Who Are Your Photographer Heroes?

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I first published this post in January 2011. As the new year begins, I thought it would be a good idea to repost it - and ask you: Who are your photographer heroes?

Back in 1979, when I was the editor of Studio Photography magazine, one of my heroes was Alfred Eisenstaedt. The man was amazing, as a photographer and as a human being. His work still inspires me today.

I had the opportunity to attend and photograph Eisie's 80th birthday party. I also had the wonderful opportunity to interview the master. I still have the issue in which my interview ran.


Back in the late '70s, I also had the wonderful opportunity to interview many of the other photographer greats of the time, including Arthur Rothstein, one of the most well-known and respected FSA photographers.

Rick and Rothstein,1979.
Look up FSA if you are too young to know what FSA means. 

Another favorite was Andreas Feininger.

I also interviewed now fellow Canon Explorers of Light Harry Benson and Robert Farber. (Yes! We have been around and have known each other for more than 30 years!)

Man o man. Do you know what an honor it is to have known and know these pros?

I still enjoy - very much so - interviewing pros for the DEP podcast that I do with Juan Pons.

I think we all need heroes in our lives - photographer heroes who inspire and motive us.

Who are your heroes? Post your heroes in the Comments section here on my blog, rather than on twitter and facebook. Easier for others to see all in once place.

Back in 1979, I used my Canon Vt to photograph Eisie's B-Day party. I still have it, but now use my Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. I am now planning Sammon at 70. Ten years away, but I do like to plan ahead.

Happy New Gear

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Happy New Year!

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Hi Friends!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012. I hope the new year rocks for you.

For those of you who enjoy the digital imaging process . . . 


Above is the original photograph, which was taken in my living room. Gear:


Above is a rough idea of my lighting set up, created with Lighting Diagrams.

I added the lighting effects in Photoshop CS4:
Filter > Render > Lighting Effects (light at top right and left of frame).
and
Filter > Render > Lens Flare (lights at top of frame).

I added the color and gradient to the type using: Layer Style > Gradient Overlay.

As a final touch, I added the drop shadow to the image: Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow.

I teach all this stuff on my workshops. I can even help you out with some basic blues guitar.

Again, Happy New Year!

Rick, Susan and Marco

Thanks Scott and Brad for the Guest Blog Post!

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A big "thank you" goes to Scott Kelby and Brad Moore for setting up my guest blog post yesterday on Scott's Photoshop Insider blog.

And thanks to all the photographer's who posted positive comments on Scott's blog.

The post was designed to be inspirational and motivational - which is what I like to do when I give a presentation. If you need a speaker for an event, here's a look at my presentations.

Explore the light,
Rick

A Better Name for Plug-ins?

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Nik snapseed image © Rick Sammon
In a former life, I was in advertising and PR. In the office, we spent many hours on product naming.

Last night, while playing with some of my favorite plug-ins, I was thinking about the importance of a product's name. I realized that plug-in is a boring name for a very, very exciting, creative and artistic product.
Topaz Adjust/Spicify image © Rick Sammon
Sure, some plug-ins help us correct our mistakes, rescue detail and offer standing adjustments. Most plug-ins, however, help us awaken the artist within - very quickly and very easily.

Nik HDR Efex Pro image © Rick Sammon
So my friends, let's try to come up with a more creative name for plug-ins. Post your suggestions here.

Nik Color Efex Pro/Midnight filter image © Rick Sammon
Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. I know snapseed is not technically a plug-in, but like most plug-ins, it offers many creative and artistic effects.

Nik snapseed image © Rick Sammon