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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.

Ideally, all experts would be awarded credentials, and all posers and fraudsters would have their credentials withdrawn.

Unfortunately, that doesn't always work out that way.

Experts are people who can keep a promise and have expertise.

If we can show results demonstrating our understanding, skill, and commitment, then we can call ourselves experts.

On the other hand, those who are good at getting credentials get credentials.

Credentials include where we went to school or the number of followers we have online.

If our credentials help us create value, that's a big plus.

But credentials ain't the same as expertise.

A lot of photographers I speak with who want to work with me as their teacher ask me if I have or can award them credentials.

The answer to both questions is no.

The best I can do is write them a letter stating whether they've completed the class, but this does not address their photography expertise.

I know a lot of excellent photographers who aren't credentialed.

I know many credentialed photographers whose work pales in comparison to the work of excellent non-credentialed photographers.

In other words, the credential doesn't matter.

What matters is the quality of our work based on our expertise.

As photographers, we need to improve our expertise in camera operation, composition, and our ability to observe and describe the characteristics of light.

What got me the work I've done and continue to do isn't a credential; it's the work I showed.

As one person for whom I did a lot of photography assignments said, and I'm paraphrasing here, "The pieces of paper showing me their degrees don't matter. What matters is the piece of paper that shows me their photography."

I can't show a credential, but I can show results demonstrating my understanding, skill, and commitment as a teacher and photographer.

Although I can't give you a credential, I can improve your photography expertise.

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.