There’s stuff we do every day, from our daily personal routine to the work-related things we do.

And if we want to be better photographers, it’s a good idea to incorporate daily photography studies and practice.

We often talk about gear, new techniques, or the latest fads/trends.

While all of those serve their purpose, it’s practice making pictures that makes us better photographers.

Furthermore, our evolution as photographers comes from making pictures regularly, regardless of the camera we have with us.

When something gets our attention visually, that’s a perfect opportunity to practice making pictures-we pause, observe, and describe the light we’re seeing, think about composition, and operate our camera to make the best picture we can.

Then we look at what worked and what didn’t by doing a self-critique.
 

That’s how we discover what makes our photography unique—our strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and distinctive visual awareness and voice.

Daily practice ain’t about spending hours.
 

It’s about staying engaged, making photography a habit, and letting our studies and practice stay relevant and personal.
 

Each experience of making a photograph becomes a part of defining who we are as photographers because that experience helps define and clarify our way to be better photographers.

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.