These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer.

But if you're tired of hearing from me, unsubscribe.

And if you want more photography stuff to read, there's a place on the interwebs where past emails I wrote are stored.

You'll find 'em in the "Newsletter Hub."

Remember, I'd like to know what you want to know about photography.

So, if you have any questions, email me at sam@samdamico.com. 

Of course, I would never suggest using our cameras as a hammer, but like a hammer, we could think of our camera as a tool.

Specifically, it’s a light recording tool.

And as with any tool, knowing how to use it effectively and efficiently is helpful.

A hammer is a relatively simple tool compared to the complexity of a camera, especially a digital camera.

For example, it’s helpful to know which end of the hammer to hold and which end to use for banging in a nail.

Once we know that, it’s pretty simple for us to bang in a nail.

The same goes for a camera as a tool, except the tool’s complexity creates a steeper learning curve.

We could bypass the complexity by working in any fully automatic exposure modes, but doing so would be overlooking the camera as a powerful tool for visual expression and communication.

If we’re looking to use the camera as a means of visual communication and expression, we need to get involved in the complexity of the tool.

That includes working in manual exposure mode, using the built-in light meter, using the focus modes and areas to our advantage, and learning the compositional cause-and-effect of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

When we work in manual exposure mode, we add something the camera can’t add in automatic exposure mode.

And what is it that the camera can’t add without a human operating it in manual exposure mode?

It’s human intent.

We use a hammer with intent; why wouldn’t we use our camera with intent?

It’s our intent that gives our photography meaning.

Ways to learn with me are below and the Photography Basics-Introduction To Photography class start soon. 

The Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) classes are starting soon.
 

If you can’t make any of those schedules, Private Lessons would be the way to go.

If none of my in-person ways of learning work for you, then you can study and practice at your own pace and on your own schedule by gaining access to the Introduction to Photography video tutorials on my Online Learning Platform for Photographers.

It’s the next best thing to taking an in-person class with me; you could even ask me questions, and members get exclusive access to all the other member-only educational content created to help you be the best photographer you can be.  

As one member told me, their monthly membership is cheaper than their weekly coffee habit, and more useful than any YouTube videos they’ve watched, especially since they could ask me questions.

Access to this content and other content related to the photography classes I teach in person requires a membership, which costs $25 a month. (You can also join for free and get access to content that’s available to everyone.) 

Here’s the link: Online Learning Platform for Photographers 

More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me at (202) 531-2344 if you need help determining the best course for you.

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A note about group class sizes: Did you know that some places that teach photography have up to 25 students in each class? 

Bigger ain't always better.

That's why I limit my group classes to no more than five participants because smaller classes make for better, more effective, and more efficient learning experiences.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

And what if the timing doesn’t work for you in any of my in-person scheduled group classes? Then, in-person Private Lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.