and often overlooked, this quiet stretch of coast offers an intimate view of the water, where rugged rocks, tidal pools, and wind-swept shorelines create endless opportunities for composition. Light here feels different — soft in the early morning, golden in the late afternoon — and every visit rewards those who wander with patience and curiosity.

Despite its small size, Taylor Point has a sense of timelessness. Standing on the rocks, watching waves curl and crash, it’s easy to imagine the same scene centuries ago: the same water, the same rocks, the same rhythm of tide and wind. It’s a place that calls for slow photography, for long walks, and for simply pausing to feel the sea. For photographers, it’s a hidden gem that transforms each shot into something quietly unforgettable.

Taylor Point is a wonderful little spot for Jamestown Photography, with wonderful views of the Newport Bridge, as well as the East Passage of Narragansett Bay

Photography students on the rocky shoreline at Beavertail State Park during sunset over Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, capturing the warm evening light.

Workshops at Beavertail State Park – Explore, Learn, and Capture

Beavertail State Park isn’t just a favorite spot for me — it’s a classroom by the sea. I’ve led countless workshops here, guiding students through its endless tide pools, jagged cliffs, and rocky compositions. Each trail, ledge, and shoreline offers a new opportunity to experiment with angles, light, and motion, making it a perfect place for photographers at any level to expand their skills.

Sunrise at Beavertail is a magical experience: soft pastel skies reflecting on the water, waves curling gently around granite rocks, and a quiet stillness that invites careful observation. Sunset brings a completely different mood — rich golden tones, long shadows, and the dramatic energy of waves crashing against the cliffs. Each workshop session is designed to help students see the park not just as a location, but as a living canvas that changes with the light and tide.

Whether we’re exploring tide pools, framing the jagged coastline, or capturing long exposures of the surf, Beavertail offers lessons in patience, composition, and observation. I encourage students to slow down, wander off the beaten path, and discover their own favorite vantage points. By the end of the day, they leave with both stunning images and a deeper appreciation for the rhythm and beauty of Rhode Island’s coast.

East Ferry Memorial Square – A Newport Bridge Perspective

East Ferry Memorial Square is a quiet, charming spot that rewards visitors with one of the best vantage points for photographing the Newport Bridge. From here, the bridge stretches across the East Passage, framed by shimmering water and sky that changes with every hour. It’s a perfect place to capture sunrise reflections, sunset glows, or the soft, muted light of a cloudy day.

The area itself is peaceful, with just enough space to set up a tripod and explore different angles without the bustle of the downtown waterfront. Whether you’re drawn to wide vistas or intimate compositions that play with light and structure, East Ferry Memorial Square offers a versatile stage for both photographers and casual observers alike.

For those seeking a serene Newport moment or a fresh perspective of the iconic bridge, this location is ideal. The calm water, gentle breezes, and ever-changing light make it a spot that invites lingering — to shoot, to pause, and to simply take in the rhythm of the harbor.

Sunrise Behind Newport Bridge - There is something so peaceful and tranquil about a sunrise along the water. Maybe it is the quiet and solitude one has standing alone on the shore. Perhaps it is the soft and comforting sounds of the bays tide as it gently caresses the coast. Taken from Jamestown, this shot of the Newport Bridge features the sunrise peeking through the uprights.

Examples of Jamestown Photography

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The Pride of Baltimore II - Newport, Rhode Island

"The Lighthouse" - photographed by Mike Dooley

Golden light falls over Beavertail’s rugged rocks as the lighthouse keeps watch at day’s end.

1_Blue-Moon-Over-Newport-Bridge-Mike-Dooley

What Makes Jamestown Photography Special

There’s texture everywhere: jagged granite, lichen-kissed rocks, sea spray shimmering, lighthouses in silhouette, ferry lights dancing faintly on smooth water. For those doing Jamestown RI nature photography tours, these contrasts are gold.

I once did a commissioned piece for the RI Blood Center: Beavertail Lighthouse was my subject. The salt, the tower, the rock—perfect muse. That project reminded me how this place invites you to show more than what you see—it asks what you feel.

Best Times & Approach

Sunrise at Beavertail — the light is soft, the colors gentle. A perfect backdrop for lighthouse shots.
Golden hour at Taylor Point — that bridge silhouette + water glow combo.
Long exposures at the rocky coastline—cloudy sky, motion in water, blur of waves against sharp stone.
Low tide for tide pools — macro, reflection, detail.
Moody skies / overcast afternoons — for letting mood tone down the light and let contrast and shape do the storytelling.

Jamestown Through My Lens

While Jamestown’s serene coves, waterfront vistas, and historic lighthouse offer endless inspiration, Rhode Island has so much more to discover. Take a trip to Newport for its dramatic cliffs, elegant mansions, and iconic harbors. Wander the sandy beaches and rolling waves of Narragansett, where every shoreline tells a story. Explore Warwick for quiet coves, scenic harbors, and intimate coastal scenes. And don’t forget Block Island — its windswept beaches, lighthouses, and island vistas provide the perfect escape for photographers seeking something truly unique. Each location brings a fresh perspective, just a click away.

Prints, Workshops, & Experience

If you love what you see with your lens, I’ve captured my favorite moments in Jamestown seascape prints and fine art landscape prints—signed, ready for wall, ready for the soul.

I also run Jamestown RI workshop locations photography sessions, mentorships, and guided shoots, focused on helping you embrace light, texture, and place.

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Landscape Gallery