The Creative Fog

You want to improve your photography, but the path feels unclear.
Tutorials overwhelm. Gear distracts. And your images still don’t feel like you.

Mike Dooley sitting on the rocks at Beavertail State Park, behind his tripod with camera filters and spirit level in place, preparing to photograph the ocean at sunset."
Setting up for the perfect seascape: Mike Dooley positions his camera on a tripod at Beavertail State Park, with filters and spirit level ready to capture Rhode Island’s coastline.

You Struggle to Improve Your Photography. I Did Too.

You see something beautiful—but your photo doesn’t match what you felt.
You try again. You tweak. You scroll tutorials. And still, your images fall short of your vision.

It’s not that you’re not creative.
It’s that no one’s shown you how to see.

Without guidance, photography can feel overwhelming.
You second-guess your edits. You chase gear instead of growth. You lose sight of the story.
The noise doesn’t stop. The doubt creeps in. You lose focus, lose breath, lose yourself.

But with the right approach, everything shifts.
You gain confidence. You see light differently. You create images that resonate—with you and with others.
Photography becomes a practice. A pause. A way to breathe.

Want to know how I teach? Read my teaching philosophy—it’s the heartbeat behind every tip I share.

What You’ll Find Here

These aren’t tricks. I don’t believe in tricks.
Photography isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about showing up, paying attention, and doing the work.

What you’ll find here are simple, repeatable approaches to making better photographs.
They’re field-tested, emotionally honest, and designed to work whether you’re shooting with a phone, a DSLR, or anything in between.

I teach through clarity, not complexity.
Through story, not spectacle.
These tips are meant to guide you—not just toward sharper images, but toward deeper seeing.

Use them every day. Every shoot. Every frame.
Let them be reminders that photography is a practice, not a performance.
And that the best images come from the quiet work of noticing, feeling, and creating with intention.

Start Here. Breathe Easier. Shoot Better.

Pick a tip. Try it today.
Let it guide your next frame—and your next breath.

  • Seascape photography - "Rocky Sunrise at Pt Judith Lighthouse". A fine art photograph of the rugged coastline of Rhode Island guarded by the Pt Judith Lighthouse

    Tip 3 – Get Remote: Take Control Without Touching the Camera

    Press, click, and let go. Using a camera release keeps your shots crisp and vibration-free, giving your photos the precision they deserve while keeping your hands free for the creative flow.”

  • Summer sunset over Conimicut shoreline with vibrant skies and calm waters

    Tip 2 – Get Level: Master Horizon & Composition Balance

    Wobbly horizons ruin more shots than you think. Learn how keeping your camera level isn’t just neat—it’s essential for photos that feel balanced, natural, and effortlessly beautiful.”

  • Blue - a long exposure seascape photograph created at the Newton Avenue rocks at sunrise.

    Tip 1 – Get Steady: Why Your Tripod is the Foundation of Every Shot

    A shaky camera steals the soul from your shot. Master the art of stability with simple tricks that keep your images crisp, clear, and ready to make hearts skip a beat.

Mike Dooley standing on a sandy beach with the Atlantic Ocean and blue skies in the background, representing his seascape photography work.

Get in Touch

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.

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