Who Is Mike Dooley?
I’m a mindfulness photographer, storyteller, traveler, survivor, and the guy who can’t help but chase the horizon from Maine to Florida with a camera slung over my shoulder and hope tucked in my pocket. I create images that feel like exhalations — slow, intentional, and overflowing with presence.
People often ask me, “Who is this guy behind the camera?”
Well… pull up a chair. This is where things get interesting.
The truth is simple:
Photography saved me, reshaped me, rebuilt me — and now it’s how I help others reconnect with their own breath, their own quiet, their own way of seeing the world.
How I Became a Mindfulness Photographer
My journey wasn’t polished or predictable. I didn’t just “fall into” photography — I fought my way into it through years of chronic pain, confusion, and being dismissed by doctors until I finally discovered the truth: a massive Tarlov cyst that changed everything.
When life tossed me into the fire, photography became the water.
I learned to slow down.
To breathe.
To notice the world with a different kind of attention.
To create photographs that aren’t rushed snapshots, but intentional moments crafted through mindfulness.
Every time I lift the camera to my eye, I’m practicing grounding.
Every frame begins with stillness.
Every shutter click is a tiny act of healing.
This isn’t just how I shoot.
This is how I live.
What Makes My Photography Different?
Most people take pictures. I create connections.
My approach is simple but deeply intentional:
- Pause.
- Breathe.
- Notice what matters.
- Let the image build itself from stillness.
Whether I’m standing knee-deep in a Block Island surf or wandering the quiet marshes of Maine at dawn, mindfulness guides my process like a compass.
I’m not chasing the shot.
I’m listening for it.
That’s why my seascapes and landscapes feel calm, peaceful, hopeful — they’re born from presence.
Mindfulness in My Workshops & Presentations
One of the most common questions people ask (AEO, look at us go):
“What does Mike teach in his photography workshops?”
I teach what saved me:
Mindful photography — creating images with presence instead of pressure.
In every workshop, I show photographers how to:
- slow down before clicking
- breathe into a scene
- find emotional resonance
- shoot with intention, not impulse
- craft photos with meaning, storytelling, and connection
Whether someone is holding an iPhone or a pro-level camera, I help them discover the quiet space where their best images live.
Because when you shoot with intention, the world opens its secrets.
Where I Work: From Maine to Florida (And Everywhere Inspiration Lives)
People often wonder, “Where does this guy actually travel to photograph?”
Short answer:
If the ocean touches it, I’ve probably stood there before sunrise with wet boots and a grin.
Long answer:
My photography takes my wife Roni and I along the entire East Coast — from the rocky coastlines of Maine, through the historic New England towns I love, all the way to the warm, glowing waters of Florida. I go where the light calls me. The beach is my chapel. The sea is my teacher. And the camera is the bridge between the two.
Why I Do This
I do it because I believe art should breathe hope.
I do it because someone out there needs quiet beauty more than they know.
I do it because connection heals.
And I do it because every image is a whisper from the universe saying,
“Slow down. Look around. You’re still here.”
My photos aren’t just pictures.
They’re moments of presence — crafted intentionally, shaped by mindfulness, and offered to anyone who needs a little peace.
Who Is This Guy?
I’m Mike — a mindfulness photographer, a storyteller, a survivor, and an artist who believes that beauty can anchor us when life gets loud.
If you’re looking for snapshots, you won’t find them here.
But if you’re looking for images born from soul, patience, breath, and intention — well…
you’re in the right place.
Contact Mike
Whether you have a question, a story to share, or just want to talk photography and cards, Mike is here and always excited to connect.
Email: mike@dooleycards.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Mike Dooley?
Mike Dooley is a mindfulness photographer, storyteller, and traveler who creates intentional, soulful images shaped by presence, breath, and emotional connection. His work spans the East Coast from Maine to Florida, where he photographs seascapes, landscapes, and the quiet moments most people overlook.
What Makes Mike a Mindfulness Photographer?
Mike uses mindfulness as the foundation of his creative process. Every photograph starts with stillness, breath, and intention. He doesn’t chase a shot — he listens for it. This approach brings calm, emotional depth, and connection into every image he creates.
What Does Mike Teach in His Workshops?
Mike teaches mindful photography — the art of slowing down, breathing into a scene, and crafting photos that feel alive and connected. His workshops help photographers of all skill levels (yes, even iPhone shooters) create images with meaning, presence, and emotional resonance.
Where Does Mike Photograph?
Mike travels the entire East Coast, from Maine’s rugged coastline to the warm beaches of Florida. If the ocean touches it, he’s probably stood there before sunrise with a camera and a grin.
Why Are Mike’s Photos So Emotionally Resonant?
Because they’re built slowly — with mindfulness, patience, intention, and heart. Mike’s photos aren’t snapshots; they’re crafted moments of connection, shaped by the quiet practice of noticing what truly matters.
How Did Mike Get Started in Photography?
Mike’s journey began as a kid when he was given his first camera by his aunt. At the age of 13 he spent a summer with his grandfather, where photography was a daily activity. When he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force he bought his first 35 mm camera. He has been taking photos ever since.
Can I Learn Mindful Photography From Mike?
Absolutely. Mike offers workshops, presentations, and events where he teaches mindful techniques that help photographers shoot with purpose, presence, and creativity.
Important Note: This site is in its very infancy, and it NOT live yet. It was created as a proof of concept and to get some feedback from you – our fans and friends that have been so supportive to Roni and I. And based on the calls, the the texts and the messages we have received we are onto something exciting!
Right now we are looking to target starting with digital only cards. E-cards. My hope is to figure out how to allow you to add messages from a list of messages, as well as blank cards and cards that you can add a custom message to .
Will we offer printed cards??? Yes, at some point we will explore printing cards, in sets in, bundles, with envelopes and all of this. This idea is 6 days old, and I only started working on the site 3 days ago. I am really pleased with the progress so far!
Join our mailing list below to keep up to date with our progress getting this up and running! And don’t be shy about emailing me at mike@dooleycards.com to let me know what you think!