What’s an effective use of our time when it comes to studying and practicing our photography?
 

A lot of us, including me, wonder whether we’re using our time wisely when it comes to how we're studying and practicing in our efforts to be better photographers.
 

We often might wonder if we’re making the best use of our time.

Are we thoughtless, just making pictures without intent, or are our studies and practice intentional and include a framework for becoming better photographers?
 

It’s easy to get caught up in our equipment, but it’s only part of our studies and practice.
 

The most effective use of our time is spent improving our understanding and skills as photographers—learning camera operation and composition, and observing and describing the characteristics of light.
 

Most of the time, new equipment ain’t the answer, nor are tips, tricks, hacks, or shortcuts.
 

None of that stuff won’t make us better photographers.

We’ve gotta slow down and realize what we wanna say with our pictures.
 

In other words, what's our intent of communication-what are we trying to say?
 

When we choose manual exposure mode and make deliberate choices about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, our photographs become a lot more visually engaging.
 

On top of that, if we base our compositions on how we think about what we see rather than just what we see, our photographs are automatically unique because no one thinks about what they see in the same way.
 

Skillful, intentional practice is what helps us improve as photographers.

Ready to make your time studying and practicing photography count?

Register for a Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class, or book private lessons and start seeing progress.

 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.