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Photography Basics (Introduction to Photography) Class in Washington, DC

45 Comments / Photography Classes, Photography Classes In Washington DC-Classes Offered By Sam D'Amico / By

Photography Basics: Introduction to Photography in Washington, DC

Sam’s Introduction to Photography Course in Washington, DC, will get you working your camera in manual exposure mode throughout the class. You’ll begin to understand the relationship between camera operation, light, and composition. As a result, you’ll operate your camera confidently, become a better photographer, and intentionally make the best pictures you can.

Sam D’Amico’s Photography classes were voted the Best Art Class in Washington, DC. Sam D’Amico’s Photography classes were voted the Best Art Class in Washington, DC.

Course Overview & Pricing

$350.00 — In-Person Group Classes

This value-packed, comprehensive course will teach you to work your camera effectively, understand photography and light, and make the best compositions possible. It’s a great way to study and practice photography basics in Washington, DC, with Sam D’Amico, an award-winning professional photographer and photography teacher.

Note: There are four weekly meetings, 2.5 hours each (10 hours total). Each class is strictly limited to 5 registrants to ensure individual instruction.

What Will I Learn During the Photography Basics Course in Washington, DC?

Stop letting your camera take the picture for you. In Sam’s Introduction to Photography Course in DC, you’ll master fully manual exposure, turning technical camera mechanics into intentional artistic choices. In other words, you’ll stop taking pictures and start making pictures.

Key Topics Covered

  • Manual Control: Master aperture, shutter speed, and ISO as design tools—not just technical settings.
  • Lighting & Metering: Evaluate light and control image tonality (lightness and darkness) with precision.
  • White Balance & Color: Use white balance settings deliberately to influence visual mood.
  • Composition & Visual Design: Align focus, exposure, and framing into a thoughtful, personal photographic style.

How You’ll Learn

In Class (Practical Application): Hands-on camera work is integrated directly into every session. Through a balanced mix of brief lectures, live practical application exercises, and constructive group critiques, you’ll build both technical muscle memory and a professional photographic vocabulary.

Between Classes (Tailored Projects): Weekly assignments reinforce each lesson using your preferred subject matter—whether landscape, portrait, or street photography. Sharing work in progress sparks organic group discussions that refine your creative process.

General Information & Prerequisites

  • Prerequisites: None required, but please make sure you’ve used your camera and want to learn to use it more confidently. If your camera is still in the box, a private photography lesson is recommended first. Contact Sam for guidance.
  • Type of Camera Required: Any DSLR, mirrorless, or compact camera that allows full manual exposure mode.
  • Instructor: Sam D’Amico
  • Ways Taught: In-person group classes; or in-person or private online classes (contact Sam for private lesson pricing).
  • Meeting Location: Group classes meet in-person at the Kogod Courtyard inside the National Portrait Gallery (8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001).

Schedules — Photography Basics in Washington, DC

New classes scheduled for November 29, 2026 through February 4, 2027

Select your preferred start date from the menu below to view full series meeting dates and reserve your seat.

1. Choose the class schedule. 2. Select the number of people attending (Qty). 3. Click the “Buy Now” button. (If a class is listed as “Out of Stock,” that schedule is full. Please select another date.)

Common Questions Before Enrolling

What camera equipment do I need to bring to class?

You need any camera that allows full manual (M) exposure control, such as a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or advanced compact camera. You do not need expensive lenses or extra gear—just your camera body, a charged battery, a memory card, and your camera manual.

What happens if I need to reschedule or miss a class?

If your schedule changes before the series begins, you can transfer your registration to an upcoming cohort or convert your enrollment into private lesson credits. If you miss an individual session during the term, you can easily make it up through a 1-hour private lesson or by joining that specific lesson in a future cohort.

What if the listed dates don’t fit my schedule?

If none of the scheduled group dates work for you, Online or In-Person Private Lessons are available. Contact Sam about taking this curriculum as a private series.

Are photography class gift certificates available?

Yes! Instead of purchasing a scheduled class date, a digital gift certificate lets the recipient register for any upcoming class or private lesson that fits their schedule.

Stop Being Frustrated With Photography

  • Use your mind, not a machine, to make your pictures look how you want.
  • Take control of your photographs’ outcome.
  • Be actively involved in composition and creative choices.
  • Improve your understanding of natural and ambient light.

Student Reviews

Jamal H. says: Received Sam’s Introduction to Photography class as a gift in November 2017… Sam was patient and willing to always revisit and re-explain topics when I struggled. After only 4 classes, I now can shoot in Manual mode with confidence in capturing my shot as the human eye views it. Highly recommend this class to any beginners.

Donna I. says: I’ve been wanting to learn how to use a camera in manual mode for years. I tried learning from books and online tutorials, but always ended up more confused… Sam is a great teacher, extremely patient, and supportive. Each class was full of useful information about the how’s and why’s of making pictures.

Bernard says: I really enjoyed Sam’s class… He’s going to teach you the fundamentals of photography, and in turn, you’ll learn to use your camera through knowledge of the fundamentals, practice, and reading the manual. I recommend his class and plan to take the intermediate class next.

Ready to use your camera confidently and understand photography? Select your schedule below to join an upcoming class:

 

—- Introduction To Photography Class In Washington DC

45 thoughts on “Photography Basics (Introduction to Photography) Class in Washington, DC”

  1. Li

    I am interested in taking the introduction classes, and like to know what are recommended cameras to purchase for the class also for future advanced classes.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  2. tonia

    Hi, I see that I just missed the class that started this past Sunday. In looking at the scheduled I don’t see any other Sunday sessions scheduled through March. Will this change and will you be offering more Sunday classes? Thanks

    Reply
    1. samdamico-admin

      Hi Tonia,

      Thank you for you interest in my photography classes.

      I’ll probably will be adding at least one more Sunday class during January through March.

      If I can add a Sunday class I’ll update the schedule by the end of next week.

      Sam

      Reply
  3. kelly

    Hi Sam!

    I’m interested in taking the 4 class wednesday series starting Nov 2. Would a canon EOS Rebel T5 would be good. Any recommendation with that over the Nixon D3300.

    Thanks, kelly

    Reply
    1. samdamico-admin

      Hi Kelly,

      Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.

      A Canon EOS Rebel T5 would be fine for the Introduction to Photography class ( https://samdamico.com/introduction-photography-washington-dc-photography-class/ ).

      I would not have a recommendation with that over the Nixon D3300. I can’t recommend one over the other. Which one do you feel more comfortable using?
      ( https://samdamico.com/frequently-asked-questions/#can-you-recommend-a-camera )

      Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have further questions.

      Reply
  7. Isabel Mateus

    Hi Sam!

    I am interested in your class ” Introduction to Photography” starting next February 6. My camera is an Olympus SP-720UZ 14megapixel. I wonder if it would work.
    I would appreciate your comments!
    Many thanks!

    Best,
    Isabel Mateus

    Reply
  8. Jane

    Hello Sam,

    I am very interested in your classes and I have a sony nex-5t. Does that satisfy the prerequisite?

    Thank you

    Reply
    1. samdamico-admin

      Hi Nick,

      Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.

      Thanks for the link to your camera. I took a look and, although limited in some ways, since it can be worked in manual exposure mode it would be fine for the Introduction to photography class. —->https://samdamico.com/introduction-photography-washington-dc-photography-class/

      By using the camera you have now for the class, you’ll learn camera operation, you’ll get a good foundation in photography and if you decide to get a DSLR (or other type of format) you’ll be more informed as a result of the class to make a good decision on which one to buy.

      Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have more questions.

      Reply
  10. Tom Rogers

    i am wanting to take your classes, the only camera i have is my I phone 6 …
    what camera would you recommend i get ? thanks Tom

    Reply
  13. Bahaa Seireg

    Hi Sam,

    I’m interested in enrolling in the March 31 intro class. I just purchased a Sony RX100M3. It’s not on a SLR but it’s a high end point and shoot with manual settings. Would I qualify to take the class.

    Thanks,
    Bahaa

    Reply
      1. Bahaa Seireg

        Thanks, Sam!

        How do I go about registering online? Silly question, I’m sure, but I can’t seem to find the link.

        Bahaa

        Reply
  14. Amy

    Hi,

    I am interested in signing up for this class and recently purchased a Canon EOS Rebel DSLR T5. But I’m not sure whether or not it can be “operated in full manual exposure mode.” Can anyone answer this for me?

    Thanks!

    Amy

    Reply
  15. Cristina Rios

    Hi Sam,

    I’m really interested in taking the Introduction to Photography class that starts tomorrow. However, I’m out of town this weekend. Would it be possible to start next Saturday and make up for the missed class on the next class cycle? I’m not sure what would be the content of the 1st class, but I could maybe review material and come prepared for next class.

    Thanks,
    Cristina.

    Reply
    1. samdamico-admin

      Hi Cristina,

      Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.

      I would not recommend taking the class if you can not make the first meeting because the first meeting is foundational for the rest of the class.

      If I would have known sooner, I would have said yes, as long as you could have attended the Getting To Know Your Camera class that was offered last evening.

      I hope that you can register for one of the Introduction to Photography classes that start in March.

      Reply
  16. JE

    Hi Sam,

    I’d love to take the Saturday class, starting Feb. 7, but will be away on Feb. 28. Would it be possible to make up that class at the end of one of your March sessions? Thanks!

    Jenelle

    Reply
  17. Anonymous

    Hello! I am interested in taking the Saturday morning class, but I will be away on Saturday, the 24th. Would it be possible to join the corresponding Thursday evening class that week?

    Many thanks,
    Anonymous

    Reply
    1. samdamico-admin

      Hello,

      Yes, If you are registered for the the Saturday morning class that starts on the 10th. and you miss the meeting on the 24th. You can attend the corresponding Thursdasy evening class (January 22.)

      Reply

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