See. Feel. Heal.
Photography as emotional clarity, creative practice, and personal transformation.
You’re Not Just Learning Photography. You’re Learning to See.
You’re here because something in you wants to grow.
To make better images. To feel more connected. To rediscover the joy of creating.
You don’t need more gear. You don’t need more jargon.
You need a guide who sees what you’re trying to say—and helps you say it.
That’s where I come in.
I don’t teach buttons and settings. I teach the why behind your images.
Together, we explore:
- Why this moment matters
- Why this composition feels right
- How to translate emotion from your heart into the frame
When you understand your “why,” your photos shift from documentation to storytelling.
You become a visual poet—capturing not just images, but experiences and feelings.
My Approach: Hands-On, Heart-Led, and Rooted in Real Life
Every lesson is built around your goals, your style, and Rhode Island’s stunning coastal light.
Whether we’re chasing waves at sunrise or editing in Lightroom at midnight, the learning is immersive, personal, and practical.
Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It’s personal. It’s practice. It’s passion.
And it should feel like play—not pressure.
Photography Learning in Rhode Island
Dive deep into the art and technique of photography with personalized guidance, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, my approach is practical, approachable, and rooted in years of professional photography.
So, come chase the light, sip the coffee, and reconnect with the reason you fell in love with photography in the first place.
My Journey with Photography
I fell in love with photography the moment I saw a portrait of Kermit the Frog in a director’s chair.
Even a puppet could convey profound emotion—sadness, grief, hope.
The lighting carved a mood so perfectly that every detail felt alive.
That moment changed me.
Over time, I stepped away from studio lights and into the landscape—chasing the natural light of Rhode Island’s coasts, fields, and skies.
It was here, in the open air, that photography truly became my life’s work.
I’m an introvert and a lifelong bookworm.
But photography pulled me out of my shell.
It led me to serve as President of the Photographic Society of Rhode Island, standing in front of 80–100 people every week—fully present, fully engaged, fully alive.
My Back Set Me Back
A spinal cord injury nearly took photography away from me.
But thanks to a skilled surgeon, I returned to the tripod—and to the coast I feared I’d never walk again.
Those memories got me through the darkest days.
And they reminded me: photography isn’t just a craft.
It’s a lifeline.
Recovery Through Photography
I’ve taught workshops nearly every weekend.
My partner and I called them “Boot Camps”—and through them, I made lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
I’ve mentored students at every level—from beginners picking up a camera for the first time to professionals building full-time careers.
And every session has been a chance to inspire, guide, and learn alongside others who share the same passion.
The rush of capturing the “it” frame is incredible.
But the moment when someone gets it—when it clicks—is the joy I cherish most.
Give me a call, shoot me an email and let’s go over some of those lessons. You don’t have to learn the hard way!
A Note from Mike
I’m not a camera snob.
You don’t need the latest DSLR or a shiny new mirrorless system to take meaningful photos.
All you need is a camera—even the one in your phone—and a desire to learn, explore, and create.
The magic isn’t in the gear.
It’s in the way you see the world.
Learning Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Work
When did creativity become so stiff and formal?
Let’s change that.
Let’s toss out the rulebook, grab our cameras, and play in the sand with the wild abandon of a kid armed with a 64-count Crayola box.
You’ll sharpen your technical skills, explore your artistic side, and gain the confidence to shoot with purpose—DSLR or iPhone, sunrise or Lightroom edits.
Pro Tip: Don’t toss out your camera manual —you’re gonna need it! Think of it as a secret map in your creative safari.
Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS)
We’ve all chased gear envy—that new lens, the latest body, another two stops of IBIS.
I did too.
My first big upgrade was a Canon 70–200mm f/2.8.
Technically, my images were sharper. But no one noticed—because my composition still sucked, and my storytelling was flat.
A new lens won’t fix your photos.
The upgrade that really matters is your skill.
Take the $2,500 you were planning to spend on gear and invest it in your craft instead:
- Join a photo club
- Take a class
- Get feedback
- Practice with purpose
YouTube can help. But it can’t do it all.
Real growth comes from experience, guidance, and connection.
Your Journey Awaits
I’ve wandered the shorelines, captured the light, and yes—I drink way too much coffee. Let me help you create your story.
