To make impactful photographs, we need to approach our photography with intent. Our intent should be thoughtfully applied through the creation of the picture and the critique of our work. In other words, we should be mindful of our intent of what we do when we're doing it. 

The Intent of Composition

The intent of our composition should be clear and established when we see something to photograph. Sometimes, a part of our intent can be set if we are given an assignment. A good question is what we want to communicate or express through photographs. Do we want to communicate facts, opinions, or feelings?

The Intent of Camera Operation

Our intent of camera operation is essential because what we do with our camera should have the visual outcome that supports our composition intent. For example, to name a few, what exposure mode do we use?  What focusing mode and area? What metering pattern?  EVERYTHING we do with our camera IS composition. 

The Intent of Self-Critique 

After we create the photograph, a self-critique is in order.  Self-critiques are ALWAYS helpful critiques because self-critiques allow us to evaluate our work and provide guidance on how we could improve our photography. Our analysis should be based on our compositional intent and whether or not the outcome of what we did with our camera operation in creating our photograph visually supports our intent of the composition. 

A Final Word About Intent

Our intent is paramount in creating our photographs. Because without intention, we make thoughtless pictures. And ultimately, it's our unique thought process that creates unique photography. 

Available Ways to Learn Photography With Sam

In-Person or Online One-on-One Private Instruction

Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced photographer, I can work with you in-person or online on a one-on-one basis. This format allows me to help you improve your photography with custom-tailored instruction. You can use anything from a DSLR to the camera on your phone. Bring whatever you have in equipment and skill level, and I'll help you make more thoughtfully composed photographs. Please be fully vaccinated if we meet in person and follow all CDC and local guidelines.

Online Live Group Classes

Study and practice photography with me from wherever you are. Online group classes are effective and, when considering COVID, a safe way to learn photography. 

---Getting To Know Your Camera

This one meeting two-hour class will familiarize you with your camera's most important functions. We'll cover exposure, focusing, and metering methods. You'll be working more thoughtfully and creating intentional compositions. And you'll leave this class working on your camera in aperture and shutter priority modes. This class is also a prerequisite to the online Introduction To Photography group class. 

---Introduction To Photography

A four meeting 8-hour class that meets once a week for two hours will get you working your camera in manual exposure mode. The Getting to Know Your Camera class is a prerequisite for taking this class online. 

Recorded, Learn at Your Own Pace Classes/Webinars Available on Sam's Online Learning Platform for Photographers

---Getting To Know Your Camera

This class will familiarize you with your camera's most critical functions. We'll cover exposure modes, focusing modes, and metering modes. This class aims to get you working on your camera in aperture and shutter priority modes. Working your camera in this manner will get you working more thoughtfully and creating intentional compositions. This class is also a prerequisite to the online Introduction To Photography group class. 

---Learn To Think Like A Photographer

While all my instruction involves teaching camera operation and thought process, this introductory class teaches thought process and camera operation by using the camera on your phone. However, I wouldn't consider this a "phone photography class" because this is a composition class that teaches a thought/compositional process that can be carried over into any camera. 

Study and Practice with Sam on His Online Learning Platform for Photographers

When you study and practice photography with me via my online learning platform, you'll not only have access to the classes and webinars available there (see directly above), but you'll also get to ask me questions and get answers. You'll also get monthly assignments to keep you thinking about photography and a live online monthly meeting. This is an excellent standalone way to learn about photography or can be used as a supplement to the other methods of working with me. The monthly fee is $25.00, and you can start and stop whenever you'd like.

Please get in touch with me if you have any questions.