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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.

Over the last couple of days, the photographers I’ve worked with during private lessons have had questions about lenses.

Specifically, which lens should we use for the type of work we’re doing?

The photographer I worked with today was asking about an 85 mm lens and portraiture.

According to a lot of information out there, the 85 mm lens is supposedly THE optimal portrait lens.

Although we can use an 85 mm lens for a portrait, we can also use any other focal length that’ll help us get the best portrait we can

I’ve heard similar claims that specific focal lengths are optimal lenses for landscape photography, street photography, event photography, etc.

So, are there specific focal lengths that are best for certain things?

The short answer is no, except for two exceptions.

Unless we’re talking macro photography, where a macro lens would be appropriate, or wildlife photography, where a telephone photo lens would be appropriate, I don’t buy into the claims that an 85 mm lens is the optimal lens for portraits, nor do I buy into the claims that any other specific focal length is the best lens to use for a specific type of photography.

I’ve made portraits with lenses ranging from 28 mm to 300 mm; the same goes for landscapes.

We limit our creativity when we lock into the idea that a specific focal length is THE lens for a particular type of photography.

The Introduction To Photography classes are starting soon.
 

If the schedules don’t work for you, we could arrange a series of private lessons covering the same material.

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.