Shoot What You Love

Something I’ve always believed — and said out loud more times than I can count — is this: shoot what you love.
People, places, still life. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it matters to you.

The night before I took this photograph, I had a plan. I had checked my photo apps, studied the sunrise angle, and picked the perfect spot at Rocky Point. There were rumors (aren’t there always rumors???) that they were going to tear the old pier down and put up a new one, and I had a composition in mind. Gear was packed, alarm set, mind focused. I was ready to make the photo I had envisioned.

As I walked the path toward the old pier, I rounded a corner and stopped in my tracks.

That tree.

It wasn’t part of the plan, but it was stunning. I said out loud, “Wow. That tree is gorgeous.” And then, like a good little planner, I marched on, sticking to the vision I had so carefully crafted.

I set up, dialed in my composition, made a few test shots. Everything was going fine — but I kept glancing over my shoulder at that tree.

By the third glance, I gave in. Packed up, walked back down the path, and returned to that spot where I’d first stopped.

This was the place. This felt right.

Every photograph I’ve ever truly loved has had that moment — that gut feeling when I press the shutter and I just know. I can’t explain it, but I trust it now more than I trust any plan.

This photo remains one of my favorites. Not just because of how it looks — but because of what it taught me.

The heart knows. Listen to it.

Shoot what you love

About This Photo

📍 Rocky Point, Rhode Island

📘 From the book Through My Eyes by Mike Dooley

🖼️ Fine art seascapes and landscapes available at mikedooleyphotography.com