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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, .

Are photographers, artists, or craftspeople? 

Here's my take on a conversation I had with a photographer who considered themselves to be an artist when someone questioned how they viewed themselves. 

First and foremost, as a photographer, I'm a craftsperson because I view photography as a craft, not an art.

And here's why. 

In photography, being a craftsperson is necessary and more important than being an artist.

This emphasis on craft should drive us to continually improve our technical skills.

The commitment to honing our technical skills and becoming a practical craft person sets us apart.

When I think of our intent of expression/composition with our cameras, I think of two choices: we can express art or fact.

Creating a photograph that we'd consider art has the intent to express a subjective, personal opinion.

This is where our artist, or personal expressionist, comes out to play.

On the other hand, creating a photograph that we'd consider fact intends to express an objective, impersonal recording of a factual, unmanipulated moment with an unbiased eye and mind; this is what news photographers, aka photojournalists, do.

This is where our photojournalist, or informer of facts, comes into play.

Art is vague because art is subjective and is in the eye of the beholder.

Fact is the way things are without any bias or opinion attached.

As photographers, we can choose the intent to create art or choose the intent to record facts.

We can confidently create photographs of fact or opinion when we're practical and skillful craftspeople.

When we can, with clarity and certainty, identify ourselves as a craftsperson because we have the technical skills and knowledge of a craftsperson, we can easily apply specific techniques related to our craftsperson skills and understanding that support our creative intent.

In our case, we study and practice the craft of photography. 

Craft involves the skillful application of technique.

If we're skillful in our craft, we're more likely to produce work that someone may judge as art.

For instance, a skilled photographer is confident in the techniques involved, camera operation, composition, and observing and describing the characteristics of light.

This is why I believe that if we're skillful in our craft, we're more likely to produce work that someone may judge as art or be informed of relevant events.

Don't worry about producing art. 

Instead, concentrate on becoming skillful in the techniques involved in our craft, and the art will take care of itself.

With this approach, the art will take care of itself, and we can feel confident in our process.

Remember, the more we concentrate on becoming skillful in the techniques involved in our craft, the more the artist or photojournalist in ourselves can be called upon to produce work that's interesting and effective in communicating our compositional intent.

Also, remember that craftspeople learn and use techniques specific to their craft.  

And technique serves creativity.

Because technique allows us to express our creativity.

The Introduction to Photography class will engage your creativity by teaching you to be a versatile craftsperson.

More classes are below.

Looking for a camera?

A friend has a Sony Mirrorless Digital Camera, lens, and a bunch of accessories for sale.

I can vouch that the camera, lens, and accessories are in "Like New" condition. 

It seems like an excellent deal.

You can see the details by clicking on the Facebook Marketplace link below.  

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3942433832662649/?mibextid=6ojiHh

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.