Before the Dawn

Before the Dawn – Print by Mike Dooley Photography

It’s the thrill of the unknown that gets me out of bed at hours most folks would classify as lunacy. With camera gear in one hand and coffee in the other, I head for the coast long before the world wakes up.

I scout my spot in the dark, frame the shot by feel, and wait—just me, the quiet, and the promise of what’s to come. This image was captured well before sunrise, under a sky still scattered with stars, when nature hadn’t quite decided if it was night or morning.

Before the Dawn lives in that rare, in-between moment. The air is still, the horizon holds its breath, and everything feels possible. It’s a reminder that some of the most rewarding experiences happen before the noise begins—when patience, trust, and a little faith in the light pay off.

Printed using museum-grade materials and archival inks, this fine art print preserves the subtle tones and quiet drama of the pre-dawn sky. Whether displayed in a home, office, or curated space, it brings a sense of calm, anticipation, and reflective stillness to your environment.