Photography is a mix—part science, part craft, and part art.

We might think we have to know and understand all three, but we don’t - all we’ve gotta do is to know and understand craft.
 

The science behind photography is interesting.
 

There’s a lot going on with light, optics, and the technical camera settings.

But we don’t need to understand that stuff to make photographs that are important and meaningful to us.

What we’ve gotta do is learn how to operate our cameras, observe and describe light, and use the elements of composition thoughtfully and intentionally.
 

That’s the craft of photography, and it’s where our efforts make the most important difference.

Once we get comfortable with the craft—knowing how to use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and making choices about focus and composition—we’ve created a strong foundation so we can make photographs that can be described as art by those who see them that way.

Art isn’t something we force; it’s what can happen when we work with intent and skill, letting our own unique, thoughtful, and intentional expression be the reason for our photography studies and practice.

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.