When it comes to making photographs, there’s a lot of compositional elements.

But there’s three of ‘em that we use a lot.

And those three have a lot to do with the compositional outcome of our photograph and what it communicates.
 

The three I’m talking about are aperture (also known as F stop), shutter speed, and ISO—each one of those gives us a different way to influence the compositional outcome of our photograph and what our imagery communicates.
 

Every time we make a picture with our camera, these three settings are a substantial part of our compositional process and consideration.

Aperture controls apparent sharpness in front of and in back of the distance we focus on.
 

A big aperture opening creates less apparent sharpness, while a small aperture opening creates more apparent sharpness.
 

Shutter speed controls how we record motion— during the creation of our photograph, we can record something in motion to make it appear that it’s not moving, or the word I like to use, “static,” or we can record it as a blur, a visual element that appears to be streaking across our photograph.

ISO is our light sensitivity setting, letting us work with varying levels of transmitted and reflected light.

By thoughtfully working with these three variables, we can achieve unlimited compositional variations.
 

Each decision we make regarding these variables alters the visual impact of our photograph and what it communicates.

The more we understand what these variables do, the more intentional and expressive our photographs become.

Our choices ain’t just technical—they’re creative, and they heavily influence the way we communicate visually.
 

The Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class classes are available for registration, or you could get the same instruction as 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.