Sammonisms – Speed-Learning Advice

with Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon

Steve BrazillJanuary 28, 2021

I find myself quoting Rick Sammon often, very often. Rick has these little sayings he uses, and he even has a name for them… Sammonisims. When I found out that he had a new class about these sayings over at KelbyOne I knew I had to have him back on the show to talk about it.

The class is called “Sammonisms – Speed-Learning Advice for Making Awesome Photographs”, and trust me when I say this should be a good one. I’m already a fan of anything on KelbyOne, and these sayings, these “Sammonisms”, are like little infectious tips.

Rick Sammon is a legend, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Every time I talk with him I am amazed at how much he enjoys what he does, his photography, educating others, from amateurs to pros, and living life. Along with his wife Susan, Rick is honestly one of the best there is, and I learn something every time we chat. It’s no wonder he is affectionately known as The Godfather of Photography.

An award winning photographer, Rick is a Canon Explorer of Light. A tireless, prolific and inspirational image-maker, he is one of the most active photographers I know. His enthusiasm for digital imaging is contagious, making photography fun, creative, exciting and rewarding for others. He even does private coaching. Yeah, private coaching from Rick Sammon. That would be awesome. In the education area, Rick has around 20 classes on KelbyOne, not to mention a wonderful interview he did with Kalebra Kelby (who in her own right is an amazing photographer that does stuff with an iPhone I wish I could do).

Rick is also an author, with more photography books than anyone I know to his credit. I even have a small bit in his recent book “Photo Quest: Discovering Your Photographic & Artistic Voice“, which is a photography book… without pictures. It’s is actually one of the best books on photography I have seen. I have a small contribution in his previous book, “Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom: Discovering the Power of Pictures” – too, such an honor.

Rick is an avid podcaster, and has built his Photo Therapy Facebook Group into a wonderful resource for photographers of all levels.

I asked Rick once how he describes his photography, and he answered “evolving,” I kinda dig that description. He even hesitates to categorize his work. He does it all, and enjoys the freedom of not specializing.

With as much experience as Rick brings to the table, this self-taught photographer has many accomplishments – and as Rick suggests, “When you are through changing, you are through”. As many times as Rick has been on the show, I always want to remind people that Rick’s partner is his wife Susan. While Rick seems to get the bulk of the attention, Susan deserves her own. Behind every successful person there is often a spouse, or special person that helps push them, guide them, and in many ways drive the success. I know that is the case for me, and in Rick’s case that is Susan. She is there on his workshops, and she is often a co-author on his books.

Join Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon and me as we take a closer look at one of his iconic portraits, taken in Death Valley, and as we explore his inspiring world of Sammonisms, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Rick

Rick’s Workshops, Seminars, and Coaching

Rick’s Books on Amazon

Rick’s Classes on KelbyOne

Rick’s Photographer Pick

Book Mentioned by Rick

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