Frequently, especially during a class that I’m teaching, a photographer says  “the camera thinks that____”. 

Accordingly, that blank is filled with something about focusing, metering, or exposure.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CAMERA AND HAMMER

Because they’re both nothing more than a tool that enables a craftsperson to do their work, there ain’t any difference.

In other words, a hammer drives a nail and a camera records light.

To be clear, I didn’t say that a camera makes/takes a photograph. 

Because the photographer makes the photograph, usually by using a camera.

MORE THAN WHAT A HAMMER DOES

No doubt, that a hammer is a tool.

But it’s a simple/limited use tool that drives a nail.

While some tools may be “simple”, like a hammer, some tools go beyond simple.

The majority of cameras that we see people using are more than simple light recording tools.

An example of a simple light recording tool would be a pinhole camera.

Indeed, today’s cameras are sophisticated instruments.

As an example, a thermometer is a tool that measures temperature, a camera measures light AND is a tool that records light. 

A tool that measures and records ain’t doin’ any thinking.

To be clear, it’s doing what it does as a tool.

However,  it’s used by someone who THINKS about the information being provided by the tool.

THE CAMERA THINKS

No, a camera doesn’t think.

A camera records light but it also measures light. 

We the photographer, thinks.

In summary we, the photographer, use a complex tool that allows us  to create a photograph.

In addition, we create the photograph by thinking about how to use the tool to make the picture we want.

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.