Digital Delray Days with Rick Sammon

I just got back from my one day workshop with Rick Sammon.  This workshop was hosted at the Colony Hotel in Delray Beach, FL.  This hotel was built in 1926 and still used the original elevator!  The Digital Delray Days was the first annual workshop.  It was limited to eight people so we could rub elbows with Rick.

After meeting at 8:00am the day started off with an introduction to HDR photography.  Then we moved onto working with a professional model.  This included some posing, etiquette, HDR photography, window lighting, and basic flash photography.  After lunch we got together and Rick showed us some post processing techniques.  The last part of the day was a walk down the streets of Delray.  Rick is a master at talking to complete strangers and convincing them that nine people (8+Rick) taking their photographs is a good idea.  Below is a list of pros and cons for the workshop.

Pros

• Very well instructed by Mr. Sammon:  You can always learn something from a workshop regardless of your skill level or years of experience (you just have to watch and listen).  Rick did a great job even with the different experience levels of the group.
• Beautiful Location:  Not only is the Colony Hotel beautiful but the area is nice as well.  The beach was only about 1/2 mile from the hotel.
• Small number of participants:  There was a class maximum of eight people.  This meant you got a chance for one on one instruction.
• Rick and his wife Susan:  They are great and friendly people.  They make you feel comfortable after just a few moments. 

Cons

• There is just not enough time in the day.  The workshop was very well planned out but if just felt a little rushed.  Rick and Susan noticed this right away and by the end of the day had taken a poll among us how many days they should be for next year.  This should not be a deal breaker at all... if you ever have the chance to spend the day with Rick and his wife.

The images shown in this post are just a few of what was captured.  Enjoy!

Pocket Wizards for the Nikon

 Pocket Wizards (PW) have interested me for a good bit of time. This system is designed to allow you to have iTTL (or E-TTL for Canon) control over your flashes off camera. Yes, Nikon has the CLS system that uses the flash from your camera or commander unit to have off camera flash but they are limited by line of sight. If you are outside the sun can limit it’s effectiveness as well. Until now they were only available for Canon cameras. The Nikon version of the PW exists!!! Better yet, I have them. I purchased a Mini TT1 (transmitter) and two Flex TT5 (transceiver) units so that I could control two off camera flash units. I also added the AC3 to allow full control of the flashes directly from the camera.

Below is what I see as the pro/con list.

Pros

• No line of sight required

• Range (800’)

• TTL function

• Flash Compensation from the camera

• Flash Compensation and Manual control available from the camera with optional ACR

• Mini TT1 has a low profile on the camera

• Can be used to trigger studio strobes

• USB upgradeable

Con

• Cost

• Size of the Flex 5 is larger than expected but still small

• When using the AC3 the camera no longer has an option to mount a flash. This is only useful for when you have a large group and you are looking to add a little fill in addition to the off camera. Not a deal breaker because you can always just remove the AC3 if have to

• AC3 dials are easily moved. I am a right eye shooter so when I go vertical my nose comes in contact with the dials and changes settings. Not a deal breaker because once I am used to this it will no longer be an issue.

• The instructions are painful to read but what would you expect from photo related manuals?