A lot of photographers talk about their cameras, but the best photographers talk about their photography, creating better photographs and becoming better photographers.
 

Our camera is a tool, and how we use it—especially our choice of exposure modes— is essential to the pictures we can make.

 I work with a lot of photographers who use fully automatic exposure mode, are frustrated by it, and wanna get more involved in their photography.
 

The first thing we do is switch from fully automatic mode to aperture priority (A/AV) and shutter priority (S/T/TV).
 

That switch alone opens up a lot more camera functionality and compositional control, enabling us to be more thoughtful and intentional in the creation of our photographs.

Making the move from automatic to aperture and shutter priority isn’t just a camera operation change—it’s a creative leap.
 

These modes get us more involved in the process, letting us control composition and unlock camera functions like different focus and metering modes.

While manual exposure mode offers the most creative control, what matters most is using our camera with intention.
 

Intentionally observing and describing the light we’re working with.
 

Intention of communication.

Intention of camera operation.
 

Intention of composition.

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.