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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. 

Coming from a film photography background, when cameras were mechanical and simpler tools, it boggles my mind how the level of technology has exploded with digital cameras.

But just because there’s more technology doesn’t mean we have to use it.

That’s a lesson I learned early as I adapted to digital cameras.

For what it’s worth, I think the “simpler is better approach” is the best approach when it comes to both photography and living life.
 

There’s a lot of new camera and editing technology (and it keeps coming), and we’re often curious if it’ll help us make better pictures.
 

But does more technology really help make us better photographers?

The answer ain’t so cut and dry because we’ve got to figure out what technology will help us operate our camera more effectively and efficiently,
 

Choosing What Works for Us

There’s a lot of gear and software out there that the manufacturers of this stuff would have us believe makes our photography studies and practice photography easier or more creative.
 

I’ll agree with the easier part, but I’m skeptical of the more creative part.

That last statement aside, the truth of the matter when it comes to technology is that most, if not all, of what we need is already in whatever camera we have.

As long as we know how to use our camera—whether it’s a phone or a complex camera like a DSLR or mirrorless—and understand light and composition, you’re already ahead of the game.
 

The rest?

We can kick it to the curb.

It’s not about having the latest technological marvels; it’s about knowing how to use the camera as a tool that’ll allow us to communicate what we wanna communicate in our photographs.
 

How Do We Figure Out What’s Useful?

• We’ve gotta ask ourselves what do we really need in terms of technology to make the pictures we want.
• When it comes to the tools (and the functionality of those tools) and techniques we use to help us effectively communicate our unique vision, keep in mind that less is always better.
• The pressure to keep up with every new technological update can act as a distraction from our studies, practice, and learning; don’t let it do that.
   

If you have a film camera, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, I want to help you improve your skills with whatever camera you’ve already got.

My Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography classe is all about learning camera operation, composition, and working with light— you’ll learn photography, know what technology you’ll find helpful, and what technology gets in your way.

Keep making pictures (at least one a day, and make ’em the best you can), keep questioning what you really need, and remember— when it comes to our photography studies and practice, the simpler the better.

Or, if you want one-on-one attention, you can always book Private Lessons.

If you'd rather learn at your own pace, check out Sam's Online Learning Platform for more ways to study and practice with me.

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

There’s more ways to learn with me below.

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 schedule by joinining me 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.