If you’ve overlooked the above special announcements I’ve made a timely update.

Usually, because we work in fully automatic exposure modes or take a hit-and-miss approach in manual exposure modes, and because we don't understand photography or how to use our cameras to make pictures that visually communicate what we want to express, we experience frustration and disappointment.

However, if we wanna be better photographers, through the frustration and disappointment of making pictures that don't meet our expectations, we develop an intentional, consistent, and persistent study and practice that'll make us the best photographers we can be.

It’s the way that takes us from frustration with ourselves as photographers to confidence with ourselves as photographers.

At least that’s how it happened for me.

The Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class or a series of private lessons are different ways to study and practice photography that’ll teach you to use your camera intentionally and with confidence.

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.