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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, .

Today, during the second meeting of our Introduction To Photography classes, one participant said one of the main takeaways was that understanding the complexities of photography helps us be better photographers.

I couldn't agree more.

 Because when it comes to our photography studies and practice, nothing is more discouraging and frustrating than not understanding what we're doing to make the pictures we want.

No matter our exposure mode, a photograph results from a complex series of camera operations that produce compositional outcomes.

Metering, controlling exposure/tonality, and focusing are not just camera operations; they are significant umbrella functions that are compositional considerations and lead to visual outcomes.

They are foundational to creating photography; understanding this cannot be overstated.

Here's a rub: if we're working in fully automatic exposure modes, all of those umbrella functions are out of our control, and since they're out of our control, we have no opportunity to work with them and understand them.

Here's another rub: even if we're working in the "priority" exposure modes, although we get access to a bigger chunk of camera functionality, our ability to control and hold a constant tonality and other elements of composition is difficult, if not impossible.

In other words, our ability to control compositional outcomes could be more consistent.

The only way to reliably and consistently control our compositional outcomes by thoughtfully and intentionally operating our cameras is to work them in fully manual exposure mode.

Doing that allows us to understand the complexities of photography fully.

And by understanding the complexities of photography, we become better photographers.

Although all my modes of photography instruction will get you involved in the complexities of photography, the Introduction To Photography class is the one most photographers take to do that.

I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.

The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

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