Today, during a private lesson, I worked with a photographer preparing for an upcoming event next week.

The event involves making portraits on location.

This is what we know.

We know the location and that the use of flash and tripods is prohibited.
 

And that’s all we know.
 

How do we prepare for something that we know so little about?
 

Well, in terms of what’s allowed and what’s not, we know enough.

Also, since we know the location, we’re familiar with the light within the space.

There’s no doubt that flash would be useful, but since it’s restricted, we’re S.O.L when it comes to using flash as a transmitting/illuminating light source.
 

On the other hand, we thought maybe supplemental lighting that’s not flash might be useful.

After that, there’s a lot of uncertainty in what we’ll have to work with.

Being prepared for the unpredictable is the best we can do.

The only way to do that is to fall back on our skills and understanding of the interrelationships among camera operation, composition, and light.

Here’s how to do that.
 

After evaluating the light we have to work with, we’ll have a better idea of what we can and can’t do.

After we understand that, we can respond intentionally, skillfully, and appropriately to whatever circumstances we encounter.
 

In terms of the picture, we wanna figure out which aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to use.
 

And while we can imagine the pictures we’d like to make before we get to the event, there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to do that.
 

Our job is to respond to the lighting conditions presented to us in the moment and operate our cameras to achieve the best possible compositions that communicate what we want to communicate.
 

If you need help doing that, you know where to find me.

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.