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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.

There are only two possible answers to how we work as photographers.

When we see something that compels us to make a photograph, do we work in fully manual exposure mode unless there’s a good reason to work in automatic exposure mode?

Or do we work in automatic exposure mode unless we start to feel we could be better photographers if we worked in fully manual exposure mode?

Of course, how we work is our choice.

If it’s inconvenient or feels risky, we usually work in automatic exposure mode, especially if that’s how we’ve been working.

In other words, the bias is for the status quo.

The status quo in fully automatic exposure mode is the camera makes the picture for us based on the light intensity of what’s influencing the meter.

In other words, we have minimal control over camera operation and composition.
 

This gives us a standard tonality without our compositional considerations and intent beyond framing and content.

The status quo in fully manual exposure mode is we make the picture by using the camera to measure the light intensity using whatever metering pattern we choose.

In other words, we have maximum control over camera operation and composition.

This gives us complete control over tonality with full control over nearly endless compositional considerations and intent.

If you're working in fully automatic exposure mode, and If it’s working for you, keep at it.

However, most photographers I’ve worked with realize how automatic exposure mode limits their creativity.
 

As far as they're concerned, learning how to work their camera thoughtfully and intentionally in manual exposure mode was a smart decision because it helped them become better photographers.

Instead of pictures based on a mindless algorithm offering little creative control in automatic exposure mode, their new default works in manual exposure mode, offering the most creative control possible and endless, thoughtfully created compositional possibilities.

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.