When we get the impulse to make a picture, our behavior changes into that of a photographer.

The process of making a photograph is more than pressing a button—it involves observation, decision-making, and thoughtful action.

When we work in automatic exposure mode, much of the technical decision-making is handed over to the camera.
 

We might find ourselves doing more of the pointing-and-shooting, letting the camera choose ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, then picking those settings ourselves.

The result?

We often react to light rather than respond to it thoughtfully and intentionally when creating a photograph.

When we switch to manual exposure mode, though, our behavior shifts.

We become deliberate—choosing ISO to define sensitivity, aperture for depth of field, and shutter speed to control motion, not to mention using all of those to control tonality.

We actively observe light’s direction, quality, and intensity, metering thoughtfully and focusing with intent.

Every decision about exposure and composition becomes ours, and the photograph is a direct result of our choices.

That’s the difference: in automatic, we participate minimally in creating a picture and let the camera do the bulk of the work; in manual, we’re involved in creating a complexly composed picture, with compositional depth that’s a unique form of visual communication filled with expressive intent.

The Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class are open for registration or schedule a series of Private Lessons that’ll duplicate it.

However you choose to study and practice with me, I’ll help you become the best photographer you can be.

And if you’re not sure which class fits your needs, just ask—I’m always happy to help.

About Sam

Sam D'Amico, a professional photographer and photography instructor, helps anyone who wants to be a better photographer. 

He'll work with his students to increase their understanding of camera operation, composition, light, and lighting. 

Sam started working as a professional photographer in the mid-1980s.

Most notably, from 1992 to 1997, while working as a freelance photographer, he photographed over 500 assignments for the New York Times.

Additionally, Sam received awards for his work while exhibiting his photographs in shows. 

Sam began teaching photography professionally in 1998 through the Highland Park, N.J. recreation department. 

In 2002 Sam moved to Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the accredited Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, Md.

It was in 2003 that Sam developed his curriculum and started teaching classes in Washington, D.C. 

In 2018 and 2022, the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes were voted the "Best of DC" art class by the readers of the Washington City Paper. 

Many photography teachers spend a lot of time teaching about DSLRs and rules of composition that create homogenized, rigid photographs.

On the other hand, Sam teaches about camera operation, thought process, and the individual photographer's visual communication intent. 

This approach to teaching allows his students to use ANY camera (yes, even the camera on their phone) and break free of the rules of composition.

Approaching the creative process this way allows for fluid and spontaneous photographs unique to the photographer creating them.

Sam encourages his students to find their ways as photographers. 

He instills the skills in his students that result in creative, engaging, and unique compositions that reflect the photographer's intended one-of-a-kind visual expression.