Did ya ever think about why some of our photographs just don’t feel right, even though we did what we were supposed to do?

That thought is actually one of our best tools for our growth as photographers.
 

Recently, during a private lesson with a photographer, we focused on the importance of critiquing our own work.
 

As a lot of us do, the photographer felt unsure about what they were doing when it came to making pictures.
 

I asked the photographer to make a picture and then describe what they liked—or didn’t—about it.

That simple experience of self-critique showed the photographer a whole new way of thinking about composition and camera operation.

When we take some time to review our photographs, we start to notice patterns in what works for us and what doesn’t work for us.

Our frustration and uncertainty ain’t roadblocks; they’re signposts directing us toward improvement.
 

By making self-critiques a regular part of our process, we become more involved in our compositions, and the more involved we become, the better photographers we become.
 

And that’s why we we gotta make self-critiques a big part of our process.

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.