When photographers think about photography, a lot of us think about equipment, lighting, or what makes something worth photographing.

And while that’s all great for mental chitchat that takes up space in our heads, when it comes to being better photographers, there’s one space we need to be concerned about first—the space inside our frame.
 

So, let’s talk about space—the most basic, yet most overlooked, element in every photograph.

No matter what camera we use or where we are, the first thing we deal with is the rectangle in our viewfinder or on our screen.
 

That’s our frame.
 

That’s our space.

A recent conversation with a photographer I was working with wasn’t about settings or equipment; we talked about the empty space in our frame, the space we want to fill with interesting content arranged in an interesting way.

Everything that takes up space in our frame, every bit of it, gotta have a reason to be there.
 

What we leave out is just as important as what we put in.

Empty space, negative space, cluttered space—these all have an equal contribution to our composition.

Framing and content are huge compositional considerations.
 

The frame isn’t just a container; it’s the place where all our visual communication happens.
 

When we fill it thoughtfully and intentionally, we’re not just taking a picture, we’re making a photograph.

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.