Fine art photography on Block Island, prints available from Rhode Island photographer Mike Dooley — A wave dances up the shore of a Block Island beach in the early morning light

Photography on Block Island has always had a special place in my heart. Every summer, my son worked on the island during college, and one summer my wife and I stayed a few nights, exploring the island and capturing its beauty through my lens. It’s a unique summer destination — a tight-knit community, unspoiled beaches, and an island rhythm that slows you down and invites you to explore. For me, it’s the perfect canvas for fine art photography on Block Island, where personal memories and photographic inspiration come together.

From the soft, sandy beaches to the dramatic cliffs and the iconic South Lighthouse, Block Island seascapes offer photographers endless opportunities to frame the perfect shot. Every corner presents a new composition: waves curling onto the shore, sunlight glinting on the water, and the timeless silhouette of the lighthouse against a changing sky. Whether capturing gentle tidal pools or expansive horizons, the island is alive, calm, and endlessly photogenic.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to capture your own memories, Block Island offers countless moments to frame, reflect, and appreciate. From sunrise to sunset, every hour brings a fresh perspective and a story to tell through photography. Many of the photographs that I have created on Block Island, and the stories behind the photos, are included in my book Through My Eyes, which you can find on Amazon. For those interested in guided experiences, photography tours on Block Island provide expert guidance to discover the island’s hidden gems and iconic vistas.

The Waves on Block Island - As a photographer I try to observe and get a feel for the character of the landscape that I find before me, and I try to capture that character in my photographs. Each place that I visit is slightly different. For a recent sunset I visited Dories Cove on Block Island, and was overwhelmed by all the images that I saw in my mind. Rocks, driftwood, sand, bluffs, all filled my mind. I explored the location for an hour or two while waiting for the light to be right, and found myself drawn to the action of the water. I chose this composition for the shoreline, and how it led me to the last rays of daylight falling on the bluffs. I adjusted my settings to keep plenty of the motion in the water visible.

Dories Cove – Hidden Beauty and Quiet Compositions

Dories Cove is one of Block Island’s quieter gems, a tucked-away stretch of coast where the water laps gently against rocks and sand. It’s a place to explore intimate compositions — tidal pools, rocky outcrops, and reflections in the calm water. For photographers seeking a mix of solitude and natural beauty, Dories Cove is ideal for creating compelling Block Island landscape prints or simply enjoying a peaceful moment with your camera. Every visit adds a new layer to your Block Island photography journey.

Crescent Beach – Soft Sands and Serene Sunrises

Crescent Beach is a photographer’s dream for soft pastels and expansive seascapes. Its long, gentle curve and wide-open sands create the perfect foreground for sunrises, reflections, and the subtle textures of rolling waves. I love to wander here early in the morning, camera in hand, capturing the quiet magic of the water meeting the sand. Crescent Beach is a calm, inviting canvas for anyone exploring Block Island photography.

Seascape Photography - Dawn Greets Block Island - Mike Dooley - For my birthday I spend the weekend on Block Island, a small island off the southern coast of Rhode Island. On the first afternoon I scouted out this beach, and thought it just might be a nice place to watch the sunrise. I hit the streets at 4 am and had a very nice and peaceful walk along to beach, looking for just the perfect spot. The rock made for a nice foreground. I setup my camera, cranked up my music and watched Mother Nature do her beautiful work. I consider myself blessed to be witness to mornings like this.

South Light – A Classic Island Beacon

The South Lighthouse is one of Block Island’s most iconic landmarks, perched dramatically along the coast. Its classic silhouette against the ever-changing sky makes it a favorite subject for photographers, whether you’re capturing the warm glow of sunrise, the crisp light of midday, or the rich colors of sunset. Walking the nearby paths, I’ve discovered countless compositions — waves curling along the rocks, textured cliffs, and the lighthouse framed by golden light. For anyone exploring fine art photography on Block Island, South Light offers timeless inspiration and a chance to capture the island’s enduring charm.

Explore Rhode Island Photography Locations

Rhode Island is a treasure trove for photographers — from rugged cliffs and serene beaches to charming harbors and historic lighthouses. Every corner of the Ocean State offers a new perspective, a story waiting to be captured through your lens.

With over 400 miles of coastline, including bays, inlets, and islands, Rhode Island is a photographer’s paradise. Every stretch of shore offers a new opportunity to plant my camera on a piece of stunning coastline, whether it’s a quiet cove, a windswept bluff, or a sunlit beach. The diversity of locations ensures that there’s always a fresh perspective to capture and a new story to tell through my lens.

In addition to Block Island, don’t miss these beautiful Rhode Island locations:

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