I've talked about this before, so please excuse the redundancy, but I don't think it can be said often enough. We use our camera as a tool to create photographs. Additionally our exposure modes have A LOT to do with how thoughtful and creative we get with our photography. And, to make the best photographs, we need to work the camera (the tool) thoughtfully. 

 

I was working with a photographer who wanted to learn to use their DSLR better. They were working in fully automatic exposure mode. Given the time allotted, we agreed the most effective thing we could do is to get them working in aperture priority (A or AV mode) and shutter priority (S, T, or TV mode). However, given more time and if they had the inclination, we could have got them working in manual exposure mode. 

 

The bottom line is, even though I prefer manual exposure mode, It's my job as a teacher to help photographers use their cameras more thoughtfully. In other words, to create better photographs. And in their case, and anyone's case for that matter, making the leap from automatic exposure mode to aperture priority and shutter priority mode is a HUGE leap. Because first, it gets photographers more involved in composition in terms of exposure modes. And second, AV and TV modes usually allow us to access many other camera functions, such as different focusing modes and areas and different metering patterns/modes. 

 

Yup. If ya ask me, I'm gonna say that I think that manual exposure mode is the be-all-end-all when it comes to composing our pictures thoughtfully. But what matters to me as a teacher is that I help you get to where you wanna be as a photographer. And, if you want to make the leap from automatic exposure mode to aperture AV and TV modes, and that's as far as you want to take it, I'll teach you how to make the best pictures you can using those modes. 

 

And if you'd like to work in manual exposure mode one day, I'll help you with that too. 

 

 

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 terms of 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 type of 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 contact Sam if you have any questions.