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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, .

We often struggle with composing pictures. 

Sometimes, or more than sometimes, our compositions come out differently than we'd like.

Part of the problem may be understanding camera operation. 

Understanding camera operation is a fundamental part of photography.

It plays a crucial role in how our compositions turn out.

Another problem may be that visual awareness isn't directed to our compositional elements while making a picture. 

Visual awareness is a key factor in creating interesting compositions.

Directing our attention to the compositional elements while making a picture is essential.

Framing and content are elements of composition, which we do during camera operation when composing our pictures.

Furthermore, framing and content are something we can pay attention to using any camera we have, and we can confidently

apply these techniques with any equipment.

And yes, even the camera on our phone.

Framing

Simply put, when we compose a picture, we create a frame.

We have edges, horizontally and vertically, where our pictures end.

That's the frame.

Framing is an activity we do while composing our pictures and a compositional element we can critique.

When making pictures, using a camera with a viewfinder can be more helpful than the LCD screen on most cameras' backs because it allows for more accurate composition.

Additionally, knowing our viewfinder coverage is essential.

Knowing our viewfinder coverage area is important because many viewfinders don't show us 100 percent of what we'll be getting in our frame (image area).

In other words, even though we're paying meticulous attention to framing and content, we may get more in our photographs than we see in our viewfinder.

This is why I prefer cameras that give me 100 percent of the image area in the viewfinder.

The percentage of our viewfinder coverage is usually found in the specifications pages of the full version of our camera owner's manual.

On a side note, we should calibrate our viewfinder by adjusting the diopter to match our eyesight.

Content

In short, whatever we put in the frame is content.

However, we must pay attention to what we put in the frame because the visual information we leave in or keep out of the frame is essential to the composition's intent.

If we put too much in the frame, that extra stuff may become a distraction.

Think of the tree sticking out of someone's head as a mistake reference.

If it's intentional, then it's not a mistake.

If we keep too much out of the frame, we only partially compose the picture based on our intent.

Just like the Goldilocks fable, it's gotta be just right.

Not perfect, just right.

Some photographers think it'd be a big faux pas to keep hands and feet out of the frame of a photograph.

And it would be if we didn't intend to crop them out.

At this point, it's evident that this is all about intent.

We should consistently remind ourselves that our approach to photography should be more mindful and intentional.

Specifically, we intend to create thoughtfully composed photographs because thoughtfully composed photographs communicate our intent of the composition.

Substantial parts of the composition are framing and content.

But of course, there's more to pay attention to.

However, framing and content are quick to learn, and paying attention to them will immediately benefit our work, creating excitement and motivation for our ability to make better pictures and be a better photographer.

I've got some upcoming Introduction to Photography classes in DC that cover framing and content and other elements of composition we need to pay attention to.

It's also available as an In-Person or Online One-on-One Private Instruction.

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.