Ever notice how the more we rely on automatic exposure modes, the less we actually understand what our camera is doing?
 

That’s because the less we do, the less we learn.

Many photographers find their cameras intimidating, but although some cameras are complex, they are not difficult to use.

The difficult part is not understanding photography, which means not understanding the relationship between camera operation, composition, and light.
 

And the best way to learn photography is by doing photography, especially while working in manual exposure mode, because when we do that, photography begins to make sense.
 

When we start using our cameras in manual exposure mode, we’re not just guessing—we’re making intentional decisions about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Furthermore, we stop letting the camera, a mindless machine, do the work of a mindful photographer; we start seeing and understanding how every setting changes our photograph.

It’s not about memorizing buttons or menus; it’s about understanding how light, camera operation, and composition all work together.

When we feel creatively limited and frustrated by automatic exposure modes, manual exposure mode offers limitless creativity and confidence.

We’ll notice our confidence grow with each picture we make, and we’ll find ourselves making thoughtful photographs that reflect what we wanna communicate, not just what a thoughtless algorithm in a camera mindlessly produces.

During the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class, participants learn to create the best possible pictures confidently.

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.