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 you want more photography stuff to read, there's a place on the interwebs where past emails I wrote are stored. You'll find 'em in the "Newsletter Hub."
Remember, I'd like to know what you want to know about photography. So, If you have any questions, ask by sending an email to me at sam@samdamico.com.
Hello ,
Light is the raw material we work with.
Light to us is like clay to a potter or words to a writer.
A writer uses a pen to write words to communicate what they see, think, or feel.
A photographer uses a camera to record light to create a photograph of what they see, think, or feel.
Light has
characteristics that we can describe.
And we can describe light in terms of light sources.
We can describe those light sources as either illuminating or reflective. I'm also likely to use the word transmitting in place of illuminating.
What’s an Illuminating Light Source?
An illuminating light source is what enables us to see reflective light sources. The sun and light bulbs are good examples.
What’s a Reflective Light Source?
A reflective light source is revealed when an illuminating
light source affects it.
How Do Illuminating and Reflective Light Sources Work Together?
In short, we don't see a reflective light source without a transmitting light source affecting it.
Imagine coming home at night and walking into our dark homes. What
do we do? We flip a light switch to on that powers light bulbs (illuminating light sources.)
Because the illuminating light source now reveals all the reflective light sources in that space, we can see the walls, the floor, furniture, and that pair of shoes we probably would've tripped over if we left them unilluminated.
Pretty
straightforward forward ain't it?
There's more characteristics of light, but the whole transmitting and the reflective thing is foundational.
And remember, we learn and become better by doing, so make sure to practice by making at least one picture today.
That’s all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
Study
and practice photography with me.
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.
