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.

When we're overwhelmed and frustrated with our camera because we don't understand how to work it to make the pictures we want, our default is to work in fully automatic exposure mode and let the camera do the work for us.

The problem with that approach is that we don't get the pictures we want either way because we aren't controlling the camera to get intentionally composed pictures.

If we continue to work in fully automatic exposure mode, we'll lose access to a good chunk of camera functionality, which will take away our ability to express our creativity.

If we want to create the images we have in our mind, the best way is to make photographs using fully manual exposure mode.

When we use fully manual exposure mode, we control every aspect of our composition because we control every aspect of camera operation.

By working in fully manual exposure mode, we can control our composition's tonality through aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as depth of field, blur, and noise.

Additionally, we get complete control of focus, which controls sharpness and metering, which allows us to measure light intensity.

Access to that camera functionality allows us to develop techniques that make our photography efficient, effective, and intentional.  

And remember, technique serves creativity, so the more techniques we have, the more creative we can be.

We've got two choices: we make the picture, or the camera makes the picture for us.

Another way to think about it is to take what the camera gives us or create what we want with the camera.

One way is passive acceptance, and the other way is active creation.

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.