MOSTLY RHODE ISLAND & SOME MASSACHUSETTS

MY FAVORITE BEACH LOCATIONS


When people hear “beach photos,” they usually picture sandy toes, ocean waves and a pretty sunset.


And while I absolutely love a traditional beach session, one of my favorite things about photographing along the Rhode Island and Massachusetts coast is that not every beach session has to look the same.


Depending on the location, we can have beach grass, driftwood, rocky coastlines, cliffs, sand dunes, open fields—or even a beach without much sand or water at all.


So if you're trying to decide where your next coastal photography session should be, here are some of my favorite locations and what makes each one a little different.


Colt State Park — Beach Without the Sand


If you love the look of a beach session but aren't particularly excited about having sand everywhere, Colt State Park is a great option. This is one of those locations that gives us that beautiful coastal feeling without necessarily having to spend your entire session walking through sand. We can incorporate the shoreline, grassy areas, beautiful trees and open spaces throughout the park, giving us plenty of variety. It's especially great for families because there's room to move around and plenty of opportunities for those candid, lifestyle moments I love so much.


Why I love it:

  • Coastal views without a traditional sandy beach
  • Beautiful open grassy areas
  • Plenty of variety throughout the park
  • Great for families
  • Beautiful golden-hour light


It's a great choice if you're looking for that classic New England coastal feel without wanting a full-on beach session. Think relaxed, casual, lots of movement and plenty of room for the kids to just be kids.

West Greenwich Sand Dunes — Beach Without the Water


Okay, this one is a little different. West Greenwich Sand Dunes gives you the beach look without the ocean. If you love sandy dunes, tall grasses and that warm, coastal aesthetic but don't necessarily need the water in your photos, this is such a fun option. The dunes give us beautiful neutral tones and lots of texture, which makes the location feel completely different from a traditional beach.


Why I love it:

  • Sandy dunes
  • Beach grass
  • Neutral, earthy tones
  • Lots of texture
  • A unique backdrop
  • No ocean waves required


This location works beautifully for families, maternity sessions, couples and seniors. And if you're someone who loves the beach aesthetic but doesn't necessarily want to get wet? This might be your spot.

Beavertail State Park — Rocky Coastline & Cliffside


And then there's Beavertail. If sandy beaches aren't really your thing and you want something with a little more drama, Beavertail is a completely different experience. Here we're talking about rocky coastline, open ocean views and cliffside scenery. The landscape gives your photos a much more dramatic, coastal feel. Instead of soft sand and gentle waves, we're working with rocks, ocean and wide-open skies.


Why I love it:

  • Dramatic rocky coastline
  • Cliffside views
  • Open ocean
  • Beautiful natural textures
  • A more editorial coastal feel
  • Incredible golden-hour scenery


Beavertail is especially beautiful for couples, seniors and families who want something a little less traditional. It's also one of those places where the location itself can really become part of the story.

Gooseberry Island — Beach Grass & Driftwood


If you're looking for a more wild and natural coastal feel, Gooseberry Island is one of my favorites. This isn't the perfectly manicured, postcard beach look. And that's exactly why I love it. The beach grass, driftwood and natural landscape give the location a little more personality. There's something about the combination of tall grasses, weathered wood, shoreline and open sky that creates images that feel relaxed and a little adventurous.


Why I love it:

  • Beach grass
  • Driftwood
  • Natural textures
  • Coastal views
  • A more rustic, adventurous feel
  • Beautiful golden-hour light


I especially love this location for families and couples who want their photos to feel like an adventure rather than a traditional portrait session. It's a great place to walk, explore and interact instead of spending the entire session standing in one place.

Rexhame Beach — Classic Sandy Beach


If what you're picturing when you hear "beach photos" is sand, ocean and that classic New England beach feeling, Rexhame Beach is a beautiful option. Located in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Rexhame gives us that more traditional beach backdrop while still offering plenty of room to move and explore. It's a great choice if you want the ocean to really be part of your photos. And there's something about that wide-open beach and shoreline that works beautifully for those dreamy golden-hour sessions.


Why I love it:

  • Classic sandy beach
  • Beautiful ocean views
  • Lots of open space
  • Great for barefoot photos
  • Gorgeous at sunset
  • Perfect for a relaxed, coastal feel


Rexhame is especially fun for families who want their session to feel less like a formal photo shoot and more like a night at the beach together. Let the kids run. Take your shoes off. Walk along the shoreline. Play in the sand. And if everyone ends up a little sandy by the end? That's part of the fun.

Honorary Mention: Blithewold Mansion


I couldn't make a list of my favorite coastal photography locations without mentioning Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. While it isn't a traditional beach location, it has that beautiful coastal New England feeling that I absolutely love. The grounds give us so much variety—gardens, mature trees, open lawns, beautiful architecture and views of Narragansett Bay. It feels elegant without being overly formal.


Why I love it:

  • Beautiful gardens
  • Historic architecture
  • Mature trees and greenery
  • Coastal views
  • Narragansett Bay
  • A more polished, timeless feel


It's a beautiful option for families, couples, maternity sessions and seniors who want something a little different. One thing to keep in mind is that Blithewold is a private historic property, so photography sessions have their own policies and requirements. This is one I'll help you coordinate ahead of time rather than simply showing up with a camera.

So Which Beach Location Is Right for You?


Honestly, it depends on the look you're going for.


Want coastal without the sand?

→ Colt State Park

Want sand without the ocean?

→ West Greenwich Sand Dunes

Want beach grass, driftwood and a little adventure?

→ Gooseberry Island

Want a classic sandy beach?

→ Rexhame Beach

Want dramatic rocks and cliffs?

→ Beavertail State Park

Want coastal, elegant and a little more formal?

→ Blithewold Mansion



And that's one of the things I love about photographing in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

We have SO many different landscapes packed into a relatively small area.

Let's Pick Your Location

When you're booking a session with me, you don't have to already know exactly where you want to go.

Tell me the look and feel you're going for, and I'll help you choose a location that fits.


Want soft and earthy?

Something adventurous?

Something coastal but not overly "beachy"?

Dramatic ocean views?

A classic sandy beach?

Or something a little more elegant?

We can find a spot that fits.


Because ultimately, I don't want to just take pretty pictures in a pretty location. I want the location to feel like part of your story.


And whether that means chasing kids through the grass, walking along the shoreline, climbing around the rocks, exploring the dunes, playing in the sand or letting your dog run beside you...


I'm here for it. 🤎