Lately, I’ve been hearin’ a lot of jaws flappin’, arguing about whether it’s better to learn photography with a film camera or a digital camera.
 

Some photographers say film slows us down and makes us more thoughtful, while others swear by the instant feedback of digital.

From my perspective—having taught, practiced, and worked professionally with both—what matters most is the process of learning itself: studying, practicing, and developing our visual awareness and intent.
 

Whether we’re loading film into a manual SLR or dialing in settings on a mirrorless camera, we’re building the same foundational skills—camera operation, composition, and understanding light.

And for what it’s worth, I definitely prefer digital cameras for teaching and learning.

The instant feedback, flexibility, and ease of experimentation make digital my go-to recommendation as a teacher and as a professional photographer.

But the bottom line is it’s the photographer's choice.
 

It’s a preference, and in the grand scheme of things, one is no better than the other, because both are nothing more than light recording tools.
 

If we understand photography (camera operation, composition, and light), we can use any camera we want.
 

And that’s what you’ll learn by participating in the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class or in a series of private lessons- and use any camera ya want.

 
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.