Introduction To Photography Class In Washington DC
Learn The Basics Of Photography And Learn To Use Your Camera To Create The Photographs That You Want
BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS CLASS PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE
COVID-19 NOTICE
Due to COVID-19, all classes in Washington DC have been restructured to be taught effectively online.
Until further notice, ALL photography classes will be taught online/remotely.
Please contact Sam if you have any questions.
Please be safe and take care and give care.
CLASS RESTRUCTURING NOTICE
The introduction to Photography class has been going through an overhaul to make it an effective online course and, as much as possible, to be similar to face-to-face instruction. The plan is to start meetings in December. In the meantime, make sure that you take the required prerequisite, Getting to Know Your Camera.
Prerequisites
–Getting to Know Your Camera (Or equivalent ability) –
—-The ability to operate your camera in terms of being familiar with the following functions of your camera:
—–Exposure modes.
—–Metering modes/patterns.
—–Focusing modes.
-Please make sure that you are capable of using your camera to make photographs.
-This is not a class to assist in preparing the camera for operation. For example; Installing the battery, attaching the lens, putting on a strap, etc.
–If you’d like assistance in preparing your camera for operation, please schedule a private lesson.
–A camera that allows you to pick exposure modes.
–Any camera offering a fully manual exposure mode.
–You’ll need to bring the “full version” of your camera owner’s manual to class.
–The ability to display photographs for weekly discussions.
Upcoming Classes, Price, And Registration
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How do I register to attend a webinar?
https://support.goto.com/webinar/help/register-for-a-session-g2w030007
—
After registering and prior to attending the webinar please read and keep handy the “Attendee Guide for Standard Webinars”.
https://support.goto.com/webinar/att-guide
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Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 7 Start
4 meetings – Tuesdays 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
December 7,14,21,January 4
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2539971235595908880
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 9 Start
4 meetings – Thursdays 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
December 9,16,30,January 6
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2136426278946913550
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 12 Start
4 meetings – Sundays 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
December 12,19,January 2,9
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2133645614040486159
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS CLASS PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE
Introduction To Photography Class In Washington DC – Course Description
While working your camera in fully manual exposure mode throughout the Introduction To Photography Class In Washington DC you’ll become thoroughly familiar with basic camera operation. In addition, you’ll learn to use your camera settings and features as elements of effective photographic composition. Furthermore, the class includes in-class lectures/discussions, in-class practical application exercises, homework assignments, and weekly self-critiques.
-4 meetings/1.5 hours each meeting/6 hours total.
–Limited to 8 registrants.
Are you getting the kind of photographs that you’d like? As an example…
-Do your pictures appear too blurry, too light, too dark or don’t look like the picture that you had in mind?
–Are you getting disappointed or frustrated and thinking that photography is too difficult?
-Did you buy a “better” camera but still aren’t getting the pictures that you want?
-Do you want to stop getting “point and shoot” results from your SLR camera?
The way to get better photographs, and become a better photographer, is to learn to work your camera in manual exposure mode because…
-When we work our camera in manual exposure mode we’re using our camera in a thoughtful manner. In other words, we get involved in operating our camera to control the outcome of our photograph instead of the camera controlling the outcome of the photograph.
What You’ll Learn
-Within the class structure of the Introduction to photography class, you’ll learn to rely on your mind, instead of a machine, to create a photograph. What is meant by that is, you’ll be involved in the creation of your photograph to the fullest extent possible. For the purpose of creating the best photographs possible, you’ll learn about functions on your camera that are critical to creating thoughtful compositions that are uniquely yours. Specifically, among other things, you’ll learn how to think of focusing, metering, and exposure as elements of composition. And you’ll learn how to relate those elements of composition to the specific operation of your camera.
How You’ll Learn
-While I was studying photography my best teachers demonstrated that the best way to learn was by doing. As a result of this experience, I follow the lead of my best teachers when it comes to playing the role of the teacher during my photography classes. Accordingly, you’ll learn by doing.
How You’ll Learn During Class
While participating in Introduction To Photography class in Washington DC, as previously mentioned, you’ll learn by doing. Specifically, practicing camera operation and technique during class time is a regular part of the training. As a result of practicing camera operation and technique during class time, the participant is immediately able to apply their newly acquired skills.
While practicing camera operation and technique is important, learning to think like a photographer is emphasized throughout the class. That is to say, that a thought process and vocabulary need to be cultivated for the purpose of becoming aware of what we are doing as photographers. This is accomplished through in-class discussions and the encouragement of questions.
Incidentally, there are no handouts. Therefore, note-taking is strongly recommended. More precisely, take ’em by hand with a pen or pencil. Because studies have shown that taking notes by hand improves learning.
How You’ll Learn Outside of Class
In addition, weekly homework assignments are given for the purpose of reinforcing what’s covered during class. More importantly, the homework given is not subject-specific. Instead, the homework is specific to the topics covered during class. Because the homework assignments are topic-specific, the photographers participating in the Introduction To Photography Class In Washington DC can photograph subjects that are meaningful to them. As a consequence, the class participants learn effectively by producing photographs that are relevant to the type of work they each prefer to do. Moreover, since each photographer brings in different work to display during the meeting as their homework, (4″X6″ prints are recommended) conversations organically spring up about the work. The importance of these conversations is that it helps us cultivate a thought process and vocabulary that are imperative to utilize during our studies and practice.
Introduction To Photography – Student Comments(Click this link to see more student comments)
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Student comment 1
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Student comment 2
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Student comment 3
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Important Notices
-Please bring something to take notes with to class.
-By registering for this class I agree to the Registration Terms And Conditions.
BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS CLASS PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE
Prerequisites
–Getting to Know Your Camera (Or equivalent ability) –
—-The ability to operate your camera in terms of being familiar with the following functions of your camera:
—–Exposure modes.
—–Metering modes/patterns.
—–Focusing modes.
-Please make sure that you are capable of using your camera to make photographs.
-This is not a class to assist in preparing the camera for operation. For example; Installing the battery, attaching the lens, putting on a strap, etc.
–If you’d like assistance in preparing your camera for operation, please schedule a private lesson.
–A camera that allows you to pick exposure modes.
–Any camera offering a fully manual exposure mode.
–You’ll need to bring the “full version” of your camera owners manual to class.
–The ability to display photographs for weekly discussions.
COVID-19 NOTICE
Due to COVID-19, all classes in Washington DC have been restructured to be taught effectively online.
Until further notice, ALL photography classes will be taught online/remotely.
Please contact Sam if you have any questions.
Please be safe and take care and give care.
Upcoming Classes, Price, And Registration
——-
How do I register to attend a webinar?
https://support.goto.com/webinar/help/register-for-a-session-g2w030007
—
After registering and prior to attending the webinar please read and keep handy the “Attendee Guide for Standard Webinars”.
https://support.goto.com/webinar/att-guide
—-
Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 7 Start
4 meetings – Tuesdays 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
December 7,14,21,January 4
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2539971235595908880
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
—
Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 9 Start
4 meetings – Thursdays 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
December 9,16,30,January 6
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2136426278946913550
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
—
Please register for Introduction To Photography-December 12 Start
4 meetings – Sundays 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
December 12,19,January 2,9
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2133645614040486159
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
—
BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS CLASS PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE
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.
Hello Li,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.,while I can’t recommend specific cameras, I can offer you some guidance.
Here’s a link to help you to select a camera that is best for you.
https://samdamico.com/frequently-asked-questions/#can-you-recommend-a-camera
Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have further questions.
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
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
Thanks,
I check back then!
Thank you, Tonia.
I would also be interested in. Sunday class in February
John, do you have a specific class in mind?
Hi Sam, will there be a new round of classes that begin in April? Wif so, when will they be posted?
Hello Neil,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I just got finished updating the schedule for April through June, 2017.
You can see the schedule here–>https://samdamico.com/introduction-photography-washington-dc-photography-class/
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
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.
Hi Sam,
Will a Sony RX10 work for your Introduction to Photography class?
Hi Kaustav,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Yes, the Sony RX10 http://www.sony.com/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-rx10/specifications will work for the Introduction To Photography class.
Hi Sam,
I do not have a camera, do you have suggestions for a novice?
Thanks~
While I can’t recommend a camera, you can use this information to help you find the camera that’s best for you.
https://samdamico.com/frequently-asked-questions/#can-you-recommend-a-camera
Sam
Hi Sam
I am interested in classes starting Feb 6th. I have a Fuji XT10 camera, would that work?
Cheers, Steffen
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
Hi Isabel,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I took a look at your camera (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SP720UZ/SP720UZDAT.HTM) and unfortunately, since it cannot be operated in fully manual exposure mode, this camera would not be appropriate for the Introduction to photography class.
Thanks for your reply.
We have another camera, it is a Nikon D 3200. Would it work?
best,
Isabel
Hello Isabel,
Yes, the Nikon D3200 would work.
Best Regards, ‘
Sam
Wonderful! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Isabel.
Hello Sam,
I am very interested in your classes and I have a sony nex-5t. Does that satisfy the prerequisite?
Thank you
Hello Jane,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
I took a look and according to what I read at http://store.sony.com/nex-5t-mirrorless-camera-w-16-50mm-lens-zid27-NEX5TL//cat-27-catid-EOL-Alpha-NEX-Cameras, the prerequisite is satisfied.
Please contact me at 202-531-2344 if you have any further questions.
Best Regards,
Sam
Hi,
I’m interested in taking your class. However, I don’t have DSLR. Only camera I have is Nikon Coolpix P510.
Here is the description.
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Compact-Digital-Cameras/COOLPIX-P510.html
Should I take the class or should I take it after I got a DSLR?
Thanks,
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.
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
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
While I can’t recommend a specifc camera, I can help you with some suggeastions on what to consider when looking for a camera to purchase.
Please read the following information on my website.
—> https://samdamico.com/frequently-asked-questions/#can-you-recommend-a-camera
Sam
I was wondering if my camera would be ok, it is a nikon one:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Nikon-1-Cameras/index.page
Rosario,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Which Nikon 1 is the model that you’ll be using for the class?
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Nikon-1-Cameras/Nikon-1.page
I also have the “will my camera be ok” question 🙂 It’s a FujiFilm XQ1. Thanks!
If the link below leads to your camera, then your camera would be fine for the class.
Thank you for checking, Christy.
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_xq1/features/page_04.html
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
Hi Bahaa,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
If this is the camera that you’ll be using for class (http://store.sony.com/cyber-shot-digital-camera-rx100-iii-zid27-DSCRX100M3/B/cat-ProductChannelAssignments-catid-SNYUSAssignments) then you would be well qualified to take the class.
Sam
Thanks, Sam!
How do I go about registering online? Silly question, I’m sure, but I can’t seem to find the link.
Bahaa
Hi Bahaa,
No question is silly. 🙂
Here’s the link —-> https://samdamico.com/introduction-photography-washington-dc-photography-class/#upcoming-classes-price-and-registration
Sam
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
Hi Amy,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Yes, the Canon EOS Rebel DSLR T5 (http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/eos-cameras/eos-rebel-t5-ef-s-digital-camera-18-55mm-is-ii-lens-kit) can be operated in fully manual exposure mode and would be fine for the class.
Sam
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.
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.
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
Hi Jenelle,
Thank you for your interest in my photography classes.
Yes, It would probably be possible to make up the class that you’ll be missing on February 28 at the end of one of the March sessions.
Please review the policy on making up a missed meeting:
https://samdamico.com/registration-terms-and-conditions/#missing-a-meeting-during-a-multi-week-class
Sam
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
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.)