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.

Henri Cartier-Bresson had concerns about a future where photographers would use something that didn't exist back then, and that'd be automated cameras.

He said, "I hope that we don't ever see the day when a ready-made photo system, which guarantees good photographic compositions in advance, goes on the market."

I imagine he was concerned that camera technology would diminish the role of the photographer's intent, humanity, and creativity in making photographs.

What he'd hoped not to happen has happened, and I agree it ain't a good thing.

That day arrived a while ago when it came to automatic exposure technology.

But it gets worse.

There's something else coming around the corner that he woudnt've been too happy about either.

Coming to a camera store near you, in the not-too-distant future, AI-powered cameras!

According to those whose shutter release fingers are itchin' to make a picture with one of these cameras, AI technology is makin' waves in the world of photography.

WHY?

Manufacturers claim these "smart" cameras will help photographers by adjusting camera settings for "the best" composition.

And on top of that, according to the word in the street, these cameras can learn and adapt to our unique way of making pictures; unless these cameras can read our minds, I don't know how that's gonna happen.  

While this technology may sound like a dream come true for some, for others who understand the impact of this technology on personal creativity, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, these cameras are more like a nightmare.

While some photographers will dive head first into using these cameras, those who wanna maintain total creative control over their photography will avoid "advancements" in technology like this because they'll realize nothing beats honing our photographic skills and making pictures using our minds instead of a machine using limited algorithms to take pictures for us.

The best way to make engaging and unique photographs is by understanding the relationships between camera operation, composition, and light and using our unique minds to produce a one-of-a-kind picture.

You'll learn to do that during my Introduction to Photography class.

It's a class that'll get you to understand how to operate your camera in manual exposure mode to have the most creative control possible over your pictures.

When we can do that, we create unique compositions.

If you'd like a personalized way to learn, there's always Private Photography Lessons made to fit your schedule and way of learning that'll cover the same material you'd get during the Introduction to Photography class.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right course.

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.