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 camera is objective.

We, as photographers, are subjective humans.

It's essential to recognize that a camera doesn't think and doesn't know.

The fact that cameras don't think or know might seem obvious, but I often hear a photographer say, "My camera thinks this," or "My camera knows that."

A camera isn't thinking and doesn't know anything at any time; it's just an objective light recording tool with some evaluative function.

It measures light intensity, and if we're working with an automatic white balance setting, it also measures the color of the light.

But cameras aren't evaluative in the human sense; they're like thermometers.

If we work in an automatic exposure mode, we use that tool to create the photograph for us; beyond basic framing and content, there's no subjectivity there.

Subjectivity occurs when the photographer, who uses the camera in automatic exposure mode to take the picture, then examines and critiques it as good or bad.

Another way we can use our subjectivity is by understanding how the objective functions of the camera influence the outcome of our picture.

That means understanding how camera operation, including ISO, aperture, shutter speed, focusing areas and modes, metering, etc., all have something to do with composition.

In short, what we're doing as photographers is using an objective tool and the objective elements of composition to communicate a subjective visual experience as a photograph.

The best way to do that is in manual exposure mode.

Used in the hands of a skillful photographer who understands how to work in manual exposure mode, It's the camera's reliable, consistent objectivity that allows us to express our subjectivity.

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.