Framing and content seem pretty simple, but if we think about what’s going on with these elements of thoughtful composition, there’s a lot more there than meets the eye.
 

Framing and content shouldn’t be rule-based; they should be a spontaneous, fluid process, not just driven by what we see, but by how we think about what we see.

When we rely on rules of composition like the rule of thirds (or as one of my teachers called it, “the rule of turds”) we lose our unique visual voice.

In every photograph we make, framing and content work together to communicate what we wanna express through our composition.

Framing isn’t just about what we include—it’s also about what we leave out.

Our framing shows the viewer precisely what we wanted them to see, from edge to edge, top to bottom, side to side.

Content is the arrangement of the visual elements within the frame.
 

Content, as it relates to our created photograph, is everything that’s happening within the frame, the moment we make an exposure.

Framing and content are important parts of our intended communication because they’re what the viewer sees as our photograph.

If you want to explore framing, content, and all the elements of composition with me, you can do that by participating in the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class, and you’ll learn how to work in manual exposure mode to boot-don’t forget Private Lessons are always an option.
 

And while my Master Composition With Your Smartphone and Learn To Think Like A Photographer classes aren't as comprehensive as the Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class, they’ll raise your visual awareness, improve your compositional skills, and get you more involved in the process of creating intentional and thoughtful photographs that are uniquely yours.

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.