How do we express our love of photography?

There's too many ways to count, but we can break it down into two main ways.

Creating photographs and appreciating ones that've already been created.

For some of us, it's in the act of creating photographs—getting our hands on the camera and making choices about what and how we photograph.

For others, it's in the quiet appreciation of an engaging image that's already been created, letting ourselves get lost in the details and what the picture communicates to us.

When we create photographs, the most in-depth way to express our love and appreciation for making pictures is to work in manual exposure mode.
 

That's where we get involved in every aspect of camera operation, from metering and composition to understanding and describing the characteristics of light.

It's not about letting the camera make decisions for us; it's about being fully present, making thoughtful choices, and shaping the picture exactly as we visualize it in our imagination.

That's the kind of engagement that helps us grow as photographers—and it's the heart of the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography

group class.

If you want personalized one-on-one instruction, consider a series of private lessons tailored to your interests and experience.

Whether we're operating the camera and creating pictures or standing in front of a print, our love of photography is about the depth of our involvement, curiosity, and a willingness to see—and reveal—more.

Happy Valentine's Day.

 
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.