Making the Frustrating Struggle of Composition Into More of an Interesting Challenge, Kinda Like a Puzzle or Riddle
Published: Sun, 07/16/23
Sam offers in-person and online photography instruction. Call him at 202-531-2344 to see how he can help
you.
These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer.
And if ya wanna see stuff I wrote about in past emails, make sure to visit the "Newsletter Hub."
And if you have any questions about photography or anything photography-related you'd like me to write about, let me know by sending an email to me at sam@samdamico.com.
Hello ,
Composition!
Isn't this where we struggle the most with our photography studies and practice?
And even for an old fart of a photographer like me, the struggle with composition goes on. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
But our struggles with composition depend on how well we understand two things.
Our technical understanding and application of technique.
Technical
The technical stuff has to do with having
specialiazed and usually practical knowledge. Especially of a mechanical or scientific subject
For example, how a camera works. Or understanding the characteristics of light. Or how a flash works
Technique
Technique can be thought about in a couple of ways.
First, it deals with a specific way of doing something. For example,
we use different techniques to compose our pictures.
We can also view this first way of thinking about technique as a way of executing or performing a specific task. Especially when executing or performing an artistic work or a
scientific procedure.
Second, technique can be viewed as a skill level in a particular area. For instance, we could comment that a photographer has excellent technique when it comes to camera operation.
Making the Struggle Less of a Struggle and More Into an Interesting Challenge
Yup, we all struggle with composition.
But I think that'll
always be a part of what we do.
Whenever I see something to photograph, I first struggle with how to compose it. Meaning figuring out what I want to communicate and how I can express it best visually by operating my camera to create a photograph
But once I get past that struggle, the challenge becomes based on the technical functions of my camera and my understanding of technique; what can I do in terms of camera operation to make the picture I have in mind?
It's kind of like a fun, challenging puzzle or riddle. How do I operate
my camera to combine the compositional elements to complete/create the picture I want to compose effectively?
As I've said before, we've gotta understand how our camera works to apply the technique needed to get the best photograph we can.
Because with an understanding of the technical combined with an application of the technique, our compositions become more fluid and simple.
The technical and technique go hand in hand.
And technique serves creativity.
This is the kind of stuff covered in all my classes.
And if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes, we can schedule a one-time
lesson or a series of in-person or online one-on-one private instruction that cover the
same things as any of my group classes.
---Get guidance on going from where you are to where you want to be as a photographer. There's no charge for a follow-up consultation. Just leave your phone number on the form, and I'll call you. Photography Instruction Strategy
Questionnaire.
I look forward to helping you be a better photographer.
Best Regards,
Sam
About Sam
Sam D'Amico, a professional photographer and photography
instructor, helps anyone who wants to be a better photographer.
He'll work with his students to increase their understanding of camera operation, composition, light, and lighting.
Sam started working as a professional photographer
in the mid-1980s.
Most notably, from 1992 to 1997, while working as a freelance photographer, he photographed over 500 assignments for the New York Times.
Additionally, Sam received awards for his work while
exhibiting his photographs in shows.
Sam began teaching photography professionally in 1998 through the Highland Park, N.J. recreation department.
In 2002 Sam moved to Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the accredited Washington
School of Photography in Bethesda, Md.
It was in 2003 that Sam developed his curriculum and started teaching classes in Washington, D.C.
In 2018 and 2022, the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes were voted the "Best of DC" art class by the
readers of the Washington City Paper.
Many photography teachers spend a lot of time teaching about DSLRs and rules of composition that create homogenized, rigid photographs.
On the other
hand, Sam teaches about camera operation, thought process, and the individual photographer's visual communication intent.
This approach to teaching allows his students to use ANY camera (yes, even the camera on their phone) and break free of the rules of composition.
Approaching the creative process this way allows for fluid and spontaneous photographs unique to the photographer creating them.
Sam encourages his students to find their ways as photographers.
He
instills the skills in his students that result in creative, engaging, and unique compositions that reflect the photographer's intended one-of-a-kind visual expression.
