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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, email me at sam@samdamico.com. And for what it's worth. When you send me an email, unless someone's lookin' over my shoulder, I'm the only one that sees it.

Hello, .

I'll say this again and again because it can't be said often enough.

Our cameras are light recording tools.  

A recording of light is a photograph.

The best photographers are the ones who rely on their minds instead of machines, our cameras, to create their photographs.

Our choice of exposure modes has A LOT to do with how thoughtful and creative we get with our photography.

A slight turn of our exposure mode dials can lead to a big difference in improving our photography.

We've gotta work thoughtfully with the camera (the light recording tool) to make the best photographs. 

And it doesn't matter if we're using the cameras on our phones or more complex cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.

I worked with a photographer who wanted to learn to use their camera; in this case, it was a DSLR to create better photographs.

Like most photographers, they were working in fully automatic exposure mode.

Given the time allotted, we agreed the most effective thing to do is to get them working in aperture priority (A or AV mode) and shutter priority (S, T, or TV mode).

However, given more time, we could have gotten them working in manual exposure mode if they wanted. 

The bottom line is, even though I prefer manual exposure mode, It's my job as a teacher to help photographers use their cameras more thoughtfully.

In other words, to create better photographs.

In their and anyone's case, making the leap from automatic exposure mode to aperture and shutter priority mode is a HUGE leap.

It's a leap that opens up a world of possibilities, getting photographers more involved in composition in terms of exposure modes.

Also, AV and TV modes usually allow us to access many other camera functions, such as different focusing modes, areas, and metering patterns/modes. 

Yup.

Manual exposure mode is the be-all-end-all when composing our pictures thoughtfully.

But what matters to me as a teacher is that I help you get to where you want to be as a photographer.

And, if you want to leap from automatic exposure mode to aperture AV and TV modes, and that's as far as you want to take it, I'll teach you how to make the best pictures you can using those modes. 

You can learn to use your camera in aperture and shutter priority modes by taking the Getting To Know Your Camera class or with a private lesson.

If you'd like to work in manual exposure mode, you can register for the  Introduction to Photography class or with a series of four hours of private lessons.

Whatever you wanna do, I'll be here to help you be a better photographer.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option. 

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.

That's all for now; thanks for reading! 

Sam