Perfection is something we can chase forever and never catch.

And that's because perfection is a myth.

In photography, waiting until everything is "just right” means we miss out on doing the work that's really important — our practice.
 

When I'm working with photographers, a lot of the time we realize how easy it is to get stuck in trying to make the perfect picture.
 

But when we let go of that idea of the "perfect picture" and simply make the best photographs we can, we actually learn more because we're involved in making something achievable- a photograph based on the light we've got to work with, our camera, and an intentional composition.
 

We see what works and what doesn't work, and we keep making progress.

That's how we get better as photographers—by doing, not by waiting for the perfect shot.

The best practice is to work in manual exposure mode.

That's how we learn the compositional effects of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
 

We also need to understand how camera operation, composition, and light all work together.
 

Practicing this way sharpens both our skills and our vision.

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.