These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer. But if you're tired of hearing from me, unsubscribe.

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, .

That's a question I get asked from time to time by photographers looking to work with me.  

It strikes me as ironic that someone who's already using a camera and making pictures (a photographer) is asking me how long it will take them to become what they already are.  

Another question is, "What camera do I need to take one of your classes?".

Regarding the first question, considering that most consumers own a camera in some form, most of us, at least in this country, are photographers.

And yet, many of us don't think we are.

Many of these photographers think it has something to do with their cameras.

But it doesn't.

That ties into the second question: You can use any camera.

Because when it comes to being a photographer, what camera we use doesn't matter.

What's important is that we understand how to use whatever camera we have to make the pictures we want and get involved in a photographic thought process while making the picture.

In other words, we must understand camera operation, composition, and light and bring that into a compositional thought process.

In other words, we need to learn to act and think like a photographer.

So, in answer to the question, "How long will it take me to become a photographer?" since you probably already are, the better question would be, "How long will it take me to be the photographer I'd like to be? "

The answer to that is it depends on what camera you're using, your current understanding and skill level of photography, and the photographer you imagine yourself being.

And if you imagine yourself being a different photographer than you are now.

In that case, I can help you regardless of the camera you're using, your current understanding and skill level of photography, and the photographer you imagine yourself being.

If you'd like me to help you, all the ways to study and practice with me are listed below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course of study and practice.  

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