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So, if you have any questions, email me at sam@samdamico.com. 

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It’s not often phrased that way, but the question comes up a lot when I’m working with photographers, especially during The Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) class. 

Believe it or not, the “F” in F-stop stands for focal length.

The f-stops we see on the lenses of our cameras are a way of letting us know the size of the aperture (the openings in our lenses that allow more exposure ) in relation to the focal length of the lens:t
 

The way we describe an f-stop is as a ratio.

Here’s how that goes:

f-stop = focal length of the lens/diameter of the aperture
 

For example:
 

• If we’ve got a 100mm lens and the aperture diameter is 25 mm, the f-stop is:f/4. We came up with f-4 because 100/25, or 100 divided by 25, equals 4.

In a nutshell, an F-stop is a short way of describing the focal length of the lens used in the ratio that defines the aperture size.

The whole “ F-stop is a ratio” thing above reminds me of the book learning material I needed to remember to pass the tests during Photography 101 at a local community college.

And if knowing that bit of mind-numbing bit or Photogra-physics doesn’t make us better photographers, I don’t know what does (sarcasm intended).

But for those photographers who appreciate the physics behind Photography and make it relatable, to camera operation, composition, and light, this is the stuff they’d find helpful.
 

When it comes right down to it, the only thing we need to remember is that F4 allows more exposure than F5.6, which allows more exposure than F8, and so on- that was also taught in the college book, but it has a more practical application than the science behind the lens.

So, in terms of our everyday work of making pictures, does it really matter if we know the science behind the photography?

I’d say no, because understanding camera operation, composition, and light is more important than understanding what the F in F-stop means.

That kind of knowledge might help us pass a test, but it has nothing to do with technique and craft.

Remember, Photography is a craft that requires creativity, and photographers are craftpeople (creatives).

I teach Photography in a practical and hands-on way, and when someone asks me anything about the science side of Photography, I’m as helpful as a doorknob on a revolving door.

But when it comes to teaching craft and technique, that’s where I excel.

And remember, craft serves creativity.
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In addition to the In-person ways to learn photography with me listed below, I’ve got collections of tutorials on my Online Learning Platform for Photographers that’ll help you learn to be a better photographer.

Access to this content and other content related to the photography classes I teach in person requires a membership, which costs $25 a month.

As one member told me, it’s cheaper than their weekly coffee habit, and more useful than any YouTube videos they’ve watched, especially since they could  ask me questions.

Here’s the link:Online Learning Platform for Photographers

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The Photography Basics (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.

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Become a better photographer by joining my Online Learning Platform for Photographers – Study and practice at your own pace with access to exclusive content, assignments, and feedback.

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.