Friday's Fab Photographer - George Howard

Each Friday, I try to run a post here: Friday's Fab Photographer. This week's fab photographer is George Howard.



Take it away George.

Thanks Rick for the invitation to be featured in your blog. It is indeed an honor.

As an avid amateur photographer, my favorite type of photo session is one where I wander the streets, or the trails, looking for compelling images. A few years ago I was struggling to find such images in my local environs. Unless I was traveling to places new to me I could find little to inspire me enough to squeeze the shutter button. 

About the same time as I realized I had developed this photographer's block, I became dissatisfied with the layout of my website which grouped my images in such uninspired categories as landscapes, portraits and miscellaneous. It eventually occurred to me that I needed a theme, some underlying notion that ran through a series of photographs; something specific to seek during photo sessions that could be subsequently displayed in a cohesive group. 

Now when I wander out with my camera in hand I am mindful of the various series I have working. This approach keeps those areas I regularly traverse fresh as I look for the combination of the right light and one of those underlying notions. A beneficial side effect of this approach is that I tend to keep a camera with me more frequently since I hate to come across a perfect candidate for one of my series with no way to capture it. 

One final note, developing a strong series takes time. Several mediocre images even though tied together by a great notion remain mediocre to the casual viewer, so be patient in the building of your series

Rick previously featured two images from my Shadow Boxing series. Here are two more.

The next two are from my Window World Series.

You can view some of my series at www.georgefhoward.com – with more coming soon to SmugMug. I also have a Photo of the Week mailing list that presents one of my images each week along with some insight into why the image works. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, contact me through my site.

Thank you again Rick for sharing your space with me.  May your light always be right.

New View at New Croton Dam

My Croton Creative Workshops students spent yesterday morning taking pictures at the New Croton Dam.

Here's a cool, new view taken by workshop participant, John Davis.

For more of John's work, see his site.

More pix to come.

I run the Croton Creative Workshop twice a year. For info, contact me.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. Below is a shot I took on a previous Croton Creative Workshop. Croton is a great place to shoot!

ricksammon@mac.comricksammon@mac.com

Crop My Pictures and You're a Dead Man

"Crop My Pictures and You're a Dead Man."


That's what I used to tell my book publishers (when I used to write books rather than producing apps – where I have total control over cropping).

Of course, I told the publishers  in a much kinder and gentler manner. :-)

Basically, I suggested that the art directors not crop my pictures in any form or fashion - because a careful crop is important to the overall composition of the image.

The point of this post is to encourage you to carefully crop your images - as a careful crop can turn even a snapshot into a much more effective and dramatic photograph.

I took the pictures in this post on my Mt. Rainier workshop that I co-lead with Juan Pons last week.

Above:
I dramatically cropped my full-frame images into strongly vertical images. More than half the original images were cropped out. These are Canon 5D Mark II images.

Below:
I dramatically cropped my full-frame images into strongly horizontal images. More than two-thirds of the original images were cropped out. These are Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D images.

For all these images, I shot with the end result (a strong crop) in mind. So the tip here is crop as carefully as you can in camera, but always keep in mind how you will crop your image in Lightroom or Photoshop.

So crop to your heart's content.



If you want some personal advice on cropping, maybe a Tough Love portfolio review session may just what you need.

Explore the light,
Rick

New App for California Photo Fest

The California Photo Fest Has a Cool New App!

And... I have the honor of being the keynote speaker at the event.

Hope to see you there!

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. Click here to see all my apps.

In-studio creativeLive Students Selected

For those of you who are new to creativeLive, it's an on-line class that's free during the studio class. My class is October 21 - 23. From now until then, you can purchase the class (for at-your-leisure-anytime-watching) at a discount: $99.

Part of the deal is that cL asks photographers who want to be in the studio during the class to submit videos. The photographers who produce the most fun and most creative and most passionate videos get picked.

Below are the winning 6 videos for my class. Congratulations to all. I look forward to the photo fun - but keep in mind that I will put you to work . . . especially during the studio lighting demos.

The folks at creativeLive will contact you soon about the details. For now, shoot me an email so I can say hi!

For those who did not get picked, thank you so much for making the videos. Keep shooting and tune in during the weekend - and tweet to say hi!

The winning vidoes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgUllmyLnoY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i14vmZuuw8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDFNRQzQ0Wk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBbxzvjkpW0

http://whyishouldbeonsammonlive.dhrumildesai.me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0ZhVslK-vY&feature=share

Yes! The focus of my class will be on still photography, but I also have a Business/Social Media session that I don't think you want to miss. I will cover Google+ and other social media outlets. Here's my Google+ page if you want to see what I'm up to.

As an added "thank you" to the in-studio students, I'll be brining a copy of my Creating HD Videos with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon 7D DVD - which is also available as a download. Yes, my class is about still photography - but I encourage all still photographers to get into shooting HD videos, too.

Hey, if you like hands-on learning, check out all my live workshops.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. One of the winners, Chris, is a guitar player. Chris, I am trying to get two guitars for the Shoot Rick session at the end of the class! Creative lighting will be the goal.

To HDR or Not to HDR? That is the question

Yesterday, I announced a Mac version of my best-selling iHDR how-to app.

Sure, I enjoy creating HDR images, and I suggest to all my workshops students that they master HDR imaging.

However, I always stress that as good and as powerful and as much fun as HDR can be, there is a time and a place for HDR. Here's why: HDR can ruin the mood of a scene. And after all, the mood or feeling, is the most important part of an image.

I took the photograph that opens this post at Mt. Rainier last week. I could have used HDR to open up the shadows, but I feel as though the shadows create the mood of this peaceful and beautiful setting.

Remember:
Shadows are the soul of a photograph.
Shadows add a sense of depth and dimension to a photograph.
Shadows can be your friend.

So embrace HDR technology, but always keep the mood of the image in mind - first and foremost.

I teach HDR on almost all of my workshops.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. I'll be talking more about the mood of a photograph in my creativeLive class in October. Register today for this free class.

Got a Mac? Get Ready for My iHDR App Mac Attack

What? Run an iPad App on Your Macintosh? Yes!

Well, sort of. You can't actually run an iPad app, like my iHDR iPad app, on the Mac, so Dr. Dave Wilson, the app developer, converted my iHDR app - which is a how-to app and does not create HDR images -  into a true Macintosh application.

How cool is that!

It took many weeks of detailed, gut-wrenching, exhaustive work, sometimes without food or water (locked in a hatch*), but the results are awesome.

With this technology, you can download iHDR from the Mac App Store and run it on any Mac computer from MacBook Air to a giant Mac Pro.  Cost is $9.99.

You can only get the OSX app in the Mac App Store on your Mac. So be sure to open this App Store icon on your Mac.

You buy the iPad version of iHDR  in the iPhone/iPad App Store, or in iTunes. See link below.

Get the iPad edition, $4.99, from iTunes or your iPad App Store. Click here for more info and to order.

To see all my apps, click here.

If you like HDR photography, I join one of my workshops. We shoot and process HDR - even if you have a PC :-)

Explore the light,

Rick

* If you saw the TV series Lost, you got the "hatch" joke.

Friday's Fab Photographer: Morgana Creely

This week's Friday's Fab Photographer is Morgana Creely.


Thank you for this great opportunity. :)


Above:
This image was the most challenging to create in that I wanted the shot to look like it was lit entirely with the ambient light in the room and from the window. In fact it is a mixture of ambient and Speedlight [small flash].

The unmodified Speedlight was positioned fairly low to the ground, pointing from the right of room towards the model to mimic light from the window. This allowed me to light the model’s face [which otherwise would have been in darkness] without throwing additional shadows on the back wall.

Above:
One of my favourite images, this was shot very early one morning in a local cemetery. We had permission from the caretaker to shoot within the premises and in a location like this are always respectful of the location.

The model is lit by a single unmodified Speedlite which is placed on the outside of the fence railing to create the shadows.


The outfits for these shoots were sourced from my props wardrobe or the models with the exception of the colour “bus stop” outfit which was rented for less than $100.  Whilst I am very fortunate to have studio lights, when I’m on location I rely entirely on my Speedlights.

The old adage is true; it’s not what you got, it’s what you do with it.

A big thank you to Rick Sammon for the guest blog.

Links:

Website: www.morganacreely.com
Blog: http://mcreely.blogspot.com/
Workshops: www.imagesthattellstories.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MorganaCreely

Sunrise Wonders and Wonderful Waterfalls in Mt. Rainier

Day one of the Mt.Rainier workshop that I am co-leading with DPE podcast co-host Juan Pons was spectacular. Here are a few of my shots - and a few tips.

Above: Expose for the highlights. Move the histogram to the right - but make sure you don't have spike on the right. Also, get up super early to capture the sunrise. You can rest when you are dead. :-)

Above: Use slow shutter speeds to blur moving water. Start with a 1 second exposure and then try 2, 3 and 4 second exposures.

Above: Compose with different lenses. Here I used a Canon 14mm lens on my Canon 5 D Mark II to capture an extremely wide-angle view of the this beautiful waterfall. The lens is actually "seeing" ahead and down at the same time.

Above: Look for texture. The moss surrounding this waterfall adds a nice texture to the flowing water.

Explore the light,

Rick

P.S. Want to have more fun with your photography? Come on one of my photo workshops.

My Latest Dumb Luck Shot

It's day 1 of the Mt. Rainier workshop that I am co-leading with my friend/DPE podcast co-host Juan Pons. 


After a fun pizza party with the group, we saw this amazing scene behind our hotel. 


We ran back to our rooms, grabbed our cameras and tripods and took a few quick shots. I used my Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 24-105mm IS lens for this capture.


Talk about dumb luck shots.


The color image is below. Because the scene was monochromatic, I played around with filters in Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro - and really liked the High Structure filter.

FYI: You can save 15% on Silver Efex Pro (and all Nik Plug-ins) if you use this code - RSAMMON - upon check-out on the Nik web site.


I hope you can join me on a workshop some day. We have lots of fun.


Explore the light,
Rick

See the Light and Get it Right

I love Lightroom and Photoshop - and all the digital enhancements these programs have to offer. What fun!

I love plug-ins - and all the fun we can have with the cool and creative effects that are available to us with the click of a mouse or tap of a Wacom stylus.

I like stand-along HDR digital imaging programs, such as Photomatix Pro.

But I love something even more about photography: getting it right in camera - so I can spend more time shooting (and exercising) and less time sitting at my computer. 

(Flash back to the slide film days: We had to get it right - otherwise we were screwed.)

Getting it right in camera is what I suggest (preach) on my workshops: how to get the best possible in-camera exposure. That starts with seeing the light - the contrast range in a scene, the direction of light, the color of light and the quality of light.

Next: controlling the light - with a reflector, diffuser or flash. These accessories have something very important in common: they reduce the contrast range in a scene. We must see the contrast range in a scene to get a good exposure.

Next: check the histogram on the camera's LCD monitor to make sure the highlights are not washed out: look for the spike on the right. About the shadows: shadows can be your friend - so I sometimes don't mind if they are blocked up.

And guess what? It's really not that hard to get it right in camera. Using just one light, a Canon 580 EX II Speedlite in a Westcott softbox, I got a perfect exposure when I took my "Girl With a Pearl Earring" photograph with my Canon 5D Mark II. So, after opening the file in Lightroom, I made virtually no adjustments - and then went for a walk.

So my friends, try to get it right in camera. That's one of the things I will be doing during my creativeLive class in October. More than 6,000 photographers have already registered – so I hope you can join the photo fun. The more the merrier.

Explore the light - and capture the light the right way,

Rick

Here are the links to some of the products mentioned in this post:

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Canon 580EX II Speedlite

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Westcott Apollo

Westcott 2331 28-Inch Apollo Flash Kit

Rick Sammon's Tote - Reflector/Diffuser Kit

 

Photomatix Pro
You can save 15% when you order Photomatix by using this code: ricksammon.

The Photographer's Eye - Part II

This is Part II of a two-part post on The Photographer's Eye. Click here to read Part I.


As a photographer, you see the world differently than a non-photographer. That's kinda cool.

You look at the world around you, as opposed to someone who just sees the world - which is akin to listening to music as opposed to hearing music. Big difference.



And speaking of the photographer's vision, here are some things to think about.


Above: Look for elements you - or viewers of your photographs - may recognize. Do you see the heart in the water under the pier.

Above: Always envision the end result in the digital darkroom – as I did when I photographed these emperor penguins in Antarctica. 

Above: Look for shadows in a scene. Shadows are the soul of the photograph.

Above: Get inspired by looking at the work of master painters, as I did when I saw the painting - Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer.

Above: See the light - the contrast range in a scene, as well as the direction, color and quality of light. It's all about light.

Above: Know when to shoot HDR - when the contrast range is extreme.

The image above was created with Photomatix. You can save 15% when you order Photomatix by using this code: ricksammon. 


If you would like to join other photographers who enjoy seeing and picturing their world, join one of my workshops. We see and shoot all day long. I can also show you some Photoshop and Lightroom enhancements.


Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. If you can't make a workshop, my app, Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet, has many examples of seeing.

Some Tips for Photographing Birds in Flight

Photograph by Chris Klapheke

If you will be attending one of my 2011 Bosque del Apache workshops, which I am leading with Juan Pons and Chris Klapheke, go ahead and bookmark this page and read it again before the workshops. You'll also find several useful links at the end of this post.

Photo Tips:

Photograph by Rick Sammon

• Bring wide-angle and telephoto lenses so you can "tell the whole story" of the adventure.
• A 400mm lens may be long enough for your shot. You get very close to the birds.
• For sunrise and pre-sunrise shots, you'll need a tripod.
• Set you camera up for back-button focus, so you can focus and shoot independently from each other.
• Bring a flashlight (head mounted flashlights are best) so you can see what you are doing during the pre-dawn hours.
• The "blast off" happens at dawn. Don't miss it. However, there are plenty of other bird photography opportunity throughout the day around the ponds.
• During the midday hours, shoot HDR in and around Socorro, where you'll most likely be staying.
• Use slow speeds to add a sense of motion to your pictures.
• Use a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to "freeze" birds in flight.
• Take bird portraits and environmental portraits.

Travel Tips:

Photograph by Rick Sammon

• Dress very, very warmly for the early morning shoots. It can be well below freezing.
• Pack hand and toe warmers.
• Gloves? A must.
• Dress in layers, because it warms up fast.
• Whatever you do, don't miss the Green Chile Cheeseburger at the Owl Bar and Cafe - on you way to and from the "blast off" area. Look for me there!
• Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen. And hat.
• Drive carefully on your way from Albuquerque to Socorro. The crosses on the side of the road illustrate why....

Here are some links to posts on bird photography and my some of my other workshops:

Photograph by Rick Sammon

Tips for photographing birds in flight

More tips and accessories for bird photography

Get the most out of a photo workshop

Photographing Birds in Flight

For great prices/service/advice on accessories, check out Outdoor Photo Gear.

Explore the light,
Rick

9.20.11 Tuesday's Talented Twitter Find: Elle Patarroyo

This week's Tuesday's Talented Twitter Find is Elle Patarroyo.

I like this shot because it's a very different view of the subject - with very creative lighting. I also like the negative space

About My Tuesday's Talented Twitter Find: Each Tuesday (when I am not traveling) I will pick a talented photographer I find on Twitter - and promote the talented photographer here on my blog and on twitter, etc.

Nice work Elle.

Rick

P.S. If you are not following me on Twitter, click here to keep up to date with what I'm doing. And, keep posting interesting photo stuff on Twitter!

One on One Photo Session - In Your Home via Skpe

I offer one on one photo sessions in our home via Skype. I can help you with your photography and Photoshop/Lightroom techniques. 


Not sure about this? Check out the Comments for this post.

Here's how it works: 


1) You shoot me an email and we set a time. I am on NY time. 
2) You prepay with PayPal. $95 for the one-hour session.
2a) PayPal account: ricksammon@mac.com.
3) You send me a link to your work.
4) You tell me your time zone.
5) You tell me your goals.
6) Half-hour follow up sessions are $40.

If you live in the U.S., I'll include an autographed copy of my book, Exploring the Light as part of the session. Shipping and custom forms makes international shipping difficult.

Why choose me to review your work? Well, I have been involved with photography since 1978, when I began interviewing some of the photography greats. I have also written 36 books and have 7 apps. Plus, I do lots of on-line training, lead workshops and give seminars. And, before turing pro, I worked in the an advertising/PR agency for 10 years, so I have some experience with marking your work. I also teach social media marketing.

Explore the light,
Rick

Photo Plus Expo: Speedlite Seminars and Sammon at SmugMug

If you are planning on going to Photo Plus Expo in NYC in Oct, swing by and check out my two Speedlite Shooting Sessions at the Canon Speedlite booth:


Thursday 1 PM
and
Saturday 10 AM

I'll also be speaking on the main stage at the Canon booth:


Saturday 1:45 PM

If you would like to master your flash, I give a course called Master Your Flash in Croton on Hudson, NY which is about one hour north of NYC.

For app learning, I have lighting info in two of my apps:
Light It!
and
Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet.

• • • 

And look for me at the SmugMug booth, where Andy Williams and I will answer your questions for a special edition of the DPE Podcast. Juan Pons may even join us. Days/times:

Thursday 11 AM
Friday 3 PM 

Explore the light,
Rick

The Photographer's Eye: Part I

This is Part I of a two-part post. Part II to come later this week.

As a photographer, you see the world differently than a  non-photographer. That's kinda cool.

You look at the world around you, as opposed to someone who just sees the world - which is akin to listening to music as opposed to hearing music. Big difference.

You seek out interesting subjects, as I did when I looking for animals to photograph in the Costa Rican rain forest on a recent workshop that I co-lead with my friend Rob Knight.

Had I not been looking, I would not have spotted the well-camflouged Jesus Christ lizard in the scene below.

Yes, I used a few Photoshop enhancements to make the subject stand out in the photograph - because I wanted you to see this amazing animal.

So you should feel prod of yourself! You see light, forms, colors and shapes - as well as faces - in your own unique way. That's what makes you a photographer. Again, that's kinda cool.

If you would like to join other photographers who enjoy seeing and picturing their world, join one of my workshops. We see and shoot all day long. I can also show you some Photoshop and Lightroom enhancements that will help make your subjects stand out in a scene.

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. If you can't make a workshop, my app, Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet, has many examples of seeing.