Morning view of Narragansett Bay near Rhode Island Yacht Club with calm water and sunlight reflecting on gentle waves
A serene morning over Narragansett Bay, captured near the Rhode Island Yacht Club, with soft light dancing on the water.

The Art of the Seascape

Where Seascape Photography Meets Soul

Tired of taking the same dull, lifeless beach photos?

I was, too. I tried and tried—chasing waves, sunsets, crashing surf—but my images never captured the feeling I saw in my mind.

After countless hours of experimenting, reading, and filling notebook after notebook, I finally discovered a workflow that consistently works—and it’s less about gear and more about seeing, feeling, and creating.

And that secret? I’m going to share it with you.

The Art of the Seascape isn’t just a 60-minute presentation. It’s a full-day workshop, a book, and soon—a cinematic journey. Every medium shares the same goal: to help you see, feel, and create like never before.

Not Seascapes—Soulscapes

Translating Awe Into Art

There’s something about standing at the water’s edge that makes the world fall away. In The Art of the Seascape, I invite photography clubs, art groups, and enthusiasts to step into that space with me—a space where light, mood, and rhythm meet.

This isn’t about following rules or copying someone else’s process—it’s about discovering your own connection to the scene and translating it into photographs that move others.

Mike Dooley teaching in a classroom setting, standing at the front and leading a photography lesson for workshop participants.

The 60-Minute Presentation

Part inspiration, part process, entirely about seeing the ocean with fresh eyes

In this hour-long talk, I share my favorite lessons from years of chasing the perfect light, wave, and moment. You’ll learn to translate the awe you feel at the shoreline into images that move viewers every single time.

  • Why noticing small details makes a big difference
  • How to embrace your emotions in photography (gasp—it’s okay!)
  • Techniques for capturing light, motion, and depth
  • Stories, examples, and practical tips from the field

Whether you’re a beginner in seascape photography or a seasoned shooter, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to see the coast in a whole new way.

The All-Day Workshop

Dive deeper, hands-on, and behind the lens

For those who want to take their seascape photography further, the full-day workshop is where theory meets practice. Together, we’ll explore the shore, experiment with compositions, and work side-by-side to turn fleeting moments into lasting images.

You’ll walk away with:

Confidence to capture mood, movement, and emotion in your photos

Practical shooting techniques in real-world conditions

In-depth understanding of gear and setups

Skills to research and find locations that inspire

Photography workshop participant standing behind a tripod on the rocky shoreline overlooking Narragansett Bay during a seascape photography class with Mike Dooley Photography.

Think of it as an immersive journey into Rhode Island seascape photography workshops—and beyond.

Five copies of 'Through My Eyes' photography book by Mike Dooley, showcasing seascapes and New England landscapes on a table.

The Book

A roadmap for translating awe into art

The Art of the Seascape book collects decades of images, stories, and workflow insights.

Each page is designed to help you see differently, feel deeply, and create photographs that resonate.

The Movie

Coming soon: a cinematic experience

Imagine the sights, sounds, and motion of the shore captured in full cinematic glory. The upcoming film version of The Art of the Seascape will immerse you in the moments that inspire my photographs, offering a new way to experience the coast—through story, light, and emotion.

I may or may not be kidding

Not Seascapes—Soulscapes

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • How to safely navigate and shoot at the water’s edge
  • Techniques for creating depth and 3-dimensionality in your images
  • The secret ingredient to moving photography: feelings
  • Inspiration, insight, and a renewed way of seeing

Bring The Art of the Seascape to Your Community

Are you part of a photography club, art group, or community organization that loves to learn and be inspired? The Art of the Seascape isn’t just a talk—it’s a journey into the heart of seascape photography, filled with stories, lessons, and images that spark creativity.

Whether in person or over Zoom, your members will leave with fresh ideas, practical tips, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

📩 Interested in hosting? Let’s chat!

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