When it comes to making photographs that mean something to us, it’s easy to get caught up in the camera’s automatic/AI technology and let our cameras do the work for us.
 

But going the easy route isn’t the way to make compositionally complex pictures that keep a viewer's attention and communicate more than a pretty visual.
 

A lotta times, I work with photographers who want more than just a technically correct picture—they want something that feels personal and expressive.

Using manual exposure mode gives us the way to decide exactly how our photographs look and feel.
 

Instead of working in an automatic exposure mode and letting the camera’s algorithmic, robotic, and unfeeling functions miss our compositional intent, working manually enables us to respond to the light we see and feel, and then, through camera operation and composition control, communicate what we want to express.
 

Meaningful photographs don’t just show what we see—they show how we think about what we see.
 

That’s why the best way to create photographs that matter is to learn to work our camera in manual exposure mode.
 

When we understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together to create communicative compositions, we can make meaningful photographs effectively and efficiently, and with the confidence of a photographer who knows what they’re doing.
 

And that’s what you’ll learn by participating in the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class, or by covering the same content through a series of private lessons.

However you choose to study and practice with me, I’ll help you become the best photographer you can be.

And if you’re not sure which class fits your needs, just ask—I’m always happy to help.

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.