These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer. But if you're tired of hearing from me, unsubscribe.

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've been a professional photography teacher since 1998.

One of the first things I learned early on is that when I work with photographers who want to improve, I have to learn about their work as photographers and how they wanna be better photographers.
 
Before working with you, I'll take the time to understand what you do now as a photographer and where you'd like to be as a photographer.

In other words, I want to know how I can help you be the photographer you want to be.  

This could be done through a couple of questionnaires, a conversation, or both.

Still, the point is to understand your unique perspectives and goals. 
 
One of my most valuable learning experiences is observing a photographer make a picture with their camera at the beginning of our lessons.

This practical demonstration provides insights into their understanding and approach to photography, which is crucial for effective teaching. 
 
Questionnaires and conversations let me hear how photographers think about their photography studies, practices, and operations.

However, watching how photographers operate their cameras shows me how they think about using them. 
 
It's one thing to know about photography and know the vocabulary; it's another to apply what we know about photography to camera operation and composition. 
 
They go hand in hand.
 
Even if we're well-versed in photographic terminology, that ain't enough.

We've gotta strive for a deeper understanding of photography and more skillful camera operation. 
 
Even if we're a walking encyclopedia of photographic terminology, we're frustrated with our work if we can't connect the words with camera operation and compositional outcomes. 
 
It's essential to strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in photography education.

Both are equally important and contribute to a well-rounded understanding of camera operation, composition, and light. 
 
That's where we start with the first introduction to the photography class meeting. 
 
We started with building a good foundation by working in manual exposure mode. 
 
We meter and then control ISO and exposure to create the picture tonality (brightness) that we require. Of course, we also cover focusing.
 
In short, we became familiar with camera operation's predictable cause and effect through thoughtful, intentional composition. 
 
I've got Introduction to Photography classes scheduled and remember that any of my classes can be taken as a single private lessons or a series of private lessons, so don't hesitate to take advantage of them. 

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