Often, I speak with photographers who say they want to develop their "eye." 

I get what they mean, but it’s less about our eyes and more about our minds. 

Anyone can photograph what they see; it’s another thing to photograph how we think about what we see. 

Remember, the origin of the word "photography" means "writing with light." 

I like to rephrase that to "communicating with light" because it forces me to ask myself what the intent of my photograph is as a visual communication. 

For example, as photographers, let’s say we observe a tree. 

But do we think about that observed tree as a reflected light source that has characteristics that are made visible by a transmitting/illuminating light source that also has characteristics? 

Are we describing and evaluating those characteristics to determine a range of camera setting possibilities that will allow us to create a variety of compositional outcomes? 

Do we consider elements of composition that provide nearly endless possibilities of expression, or do we apply rules that limit and homogenize our expression? 

Do we think about the intent of our composition? 

In other words, do we want to visually express that tree as an opinion, feeling, or fact? 

Our eyes provide a portal for the ongoing visual fodder that affects us and starts a photographic process. 

That process happens in our minds and is expressed through recording the light we see as a photograph. 

Of course, we must understand how to operate our camera to get the desired results. 

And if we’ve evaluated the light and determined we can’t get the picture we want, do we understand enough to get the best image we can? 

If not, we’ve got some learning to do.

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.