Understand photography and learn to create meaningful, expressive, and unique photographs anytime, anywhere
Friday, April 4, 2026
Yesterday, during
a private lesson, we explored how using flash at Night can help us intentionally make the photographs we want.
The lesson initiated a conversation about using flash thoughtfully — not just as a tool, but as a way to intentionally add light
to the areas of our photograph that need light.
When we understand what flash does and how to use it, we gain creative control over the tonal relationships between different areas of our photograph, and technical skills that help us be better photographers.
Here’s what we leaned during our conversation:
• When using flash, it’s helpful to think in terms of light affected by flash and light not affected by flash when composing and critiquing our pictures —
understand the parts lit by flash vs the parts not lit by flash (ambient/available light)
• Placement matters — intentionally use it to illuminate specific areas of the picture by controlling the distribution and intensity of the flash
• Balance
light sources — thoughtfully control the tonality differentiation for natural and artificial light
• Background control — make the environment part of our composition or not
• A persistent and consistent studies and practice ensures a solid
understanding of flashing and its use.
However you choose to study and practice with me, the sooner we start, the sooner you’ll be a better photographer.
The next round of Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography classes starts soon, but if none of the schedules work for you, you can learn the same material through private lessons.
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below — the sooner you register for a group class or private lessons, the sooner you become a better photographer.
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LEARN TO THINK LIKE A PHOTOGRAPHER
Think different. See different. Make unique photographs that get noticed.
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UNDERSTANDING COMPOSITION BY USING YOUR SMARTPHONE
No rules. Just elements. Learn to create limitless compositional outcomes.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
Get to know your camera. Make better photographs. Be a better photographer.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS/INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Understand your camera. Understand photography. Make the photographs you want.
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INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Go beyond photography basics with Sam’s Intermediate Photography class.
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DC PRIVATE PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS
Quickly improve with Sam’s private 1-on-1 photography lessons in Washington, DC.
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ONLINE PRIVATE PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION
1-on-1
photography instruction with Sam, anywhere.
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SAM’S ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Access Sam’s photography classes anytime, 24/7.
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Understand photography and learn to
create meaningful, expressive, and unique photographs anytime, anywhere.
