Intro by Chamira Young

With the arrival of summer comes the abundant inspiration of nature, including the breathtaking array of birds that cross our paths on a daily basis. As beautiful as our winged friends are, they can also be an outright challenge to shoot if you don't have the optimal gear or technique. That's where the Tamron team comes in! 

Today we wanted to bring a you a great instructional video from Tamron demonstrating how to use your very own backyard as a bird studio! Professional nature photographer David Akoubian shares the story of creating his backyard bird studio in the North Georgia mountains, and walks us through the steps for for taking great photos of birds in a backyard area. You'll love how detailed he gets about the process, his technique, and how the 150-600mm F/5-6.3 lens is the perfect piece of glass for the job.

If you've got a backyard (or access to a park), then you've got a built in bird studio! Check out the detailed video below to get great tips.

by Skip Cohen

Sometimes the fun of following what friends are doing in photography goes deeper than just a classic image. Rick Friedman was out and about in Boston last week, and The Boston Guardian used his editorial coverage to put together the photographs above.

While the title, "A Week of Pride and Disgust," reflects the opinion of the publication (and most of us) over the events, in terms of Rick's skill set as a journalist and a buddy, I've got nothing but PRIDE!

Years ago, well-respected wedding and portrait photographer and educator Monte Zucker was given a Photographer of the Year award by one of the associations. There were four photographers recognized in the presentation - two of them for their coverage of the tragedy of 9-11. I still remember Monte's words,

"I'm so honored to receive this award in the company of these other artists. You see, I get to photograph the way the world should be, while they photograph the world the way it is."

Well, Rick Friedman tells the stories the way they are!

Tamron USA has an outstanding rebate program going on right now. Click on any one of the lenses below to learn more about the gear Rick used in the editorial section above. And for information on Tamron's Summer Savings program, just click on the banner below.

by Skip Cohen

Most of us have been hunkered down for over two months, and while we're all tired of it, photography has been mentioned numerous times by artists as a key sanity-saver!

Never slowing down on their support for the imaging community, Tamron USA launched a new series, "Top Five at Five." It's a series of top five tips on various imaging types from some of the very best tech experts in photography. 

Social distancing has changed so much in our lives and certainly in the business of photography. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to build your skill set.

​I chose to share this short video from Ken Hubbard because it's all about landscape photography. Nobody does it better than Ken, and with each image, like the one above, he's showing you the before and after adjustment. 

So, take the next twenty-one minutes and watch the video below. You'll raise the bar on your landscape technique.

Then, regardless of where you live, once restrictions are lifted to allow you outside, put Ken's tips to use. Share the results with me. I'm always looking for great content to share and now's a perfect time.

"Sheltering in place" doesn't have to mean your skill set!

Check out all of Tamron USA's helpful videos with a visit to their YouTube channel. You won't be disappointed.

by Skip Cohen
 
It's our 17th episode in this series, and with each new "Chef," we're gaining more insight into not only their journey but expanding our own thoughts on creativity, technique and passion.  When we started the series, the idea was simply to have some fun and introduce you to the movers and shakers in photography. What we've actually built is an extension of everyone's imaging family.

New York and Florida based Erik Valind joins us this month. He's no stranger to SCU, where we've featured a wide variety of his work. But his skill set is only part of the fun of knowing him. The only thing more impressive than his style is his love for the industry and the craft.

Erik used Tamron's 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD lens. It's one of his favorites:

"Here's a fun lens that we can talk about. I was really excited when it came out because finally I have an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that is also easy to use filters with! No more expensive, bulky, fragile giant filter holders required, this lens has front filter threads built in. Plus its lightweight too, which is wonderful on long hikes."

For each new Chef, I've gone off in search of a quote that seems to fit their personality. It wasn't hard to find one for Erik. This is an artist who totally loves what he's doing. ​

In the world of business,
the people who are most successful
are those who are doing what they love.
Warren Buffet

About "Chef" Erik: We've featured a lot of Erik's work over the years, and even a short podcast here and there. However, even when we've bumped into each other at various conventions, there's never time for a very long conversation. So, we're just as excited about getting quality time with him in next week's podcast as we are in you getting to know at an artist who needs to be on your radar. 

One trip to his website, and you'll start to understand how much Erik loves the craft. A short section on his about page says it all:

“I’m a Communicator... Freelance Photographer, Author & Educator. I was born on the beaches of Treasure Island. I like how it sounds storybook when I tell people that. Since then I’ve been blessed with what I call a semi-charmed life, and everything has been inspiration along the way. Now I get to create for a living. I leap at the opportunities to travel the country, to meet interesting people and to make great photographs of my journey.

There’s a tangible energy in my actions, and that energy is born from those around me. I love to teach and am always eager to learn. I claim to control light, but in reality light lends itself to us, and we just look good in it. Lets enjoy it together.”

About the Image: The image we chose for this month's feature is a six-minute exposure of the NYC skyline. Erik wanted a particular feel to the image and shared one of the main ingredients:

"For this particular photo I leveraged both of the lenses strengths (wide angle + filters) by shooting at 17mm and attaching a 15-Stop Neutral Density Filter. The combination allowed me to capture the entire NYC skyline, while blurring the busy water traffic to smooth glass, and transforming the rather unimpressive sunset into a more spectacular streaking light show of sun-rays."

Click on Erik's image to enlarge and view in the SCU Lightbox. Then visit his website and follow his event schedule too! He's one of the most approachable photographers in the industry.

by Skip Cohen

​For the first time in contemporary history, we're ALL in the same boat. While the limitations vary from state to state, we're all limited in what we can do. Direct social interaction is virtually non-existent, but we've still got cyberspace. And there are plenty of opportunities to interact and grow your skillset.

In the last week, Tamron launched a new series, "5 at 5." They're short videos to help you expand your skillset, but even better, each video is a different project. For years so many of us have talked about special projects to help you focus on your creativity and love for the craft when your regular work might be losing its glow. 

It's Tamron Tuesday, and I pulled a favorite to share, Jillian Bell's piece, "Tips for Macro Photography."  Jillian is part of Tamron's Tech Team. She does a terrific job sharing five project ideas for fine-tuning your macro skills, with or without macro gear. 

And if you don't know Mike Moats, one of Tamron's Image Masters, I purposely chose his image of the keys above to kick off today's post. He's one of the most recognized macro/closeup photographers and educators in the industry. Just click on his image to visit his website, Tiny Landscapes, and make sure you check out his workshops.

Just because everybody is hunkered down, Doesn't mean Tamron's slowed down on giving back to the industry. From their website to their YouTube channel, they're sharing more helpful content every day. Plus, some great instant savings are going on right now to help you expand your gear and take advantage of spring seasonality for the Mom, Dad, or graduate in your life who are interested in photography!

Tamron's making some of the finest glass in photography! Isn't time you checked out what all the buzz was about?

By Chamira Young

​
​While creativity is always a vital factor for photographers to foster a healthy sense of passion for our craft, it's now more important than ever given our present circumstances. That's why we wanted to deliver a healthy dose of inspiration with Boston-based photographer Rick Friedman as he utilizes his arsenal of Tamron lenses. We love that even with the pandemic, Rick still never slows down!

And the Tamron team never compromises when it comes to the quality of their glass. That's exactly why we love featuring the creative artists who use their lenses. We've made sure to include a link to each lens used in each image, so remember they're just a click away!

​Even given the current economy shutdown, many of us can still capture the beauty around us as spring blooms. Rick created the image of the blooming trees featured at the top of this post with the Tamron 100-400 F/4.5-6.3 at 400mm. It's the lens to carry when you don’t want to carry lots of weight! And in the stunning image below of the moon rising over Boston, he used the Tamron 24-70 G lens on a Nikon D850. ​​

​As much as we are image makers, we are also historians, and should be documenting the present circumstances. Rick does just that with the two images below as people line up to do their shopping under the "new normal."

Both images were done with the new Tamron 28-75 on a Sony A7rll  at 31mm ISO 640, 1/250th f7.1. The final image with the tighter frame was done at 100%. It's a great reminder that creativity is a great remedy for stress!

​

by Skip Cohen

​It's interesting how you get to know a person, especially an artist, by looking at their images and adding in their personality from a couple of phone calls. So, I started looking for quotes about each "Chef" who joined us in the Tamron Kitchen. It wasn't hard to find one for Derrick Zellmann.  

As Derrick and I talked and I explained the Tamron Recipes series, the more he shared his love for the craft, along with his family and living in New England. During that first conversation, he was home with his two children, playing Dad, as his wife, Jessica, a nurse, was supporting the battle against coronavirus at one of Boston's hospitals. But it wasn't until our live podcast I found out we share a lot of mutual friends. He and I might have even met many years ago at Hallmark Institute.

The fun of these podcasts is always how much each "Chef" shares about their love for the craft and their insight into their journey. Derrick's passion for imaging never slows down, even during the downtime resulting from the pandemic. And while the focus of so much of his business is food photography, you'll find a lot of great versatility in looking at images on both his websites. His wedding and portrait work is at DerrickZellmannPhoto.com, and his commercial food work at DZPfood.com.  

It wasn't easy choosing images to share in today's post, but since we talked almost exclusively about food photography, I stayed on his food site. Click on any of his images in this post to see more of his work. 

"Chef" Derrick's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last Tuesday. And for more information on Tamron's SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD lens, click on the banner below. 

There's never been a more challenging or difficult time in our industry. We're all in various forms of quarantine, but Tamron's support hasn't slowed down - just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some great contests to share your work.  ​While the uncertainty of the future is an issue for all of us, this might be the best time to expand your skillset, and whatever gear you love to use most, it's time to stay involved. 

by Skip Cohen
 
We're jumping in with episode sixteen of Tamron Recipes, and for the first time, we really are connected with food in the Tamron Kitchen. With every guest, we've shared information and ideas related to their specialty, but never directly into the world of food photography! The result today has Tamron Kitchen filled with great ingredients, all edible from a well-respected artist in photography. 

Boston-based, Derrick Zellmann is joining us. Although there's pretty much nothing, Derrick can't photograph, we're focused on his passion for food photography. Even more fun comes into his work with portraits of the chefs who create his subjects, which we'll share with next week's podcast.

In this new recipe, Derrick used Tamron's SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD. I had a hard time deciding which image to use, so just like going out to dinner and sharing a taste of whatever my wife ordered, we used both.  
 
The process of creating a Tamron Recipe always starts with me making a phone call to the selected guest. Then, based on that conversation, a few emails back and forth, and spending time on their website, I start to get a feel for who they are. I've had a lot of fun finding a quote that seems to fit each guest, and Derrick's was easy to spot. ​

Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress.
Working hard for something we love is called passion.
Simon Sinek

About "Chef" Derrick: One conversation with Derrick, and it's obvious how much he loves what he's doing. But he took it a step beyond food and portrait photography with something he wrote in his response when we were working on when to schedule recording his podcast: 

I would've loved to speak this week but my wife works in an ICU at a Boston Hospital so it's been a bit chaotic as she's spending this whole week there with the COVID-19 demand and I'll be hanging with my little ones...which is a lot of fun as a dad, however, not very quiet for an interview:)

The pandemic has changed all of our lives, but so often we forget the people giving back aren't just on the front line, but behind the scenes. Derrick and his wife, Jessica, are giving back to the Boston community. His role as a Dad, for the moment, is probably upstaging his photography - but it's obvious that passion has so many different definitions.

When you wander through Derrick's portfolio on his commercial site, while the primary subjects we chose today were food, the stories he's sharing run much deeper and include stunning portraits of some of the very best chefs in Boston, along with other personalities around New England. His work has been featured in magazines and publications both locally and nationally.

Over the last few years, Tamron's reputation as a leading manufacture of great glass has become legendary.  It's easy to understand if you keep up with their never-ending stream of new products. In fact, just last week they announced a new lens, the new 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens. It's the third model in Tamron's series of fast F/2.8 zoom lenses for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. 

Tamron has become one of the industry's most favorite suppliers, especially when it comes to their busy booth at any convention or trade show. Click on the thumbnail on the right for more information about this remarkable lens.

Travel for all of us is limited now, but you can count on the Tamron team being back on the road when the crisis is over. However, their website is loaded with outstanding content as well as their YouTube channel. Now's a great time to catch up on your reading and video content - all focused on helping you raise the bar on your skill set as an artist.  
 
Derrick Zellmann is definitely an artist who should be on your radar. You'll find his work split between two different sites, targeting two very different clients. Wedding and portrait work is at DerrikZellmannPhoto.com, and you'll find his commercial food work at DZPfood.com.  

Check out Tamron's current rebates on several outstanding lenses. This might be just the right time for you to expand your gear, and then take full advantage of the downtime getting to know a new lens, and boost your skill set.

by Skip Cohen

I've written a lot about Tamron over the years. Yes, they're an SCU partner, but they're also setting the pace for outstanding optics, new products, and support for education. And with each new lens and their ability to utilize new technology, they add more creative tools to every photographer's skill set. 

Yesterday Tamron announced the launch of the lightest and most compact large-aperture telephoto zoom in its class for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Meet the new 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens. It's the third model in Tamron's series of fast F/2.8 zoom lenses for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. 
​
"Developed under the concept of "making large aperture zoom lenses user-friendly," the 70-180mm F/2.8 provides users with complete portrait-to-telephoto lens range coverage. This new model joins the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD to complete Tamron's fast zoom lens trinity for full-frame mirrorless cameras."

The lens is anticipated to be available in the U.S. on May 14th at $1199. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed.

Visit Tamron USA online for the complete story on this remarkable new lens! Then check out your Tamron retailer!

Intro by Chamira Young

Today we want to give you a quick dose of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. It's always a fantastic idea to see what other photographers are producing along with the equipment they're using! The right glass combined with a transformative vision can bring your work up to the next level. 
​
We're excited to feature mountain biker Mitchell Bryan. Shot with Tamron's SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 on Canon's mirrorless R camera, you almost feel like you're riding through the mountains alongside him. 

​It's also worth mentioning that this outstanding lens is part of Tamron's Spring into Savings Rebate program where you can save up to $200 on select lenses for a limited time. Don't miss out!

Check out the video below and get ready to be inspired!

by Skip Cohen

​​A fun aspect of putting together each new Tamron Recipes episode has been the search for a quote that seems to fit each new "chef." I didn't know Jamie Malcolm-Brown before my introductory phone call to him. We had a great conversation about his work and the concept behind Recipes. 

The more we talked, and the more of his work I looked at on Instagram and his website, the more I realized the value of his diversity. He's in love with two completely different genres within imaging - landscape and people. As a landscape photographer, there's a level of solitude as an individual contributor, but it's just the opposite in weddings and portraits. So, relationship building became a topic in our conversation during the podcast, and the more we talked, the more the quote I found seemed to fit Jamie's focus as an artist.  

Jamie shares a lot of great insight in this new podcast, and it's all at a time where we're all in this challenging state of suspension, social distancing, and hunkering down. While Jamie's wedding and portrait business may be on hold, his life as a landscape artist is not. His images speak volumes as both an artist on land and in the air with a drone. He's giving us a different perspective on the world, and like macro photography, it's a view most of us never see until an artist like Jamie shares his vision!
 
It was no easy task picking images from Jamie's galleries on both his website and Instagram pages. Click on any of his images in this post to visit his Instagram page. Then, follow him and be prepared to look at photograph after photograph that only Jamie and Mother Nature could create. 

"Chef" Jamie's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last Tuesday. And for more information on Tamron's 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 lens, click on the banner below. 

This is an incredibly challenging time for all of us in this industry. But what I love about landscape photography right now, is that it doesn't require social distancing, and Tamron's got some great programs to help with the cost. While the uncertainty of the future is an issue for all of us, this might be the best time to expand your skillset, and whatever gear you love to use most, it's time to stay involved.  ​

​by Skip Cohen
 
This is our fifteenth episode of Tamron Recipes, and playing off the chef analogy couldn't be more appropriate. Each guest has had their specialty, style, and even a few secret ingredients to their success. And, like fine chefs, they're all incredibly passionate about their favorite cuisine! The result is the Tamron Kitchen is filled with with great ingredients by some of the most respected artists in photography. 

We've got Jamie Malcolm-Brown from Massachusetts joining us in the Tamron Kitchen this month. His passion is landscapes, always looking for a way to capture images that challenge us with their beauty and ability to be calming. But that's only part of the story of his diversity as an artist because he also photographs weddings and portraits. Then, last but anything but least, he teaches drone photography.

In this new recipe, Jamie used Tamron's 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens. It wasn't easy to decide which image to share to kick off his two-part series, but when I saw the photograph above, it had so much depth and beauty.
 
With each new "chef," even if I don't know them well, I go off in search of a quote that seems to apply to their work or personality. 

"Being an artist is dragging your innermost feelings out,
giving a piece of yourself, no matter in which art form, in which medium."
Henry Rollins

About "Chef" Jamie: Jamie's "medium" is obviously photography, but we love his diversity as an artist. So, whether shooting a wedding a creating a piece of fine art, his focus is always on the client's needs combined with his skill set. 

Unlike a lot of landscape photographers, Jamie also works on spec based on the needs of his client. I love the beauty and the simplicity of his fine art marketing video and decided to share it here because it will give you another way to get to know Jamie. 

About the Image:  Jamie wrote - I was actually in the middle of a 3 day drone photography meet-up but after three years of flying I had my first drone crash. I had to pivot my plans. Rather than go with the group to a prime fall-foliage location that would be perfect for the drone, I decided to drive around town and visit a few trees that had good potential for colorful foliage.

When I arrived before sunrise a thick fog covered everything and I could barely see the trees. I thought the morning was a bust but the sun started to rise and burn through the low clouds. The tree I was at was still shrouded in fog but the sun was about 100 yards to my right. I grabbed my gear and ran over.

The tree in the image is on someones farm land that I didn't have permission to go on so I put on the Tamron 100-400 and stood at the side of the road. In the end I am glad I did! The long focal length emphasized the layers and made the sun larger in relation to the tree. Going with a wide angle would have not given the image the same effect.

Tamron manufactures some of the finest glass in imaging today. They've become one of the industry's most favorite suppliers, especially when it comes to their busy booth at any convention or trade show. The 100-400 mm zoom is just one of Jamie's favorites. Click on the thumbnail on the right for more information about this remarkable lens.

It's a new year, and while travel for all of us is limited now, you can count on the Tamron team being back on the road when the crisis is over. Plus, their website is loaded with outstanding content as well as their YouTube channel. Now's a great time to catch up on your reading and video content - all focused on helping you raise the bar on your skillset as an artist.  
 
And when it comes to more of Jamie Malcolm-Brown's work, click on his image above to visit his website. Then make sure he's on your radar. He's an artist you should know about.

I decided to share this short marketing video he has on his website because it will give you another perspective on his passion.​ Just below the video on his website he explains: "If you want a custom image of a local landmark, your favorite nature spot or just an aerial image of your home I can work with you. I am an FAA certified drone pilot and would love to connect with you to find the best weather, season and time of the day that you want to capture for your personal image."

Jamie's focus isn't just on the landscape, but his client's needs.

Intro by Chamira Young

While wildlife and outdoor photography is often considered exhilarating, it's certainly not for the faint of heart! From potentially harsh outdoor conditions to animals that can be dangerous, every wildlife photographer has special considerations to make when planning their next outdoor artistic excursion. It's for that very reason we wanted to highlight Canadian photographer Antal Kozma today. He has mastered the art of nature photography and serves as an inspiration for others.
​
Ever since boyhood, Antal has always had a love of the great outdoors. He combines his passion for nature with his passion for photography into an adventurous past time that is making his retirement anything but boring! Residing in southwestern Ontario and serving as an advocate for nature conservation, he loves using Tamron's SP 150-600mm VC G2 ultra-telephoto zoom lens when out shooting. It's extremely versatile and allows him to keep a safe distance without disturbing the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Read the post excerpt below and check out his great images!

by Skip Cohen

​As I've written so many times over the years, the real fun in this industry is all about friendships. That's also the reason why I continue to suggest attending every possible convention and workshop you can work into your schedule. You need to pay attention to the care and feeding of your network!

Rick Friedman and I had been saying hello to each other for years at conventions, but never took the time to stop and actually talk. Well, a couple of years ago, we made it a point to grab a drink while at WPPI, and that opened up a whole new chapter in the ongoing friendship.

Rick is no stranger to SCU. He's joined me on an episode of "Why," been featured in Tamron Recipes, and his work has been in a guest post or two. He's based out of Boston, but travels all over the country.  While his Facebook page most often tracks to his role as a photojournalist, he's become one of the industry's leading educators, specializing in lighting. 

Last week we caught up to each other at WPPI, and while time was short, we had a chance to talk a little. We share a lot of mutual enthusiasm for an industry we both love deeply. 

I requested one of his most recent images to share in a spotlight post. Well, Rick never disappoints. Captured with Tamron's SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD, along with beautiful lighting is his portrait of CaraMia, it's the epitome of attitude!

Rick needs to be on your radar. Follow him on Facebook and click on his spotlight portrait to visit his website. And, best of all, if you're in the area for any of his upcoming workshops, run don't walk to grab a seat. Click on the links below for more information.

by Skip Cohen
 
I wanted to share this relatively recent video because quite simply, at a time when we're on overload with hard-selling tactics, noise and chaos in the world, I found it soothing. I loved the way Tamron told the story of their three new primes for Sony mirrorless cameras while walking aside Ken Hubbard in Norway. We're all part of a profession where a "picture's worth a thousand words," and watching this video was a great way for me to start my day.

Whether you shoot with Sony gear or not, pay attention to the simplicity of the story. It redefines soft-sell and combines it with technology, music, and minimal text - without one line of speaking.  

Think about how you might tell your story. Success is in the way you present the beauty of what you do, your ability to be the best, exceed client expectations, and make yourself habit-forming. You could do it all in a 2-3 minute video showing stunning images, interacting with your subjects, and demonstrating a dedication to quality.

Technology never slows down, and Tamron's ability to manufacture some of the finest glass in the world keeps growing.  ​

Tamron just launched their "Spring Into Focus" savings promotion yesterday. There are nine lenses featured with great savings on all of them. Just click on the banner below and then visit your Tamron dealer.

Intro by Chamira Young

Shooting portraits and events is as much an art as it is a skill. Interacting with your subjects, helping them to feel at ease, and capturing their personalities all while expertly operating your gear like a pro takes practice! That's why we wanted to share a bit of inspiration so you could see how a fellow photographer handles the challenge and produces beautiful images.

Meet photographer Jessica Sterling. While Jessica is currently a photographer, her previous modeling experience helps her understand how it feels to be in her clients' shoes, and what she needs to do in order to make them feel more comfortable during a session. Combine this knowledge with her Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 VC USD lens, and the end result is sharp, authentic images that convey the personality of every client she works with. Read the post excerpt below and get ready to be inspired!

Intro by Chamira Young

Drawing inspiration from other fellow photographers is an important part of keeping your creative juices flowing. How many of us have grown stagnant in the work we've produced over time, especially as we get caught up in the daily responsibilities of running a business? ***Raises my hand.*** I certainly have! That's why studying another photographer's work for educational purposes is a wonderful way to breathe new life into your own photographic practice.

Today's post is the perfect example of checking out a fellow artist's work and getting a serious dose of inspiration. Colorado-based photographer Aaron Anderson is a master at creating highly individualized, creative portraits that will leave you breathless using Tamron's SP 15-30mm VC GZ lens. We all know Tamron creates amazing glass. Now it's time to see it in action! Check out his work below and get the interesting backstory behind these great portraits.

Small Space, Big Backstories
​
Aaron Anderson creates highly individualized portraits of an artists' collective in a confined space with the Tamron SP 15-30mm VC G2 lens.

By Jenn Gidman
Images by Aaron Anderson

When the SPQR artists' collective decided to pitch an exhibit for Meow Wolf, an immersive art installation out of New Mexico, the group recruited Colorado photographer Aaron Anderson to do a photo shoot for them. "They wanted to showcase themselves, both individually and as a group," he says. "And so we undertook this collaboration where I would tell each of the artist's stories through a portrait. We sat down together for four hours, talking about each artist, what their background was, and how they worked. My goal was to balance each portrait so that there was something meaningful in each photo—something only the artist and those close to them would understand—but so an outsider would still think it was a beautiful image."

Aaron had intentions of tapping into a variety of lenses for this session, which was shot entirely with studio lighting, but the space they were photographing in was so small that he opted for the Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 VC G2 wide-angle lens for the entire shoot. "If you watch the behind-the-scenes video, you'll see that every picture was taken pretty much in the same room; we just redid the set to customize it for each artist so every portrait looked different," he explains. "So I was in a very confined space—sometimes only 6 to 8 feet away from my subject—but I had to get the entire room into the frame and make it appear as a large, open space. I couldn't have done that without the 15-30 lens. I also love using this lens for portraits, which isn't why I originally bought it. It adds a somewhat unconventional look to my portraits."

Read on for the backstory on each artist and how Aaron conceptualized their accompanying portraits.