top of page

Making Images with Impact

Pro photographer Rick Sammon offers some thoughts on getting creative at ground level with his iPhone and a Platypod camera base while exploring tulip fields with his wife in Upstate New York.


Here’s a quick photo tip: When you see a subject you want to photograph, ask yourself: “How can I capture an image that others might not take—a unique photograph that stands out from the crowd?”


That’s what Susan Sammon and I set out to do on a recent visit to a tulip farm in Upstate New York. Instead of snapping the usual flower photos, we aimed for something more creative.


My Creative Vision: Painterly Tulips


I envisioned a painterly-style photograph, as tulip fields often look like brushstrokes on canvas. I also wanted a unique perspective, shooting low to the ground with the goal of creating what I call an “image with impact.”


Making Images with Impact

Gear I Used


To bring this vision to life, I used:


Making Images with Impact

Behind the Shot


While tiptoeing through the tulips (so to speak) I found a group of tulips that felt just right.

Placing my setup on the ground, I composed the shot with the sun directly behind the tallest

tulip—a backlighting trick that gives a beautiful glow to the subject.


Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my setup.


After setting my iPhone’s self-timer, I captured a few frames. The photo at the top of this post is the final image, enhanced with a painterly finish using Topaz Impression by Topaz Labs.


Making Images with Impact

Use a Platypod When a Tripod Isn't Feasible


Whenever I need support but can't use a tripod, I reach for my Platypod camera base. It goes places other camera supports can't! Here are just a few of the photos my Platypod has helped make possible.



Susan’s Creative Eye


Before I go, a shoutout to Susan Sammon, who also loves exploring creative angles. Here's a fun iPhone selfie she captured during our tulip adventure.


Making Images with Impact

And here's one of Susan’s unique "looking up" shots—beautifully capturing the magic of these flowers.


Making Images with Impact

Good luck with all your photography. – Rick


Learn to Shoot Creatively With Only Your iPhone


Want to explore more creative techniques like this? Check out my KelbyOne class:

Comments


Leopard-in-tree-2,-Masai-Mara,-Kenya.jpg
hunts_specials.jpg
Tamron-Logo_Black_(2017).jpg
platypod.jpg
Delkin.jpg
breakthrough_edited.jpg
slickpic-logo-post.jpg
PictureCorrect-Cheat-Sheets.jpg
300x600_MD_PHOTOWONDER copy.jpg
bottom of page