Special Announcement

I’ve added a Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class starting on Saturdays for the April series of classes.

Special Announcement

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One of the things we work on and develop during the Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography class is our unique visual sensibility, which is our personal way of thinking about what we see.
 

Each of us sees the same things, but we think about them uniquely.

Our visual sensibilities influence our curiosity about the light we see and how we operate the camera whenever we get the impulse to make a picture.
 

When we’re true to our visual sensibilities, we create unique photographs.

We spend a lot of time learning the technical aspects of photography—specifically exposure, focus, composition, and the characteristics of light.

But our evolution as photographers comes from recognizing and trusting our personal way of seeing, we can also think of that as our “unique vision”.
 

When we slow down, intentionally observe, describe and respond to the light we see that initiates the impulse to make a photograph, we create images that are not only technically sound and intentional but also deeply personal and meaningful.

Whether we consider ourselves beginners or refining our craft, our progress is rooted in understanding and expressing our individual, unique vision.

The next round of Photography Basics/Introduction To Photography classes starts soon. If none of the schedules work for you, you could learn the same stuff through a series of private lessons.

No matter how you study and practice with me, I’ll help you be a better photographer.
 

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.