Changin' Lanes

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I am working on a new motivational project: Changin' Lanes.

I am looking for personal and positive stories about changin' lanes, so to speak, in the business world. People who changed lanes to follow their passion – to live the life they want to live.

I actually did this myself – several times in my career. I know many folks who have made the move.

I announced this project on twitter and facebook last week and the response was overwhelming.

You can follow the progress of this project on twitter.

One goal of this project is to offer inspiration and motivation to those who want to change lanes. Another is to put like-minded folks together.

This project is not limited to photography. If you own a bicycle shop and used to be an investment banker, for example, we'd love to hear from you.

Much more planned for Changin' Lanes.

If you have changed lanes, if you are thinking about changing lanes, or if you know someone who wants to change lanes, etc., please have them email me their story. ricksammon at mac.com.

I can't respond to all the emails right now. All stories will be saved. If we use your story, you will be notified for more information.

Remember: "It's never too late to be who you could have been."

Here's another cool quote: "If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life."

Thank you – and good luck in following your passion and dreams.
Rick

P.S. Need some inspiration now? Check out my app for the iPad, Life Lessons We Can Learn From Mother Nature.

Fashion Week Day 5: Ask the Model To Take Over

This is the last post in this week's series. I hope you have enjoyed the photos - and the tips.

Here is the final tip in the series: After you take your shot, ask the model what kind of shot she or he would like you to take. You may be surprised at how much you like the model-suggested shot – perhaps even more than the shot you had in mind. What's more, you'll make the model happy!

The opening photograph in this post is the model-suggested pose. It's fun and exciting. It was the last shot of the day.

The image below is a much more serious shot. I like it – although the lighting in the opening photo is bit more dramatic. (See the earlier posts this week on lighting.)

So, listen to your model. Work together. You'll have more fun during the photo session. Plus, you'll probably get some cool and unexpected images.


Explore the light,
Rick

Fashion Week Day 4: Digital Darkroom Effects

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I hope you have enjoyed this week's posts. All the photographs were pretty much straight shots.

For some added fashion fun, I thought I'd share a few digital darkroom effects that I created in with Nik Software.

Above: Polaroid Transfer effect is Nik Color Efex Pro.

Above: Antique Plate effect in Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro.

Above: straight shot.

You can get a discount on all Nik Software by clicking here.

Tomorrow is the final post in this fun series. Tune in for the topic :-)

Explore the light,
Rick

Fashion Week Day 3: Styling is So Essential

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When I used to write about my underwater photography adventures, I always gave my scuba dive guides credit. They played an important role in helping me find cool subjects – and keeping me safe under water.

In my photography books, I often give my guide credit for their assistance, especially when it comes to getting me into remote villages on the other side of the planet.

This week, I am giving credit to the person who helped with the sidewalk shoot photographs that illustrate this week's fashion photography posts.

Vered Koshlano found the model for the shoot, showed me the wall, bought several different outfits for the model, did the model's hair and make-up, helped with the lighting - and suggested several poses. In essence, Vered styled the shoot. I could not have done it without her.

What did I do? Well, in addition to pressing a few buttons and adjusting a few knobs on my camera, I composed the shot. I also determined and adjusted the lighting – which I talked about in yesterday's post. In this photograph, the shadow is even more pronounced that in yesterday's photo. That shadow adds a sense of depth to the image. It also makes the photo look a bit more dramatic than yesterday's image.

Keep styling in mind when you are making a photograph. And speaking of making, as you can see, a lot went into the making of this image.

Tomorrow: Digital Darkroom Effects.

Explore the light,
Rick