We Think That We Don't Know

Recently, while working with a student, they mentioned that they feel like they don't know what they're doing. I disagreed and then asked them to make the best picture they could of whatever they wanted. They obliged, and then I asked them what they thought about the picture that they created, in other words, to critique the image they just made. as expected, their answer indicated that they were less than thrilled. And, of course, asked them why.

 

Getting Involved In Composition
By asking the student, why they weren't thrilled with the picture they made,  I was getting them involved in their composition via self-critiquing their work and realizing they knew what they were doing. But even though they knew what they were doing, they didn't know how to talk about it in terms of observing light and then operating their camera in a way that produced the best picture possible based on how they thought about the light they were observing.

 

Frustration Guides Us

The above scenario frustrates us as photographers. When we don't understand how to operate our camera to get the best picture possible, note that I didn't say the picture we want, we get frustrated. I know the frustration because, as new photographers, we've all been there. However, I've learned that frustration helps us define where we need to study and practice. That frustration is the guidepost to becoming a better photographer.

 

We All Do The Same Thing

Regardless of the cameras we use, we all do the same things regarding composition and camera operation. And what we do with our camera results in elements of design/composition that we can examine and critique.

 

Elements Of Composition

After making our photographs, we should conduct a critique that involves the elements of composition and relate each element to the camera operation. This approach to creating pictures will provide a good foundation of study and practice that will allow us to improve our understanding of photography and camera operation; this approach will get us more involved in what we do as photographers. And when we get more engaged in what we do as photographers while creating a photograph, we become better photographers.

 

 

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 Sam if you have any questions.