"The Art of the Seascape"
by Mike Dooley-RI
Monday, October 27, 7:30 PM


The Art of the Seascape is an informative and inspirational presentation designed for photography clubs, where I share my personal approach to capturing the sea in all its moods. This isn’t about the ‘right’ way or the ‘wrong’ way—it’s simply the process and workflow that works for me. While there are some technical elements, the focus is on the art- what I see, what I feel, and what I think as I stand at the edge of the water. I’ll walk through the steps I take to notice what first caught my attention, and how I translate those fleeting feelings into a frame that has the power to move others.

At its heart, this talk is about connection—between myself and the scene, and between the final image and the viewer. The sea is never just waves and water- it’s mood, light, rhythm, and energy. My goal is to share how I transform those qualities into photographs that carry the same awe and wonder I experienced when I pressed the shutter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll walk away with ideas for slowing down, observing more deeply, and creating images that tell a story far beyond the technical.

Mike Dooley is a Rhode Island-based seascape and landscape photographer known for capturing the quiet poetry of the natural world. With a camera in hand and the horizon in sight, Mike seeks out the calm, the still, and the honest moments that often go unnoticed—soft colors at sunrise, the gentle pull of the tide, the hush that settles over the coast just before the world wakes up.

Photography is more than a craft for Mike—it’s a connection. A way of seeing, feeling, and reflecting. After decades in the software engineering world, he turned to photography as a release, a refuge, and a return to the tactile: holding prints in hand, standing barefoot in the sand, watching light change in real time. He believes the best photos come not from perfection, but from presence—and that images carry more power when they're made with intention and heart.

Mike’s work has been exhibited in galleries across New England and collected by hospitals, banks, and private collectors who are drawn to the peace and presence in his photographs. His work has been featured in Shutterbug Magazine, where he was recognized for his masterful use of color, composition, and light.

When he’s not behind the lens, Mike is likely reading a good mystery, singing along to ‘70s rock, or giving photography talks filled with passion, playfulness, and more than a few well-timed jokes.

Mike offers high-quality fine art prints designed to elevate any space—whether it's a sleek corporate office, a cozy waiting room, or a private collection curated with heart. Mike’s photographs are more than images; they’re windows to emotion, memory, and atmosphere—crafted with care and printed to gallery standards. Businesses and collectors alike trust Mike’s work to bring depth, beauty, and a distinctive voice to their walls.