It’s interesting that a bunch of photographers who see the same thing make pictures that look and feel completely different.
 

I see this a lot in my group classes.

We’ll all be working in the same space, but when it's time to practice making photographs, each photographer will have their own interpretation.

What set them apart?

It has nothing to do with the make or models of their cameras or even their lenses.

It has everything to do with their unique visual awareness and their unique visual voice,

When we realize and understand how we're affected by what we’re seeing and our intent of composition — what we want to communicate —and combine it with thoughtful choices about light, elements of composition, and camera operation, our pictures start to reflect our unique point of view.

It’s not about our equipment; it’s about our thought process and level of understanding in terms of camera operation.

It’s about using what we’ve got to say and expressing it uniquely through our camera

Do we use our camera in automatic exposure mode and let it do the bulk of the work for us?
 

Or do we work thoughtfully and creatively in manual exposure mode so we have control over every aspect of our composition?
 

When we understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all work together to give us an infinite range of compositional outcomes, and combine that with each of our unique perspectives, it’s easy to see how a bunch of photographers seeing the same thing can produce totally different photographic representations of the same scene.

And that’s what we’ll study and practice in the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class or during a series 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.