Winter light isn’t just about fewer hours—it’s about a distinct quality that we can incorporate into our photography during this time of year.
 

The sun appears low in the sky during winter, while, creating long, dramatic shadows and a soft, warm color that lasts well beyond the usual times of day we call the “golden hours”.
 

The soft, less intense light creates a subtler contrast, revealing texture and form in a way unlike any other season.

Because the sun’s arc is short, we’ll notice how the direction and color of light change throughout the day—cooler in the morning and evening, warmer at midday.

This opens gives us opportunities for thoughtful compositions and unique moods, even during the shortest days.

Understanding these characteristics lets us work with the unique beauty of the light we experience in winter, rather than against it.

Learning to observe and describe light is one of the many things we cover during the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class.

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.