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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, .

I hope you’re enjoying the holidays and making plenty of pictures.

Here are some words on Yelp from a photographer I worked with remotely.

Steven R.

Baltimore, MD

5/16/2023

"I attended a virtual online introduction Photography class to understand my camera and receive basic instructions so I can "get out" of the pre-set modes on my camera. I gained a lot of insight on the usage of my DLSR. Although virtual, Sam created a welcoming and receptive environment, responding effectively to my many questions. He was patient, straight forward, and easy to talk to. He is my type of teacher. I would suggest to others to give him a try; I don't think anyone will be disappointed! Two thumbs up on the course! Thanks Sam!"

I worked with Steven this past mid-May.

We spoke a few times over the phone.

He completed the  Photography and Camera Operation Test and Photography and  Instruction Strategy Questionnaire.

After I carefully reviewed the forms he filled out, we spoke one more time to clarify what he wanted to get out of the lesson and scheduled our meeting.

Of course, I appreciate getting feedback like this.

It lets me know I'm delivering on what I said I'd provide.

Steve got what he wanted out of the class, and most of what people had to say about me on Yelp echoed Steve's comments.

But there's a couple of reviews of me on Yelp that ain't so rosy.

And I appreciate getting feedback like this, too. 

Of course, I respond to all reviews in an appropriate manner.

Using those reviews, if my approach to teaching a class is lacking, I can adjust my instruction to tighten up my way of teaching.

But there are some people I can't help.

For example, if they have questions about a class and don't speak with me before registering, or if they decide to bail on the class after the first meeting and don't even give the rest of the course a chance.

I get it if someone doesn't like the way I teach.

Most people I work with seem to like how I teach, but some don't.

While I can easily change what I teach, the way I teach sets me apart from other teachers.

And how I teach is as much of who I am as how I think and communicate.

This isn't going to change.
 

It sets me apart from other places to learn photography and teachers.

If you call it my "style," that's fine.
 

But I get it if someone doesn't like the way I teach.

Some people will like it, and some will not.

There's a lesson to learn here about our photography studies and practice.

We can easily change what we photograph.

But it's the way we photograph that sets us apart from other photographers.

To be clear, I'm talking about how we think about what we see and then express that uniquely with our camera.

I'm not talking about our ability to operate a camera effectively.

That may need some changing to get better at it.

How we photograph is as much of who we are as the way we think and communicate.
 

This isn't a good thing to change.

It's what sets our images apart and sets us apart from other photographers.

If we call it our "style," that's fine.

Some people will like our photographs, and some won't.
 

The lesson is that we can't please everyone if we're going to be truthfully distinctive and genuinely who we are as photographers in what we do.
 

And if we try to please others, we lose the uniqueness in our work that makes us the outstanding photographers we already are.

Introduction To Photography classes start soon.

Spaces are limited to five.

So, reserve your spot now.

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.