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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.

Humans have been using cameras for a long time.

But can we trust them to make the pictures we intend to make?

We use them to record personal events, express ourselves artistically, and their numerous uses in surveillance and industry.

Cameras are recording tools, and, like everything, they can malfunction.

This is why getting our cameras tuned up yearly is a good idea.

As long as our cameras work as they should, we can count on them as reliable light recording tools.

When it comes to camera operation, we've got two choices:

1. Automatic Exposure Mode: Beyond framing and content, the camera's algorithms make all or some pictures for us. This is similar to using AI to make our picture.
2. Manual Exposure Mode: We have complete control over camera operation and creativity.

Our cameras make no mistakes as long as they work as they should.

However, working in automatic exposure mode may prevent us from getting the photograph we want.  

This isn't a mistake; it's simply what the camera does.

But since the camera didn't know what we wanted.

What did we expect? A camera doesn't think, know, or feel; we do all of that.

On the other hand, by working our camera in manual exposure mode, we know what we want, and if we know what we're doing, we'll make the best picture possible based on the intent of our composition.

Specifically, we've got to know what we're doing when it comes to the relationships between camera operation, composition, and light.

This is the most significant reason photographers learn to work in manual exposure mode.

The bottom line is that we can use our camera in automatic exposure mode to make pictures or in manual exposure mode.

In other words, do we rely on a machine using an algorithm or on our minds and skills to make an intentionally and thoughtfully composed photograph?

Which would you prefer?

The Introduction To Photography class starts soon. 
  
More 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 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.