You'll find the photography-related stuff after I unabashedly ask you to do one more thing during your busy day.

I'm not a politician, but I'm asking for your vote! 

And I promise, regardless of who wins, I won't question the outcome, ask for a re-vote, storm the offices of the Washington City Paper, or try to overthrow their management.

So click the green, square "Best of DC 2023" graphic and vote for the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes in the Washington City Paper's Best Art Class category. 

Thank you.

Hello , 

It's interesting; a lot of photographers I speak with don't consider themselves a photographer. 

Some even use the term "real photographer." 

So, when do we know when we're "real photographers"?  

Well, unless we're a hologram, we're real. So we can scrap that part of the discussion. 

So, when do we know when we're photographers?  

Is it when we have a lot of photography gear?

Is it when we have accumulated a certain amount of pictures?

Is it when we have a specific type of camera?

In terms of writing, Steven Pressfield says, "A writer is a writer when he says he is."

The same can be said about a photographer.

A photographer studies and practices photography.

Another way to put this is that we're a photographer if we make a picture. 

Furthermore, If we're involved with any aspect of our photography studies and practice, we're being a photographer. So it doesn't just involve making a picture; it requires everything we do leading up to creating a photograph. 

And although many photographers don't see themselves as photographers. 

They are.

Maybe, they don't see themselves as "good" photographers. If that's the case, I'd ask 'em why?

If their judgment of "good" or "bad" is based on their critique of their work, I'd suggest they're good photographers because they're actively involved in critiquing their work.

We can always get "better," but that "getting better" has to be from the basis of our critique of our work.

Remember, as photographers, making the best possible pictures is why we study and practice. 

And usually, we study and practice to become better photographers.

 Classes are below.

These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer. Here's an archive of them at the "Newsletter Hub." 

Ways To Learn Photography With Sam