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
Master of Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
I feel like I have been studying Joe McNally’s work since I first picked up a camera, so this should be the easiest show post I have ever done. He is an absolute master of light, and I own his “The Language of Light” Vol…
Making Better Action Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:49
David Bergman is a legend in the world of concert photography, and he is someone I have looked up to for a long time. That may be the best summary of David I can come up with, that I am a fan, and honored to call him a f…
The Power of a Photograph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:38
I have the feeling that Sam Abell has more stories than almost any photographer you know. Thirty-four years as a staff and contract photographer at National Geographic tends to have that effect. Sam is an Ohio based teac…
Focus On The Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:57
I have followed Zack Whitford on Instagram for as long as I can remember, in fact I think he was one of the first I followed after joining Instagram. You know how you have photographers whose work you like because it mak…
Finding Your Creative Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
Usually, I struggle when I write these. To start with, I’m not a writer, but more importantly I want each post to convey to you how much I admire the guest I am writing about. Today however, I gained inspiration from my…
Extreme Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
Trying to write a post about Ryszard Horowitz has proven to be tougher than I had imagined. Ryszard Horowitz is a legend, literally. His life, and his journey through the art of photography, is almost impossible to disti…
The Traveling Photographer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
If you’ve been watching the show for a while then you may have seen the “Aurora and the Night Sky” episode with Dave Williams. Dave is a travel photographer, based out of London, and one of the most adventurous people I…
Blurring the Lines of Creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:38
I first met Australian music photographer Michelle G Hunder when she was a guest on the Sunday Night Photographer Hangouts I used to do with Adam Elmakias. We had such great time on those shows. After hanging out with Mi…
Real-World Use of the Canon EOS R3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:04
The Canon EOS R3 looks to be a beast of a camera. Like so many others, I want this camera, and like 99% of those people I won’t be buying one. Why? Because the Canon EOS R3 is for people like Jeff Cable. Ok, also because…
Focus on History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:26
Periodically I get a guest on Behind the Shot that makes me nervous. This episode is one of those moments. Wish me luck… David Hume Kennerly is a legend. In fact, I would wager money that other ‘legends’ look to David Hu…