The most important thing we use in our photography is our mind.

We use our mind to imagine compositions; use our mind to operate our camera; and use our mind to observe and describe light.

It’s our unique minds that make our pictures unique.

When we base our compositions on how we think about what we see instead of just what we see, those pictures demonstrate our unique way of interpreting the world-we could think of that as our style.

Our style is built in; we don’t have to find it, we just have to understand how to operate our camera to express the unique way we experience the world visually.

Yup, the best part of our photography happens in our heads, we’ve got a trust in our visual awareness and our unique visual voice.

Don’t let rules of composition get in the way, forget ‘em.
 

The hard part is learning to operate the camera to effectively express ourselves.

Learning about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lenses, cameras, etc., there’s a lot of stuff to learn about.

And if we think we need a better camera to be a better photographer, we’re probably mistaken

All we’ve gotta do is use the camera we have, whether it’s the camera on our phone or a more complex camera like a DSLR or mirrorless, and learn how to operate it in the most creative way possible.
 

That’s what I’m here to help you do.

Register for the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class, or book private lessons-either way, you’ll be enrolled.

 
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.