Mike Dooley is a New England seascape photographer who teaches photography. He has taught for the Photographic Society of Rhode Island, the Greater Lynn Photographic Association, the Newport Photo Guild, the Wickford Art Association and the Warwick Center for the Arts. Right now he teaches one-on-one over Zoom, with a limited number of spots.
Where to start:
- Learn free, right now. The self-paced camera basics course is live.
- Book a free consult for one-on-one mentorship over Zoom.
- Tell me when workshops reopen, in Rhode Island or Florida.
Digital Lessons: Start Here
Not ready for a mentorship? The free self-paced course is live now. It covers the questions everyone asks when they first pick up a camera, one control at a time. The lessons are in progress and new ones are being added, so check back often.
What do YOU want to learn?
What does your camera do that still confuses you? What shot have you tried a dozen times and can’t get? Tell me. Your questions will shape the lessons.
One-on-One Photography Mentorship (Zoom)
Every mentorship starts with a plan. Tell me what you want to get better at, whether that’s finally understanding your camera, nailing a sunrise, or editing photos you’re proud of, and we build the plan around that. Two ways to start:
- A free 30-minute Zoom consult. We talk about your goals and map out what to work on.
- A free email consult. Send me your goals and I’ll write back with a plan.
Not your gear. Not your talent. Your vision—and I’ll help you see it.
Rhode Island Photography Classes and Workshops (Coming Back)
I’m moving to Florida’s Gulf Coast, so in-person sessions are on hold for now. Once I’m settled, I’ll offer in-person one-on-one sessions, then small workshops in Florida. I’m hoping to bring some Rhode Island workshops back too. When I run them, the shoreline is the classroom. New dates will show up here first.
Wondering what to bring? Here is the camera gear I use. A camera, a lens and a tripod are all you need.
Curious where I shoot and teach? Browse the Rhode Island places I photograph, from Narragansett and Newport to Jamestown and Warwick.
Presentations & Talks
Photography isn’t just images—it’s seeing, feeling, storytelling.
These talks blend mindfulness, intention, and technique to show how the right perspective transforms a shot into a story.
I give presentations and teach classes for local photography groups (the Photographic Society of Rhode Island, the Greater Lynn Photographic Association, the Newport Photo Guild) and artist organizations (the Wickford Art Association, the Warwick Center for the Arts).
The presentations run about 45 minutes and are both educational and inspirational. I can give presentations over Zoom too.
Classes can be on a variety of subjects, although Lightroom is usually the big classroom class I teach. I’d much rather be on the beach.
My Teaching Philosophy
I wasn’t born with a “great eye.” My early photos were awful. My visual stories fuzzy.
But I learned from every mistake. I worked harder than I’d ever worked at anything—learning most of it the hard way.
Photography isn’t about talent—it’s curiosity, persistence, and guidance.
With the right support, you’ll:
- See light, emotion, and story.
- Gain clarity and confidence.
- Connect deeper with your craft.
Think of me as Yoda to your Luke Skywalker. I won’t lecture—you’ll learn to wield your camera like a Jedi wields the Force.
Curious how I see the coast? Explore the fine art prints or read the Behind the Print stories.
Photography Mentorship Questions
What is a photography mentorship?
One-on-one coaching over Zoom, built around your goals instead of a set curriculum.
What happens in the 30-minute Zoom consult?
We talk about what you want to learn and build a plan for your specific goals. It’s free.
Is the email consult really free?
Yes. Tell me your goals and I’ll write back with a plan.
Do I need a good camera?
No. A camera, a lens and a tripod are all you need.
When will in-person sessions and workshops start?
Once I’m settled in Florida: in-person one-on-one sessions first, then small workshops. I’m hoping to bring some back to Rhode Island too.
Can I learn something for free right now?
Yes. The free self-paced course is on the lessons page.
Ready to Begin?
Your journey starts with one click:
Let’s Create Your Story
I’ve wandered shorelines, captured light, and yes—I drink far too much coffee. Let me help you create your story, frame by frame.
Phone: 508.216.0826
Email: hello@mikedooleyphotography.com
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