Make Your Own Reality

Make Your Own Reality

Author: Steve Brazill February 9, 2017 Duration: 23:11

Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their site to check out all of the TWiP shows.

Canon Explorer of Light and award-winning photographer Rick Sammon loves his day job. A tireless, prolific and inspirational image-maker, Rick, called by some “The Godfather of Photography,” is one of the most active photographers on the planet – dividing his time between creating images, leading photo workshops, and making personal appearances. His enthusiasm for digital imaging is contagious. He is a man on a mission – a mission to make digital photography fun, creative, exciting and rewarding for others.

Rick has authored more photography books than anyone I know, with his latest, Creative Visualization for Photographers and Evolution of an Image, putting the number close to 40.

I asked Rick once how he describes his photography, and answered “evolving,” He hesitates to categorize his work. He does it all, and enjoys the freedom of not specializing.

With nearly 40 years of experience, this self-taught photographer has many accomplishments – and Rick as suggests, “When you are through changing, you are through.”

Join me on this episode as Rick discusses his HDR image Sunrise at the Blue Swallow.

Connect with Rick

Personal: ricksammon.com
Facebook: @rick.sammon
Instagram: @ricksammonphotography
Twitter: @ricksammon

Rick’s Books

Photo Education


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
WPPI 2020 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
At the end of February in Las Vegas was WPPI 2020, and I had the chance to check out some new software, some new hardware, to make some new friends, and meet up with some old friends. If you have never been to WPPI, it’s…
Better Travel Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
To say that I am excited to have Deborah Sandidge on Behind the Shot is an understatement. Deborah is a photographic artist in every sense of the phrase. Specializing in world travel and artistic imagery she creates imag…
Capturing the Slowing of Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
Today’s guest on Behind the Shot is big deal to me. Ken Lee, along with being an accomplished photographer, is also a regular watcher, or listener, of Behind the Shot. My first recollection of Ken was when he won one of…
39-45: The World War II Portraits Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:39
Glyn Dewis. It honestly feels like that’s all I need to say, and you’ll immediately know who I mean. Glyn does so many different things, and they all seem to relate to photography. He’s on YouTube, where he shares his ph…
Photowalks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:55
I first met USA Today’s tech journalist Jefferson Graham the same day I met Frederick Van Johnson. I drove out to watch him record his Talking Tech podcast, which is described on the site as “Your daily consumer tech new…
Tastier Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
Everybody loves a good meal, and now-a-days it seems like everybody is posting photos of their food, but when food photography is done right you can seemingly taste it. That’s where Freddy Clark comes in. Freddy is a New…
The Aurora and the Night Sky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:50
If you saw my review on this year’s Photoshop World, the Las Vegas edition, you may remember today’s guest. During that show I mentioned that my favorite part of any conference is the social aspect, the ability to meet s…
Unique Couples Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
I often get suggestions for guests from viewers / listeners. When that happens I usually check out the photographer they suggested, and if I think they are a good fit for the show I reach out. Sometimes I hear back, and…
MASK – Documenting Traditional Cultures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
This episode is a huge deal for me. Today on Behind the Shot I get to talk with Chris Rainier, and Chris is the first working National Geographic photographer I have had on the show. As I am writing this, a few days befo…
Sports Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:53
Listen to these numbers, or I guess read them makes more sense… over 35 years as a staff and contract photographer for Sports Illustrated, with over 100 Sports Illustrated covers. That is the resume of Peter Read Miller.…