Most of us are terrible at some things in photography. 
 

Maybe it’s focusing, observing, and describing light, composition, or just remembering to bring stuff like backup memory cards and batteries.
 

A lot of the time, it’s about not understanding photography and not knowing what to do with our cameras to get the pictures we want.
 

During a Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class, we talked about how recognizing how we struggle with Photography is the first step.

Once we realize where we struggle and the things we’re terrible at, we have some choices:

• We can put in the effort to study and practice so we can understand photography and become not-terrible.
• We can avoid, automate, or delegate those tasks.
• We can set expectations and let others know our limitations and how terrible we are because of them.

But what never helps?

It never helps when we keep making photographs and quietly doing a terrible job at it.
 

In photography, this means being honest about what we need to work on and making mindful decisions about how we approach our studies and practice.

The result?
 

We become more intentional with our studies and practice, and our photographs improve.

And that’s what we’ll do together in the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class or during a series of private lessons.

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.