Light It Light! Now Available For the iPhone

Rick Sammon’s Light It Light! is an iPhone app that’s designed to help you make professional-quality digital SLR people pictures – without spending a small fortune on professional lighting accessories. Important note: requires iOS 4.1 or later.

You can download the app by clicking here. Best to first download to your home computer, due to the size of the info-packed app, and then transfer to your iPhone.

It’s called Light It Light! because the iPhone version does not have the extensive photo gallery and Library Section that is in the iPad version, Light It! All the video lessons are the same.

Please make sure you are ordering the correct version: iPhone or iPad.

The app (packed with 572MB of info) includes video lessons with photographs embedded in the lessons.


I took the illustrative photographs with a range of digital SLR cameras – from entry-level to top-of-the-line models. While watching the video lessons, you’ll learn how pros photograph people indoors and outdoors, in bright light and in low light, at home and on location, and even in a studio. In looking at the photographs, you’ll see the effects of my recommended techniques.

In the easy-to-follow and fun video lessons, some of which were originally shot for our Wiley Publishing DVDs, I’ll show you how to use reflectors, diffusers, a flash, flash accessories, basic strobe kits, basic hot-light kits and more. I also cover camera settings, as well as some of my photo philosophies. Although I often refer to specific cameras, the basic camera settings can be applied to any digital SLR.

Two of the videos in this app – Top 21 People Photography Tips and Top Ten Digital Photography Tips – feature some of my favorite digital SLR pictures from around the world, accompanied with how-to tips, of course!

This is a basic, or starter, app about lighting. However, as you will see, pros use many of these techniques and accessories to get great shots. (Yes, we are already working on Light It II! for the iPhone and iPad!)

The movies, shot by Emmy-award winner David Leveen, are divided into five sections:
Basics: 33 Minutes
Outdoors: 15 Minutes
In Your Home: 16 Minutes
On-Location: 12 Minutes
Studio Shooting: 23 Minutes

The total viewing time is about 1.5 hours.What’s more, I have included more than100 end-result pictures in the app to illustrate the techniques I discuss in the lessons. So in effect, the app is taking a private lesson with me – but only at your own pace.


The app was developed by Craig Ellis of Great Oak Software. In discussing the app, Craig said, “My goal with the design of Light It Light! was to make it an intuitive yet rich learning experience that showcases Rick’s favorite lessons that are embodied in beautiful videos and before/after photographs. His lessons are fun and easy to follow where he makes learning fast – so user experience supports that flow. I am especially proud of look and feel where iPhone users should be immediately familiar, comfortable, and productive using the app to become seasoned photographers in taking better people pictures by learning from the teachings of Rick Sammon.”

My other apps: Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet, co-developed with Dr. Dave Wilson; Rick Sammon’s Social Media Marketing for Photographers, co-developed by Juan Pons, my business partner in the Digital Photo Experience (www.dpexperience.com); Life Lessons We Can Learn From Mother Nature, also developed by Juan Pons, and Butterfly Wonders, another Pons/Sammon app.

I hope you enjoy this app. Let me know by shooting me an email at ricksammon at mac.com.


Explore the Light – and explore the joy of people photography.
Rick

New News at DPE!

The DPE podcast that I co-host along with Juna Pons has become so popular that we will now be focusing all of our collective DPE energy on the podcast.

I will keep posting stuff here on a regular basis. Hey, maybe I can get Juan to post a few articles here, too!

We have being interviewing more and more of today’s top pros, and have been answering more and more of your questions. Keep ‘em coming.

Not to worry. We are not doing away with the blog completely. Rather, we will post photo tips and product news articles from time to time.

We will change the look of the DPE website a bit in the coming weeks to reflect this new focus.

Click here for a list of our past podcasts.

To subscribe to the regular audio podcast, click here.

To subscribe to the irregular video instructional podcast, click here.

To send us a question, send an email to: rick@dpexperience.com.

Thank you all for listening and for making the Digital Photo Experience podcast one of the leading photography podcasts on the internet, and we look forward to getting your questions.

Best,
Rick and Juan

Google is Too Cool

Today was too much fun! I gave a talk on digital photography to a group of talented photographer at the Googleplex. The talk was recorded and will be available on YouTube in about three weeks (stay tuned for info).

Thanks to Trey Ratcliff for putting me in contact with the Google Guys.

Some thoughts on Google:

• It's like a college campus - lots of young people, some of which ride around on the special Google bicycles.

• Food is great! Something for everyone. Today was Meatless Monday.

• Many hybrid cars in the parking lots. Many!!!! Go Google!

• Looks like a very fun place to work.. and play! I saw a deck of about 250 Magic cards.

• Security guards are very friendly.

• Beautiful gardens - accented with art.

• I think I was the oldest person on campus today . . .

Explore the light - when you are not Googling!

Rick

Final Sunset Shoot At The California Photo Festival

I just wanted to share with you my favorite shot from last night's photo shoot on the beach here at the California Photo Festival.

Hope to see you next year!

Explore the light,

rick

P.S. Tech info: Canon 7D, Canon 70-200mm f/4.

HDR the Right Way?

Today was the day for my HDR workshop here at the California Photo Fest. We had tons of fun making HDR images, as opposed to simply taking HDR images.

For example, both of the cars in these photographs were carefully moved into position for the shots. Originally, the were parked facing in the opposite direction.

When I first ventured into the world of HDR, I met someone who said that he teaches HDR "the right way." Well, I feel that there really is no "right way"when it comes to HDR. The end-result is up the individual photographer. For example, the top image is a realistic HDR image; the bottom image in a artistic HDR image.

Top image: Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro.

Bottom image: Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro plus Topaz Adjust.

For info on HDR Efex Pro (and discount) and Topaz Adjust, click here.

So when it comes to HDR, follow your heart.

Explore the light,

Rick

New Tool For Cool HDR

If you are into HDR, check out the new Promote. This cool, remote-control accessory plugs into your camera and makes taking multiple images for an HDR image fast and easy. You choose your setting and the Promote sets your camera to take the HDR sequence automatically.

You can read more about the Promote here.

Want some tips on HDR imaging? Click here.

And for more info, click here.

Explore the light,

Rick

Take a Fun Photo This Week

Here's a fun idea! Take a funny photo this week! It will make you look at your world differently - in more way than one.

Explore the light,
Rick

Fore! My Latest iPad App Can Help Improve Your Golf Game!

Fore! My latest app, Skip Marini Golf Lessons, is here.The app includes 15 video lessons, hosted by yours truly, for both the beginner and intermediate golfer.

Here is the intro movie for the app, and here is a lesson from the app.

To celebrate the release of this app, Skip and I are giving away 9 free redeem codes (as in the back nine). I hope you can grab one. Please note that it is Apple's policy that these codes are only good in the U.S. - and that the redeem policy is Apple's, not ours.

AYENAJX3N7RY
N49J7L6FMT7J
RNRKYXTJ9PWP
EERHKLAJ6WPJ
3NJAFFNR64LX
WFELNFWRMLLA
YL39EWHPKRY3
4KHRX4FML6NT
JR6YYKL43PNF

Watch as I temporarily trade in my Canon 5D for a 5 iron – and as the teacher becomes the student! In the easy-to-follow and fun video lessons, all shot in beautiful Westchester, New York, Skip and I show you how to get out of trouble, whether in the rough, in a sand trap or under a tree.

Skip will show you how to correctly set yourself up when addressing the ball, and make sure your drive is straight and long. You’ll learn how to hit the “flop shot” for that high and soft landing on the green – as well as a great method for practicing your putting.


The movies, shot by Emmy-award winner David Leveen, are divided into five sections: Basics: The Setup, Ball Position, Hand Position for the Full Swing, The Drive, Ball Trajectory, and Weight Transfer.


Skip's Tips include:

Wedge Shots: Using the Sand Wedge around the Green and in the Sand.

Chip Shots: Above the Hole, Below the Hole and the “Flop Shot."

Putting: How to Putt and Practicing Your Putting Stroke.

Trouble: Getting Out of the Rough and Out From Under a Tree.


The app was developed by Craig Ellis of Great Oak Software (www.greatoaksoftware.com). In discussing the app, Craig said, “As a weekend golfer myself who is always looking to improve my game, it was a pleasure being part of the foursome to create Skip Marini Golf Lessons. The app contains valuable techniques helping you learn to shave strokes off your score allowing you to enjoy the game of golf even more. The instructions video lessons are fun and easy to follow in an intuitive user interface where its like getting several private lessons from Golf Pro Skip Marini right in the comfort and convenience of your iPad."

We are pleased to offer this great iPad application for the special introductory price of 1.99 US. On Oct 31, the price will go back to the list price of 2.99 US.

We are working on an iPhone edition with targeted availability by the end of September.

Explore the light - and explore the course!
Rick
P.S. Friends! Don't worry. I am not giving up my 5D for a 5 iron. But heck, we all need to relax sometime, right? :-)

Rick's Nik HDR Efex Pro Webinar Now Available

In case you missed it, my Nik HDR Efex Pro one-hour webinar is now available on line. Good HDR info, great HDR program.

You can save some $ on all of Nik Software's plug-ins by clicking here and using this code upon checkout: RSAMMON.

Click here to view the HDR webinar.

Explore the light,

Rick

Hey! Come on one of my Hudson River Photography Workshops and create HDR images like the one you see here. The buddhist temple is only 30 minutes from my home. It's a favorite spot among workshop participants.

Got Wildlife Photography Questions? We've Got Answers.

Got questions on wildlife photography? Email me and we'll try to use them on our DPE podcast. rick@dpexeprience.com. First come first serve.

Explore the light,
Rick

Oops & Thanks!

Hey, I'm the first to admit a mistake, and the first to give credit where credit is due.

Frode Orvedal-Kiil (gotta be a real name 'cause you can't make up a name like that), wrote and kindly said that I misspoke when I said, "For a softer light, move the light back."

Well, it must of been the pressure of being on camera (hee hee), because one of the very first things I learned about lighting (in 1978 no less) is that you move the light closer for a softer light.

So, the hard-fast rule is this: The larger the light, the softer the light; the closer the light, the softer the light.

Thanks Frode! I'll review the next video more closely next time. Seriously.

(This just in from Frode: Thank you translates into 'Tusen takk', which means 'a thousand thank yous'. The short version of it is just 'Takk', as you use Thanks. )

Explore the light – the close-up light, that is.
Rick

P.S. Check out the recent portraits on my blog. Most have soft and flattering lighting – because, as Frode knows, the light was relatively close to the subject.

Thank You iTunes!

Wow.... Light It! has only been out about two weeks, and iTunes has selected the app for its iPad News and Noteworthy page. Thank you iTunes.

For info on the app, click here.

Explore the light,
Rick

Backlight is Nice Light

Here's another image from the Westcott NJ event. See post below for info on the event (and upcoming events), model, basic lighting set-up.

For this image, in addition to the main light (Canon 580 EX II) that was positioned on-camera and bounced into a reflector, we positioned a second camera flash (Canon 580 EX II) behind the subject for what's called "Hollywood Lighting."

Try this type of lighting, you'll like it. Experiment with reducing the flash output of the second flash so that you don't blow out all the hair highlights.

Seminar attendee Joseph Konrad took the original photograph (with my Canon 5D Mark II and 24-105mm lens). I enhanced the image a bit in Photoshop (Diffuse Glow filter) and with Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro. Get a discount on Nik Software by clicking here.

I used the Canon ST-E2 to fire both flashes remotely. For wireless flash photography, also try the PocketWizards.

Explore the light,
Rick

To learn more about lighting, check out my latest app, Light It!

Bounce Lighting + Basic Skin Softening = Cool Photo

Westcott kicked off its nationwide Top Pro Tour yesterday in NJ with yours truly. As usual, I handed over my tethered Canon 5D Mark II camera and let several of the participants shoot!

Oh yeah! Before it was my turn to present, Dave Piazza illustrated the beautiful lighting effects that can be achieved with constant lights (Spyder Lights). So, it was Dave on constant lights and me on flash. :-)

The lighting for the above image was simple: We bounced my camera-mounted Canon Speedlite 580 EX flash into a Westcott large reflector, which softened and spread the light.

Here is one of my favorite images, shot by one of the participants. It started out as a color file, which I converted to black-and-white using Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro. I added the drop shadow and thin black line in Photoshop.

To soften the model's skin, I used this skin-softening technique in Photoshop:
- Duplicate the layer.
- Change the blending mode of the top layer to Overlay.
- Go to Filters > Others > High Pass.
- Press Command/I.
At this point, the entire top layer should be softly blurred.
- Use the eraser tool over the eyes and mouth to sharpen those areas.

Thanks to all the photographers who participated in this fun event! And thanks to our model, Laurence Yang, for helping to make the photographs look great. Tip: never underestimate the importance of a good subject.

I hope you can join some of my photographer friends in the other stops on the Top Pro Tour! You can save $20 by using this code when you register: TPT7231.

To learn more about lighting, check out my latest app, Light It!

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. You can get a 15% discount on Silver Efex Pro, and all Nik plug-ins, here.

Hudson River Photography Workshops: Week One Wrap Up

Week One of my Hudson River Photography Workshops came to a close tonight – after a great day in the studio, wonderful pizza party and nice sunset. As always, we had a small, intimate group – so everyone had the opportunity to shoot and get personal digital darkroom advice.

We are preparing for Week Two, which begins in two weeks. Can't wait for the photo fun to begin – again!

Here are some shots from the workshop. Above: New Croton Dam (HDR). Photographer: Keith Plumstead.


Above: Bella Paula in our local bed and breakfast. Photographer: Ellen Harasimowicz.

Above: Buddhist Monastery (HDR pano). Photographer: Tom Barry.

Above: Keith Plumstead sizes up his first HDR pano print – which I printed on my Canon IPF 6350 printer.

Above: Controlling the light in the studio. Westcott light controllers were used to control the light from a flash. The little device that's attached to my flash (top right) is the Rogue FlashBender. The Rogue FlashBender is an very affordable accessory for enhancing the light from a flash. Photographer: Susan Sammon.

Above: Our small, intimate great group of talented photographers. Photographer: Susan Sammon.

Thanks to everyone for making the event productive, successful, rewarding and... fun!

Explore the light,
Rick

Snapshot to Great Shot: Painting With Light

The talented students on week one of my Hudson River Photography Workshop are getting some great shots – from dawn to dark. I'll be posting more photographs here in a few days, but for now, I wanted to share with you an image that was certainly a group effort.

After one of our group dinners, several of the photographers dropped by my studio to do some painting with light photography.

The photographers:
Tom Barry
Jay Clark
Ellen Harasimowicz
Angela Marshall
Lisa Acinkewics

The opening image for this post is the painting with light image. Info:
Camera on a tripod
Five-second exposure
ISO 200
F/11
Subject held almost perfectly still

The basic technique: Use a small, low-power flashlight and "paint" the subject with light. After several attempts, you'll get the desired effect. If the subject is too light, reduce your ISO setting - and vice-versa. You can also vary the exposure by changing the aperture. You can also change the exposure by changing the flashlight-to-subject distance, and by changing the speed at which you move the light.

The other photo is a boring, on-camera flash shot that shows how a snapshot can be turned into a great shot.

Have fun with this one.

I hope to see you on one of my workshops. . . which are great fun!

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. I added the lens flare effect in Photoshop using the Lens Flare filter. I also cloned-out some of the background to make it go almost perfectly black. And, that's an "R" on the left - painted with the flashlight.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

On my workshops, I am asked to offer suggestions on how to make a photograph better.

Well, I thought I'd turn the tables, so to speak. Here is one of my favorite photographs (long-skirt Miao women) from a workshop I organized to remote China last year. Scroll down on this page to see more images.

So the question is: How would you have posed the subject in this situation? What would you have done differently? Let me know. I really would be interested. (As you will see in the addition to this post below, I actually thought of some of your good ideas!)

If you post your comments here, all can see.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. An after-post addition.

Thank you for you comments. Here are a few pictures that address some of the good suggestions - applied to other photographs. Three from China, one from Kenya.

Above: Subject off-center.


Above: Subjects in context.

Above: Head and shoulder shot.

Above: Black background.

Again, thanks to all for playing along.

NYC SoHo Photo Exhibit: Travels

What fun (and what work)! I just finished making most of the prints (on my Canon IPF 6350 printer using Canon Satin paper) for my NYC SoHo Photo exhibit, Travels, which opens on December 7th and runs for about a month. I hope you can stop by and say hello - and ask questions about printing, photography and traveling.

I'll be giving some free seminars around the exhibit, and I'll be doing a book signing on opening night. Shoot me an email at ricksammon at mac.com if you'd like to be on the list for info.

For some tips on printing, click here.

Explore the light,
Rick

Keyboard Shortcuts and Shorts for Today's Nik HDR Efex Pro Webinar

Wow! We had almost 1,000 folks from around the world logged in for my Nik HDR Efex Pro webinar today. Great fun.

The one-hour webinar was recorded. Stay tuned for a link. Below is a screen grab of my HDR preso.


For info on HDR Efex Pro, click here. You can save 15% on all Nik products by using this code upon checkout: RSAMMON.

As promised, here are the keyboard short cuts.

Shortcut Descriptions:
· Ctrl-p: Toggle preview image and default image view while held down
· Space: Toggle zoom or pan
· Cursors left/right: Decrement/increment global slider
· Shift-cursors left/right: Decrement/increment global slider by 10
· F, shift-f: Toggle fullscreen
· Tab: Toggle side panels
· Ctrl-z : Undo
· Ctrl-y: Redo
· Ctrl-shift-a: Add a control point (ESC for abort)
· Alt-mousedrag: Duplicates a CP
· Ctrl-c: Copies a CP to clipboard
· Ctrl-v: Pastes a CP from clipboard
· Cursors: Move super selected CP
· Cursors left/right: Decrement/increment CP slider
· Shift-cursors left/right: Decrement/increment CP slider by 10
· Cursors up/down: Select previous/next CP slider
· Ctrl-g: Group CPs
· Ctrl-shift-g: Ungroup CPs
· Ctrl-d: Duplicate CPs
· Backspace, delete: Delete CPs

Hey, if you want to shoot HDR, join one of my workshops!

Explore the light,
Rick
P.S. My friends at Nik told me I did not have to get dressed up for the webinar :-)

iPad App Back to School Special Sale

Well, it's back to school time once again. I can't believe how fast the summer fly by!

Many of the stores here in my neighborhood are having "back to school" sales. So, I thought it would be a good idea to put some of my apps on sale for a limited time.


Butterfly Wonders and Life Lessons We Can Learn From Mother Nature are on sale for $0.99 each.

For info on all my apps, click here.

Enjoy the fall!

Best,
Rick

Trying to Chill Out in NY

Man o' man is it hot here in NY! In an effort to chill out, I was looking at some of the photographs that I took in the sub-Arctic a few years ago. Here's one of my favorites.

And here's an article about shooting in the snow. Archive it so that when it is chilly and snowing, you are ready to get great shots.

Keep cool!

Best,
Rick

What My Son Will Learn at College

We dropped our son off at Tufts University (very welcoming atmosphere) today. He's a sophomore.

I snapped this iPhone pix in the Men's room on his floor.

I am sure he'll get a great education! :-)

Rick