Intermediate Photography – A Washington, DC Photography Class

Sam’s Intermediate Photography Course in DC will build on your understanding of basic photography, reinforce your application of photography fundamentals, and increase your visual awareness and photographic composition skills. Additionally, you’ll hone your “style,” which is your unique visual voice.

 

Intermediate Photography – A Washington, DC Photography Class

BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS CLASS, PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE

This class has prerequisites.

 

Registration

Prerequisites:

• Yes. Introduction To Photography.
• If you have not taken the Introduction To Photography Class with Sam D’Amico, please take the Basic Photography And Basic Camera Operation Test.  A score of at least 90%  on the test and a discussion with Sam regarding your photography practice are required to be considered for participation in this class.
• Type of camera required: Any camera that allows full manual exposure mode. A pop-up flash on the camera or an external portable flash unit that is compatible with the camera would be helpful but not required.

*Contact Sam for more information
and discounted pricing for In-person or online private classes.

*Are you thinking of getting a class as a gift?
Please consider getting a gift certificate instead.

Intermediate Photography Schedules

Upcoming classes are listed below (4 meetings. 2.5 hours each meeting. 10 hours total. Limited to 5 registrants.)

 

In-person group classes meet at the Kogod Courtyard in the National Portrait Gallery.
8th and G Streets NW
Washington, DC 20001
After entering the building, walk straight past the front desk to the Kogod Courtyard.
*Please read the Visiting Tips & FAQs. No refunds for any classes will be given to registrants who are asked to leave because their behavior does not adhere to safety policies and guidelines.

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General Information

• Prerequisites: Yes. Introduction To Photography.
• If you have not taken the Introduction To Photography Class with Sam D’Amico, please take the Basic Photography And Basic Camera Operation Test.  A score of at least 90%  on the test and a discussion with Sam regarding your photography practice are required to be considered for participation in this class.
• Type of camera required: Any camera that allows full manual exposure mode. A pop-up flash on the camera or an external portable flash unit that is compatible with the camera would be helpful but not required.
• Instructor: Sam D’Amico.
• Ways taught: In-person group classes; In-person or online private lessons.

Registration and schedule information for live online group classes are available at the description’s end.
Contact Sam about In-person private lessons.

About the Intermediate Photography Course

Having acquired the skills and understanding during the Introduction To Photography class,  during the Intermediate Photography Course in DC, you’ll learn to use your camera settings and features as elements of effective photographic composition. Also, the course includes in-class lectures/discussions, practical application exercises, homework assignments, and weekly self-critiques.

Go Beyond the Basic Skills Acquired in the Introduction to Photography Class

• Become more visually aware by becoming familiar with the characteristics of light.
  
• If your camera has a pop-up flash or another flash unit compatible with your camera, we’ll begin experimenting with thoughtful lighting.
  
• Begin using color as a psychological element of the composition.
• Improve your understanding of tonal control.

Improve Your Photography by Expanding and Deepening Your Understanding of Camera Operation, Light, and Lighting

When working in manual exposure mode during Sam’s Intermediate Photography Course in DC, we’ll use our cameras thoughtfully to control our composition precisely. In other words, we’ll be involved in camera operation to fully influence the outcome of our photograph instead of the camera taking the picture for us. 

“I almost never set out to photograph a landscape, nor do I think of my camera as a means of recording a mountain or an animal unless I absolutely need a ‘record shot’. My first thought is always of light.” – Galen Rowell.

Intermediate Photography Course – What You’ll Learn 

During the Intermediate Photography course, you’ll build on what you’ve learned during the Introduction To Photography course.

You’ll build on your understanding of operating your camera as a creative tool and strengthen your knowledge of the relationship between camera operation and intentional visual outcomes. 

Some of the things you’ll learn:

• Use color as a psychological element in your work.
• How to get the best possible tonality before you make an exposure.
• Become more fluid, intentional, and precise in your expression as a photographer. 
• Visualize the outcome of your picture based on your evaluation of the light and the equipment you use.
• Deepen your visual vocabulary.
• Hone your “style,” which is your unique visual voice.

  “As an artist, I work to gain the technical skills to become more fluid, more expressive and more creative in my craft. The technique is always at the service of creativity.” – Evan Chong.

Intermediate Photography Course – How You’ll Learn

How You’ll Learn During the Course

During the Intermediate Photography course, you’ll learn by doing. Specifically, practicing camera operation and technique during class is a regular part of the training. As a result of practicing camera operation and technique during class, the participant can immediately apply their newly acquired skills.

And while practicing camera operation and technique is essential, you’ll learn to think like a photographer throughout the class. Furthermore, through your practice, discussions, and critiques, you’ll learn to deepen your thought process and visual vocabulary to become more involved in composing pictures.

How You’ll Learn Outside of Class

In short, you’ll get homework to reinforce the lessons provided during the Intermediate Photography Course. However, the assignments are not subject-specific. Consequently, the class participants learn effectively by producing pictures relevant to their preferred work. Moreover, since each photographer brings different kinds of work to display during the classes (4″X6″ prints when meeting in person are best.), conversations organically spring up about the pictures. The importance of these conversations is that it helps us cultivate and reinforce a thought process and vocabulary that result in visually unique photographs.

Class Meeting Locations

In-person group classes meet at the Kogod Courtyard in the National Portrait Gallery.

• National Portrait Gallery
  8th and G Streets NW
  Washington, DC 20001
  After entering the building, walk straight past the front desk to the Kogod Courtyard.
  

 Registration

Prerequisites: Yes. Introduction To Photography. If you have not taken the Introduction To Photography Class with Sam D’Amico, please take the Basic Photography And Basic Camera Operation Test. A score of at least 90%  on the test and a discussion with Sam regarding your photography practice are required to be considered for participation in this class.

Are you thinking of getting a class as a gift? Please consider getting a gift certificate instead.

Intermediate Photography Schedules

Upcoming classes are listed below (4 meetings. 2.5 hours each meeting. 10 hours total. Limited to 5 registrants.)

 

In-person group classes meet at the Kogod Courtyard in the National Portrait Gallery.
8th and G Streets NW
Washington, DC 20001
After entering the building, walk straight past the front desk to the Kogod Courtyard.
*Please read the Visiting Tips & FAQs. No refunds for any classes will be given to registrants who are asked to leave because their behavior does not adhere to safety policies and guidelines.

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