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Hello, .

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

Arthur C. Clarke said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

Technological magic ain’t too bad of a thing.

We’ve got a lot of advanced technology around.

It’s so advanced that we don’t want to make an effort or take the time to understand it.

There’s plenty of this kind of technology in photography.

Many photographers I meet say that their “camera takes good pictures.”

Especially the photographers who are working

in fully automatic exposure mode.

I ask them if their camera always takes good pictures.
 

The answer is always no.

But I want them to wonder, "How does their camera take good pictures?"

Accepting that something magical is happening inside the camera would be easier than understanding how it works.

But, no, the camera doesn’t magically take “good” pictures.

First, the description of “good” is a subjective judgment.

Second, chances are pretty good that the camera uses an indifferent algorithm that evaluates light intensity, automatically sets the ISO, aperture, and speed, focuses on something, and then makes an exposure.

All this usually happens within a fraction of a second after we decide to press the shutter release.

When we think about it, it seems kinda magical, right?

Perhaps it’d serve us better to say, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is worth understanding.”

Of course, cameras don’t work magically.

They’re technologies we can learn about, understand, and improve our work with them.

When we do that, we become better photographers who create thoughtful and intentional pictures because we know about and understand the technological light recording tools we use to make, not take, pictures.

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.