Making, Not Just Taking, Pictures

Making, Not Just Taking, Pictures

Author: Steve Brazill October 11, 2018 Duration: 38:36

Rick Sammon is an award winning photographer, and one of the members of the elite Canon Explorer of Light program. A tireless, prolific and inspirational image-maker, Rick, called by many “The Godfather of Photography,” is one of the most active photographers on the planet – dividing his time between creating images, leading photo workshops and seminars, 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. He even does private coaching. Yeah, private coaching from Rick Sammon. That would be awesome. And if you are looking for great video training, Rick has almost 20 classes on KelbyOne, not to mention a wonderfully personal interview he did with Kalebra Kelby.

I am always impressed how “Creative People” seem to be creative in many areas. Rick has authored more photography books than anyone I know, with his latest, “The Route 66 Photo Road Trip: How to Eat, Stay, Play, and Shoot Like a Pro”, puts the number around 40.

In the last year, Rick has teamed up with fellow KelbyOne instructor Larry Becker, for the Picturing Success podcast. I am honored to say that I was the guest on episode 7, but don’t let that stop you, every show has guests giving valuable and inspirational information on achieving success.

I asked Rick once how he describes his photography, and he 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 as Rick suggests, “When you are through changing, you are through.”

I am so happy that Rick was able to join me for a third time to discuss some of his travel portraiture on this, my 50th episode, of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Rick

Personal: ricksammon.com
Instagram: @ricksammonphotography
Facebook: @RickSammonPhotography
Twitter: @ricksammon

Rick’s Workshops, Seminars, and Coaching

ricksammon.com

The Picturing Success Podcast, with Larry Becker

Picturing Success Podcast

Rick’s Books on Amazon

Amazon

Rick’s Classes on KelbyOne

KelbyOne


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
10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:23
Today is a new type of show, its: 10 Questions with… Jesse Feyereisen I have been thinking a lot lately about doing some shows that are a bit different from the normal format. Something just for fun, and shorter than the…
High-Fashion Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:11
I first heard about wedding and portrait photographer, and wedding videographer, Andre Brown through my buddy Ant Pruitt’s show “Hands on Photography”, when Andre was on for a Photographers’ Go-To Tip. I knew I wanted to…
Commercial Lifestyle Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
PRODUCTION NOTE: I unfortunately had some issues with the guest audio on this show, so you will hear some echo at times. My apologies to my guest, and to you – the viewers and listeners. Tim Gerard Barker is an award-win…
Capturing That Precise Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:26
Today’s guest, former White House photographer Pete Souza, is a bucket-list item for me. I started Behind the Shot because I am a fan of great photography, or more specifically great photographers. Through the over six y…
Photographic Shapes, Gestures, and Symbols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
I often talk about how much I love being a part of the photo community. I have made such amazing friends being around this world of creativity, and today’s show is the product of those friendships. There are times that t…
Photography in Mongolia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:26
One of the best parts of doing this podcast is getting to see the amazing photography community at work. I mentioned this a few weeks ago when I had Kersten Luts (Creative Portraits and Headshots) on the show. He had bee…
Documenting the Golden Era of Motocross [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:58
I am so excited to have David Dewhurst back on the show again! David is one of those legends that I could talk to everyday. His work spans through multiple genres, and has consistently stood the test of time. The first t…
Capture Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:37
Rick Sammon has been referred to as the Godfather of Photography, because he is one of the best there is. He jokes that he “specializes in not specializing”, but the reality is that he understands light, his gear, and hi…
Using An iPhone As Your Vacation Camera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
Jefferson Graham is a Manhattan Beach, California based writer-photographer, educator, and the host/producer of the travel photography series “Photowalks with Jefferson Graham”, which streams on YouTube, Tubi and the Rok…
Creative Portraits and Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:34
It looks like I will owe Dave Williams a beer, or whisk(e)y. Dave is one of the best there is, and I am so lucky that he’s been on the show a few times. Well, a few weeks ago Dave emailed me to introduce me to Kersten Lu…