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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. 

There’s a lot of talk about the rules of composition in photography, but when it comes to our work, the rules of composition are the death knell of our creativity.

Here’s why thinking in terms of elements of composition instead of rules of composition is a better approach when it comes to making pictures—and why I like to think of them like the periodic table of photography.

Rules Limit, Elements Combine
 

Rules of composition are like a set of strict instructions—"Do this, don’t do that."

They box us in creatively, making our photographs predictable and mundane.

But elements of composition?
 

They’re similar to the elements on the periodic table—each element with its own unique properties, ready to be mixed with other elements to produce something different.

When we combine aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focusing modes, focusing areas, metering, and other elements of composition, we get endless creative outcomes.

No two combinations are ever the same, and because of that, no two pictures are ever the same.

Let’s use creating a meal as an analogy.

• Rules = Recipes: When we follow them we get the same dish every time.
• Elements = Ingredients: Mix anyway we want, and we’ll never get the same meal twice.

If we wanna break out of the creative shackles that rules keep us in, we’ve gotta think in terms of elements of composition because that’s how we start to make photos that are uniquely ours.

If you’re curious about how to make photographs using your own creative combinations using the elements of composition, my Introduction To Photography class is about helping you develop your visual vocabulary—no list of rules of composition required.

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.