As photographers, don't we all want our photographs to be unique? Imagine that our work is recognized even though the subject matter may vary. It's easier than we think, as long as we're willing to let go of some thoughts and habits that get in the way and adopt new practices into our work.

Let Go of Rules of Composition

If there's anything that will suck the vitality and uniqueness out of our work; it's the rules of composition. If you've heard of some and used them, stop and forget them. Rules of composition homogenize our work. 

Use Our Mind, Instead of a Machine, To Create the Photograph

Remember that cameras don't make pictures; photographers make pictures. A camera is just a tool for photographers, just like a pen for writers. If you're working in an automatic exposure mode, start working in aperture and shutter priority. These modes allow for more camera functionality to get us more involved in camera operation and composition. And better yet, work in fully manual exposure modes.

Don’t Actively Look for a Picture. Just See a Picture

Looking is like putting blinders on. Because when we actively look for something specific, chances are good we're overlooking some excellent opportunities for a photograph right before our eyes. Seeing allows a relaxed and open approach to our photography, and instead of "finding" what we're looking for, we "discover" the visual fodder that feeds our one-of-a-kind way of seeing.

Don’t Photograph What We See, Instead…

Photograph how we think about what we see. Photographing what we see is basic.
On the other hand, photographing how we think about what we see is a unique process. 

The difference is that we can see the same thing, but how we think about what we see is unique.  If we base our compositions on our unique way of seeing, we automatically create one-of-a-kind photographs.
 

Best Regards and make thoughtful photographs,

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.

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