When making photographs, we might sometimes see streaks or circles of light, especially when photographing toward the sun or a similar transmitting, undiffused light source.
 

That’s lens flare.

During Wednesday’s Getting To Know Your Camera class, a participant had a lens hood on their lens, but wasn’t sure what it was for.

I explained that a lens hood works like a baseball cap for our lens—just like a cap keeps the sun out of our eyes, the hood keeps sunlight from directly entering the lens, which prevents lens flare.

But lens flare ain’t a bad thing.

A lotta times, it’s a useful element of composition because its intentional use adds creative depth to our photography.

We just gotta know when we want it and when we don’t.

That’s the kind of hands-on, practical experience and creative thinking you’ll engage in during the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class; a group class starts today at noon, or you could take it as a series of private lessons to suit your schedule.

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.