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 who sees it.

A lotta people pleasing is going on in photography these days.

Are we trying to please people on social media to get fans and likes?

Are we trying to please judges evaluating the work we've submitted for a show?

If we publish our work, are we working for the publication, or is the publication working for us?

We might get some people in one of the groups above to appreciate our photography if we create work we think they'll like.

However, we also might think that adhering to photography rules will improve our work, and because of that, more people will find our work acceptable.  

The truth is we can't please everyone with our work.

If we try to do that, our work lacks integrity, and we'll never develop our unique visual voice and sensibility that clearly defines our work.

The only person we should be trying to please when it comes to our is ourselves.  

Remember, photography ain't a popularity contest.

It's a means of intentional and expressive visual communication.

In order to do that, we need to understand the relationships between camera operation, composition, and light.

The thing that'll really make our work stand out is when we stop taking pictures of what we see and start making pictures based on how we think about what we see.

When we're comfortable and confident in our work, we'll be pleased with our work.

And when we're pleased with our work, there'll be no need to please anyone else.

And when it comes to the people who appreciate our work, it's not because we're trying to please them; they've already seen our photographs and are pleased with our work.

But if you're not pleased with your work, that's where I can help you, especially during my Introduction to Photography class.

It's a class that'll get you to understand how to operate your camera in manual exposure mode to have the most creative control possible over your pictures.

We create unique, thoughtful, and intentional compositions when we can do that.

If you'd like a personalized way to learn, there's always Private Photography Lessons made to fit your schedule and way of learning that'll cover the same material you'd get during the Introduction to Photography class.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right course.

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.

The Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) group classes starts soon or you can learn the same stuff as a series of Private Lessons.
  
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me at (202) 531-2344 if you need help determining the best course for you.

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A note about group class sizes: Did you know that some places that teach photography have up to 25 students in each class? 

Bigger ain't always better.

That's why I limit my group classes to no more than five participants because smaller classes make for better, more effective, and more efficient learning experiences.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

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.