Although today's digital cameras are complex and have a lot of factory settings that get in the way of understanding how what we do affects the composition, we can become familiar with the essential camera functions that will help us be better photographers. 

 To learn how to use your owner's manual effectively, get out the full version of your camera owner's manual, head over to my Online Learning Platform for Photographers, and start learning to use your camera to create the best pictures possible. 

Specifically, start reading about exposure modes, focusing modes, and metering patterns/modes. 

And if you're working in a fully automatic exposure mode, do yourself a favor and get to know your camera so you can start getting more involved in composition by working in the aperture and shutter priority modes.  

Getting to know our cameras will help us operate them more effectively. 

Then, when we're ready to take complete control of our compositions, we'll be well prepared to work confidently and thoughtfully in manual exposure mode. 

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.