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. 

I visited Mount Pleasant, an old neighborhood in Washington, D.C., where I used to live.

Like many neighborhoods in DC, they were participating in an event known as Art All Night.
 

So I figured I should do my part and make a little art.
 

Considering my background in photojournalism, street photography is a natural extension of that —waiting for things to come together in the frame and making the exposure when it feels right.
 

Here’s my part.

Why that picture?
 

Color and body language,

(And by way, this picture wouldn't work as well if it were black and white.)
 

The streateries were packed with people eating, and the sidewalks were packed with pedestrians.

The crowd on the sidewalk was all moving in unison, except the pedestrian wearing the glasses and the orange mask.

The color of his facemask, the color of his shirt, his body language, and his gaze spoke of determination and contrasted with the more relaxed body language and the more muted colors of the rest of the crowd.

In other words, he was out of synch with the crowd visually.

That picture just made itself.

I had to wait for things to come together in the frame and then press the shutter release.

This is why I enjoy photojournalism so much, it’s just photographing things as they are and finding something unique in the moment.

And yes, of course, each moment is unique, but the challenge is to find that visual uniqueness in each moment.

This also requires visual awareness and a good sense of timing regarding when to press the shutter release to make the exposure, as Henri Cartier-Bresson used to say to capture “the decisive moment.”
 

It’s a subtle visual.

But not everything has to slap us in the eyes.
 

Do I expect everyone to like this picture?

Nope!
 

But I’m happy with it.

And that’s all that matters.

We’ve gotta be happy with our work.

It may not resonate with everyone, but if it resonates with us, it’ll resonate with others.
 

My Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) class will help you understand how your camera works and how to make intentional and thoughtful compositions that say something.

If you want something more personal, DC Private Photography Lessons lets you work at your own pace and on what matters most.

Or, if you like the idea of having 24/7 access to video tutorials and the ability to ask me questions, then Sam's Online Learning Platform is the way to go.

I posted an assignment about symbolism for members on the online learning platform.

There’s other assignments too, and a lot of video tutorials and ways to contact me if you have questions about Photography

Here’s the link to take a look and to join.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/138514712?utm_campaign=postshare_creator

I can help you be a better photographer.

I’ll help you understand the relationship between camera operation, composition, and light, and find your own way as a photographer so you can create photographs that express what you wanna communicate.
 

One way I could help you is through my Introduction to Photography class.

I’ve designed that class to help photographers understand how to use their cameras effectively and efficiently so they can create the best photographs possible.

If you want something more personal, Private Lessons lets you work at your own pace and focus on what matters.

Or, if you like the idea of having 24/7 access to video tutorials related to my classes and the ability to contact me for questions, then my Online Learning Platform is the way to go.

Whatever path we take, we gotta make it our unique path.

And remember, we don’t take pictures— we make pictures.

When you’re ready to start making thoughtful, intentional, unique pictures that mean something to you, get in touch with me

Keep making pictures, keep asking questions, and if you want me to write about something, all you gotta do is reply to this email and let me know.

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

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.