The Pros

Rick Sammon

Called one of the “godfathers of photography” by some in the business, Rick Sammon has published 36 books, including Exploring the Light and Digital Photography Secrets. Rick’s newest big project is his app for the iPhone and iPod Touch: Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet – an e-book that offers 24/7 access to Rick’s best photo tips, tricks and techniques.

Rick’s book, Flying Flowers won the coveted Golden Light Award, and his book Hide and See Under the Sea won the Ben Franklin Award.

Rick, who has photographed in almost 100 countries, gives more than two dozen photography workshops (including private workshops) and presentations around the world each year.

Rick co-founded the Digital Photography Experience, an on-line digital photography learning center. He also co-hosts the bi-monthly Digital Photography Experience podcast, and five shows on kelbytraining.com.

Rick, who has been nominated for the Photoshop Hall of Fame, is considered one of today’s top digital imaging experts, cutting through lots of Photoshop “speak,” to make it fun, easy and rewarding to work and play in the digital darkroom.

When asked about his photo specialty, Rick says, “My specialty is not specializing.”

See www.ricksammon.com for more information.

Juan Pons

Juan A. Pons was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and has held a passionate interest in photography since high school. As a nature and wildlife photographer, he is a strong supporter of wildlife and natural habitat conservation and is a member of several conservation organizations.

Juan, his wife Abby, and their son Nathaniel live in North Carolina. Although much of his photography is focused on native wildlife in North Carolina, Juan and his family also travel frequently to other regions of interest, such as Yellowstone National Park, Puerto Rico, New England, and the Southwestern states. Juan never ceases to be amazed by the natural subjects he photographs and hopes that sharing his photographs will inspire others to appreciate and respect natural life. Juan shares his tips and experiences about wildlife photography on his website Wild Nature Photography.

Juan’s work has been featured on numerous publications, including Sierra Magazine, Nature Conservancy, Audubon Magazine, Audubon North Carolina, Wildlife in North Carolina, The Independent, and others.

Together with Rick Sammon, Juan co-founded the Digital Photography Experience, an on-line digital photography learning center. He also co-hosts the bi-monthly Digital Photography Experience podcast.

Juan also owns Wild Nature Tours, offering instructional photo workshops in Yellowstone and other locations in the US.

Hal “Bull” Schmitt

Hal Schmitt is the Director and Lead Instructor of LIGHT Photographic Workshops in Los Osos, California. Although new to the industry, Hal instructs all levels of photography, Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop as if he’d been shooting for decades. His workshops and photo tours are recognized around the world as incredible learning experiences.

While Hal first picked up a DSLR two years ago, his previous job was flying F/A-18 Hornets for the U.S. Navy. Hal has over 500 carrier landings, and also spent six years as one of the most respected and sought after instructors in the world teaching at TOPGUN, or the Navy Fighter Weapons School — one of the most intense, professional, and demanding schools found anywhere. There, Hal honed the teaching skills that he is so highly regarded for today.

As Director of the Lepp Institute, Hal was fortunate to train with photography and Photoshop’s best and brightest and is now an expert in all aspects of the digital workflow. Although the subject matter is a little slower and safer than flying fighter jets, Hal teaches his digital courses using the same techniques he mastered at TOPGUN. Polished and confident, but down to earth and approachable, Hal delivers an incredible workshop experience.