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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, .

Do you ever wonder if photography is a bonafide art? 

A lot of people, especially "artists," will tell us that it's not.

And why isn't it an art according to them?

Because all we do is press a button.

Yup, we press a button, and it's called a shutter release.

Those who believe photography is merely pressing a button could benefit from looking into camera operation, light, and composition complexities.

These elements combine to create a unique form of personal, artistic, and truthful light recordings, far beyond a button press's simplicity.

We do things like metering, focusing, and making an exposure to create a recording of light that's been considered a means of artistic expression since the mid-19th century.

And beyond artistic expression, photography is a way of reporting the news as it happens.

According to Oxford Languages, photographers meet the "artist" criteria based on the definition of art.

"art1

noun

noun: art; plural noun: arts; plural noun: the arts

1.

the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

2. 

the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.

"the visual arts"

And yes, although we do press a button called a shutter release, what we do involves much more than that.

Henri Cartier-Bresson elegantly describes an excellent definition of what we do. 

"To take photographs means to recognize - simultaneously and within a fraction of a second - both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, one's eye and one's heart on the same axis."

We work with light directly by recording it with a light recording tool (the camera) and a lens. 

And by using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, we manipulate only those three settings and create an infinite variety of images.

And if we make pictures based on how we think about what we see instead of simply recording what we see, we create imagery as unique as ourselves. 

And ain't that what artists do? 

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.