World Ocean Day, June 8th 🌊 #WorldOceanDay

In recognition of World Ocean Day on June 8th and the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference from June 9-13, I share with you two photographs from the Ocean State: Rhode Island.

Blue Tranquility

The first image is titled, Blue Tranquility, captures the serene beauty of the the ocean, showcasing the tranquility of calm blue waters. It was taken at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Blue ocean water; after retouching — *Blue Tranquility*: Refining the color and contrast creates a sense of motion and depth.

Blue ocean water; before retouching — *Blue Tranquility*: Refining the color and contrast creates a sense of motion and depth.

Increasing the contrast creates a sense of depth and motion in the gentle lapping of the current. The color enhancement—making the water less blue and adding a bit of yellow—creates more variation in the monochromatic color palette. Finally, for the finishing touch, I enlarged the whitecap slightly, creating more visual interest.

The Whitecaps of the Crashing Tide

This second image, titled Sunrise Surf, captures the crashing waves at Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island, shortly after sunrise on a beautiful September morning. Nature delightfully gave me a cloud formation mirroring the shape of the breaking waves.

Ocean wave with clouds; after retouching — *Sunrise Surf:* Photography and Post-Production by Martha DiMeo; Available for Licensing

Ocean wave with clouds; before retouching — *Sunrise Surf:* Photography and Post-Production by Martha DiMeo; Available for Licensing

In post-production, I saw the potential to recreate the translucency of the water and reveal the dancing whitecaps. Through the meticulous retouching—carefully crafting the luminous qualities of the water—my goal is to convey the raw energy of the crashing waves. In the ‘after’ image, can you now imagine the sound of the surf?

I give you Rhode Island’s Coastline In All It’s Glory

Postscript

Blue Mind Theory — #BlueMind

Do you know the calm, peace, and serenity you feel when spending time by water is called ‘Blue Mind Theory’? Blue Mind Theory, popularized by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols—in the book titled Blue Mind—describes the calming and beneficial effects of being near, in, or on water. It suggests that water can enhance mental health, creativity, and overall well-being by inducing a mildly meditative state.

My Blue Mind

Photo retoucher martha dimeo swimming in ocean. Her facial expression shows the joy, calm, and serenity known as Blue Mind. — Martha DiMeo enjoying a swim at a favorite beach in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Click the image to enlarge. Photo Credit: Amy Abel

Having grown up in Rhode Island—the Ocean State—and feeling completely out of sorts during the years I lived in the Midwest, I am a testament to the Blue Mind theory. My happy place, no matter the season, is being by the ocean.

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