Sam’s DC Private Photography Lessons offer customized, one-on-one instruction tailored to help you reach your specific photography goals—whether you are mastering manual controls, sharpening your composition, or building creative confidence.
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Are Private Photography Lessons Right for You?
Whether you want a single focused session to tackle a specific challenge or a multi-lesson package to build a comprehensive foundation, private lessons are designed entirely around your experience level, equipment, and schedule.
Lesson Details & Quick Reference
- Prerequisites: None. Open to all skill levels.
- Instructor: Sam D’Amico
- Format: In-person or online private lessons
- Flexible Scheduling: Purchase the total number of hours you need and break multiple hours into individual lessons.
*Have questions or need custom arrangements? Contact Sam for more information and discounted pricing on private in-person or online packages.
*Looking to buy a lesson for someone else? Please purchase a gift certificate instead.
*Before registering, please review our policy on cancellations, rescheduling, and non-attendance.
How Do You Book Your Private Lessons?
To register: Purchase your desired number of hours below, then contact Sam directly at 202-531-2344 to schedule your meeting time(s).
What Skills Will We Cover in Your Lesson?
During your private instruction, you will learn to operate your camera thoughtfully to craft intentional, high-quality photographs rather than relying on automatic snapshot settings.
Common topics tailored to your goals include:
- Exposure Control: Transitioning out of automatic modes into confident, attentive manual exposure metering.
- Evaluating Light: Assessing quality, direction, and intensity of natural and ambient light to make better creative decisions.
- Mastering the Exposure Triangle: Using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO intentionally as powerful elements of visual composition.
- Tonality & Contrast: Controlling the lightness and darkness of your images efficiently and effectively.
- Color & Atmosphere: Utilizing white balance settings intentionally to enhance tone and mood.
- Practical Visual Design: Developing a photographer’s eye through proven compositional principles.
How Does 1-on-1 Instruction Work?
Hands-On Field Practice & Guided Instruction
Sessions feature a balanced combination of discussion and hands-on practice exercises. You will learn by doing—applying camera operation and technique directly during your lesson so you can immediately retain your new skills.
Beyond technical camera mechanics, you will develop a photographer’s mindset. Through discussions and constructive critiques, you will learn the visual vocabulary and thought process necessary to become fully aware of your creative choices.
How Do You Keep Progressing After Class?
At the end of your lesson(s), you’ll receive practical advice on how to continue practicing independently, helping you solidify your knowledge and keep growing as a photographer.
What Do Past Students Say?
“I really enjoyed Sam’s class. I was looking for a class to learn photography and how to use my camera. Sam isn’t going to teach you how to operate your camera – mainly because everyone comes to class with a different camera and that’s what the instruction manual is for. Rather, 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 really liked Sam’s teaching style and personality. He makes you think, and he’s not here to judge your photography skills. He leaves that up to you as the photographer. I recommend his class and plan to take the intermediate class and focus class.”
— Bernard
Where Do We Meet for In-Person Lessons in DC?
A preferred in-person meeting location is the scenic Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery. We can also meet at another mutually agreed-upon location within easy walking distance of the DC Metro Red Line.
Kogod Courtyard
8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
(After entering the building, walk straight past the main desk into the courtyard.)
*Please review the museum’s Visiting Tips & FAQs prior to your lesson. Registration fees are non-refundable for any participant asked to leave a venue for failing to adhere to visitor safety guidelines.
Hello Mr D
I have a used Leica SL2 and am interested in learning how to maneuver the flash from a separate hand held device. I have a couple devices and even though I have come up through the manual film SLR to digital – the hand held flash seems not to have followed and I thought a class would solve that. What do you recommend? Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in working with me to improve your flash photography skills.
I think a good flash photography basics class, either as a private lesson or a series of private lessons, would help.
Let’s talk to make sure I can help you.
You can reach me at 202-531-2344.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Best Regards,
Sam
I
Hello Sam!
I really want start taking good photos using Manual mode, I was given a camera cannon r50 for my last b-day and I enjoy traveling a lot, I have watched many videos but I am overwhelmed with the amount of information. What do you recommend me to do? To star the one to one private lesson or doing the beginners course? Maybe both haha thank you!!!
Hello Maricel,
Thanks for contacting me.
Either course of instruction will probably work.
But to make sure that you get the best course of instruction for what you want to do, we should talk.
Here’s my phone number: 202-531-2344.
If I don’t pick up when you call, please leave a message including your name, the best phone number to reach you, and what hours of the day are best for a talk.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Sam
Hi Sam
I recently started an art business and I need to improve my images for printing. I have no background in photography my husband usually takes our photos. We have a DSLR camera. I’d love to learn more and sign up for some in person classes.
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Will you have some time for a phone call? I want to be sure that I can help.
Best Regards,
Sam
I would like to get a private – 2 hour Photography Class – Beginner. Haven’t taken good photos since age 8 and would like to learn more about lighting, etc.
Hello Andrea,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Can you please give me a call at 202-559-7981 to discuss the specifics of what you’d like to get out of the class?
I wanted to take a personalized two-student (wife and I) class on the introduction to digital photography. We are beginners and use a Nikon SLR Camera.
Hello Akmal,
Please send me a direct e-mail with your phone number and a good time to contact you so we can discuss the specifics of what you’d like to accomplish in the amount of time you have in mind.
Sam
I would like some hands-on training in taking studio portraits.
How to set-up the lights and what to look for in a good studio portrait.
Can you tell me about your background in photography?
Do you have lights? What kind of camera do you use? Do you work your camera in manual or auto mode?
Interested in taking some photo classes
Can you tell me about your background in photography?
What type of camera do you use?