$ave on Plug-ins and Plug Into Creativity

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Want to feel creative and save money at the same time? Check out these plus-ins and my discounts and offers:

Nik Software's Color Efex Pro & HDR Efex Pro - Save 15%
Save 15% if you use this code – RSAMMON – upon check-out on the Nik web site. Actually, you can save 15% on all Nik plug-ins - including Color Efex Pro! Just use the same code.




Photomatix - Save 15%
The image above was created with Photomatix. You can save 15% when you order Photomatix by using this code: ricksammon. Here is a short movie to get you started with Photomatix Pro.


Perfect Photo Suite - Save 10%
Save 10% on all the plug-ins in onOne's Software's Photo Suite 6: Perfect Portrait, Perfect Layers, Perfect Effects, Perfect Masks, Photo Essentials4. Just use this code upon checkout.


Topaz Adjust - save a bundle when you order a bundle
Topaz Adjust is just too cool. Above I used the Spicify Effect. Click here to order Topaz Adjust. Hey, save a bundle when you order a Topaz bundle.


Topaz B&W Effects - bundle it with Topaz Adjust
Click here to read about it!

Nik Silver Efex Pro - Save 15% 
Save 15% when you use this code - RSAMMON - upon check-out on the Nik web site. 

See You At the California Photo Fest - I Hope!

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© Rick Sammon
I leave one week from today for the California Photo Fest - one of the coolest photo events of the year. The main reason for the coolness is that there are tons of photo opportunities, such as horses running on the beach. (What could be cooler?)

There is still time to sign up for the photo fun (non stop) and learning (with more than a dozen instructors) and dozens and dozens of programs (Lightroom, photography, lighting, and so on).

I hope to see you there - on the beach and in the classroom . . . and in the fantastic restaurants!

Explore the light,
Rick



Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up . . . with a few adjustments in Photoshop and Lightroom

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While going through some files looking for fisheye photos, I came across a picture I took at Machu Picchu on a very overcast and drab day, which is often the case in this awesome setting. The original image is below.


As always, I envisioned the end result, which is something that I recommend to all my workshop students.

With a few enhancements, I was able to turn the drab shot into a more fab shot.

The point of this post: don't let the weather get you down when you are shooting. In many cases, you can create a dramatic image from your Raw file when using Lighroom and Photoshop.

Speaking of fish-eye lens, check out this article I wrote: Can 1mm Make a Difference?

Here are the links to the 14mm and 15mm lenses I use:



Explore the light,
Rick

Photographing In Galapagos

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All images © Rick Sammon. All rights reserved.

A while back, one of our DPE podcast listeners asked us about photographing in Galapagos. We addressed her questions on the show, but here are some of my photos that illustrate a few of the tips that Juan and I shared.

For info on the gear I use, click on the links on this page.

Above: Always be ready for action. This short-ear owl grabbed this dove in a split second. Canon 100-400mm IS lens.


Above: Sure, bring your telephoto zoom lens, but don’t forget your wide-angle lens. You can get very close to the animals. Canon 15mm lens.


Above: Shoot eye-to-eye . . . rather than standing straight up and shooting like a tourist. Canon 17-40mm lens.


Above: Don’t always shoot eye-to-eye :-)  Get down to give the subject the feeling of power! Canon 15mm lens.


Above: Stick like glue to the guide. He or she can help you get great shots. Canon 100-400mm IS lens.


Above: Look for pictures that tell a story. Canon 17-40mm lens.


Enjoy the wildlife experience. It’s like no other on the planet! Canon 100-400mm IS lens.

You’ll find quick tips like this – and some Galapagos photographs – in my flagship app, Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet.

Explore the Light,
Rick

Google+: Good. Clean. Fun.

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A friend of mine recently asked me, "Are you an expert on Google+?"

At the time, I replied no. I'm still no expert, but since then, I have tired to learn as much as possible about Google+ – because it's a must in the world of social media marketing.

Here is a wonderful source of info on Google+, written by Colby Brown. In addition to lots of great how-to info, Colby sets the record straight about the Terms of Service.

Condensing what I know about Google+:

It's good - good for growing your business, making contacts, sharing information.

It's clean - I just love the super clean design.

It's fun - I, and all my friends and associates, are having more fun on Google+ than on any other social media platform.

I will be talking about Google+ in the Business/Social Media segment of my creativeLive class. I hope to see you there!

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. Here is my Google+ page.