Sam offers in-person and online photography instruction. Call him at 202-531-2344 to see how he can help
you.
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.
On this past Saturday, June 7, I visited Frederick, Maryland, with a friend, and we unexpectedly were lucky enough to see the once-a-yearly two-day event called the 31st Annual Frederick Festival of the Arts with Craft
Marketplace. I found it interesting that the event organizers distinguished between arts and crafts. When people use the term arts and crafts, they often lump them into the same stuff, but arts and crafts refer to different types of creative expression. So, are photographers artists or craftspeople? My visit to Frederick, Maryland, got me thinking about that. In general, here's how it goes: Arts - Aesthetics and expression are the primary focus of art.
- Usually, the purpose of art is to express beauty, ideas, concepts, and emotions.
- Some examples of art are photography, drawing, sculpture, and painting.
- Some things we look for/judge in art are interpretation, emotional impact, originality, and creativity.
- Art is frequently a one-of-a-kind object and isn't always functional.
Crafts - Function and skill are the primary focus of a craft.
- Usually, a craft is hand-made, and the purpose of the craft often has a practical use.
- Some examples of crafts are woodworking, jewelry
making, pottery, and weaving.
- Some things we look for/judge in crafts are utility, technique, and quality.
- Crafts are often functional and reproducible (like baskets and mugs).
Simply
Put: - Expression and emotion drive the creation of art.
- Skill and functionality drive the creation of crafts.
Of course, there's overlaps. Photography is one of those forms of expression that's both art and craft because we value aesthetic and practical qualities in a photograph. As artists, we can express beauty, ideas, concepts, and emotions. As craftspeople, we can create photographs with utility, such as news
photographs. However, additionally, as craftspeople, we need to have the skill to observe and describe the light we see and operate our cameras effectively to create compositions that visually communicate what we want them to
communicate. We can create both arts and crafts when we're skillful and intentional photographers. 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. — 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.
About
Sam Sam D'Amico, a professional photographer and photography instructor, helps anyone who wants to be a better photographer. He'll work with his students to increase their understanding of camera operation, composition, light, and lighting. Sam started working as a professional photographer in the mid-1980s. Most notably, from 1992 to 1997, while working as a freelance photographer, he photographed over 500 assignments for the New York Times. Additionally, Sam received awards for his work while exhibiting his photographs in shows. Sam began
teaching photography professionally in 1998 through the Highland Park, N.J. recreation department. In 2002 Sam moved to Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the accredited
Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, Md. It was in 2003 that Sam developed his curriculum and started teaching classes in Washington, D.C. In 2018 and 2022, the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes were voted the "Best of DC" art class by the readers of the Washington City Paper. Many photography teachers spend a lot of time teaching about DSLRs and rules of composition that create homogenized, rigid photographs. On the other hand, Sam teaches about camera operation, thought process, and the individual photographer's visual communication intent. This approach to teaching allows his students to use ANY camera (yes, even the camera on their phone) and break free of the rules of composition. Approaching the creative process this way allows for fluid and spontaneous photographs unique to the photographer creating them. Sam encourages his students to find their ways as photographers. He instills the skills in his
students that result in creative, engaging, and unique compositions that reflect the photographer's intended one-of-a-kind visual expression.
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