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.”

Gear I Used

To bring this vision to life, I used:

• iPhone 16 Pro

• Reeflex 220° fisheye lens

• Platypod Accessories:

  • Extreme – Basic camera support

  • Traveler – Compact/lightweight ball head

  • Disk – Versatile mounting plate

  • Grip – Sturdy smartphone holder

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.

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.

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

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:

Travel Photography Using Only Your iPhone