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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, .

When we create a photograph, if we insist on using "rules of composition," we limit our work's creative possibilities because we limit our imagination.

 By imposing rules of composition on our work, we replace our imaginations with redundant guidelines that discourage us from exploring more creative possibilities. 
 
Rules create a "safe" set of predictable outcomes that stifle the possibility of creating unique compositions.

 Additionally, following rules squashes our curiosity, leading to a lack of visual exploration and experimentation.

In other words, we're less likely to consider different possibilities, which results in our reluctance to explore unique angles, perspectives, subject matter, exposure, focusing techniques, etc.

Instead of rules of composition, think about "elements of composition" and build a visual vocabulary that connects the cause and effect of camera operation, composition, and light.

For example, when we increase exposure, we increase the tonality ( brightness) of our picture, and depending on which exposure variables we use, we can affect blur or depth of field.

Everything we do and everything we work with is an element composition.

Elements of composition are limitless, while rules of composition are limited.

Forget the rules of composition and instead study and practice to understand the relationships between camera operation, composition, and light.

The result is a photograph that communicates our unique visual voice.

There's Introduction To Photography courses starting soon that'll get you involved in elements of composition.  

I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.

The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option. 

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.

That's all for now; thanks for reading! 

Sam