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Hello, .

When it comes to improving our photography skills, we've gotta pay attention to three things.

Those three things are camera operation, composition, and light.
 
We need to learn to observe and describe the light's characteristics to relate them to composition and camera operation.
 
And by learning about what cameras do (camera operation), all cameras do the same thing: they record light. 
 
But although they all do the same thing, they do it differently.
 
For example, think of how a pinhole camera functions compared to a DSLR. 
 
Both are light recording tools but operate differently.
 
And even within DSLRs, the variance of functionality from camera to camera is enormous.
 
The camera model is not a factor, considering the range of cameras.  
 
Some cameras are simple, and some are complex, but all record light by exposing light-sensitive material to light. 
 
That's a photograph. 
 
If a lens is attached, it focuses light onto the light-sensitive material. 
 
Most of us don't use a simple camera like a pinhole camera. 
 
The cameras we use tend to be complex.
 
From film SLRS to the cameras on our phones, to a DSLR, and on and on,   all a camera does is make an exposure, and if it has a lens, the lens focuses light onto light-sensitive. 
 
The complexity of these cameras allows us a good range of creativity but also requires technical mastery, especially regarding camera operation.

In comparison, a camera on a phone is less complex than a DSLR or mirrorless camera. 
 
After all is said and done when it comes to cameras, all we do as photographers is observe and record light. 
 
But what makes our pictures stand out is the intent of composition,
 
When we have compositional purpose and technical proficiency, we can only create photographs we can uniquely make.

And the more complex the camera, the more compositional possibilities we have.

Furthermore, manual exposure mode is the best for creating complex compositions.  
 
Remember, we don't base the kind of visual expression we strive to make on what we see; instead, we try to create photographs based on how we think about what we see.

Take the Introduction to Photography class and learn to make complex compositions using your DSLR, mirrorless camera, or any camera that works in manual exposure mode.

More classes are below.

Do you need to learn to use your camera or brush up on some skills and techniques, especially if you want to be ready to take pictures and record those holiday moments?

I've scheduled Introduction to Photography and Getting to Know Your Camera classes.

Since class sizes are limited to five participants, it's a good idea to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

If you need a different schedule, there's always Private Lessons.

Below are more ways to learn photography with me.

The Introduction to Photography class or a series of Private Lessons will help you study and practice to become a photographer who can make the best possible pictures.

By studying and practicing photography with me, you'll learn how to be a better photographer. 

More ways to study and practice with me are below.