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.

If anyone asks me if it's better to make pictures in black and white or color on a digital camera, I always recommend that they oughta make 'em in color.

My personal preferences aside, there's a lotta good reason why making pictures in color is always better.

Here's why:

1. Lots More Data (Information Content)

• Color images store data for three color channels: red, green, and blue (RGB). Every pixel holds three values (RGB), so we get more informational bang for our buck.  
• Black-and-white images only store one brightness value per pixel, that means we get a lot less data overall.

Here's an example:

If we have a picture measuring 1000×1000 pixels:

• Color (24-bit): 3,000,000 bytes (3 MB).
• Grayscale (8-bit): 1,000,000 bytes (1 MB).

In other words, color gives us 3x more pixel data than black and white, and more pixel data is always a good thing.

2. Visual Information

• Color adds context, such as emotions, time of day, naturalism, clothing, and skin tones.
• Black and white can emphasize light, form, and texture, supporting some documentary or artistic intent but removing the abovementioned color contexts.   

3. How We're Using the Picture Matters

• Color can provide richer features if we work on scientific imaging, machine learning, or computer vision.
• If file size or aesthetic effect is a primary consideration, black and white could be a preference.  

To Summarize:

File Size

When it comes to file size, color provides a large larger file than black and

Visual Information

Color- More (hue, tone, etc.)

Black and white-Less (only brightness)

Artistic Potential

• Color communicates a richer visual experience because of color's psychological effects on us.
• Black and white touches on mood, contrast focus

Richness of Data

• Color- A lot.
• Black and white- About one-third of color.

Color is the way to go if we intend to get all the information we can into our picture.

And remember, in editing software such as LightRoom, we can duplicate the original color file and then convert it to black and white with a preset (not recommended), or we can fine-tune it using the HSL/Color/B&W Panel by using the sliders related to each RGB channels that now represents black and white representations of those colors (highly recommended).

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.