Man on a Mission
Hangin' with some horses in Provence.
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. Rick’s 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.
A natural teacher, Rick enjoys sharing his photographs and providing practical how-to advice to a wide audience of photo enthusiasts through his blog, books, how-to videos, iPhone and iPad apps, a podcast and an expanding following on social media. With nearly 800,000 Google+ followers, he has been recognized as one of the top photographers to follow on Google+. In his spare “desk time,” Rick writes the “Quick Fix” column for Digital Photo Magazine.
Rick started his professional photography career as an underwater photographer, producing six underwater books and leading scuba diving expeditions to the seven seas. He easily transitioned into travel, landscape, wildlife, cultural and nature photography. Rick’s images, from his travels to more than 100 countries, have been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and have been featured in his 36 books, including the popular Rick Sammon’s Exploring the Light, and 11 apps, including Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet.
In recognition of his talent and influence, Rick has been named a Canon Explorer of Light. He is also a Westcott Top Pro Elite, recognized for his skill in portraiture and lighting. Rick is also an instructor on Kelby Training, where he shares his knowledge about light and composition.
While Rick describes himself as “evolving,” he hesitates to categorize his work. “I’m an A-to-Z type of photographer. I do it all – and I enjoy the freedom of not specializing.”
With nearly 40 years of experience, this self-taught photographer has many accomplishments – and many more anticipated for the road ahead. As Rick suggests, “When you are through changing, you are through.”
Shoot Rick an email with questions or comments.
Phone: 914 271 6132 (in New York).
For updates on what's up, please subscribe to his blog.
Follow Rick on Google+
Follow Rick on twitter. Daily tweets about new stuff.
Check out some of his favorite pictures on PhotoExtract.
Check out Rick Facebook Fan Page.
Listen to the Digital Photo Experience Podcast.
Rick's Sammonisms:
- The name of the game is to fill the frame.
- Dead center is deadly.
- When you think you are close, get closer.
- The camera looks both ways.
- Expose for the highlights.
- Use your camera like a spaceship.
- Light illuminates, shadows define.
- Backlight = shoot tight.
- Make pictures, just don't take pictures.
- See eye to eye - shoot eye to eye.
- Take the darn flash off the camera.