Sunset over the rocky shore at Beavertail State Park, Jamestown

In person · Jamestown & Newport · 2.5 hours at sunset

Coastal
Clicks

A private sunset photography lesson on the Rhode Island coast. We shoot from golden hour into blue hour, and you work your own camera the whole time.

$149per lesson
See the evening

★★★★★Justin is the real deal.Jamie T., Smithfield RI

What the evening looks like

Two and a half hours, timed to the light

Every lesson is built around sunset, so the light gets better the longer we're out. Here's how the evening usually goes.

  1. 2 hours before sunset

    Arrive and set up

    We meet at the location, talk about what you want to get better at, and get your camera and tripod ready.

    Castle Hill Lighthouse in warm late-afternoon light

    Castle Hill · Newport

  2. 90 minutes before

    Find the shot

    We walk the shoreline and scout compositions, so you're set up in the right spot before the good light arrives.

    Castle Hill Lighthouse framed by summer flowers in golden light

    Castle Hill · Newport

  3. 1 hour before

    Golden hour

    The light turns warm and low. This is where manual mode, filters and foregrounds start to click.

    Low sun between dark rocks at Beavertail

    Beavertail · Jamestown

  4. Sunset

    The main event

    Colors change by the minute. I help you keep up with the settings so you come away with the shot, not just the memory.

    Sun setting over the rocks at Beavertail State Park

    Beavertail · Jamestown

  5. 30 minutes after

    Blue hour and wrap-up

    Long exposures as the bridge lights come on, then we look through your shots together.

    Newport Pell Bridge lit up at blue hour from Taylor Point

    Taylor Point · Jamestown

What you'll learn

Tailored to you, from three angles

I start from what you already know, so beginners get the foundations and experienced shooters skip straight to the good stuff.

Control your camera

Stop guessing at settings.

  • Manual modeFull control of exposure, learned in fast-changing light
  • Lens choiceWhich focal length tells the story you want
  • FiltersPolarizers for color and glare, ND filters for smooth water

Compose like a pro

Turn snapshots into photos worth printing.

  • Rule of thirds and balanceWhere to put the horizon and the subject
  • ForegroundsRocks, flowers and tide pools that pull people into the frame
  • Intimate and abstract shotsFinding the small details in a big scene

Pro techniques

The tools behind dramatic coastal photos.

  • Wide seascapesWaves, motion and drama on the rocky coast
  • PanoramasStitching several frames into one sweeping view
  • BracketingCapturing bright skies and dark rocks in one image

Where we'll shoot

Pick Jamestown or Newport

You choose the town when you book. Both have lighthouses, rocky shoreline and great sunsets.

Beavertail Lighthouse above the rocky shore in Jamestown

Jamestown

Crashing waves, tide pools and wide views of the Newport Bridge. My favorite place to shoot in the state.

Beavertail State ParkTaylor Point
Castle Hill Lighthouse reflected in a still pool in Newport

Newport

Classic New England seascapes, with sailboats drifting past the lighthouse at sunset.

Castle Hill LighthouseBrenton Point State Park

Not near Jamestown or Newport? I’ll come to you with Your Town →

From Coastal Clicks students

Justin is extremely knowledgeable, not just about camera settings or composition, but also about the artistic and technical reasoning behind every decision in the field. He has a rare ability to break down complex concepts in a way that's clear and approachable, no matter your experience level.

★★★★★ Jamie T., Smithfield RI · June 2025

I could literally pick his brain on how he created certain photos. Then, moments later I was able to replicate his techniques on the spot and the results had me saying 'Wow, I took that!' For the price, the lesson was a bargain.

★★★★★ Greg B., Cumberland RI · July 2025

What to bring

Your gear, ready for the coast

Bring these

  • Camera with manual modeAny DSLR or mirrorless
  • Wide-angle lens16–35mm or similar
  • Sturdy tripodFor sharp photos as the light fades
  • Memory cardsPlenty of space
  • LayersCoastal weather changes fast, even in summer

Nice to have

  • Polarizing filterCuts glare, deepens color
  • ND filterFor silky long exposures
  • Remote shutter releaseNo shake on long exposures
  • Extra batteriesLong exposures drain them quickly
  • Lens clothSea spray finds every lens

Missing a tripod or a wide-angle lens? Tell me when you book and I'll help you sort it out before the lesson.

Before you book

Common questions

I'm a beginner. Is this lesson for me?

Yes. Every lesson is tailored to where you are. If manual mode is new to you, we start there; if you've been shooting for years, we skip ahead.

Where exactly do we meet?

You choose Jamestown or Newport when you book. When I confirm your date, I'll send the exact meeting spot and parking details.

What if the weather is bad?

We'll reschedule. You can move the lesson free of charge with 48 hours' notice, and I'll keep an eye on the forecast with you.

Can someone come along with me?

Of course. The lesson is built for one person, but you're welcome to bring a spouse, friend or child along.

What happens after the lesson?

You get a free follow-up video call where we edit the photos you made in Lightroom or Photoshop. If you want to keep going after that, online Custom Sessions pick up right where the follow-up leaves off.

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancel or reschedule with at least 48 hours' notice.

Let's find your sunset.

Pick Jamestown or Newport and the days that suit you. I'll confirm the date with you personally.