I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions.

That’s because any resolution built on a whim—dreamt up on the 31st on the 11th hour— doesn’t seem like a solid way to approach something we want to change about ourselves.

Substantial and meaningful resolutions, in other words, ones that are meant to last, require reflection, analysis, and intelligent prediction to turn a resolution into a working plan.

It takes work and determination to turn resolutions into habits.

If we wanna be better photographers, I think that’s a worthwhile resolution.
 

But if we’re not determined to turn that resolution into a habit, that resolution’ll be tossed to the curb by February.
 

Becoming a better photographer means understanding the relationship between camera operation, composition, and light, and communicating effectively through our photography.

So, how do we make our resolution stick?
 

Reflect on 2025 and remember how we struggled with what we resolve to improve in 2026.

Remember our frustrations and disappointments when we fell short in terms of our skills and understanding.

How can we set ourselves up to stick to our resolutions to become better photographers in 2026?

Commit to a consistent and intentional study and practice that includes learning to work with our cameras, learning about composition, and learning about light.

And then make sure that we put into action what we’ve learned on a daily basis.
 

If you need some help, you know where to find me
 

Happy New Year, and I wish for all your resolutions to come to fruition.
 

The Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class, are open for registration. 

Scheduling conflict? 

A series of private lessons are they way to go.

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.