by Skip Cohen

There are two primary common-denominators between all the chefs who have joined us in the Tamron Kitchen. First, is they obviously love working with Tamron gear. However, the relationship with Tamron USA started for each of them; it's in full swing because of the quality of their lenses and the members of the Tamron team. Second is their love for the craft. There's nothing they'd rather be doing than be out with a camera in their hands.

Ian Jones joins us in this new episode, and his love for the craft is right up there with the most recognized artists. And, along with his passion for the craft comes his trademark of listening to his clients and then working hard to exceed their expectations. He's also a DIY guy, preferring to experiment, practice, and then experiment and practice some more. He's not a fan of structured education but instead likes to learn things on his own.

Chef Ian's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last week. And for more information on Tamron's 17-28 mm F/2.8 lens, click on the banner below. You can also see more of Ian's work on his website, rr click on any of his images in this post.
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We all share many of the same frustrations today, dealing with downtime and the challenges of the pandemic. So, as you're hunkered down, spend some time thinking about your skill set and your portfolio. Things are starting to open up a little as business slowly improves, and you want your skills to be as strong and diverse as possible. Just remember that being hunkered down doesn't mean from your business or your clients.

This is the perfect time to follow Ian's lead and make it a point to be out regularly with your camera. Work on expanding your skill set and building new relationships while reinforcing older ones. When the pandemic is behind us, your clients will know just who to call when they think about photography! Ian's not slowing down in continuing to grow as an artist, and neither should you.
 
Tamron's support team doesn't slow down either - they've just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work.  ​

by Skip Cohen

Each month, thanks to support from Tamron USA, Chamira Young and I have introduced you to another great "chef" from the Tamron kitchen. The idea started as a way to share images, insight into creativity, all while using some of the finest lenses in imaging. Well, the photographs have been outstanding, but even more impressive has been the conversations with the artists themselves - how they got started, their challenges, and especially relevant today: how they're keeping their passion alive through the restrictions of the pandemic.

Just for a second, think about your most favorite restaurants from where you order a pizza to the most sophisticated place you might dine for a special occasion. Each one has a kitchen with a head chef, and each chef has something they've become known for in the flavors and selections offered on the menu.

Now think about the role the artist plays in capturing and creating each image you enjoy. Each artist is a chef.  Their style is a combination of how well they've learned the basics combined with their interpretation of the scene they're about to capture. 
 
Ian Jones joins us in the Tamron Kitchen this month, and he's a chef with a focus on lifestyle, family, and whatever his client's need. He's a listener, working hard to meet their mindset.  

I've had a lot of fun in the Tamron Recipes series finding quotes that seem to match some aspect of each guest chef's personality. Ian's quote is based on conversations from our phone conversations and his podcast airing next Tuesday. 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou

About "Chef" Ian:  There's a line from his About page that pretty much says it all, "I love creating powerful imagery, using relentless dedication and passion to bring your ideas to life."  

The key words there are relentless dedication and passion. Ian's a DIY guy, and although I'm sure he's followed a few of his favorite icons, he's stayed true to practicing his craft, his own way, until he gets the results he wants. It seems like a bad pun to use the word "focus," but there isn't a better one to describe his ability to hone in on a way he wants an image to tell a specific story.

Take the time to visit Chef Ian's website. Right from the beginning, you'll notice a lot of diversity - from food to cars, and even people on the street. And you'll find him on Instagram with even more variety to where he's focused his camera.
 
About the Image: When we first picked this image of Ian's, I thought it was captured from behind a window pane. I was surprised to hear he got right into interacting with the kids on this family shoot.

Ian wrote: This was one of my favorite images at the time. It was right after doing a family shoot and the kids were starting to get restless and they had all been waiting to jump into the pool. I figured they would be jumping and having a blast after being told to "smile!" and "look over here!" for an hour, haha.

I quickly changed from the Tamron 28-75 to the 17-28. I got down really close to the pool and had the kids jump in. The girl you see in the photo was having a ton of fun trying to get me wet. This made for a handful of great images. I usually put my camera places that put it in danger, but if i end up getting a shot, to me it's worth it. 

Note: No gear, Sony or Tamron were harmed during the capture of this image! LOL - Ian dried everything off immediately.

As one of Imaging's finest manufacturers, ​Tamron never slows down on raising the bar on the quality of their optics. Quite simply, they make outstanding glass! But their reputation goes a lot deeper than just technology. They're a leader in supporting the photographic community and one of the industry's most favorite suppliers. 

The pandemic has created plenty of challenges when it comes to workshops and conventions, but that hasn't stopped Tamron from maintaining support for artists in cyberspace! Plus, check out their listing of local events being held this fall, all within the guidelines of safety and physical distancing.

​Tamron's website is loaded with outstanding content, as well as their YouTube channel. And their tech team is regularly teaching online with workshops supported by Tamron retailers all over the country. 
 
Click on the banner below for information on their current promotion. It features eleven different outstanding focal lengths to help you expand your creativity. In the almost 200-year history of photography, you've never had more creative tools to work with, and Tamron's been a significant contributor.
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The pandemic has slowed down everyone's business, but not your ability to keep growing as an artist. This is a great time to expand your gear, and take full advantage of the downtime getting to know a new lens, and boost your skill set.

Intro by Chamira Young

​Today we bring you beautiful work of Memphis-based photographer and foodie Michael Butler. Last year he had the chance to travel to the Virgin Islands on assignment for a client. Not only did he work hard, but he played hard as well. He had extra time to see the sights, explore the area, and create some amazing images for himself. In the post below, we love how he emphasizes the element of play and fun as he experimented with a couple of new Tamron lenses while out in the field. Photography is an adventure, and it's clear Michael is enjoying every moment of it.

Read the post excerpt below, as well as a sample of the images he took. Also, be sure to check out the specific lenses Michael used while on the trip: the  28-75mm F/2.8 and 17-28mm F/2.8 lenses, featured below!
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Intro by Chamira Young

Need a break from watching the doom and gloom of current events in the news? We've got you covered! Today we bring you a fun, constructive way to develop your artistic eye and vision with outdoor photography. It's a versatile genre that any photographer with a camera can get out and explore. Whether you consider it your business specialty or not, there are always countless opportunities to capture the beauty that awaits around you.

It's especially effective when you have the right lens for it. Professional outdoor photographer David Johnston brings us this video review about the the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Full-Frame mirrorless cameras. David shares why he loves this tip-notch glass and features it in a variety of outdoor situations. I love how he demonstrates its versatility in wildlife photography, landscape photography, travel photography, and even night photography!
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Check out the video below. Also, be sure to check out a Tamron dealer near you!

Intro by Chamira Young

One of my favorite activities right now is to check out the work of my fellow photographers from around the world. In a time where it's vital for us to stay inspired as image makers, the internet is a wonderful resource for seeing what creative mischief others are making. And as an added bonus, it tends to have a trickle down effect: the more inspired you are personally, the more creativity you are able to incorporate into your own photo sessions and business!

That brings us to Philip Ruopp, a photographer from Germany who shares his travels with us as he captures beautiful nature and travel scenes using the F2.8-200mm F2.8-5.6. The Tamron team never compromises on the quality of their gear, and this great lens is no exception. As you'll see in this fun video, Philip vividly captures a wide variety of scenes, from up close shots of the vehicle ride, to breathtaking night time vistas.

Check out the video below. Also, be sure to check out a Tamron dealer near you!

by Skip Cohen

​From Hasselblad to WPPI and Rangefinder Magazine, working with wedding photographers has been a big part of my career. So, when Scott Stockton was contacted to join us in the Tamron Kitchen and put on his chef's hat, I couldn't have been happier. 

During that first phone call with Scott, it became obvious how much he loves what he does. But until this podcast, Chamira and I had no idea how much he'd be willing to share or how open he'd be about his "secrets." This new podcast is jam-packed with great content.
 
Every chef in the series has shared something unique about their growth as artists and their journey to date. As you listen to the podcast, you'll immediately pick up on Scott's love for the craft. He simply loves photographing romance. While so many artists like to stay on the sidelines emotionally, Scott makes it clear that he's going to jump right in!

From the very beginning, he makes his passion for storytelling clear:

"Your wedding story will be the start to the biggest journey of your lives and I want to tell it. But the problem is, I'm a greedy storyteller, I want to be there for all of it. I want to be there for the breakfast with the girls, I want to be there for the tears, and I want to be there when he grabs your butt at inappropriate times during the reception. Why settle? You deserve it all!"

But there's something unique he shares later, on his website. He talks about his ability to tell your story is all thanks to his team:

I wouldn't be able to travel the world and do these things without my team, my wife Ashley and my two sweetie pies Ella and Matt. The support and love they constantly give me is what allows me to do what I do. 

And to further make the point, his wife Ashley, "the glue that holds the circus together," along with his kids, all become a part of who he is as an artist, Dad, and husband. It's a high impact way to tell his story and further build trust with his clients.
 
Chef Scott's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last week. And for more information on Tamron's SP 35mm F/1.4 lens, click on the banner below.  And to see more of Scott's work, check out his website. 
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This is a challenging time to be a photographer. The pandemic isn't slowing down, but that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do, like Scott, to keep in contact with clients and build your skill set. Tamron's support team isn't slowing down either - they've just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some great contests to share your work.  

​​As we all adjust to the new normal, the change in business makes this an excellent time to expand your skill set. Having to "hunker down" doesn't have to mean your business, skills, or building relationships with your clients. ​ It's essential to stay involved and keep growing!​

​by Skip Cohen
   
The pandemic has had an impact on everybody, especially wedding artists. As event photographers, it's tough to do your "job" when events are on hold. But that hasn't slowed down any Tamron Chef from maintaining a continued presence with their target audience. With each Chef over the last few months, there's a common denominator - nothing stops their passion for the craft.

When Chamira and I started this series, we could never have anticipated each interview's intensity and the wisdom each artist would share about their journey. Over the last few months, each Chef has talked about how they've stayed focused on their craft, clients, and skill sets.

Scott Stockton joins us in the Tamron Kitchen this month with a specialty that's more than just wedding photography. He's a storyteller with love for capturing romance.
 
With each episode of Tamron Recipes, I always go off in search of a suitable quote that fits the guest chef. I didn't know Scott before our first phone call, but it wasn't hard to sense his love for his clients and dedication to serving their "world" and telling their story. Finding a suitable quote was an easy task because of Scott's commitment to the trust each client puts in his skill set.

There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work,
than follow your passions in a way that serves the world and you...
Sir Richard Branson

About "Chef" Scott:   One look through the images on Scott Stockton's website and it's obvious where his heart lies. It's with each client.

His website opens with the perfect tagline: I believe that the best love stories are told by someone obsessed with love.
And closes with: You are my best adventure.

Now, see the world through the eyes of the bride as she and the groom search for a photographer to capture and tell their story. Relationship building as a wedding photographer is all about establishing trust early on. And Chef Scott makes it clear right from the beginning his priorities are about capturing love.

I'm a self-proclaimed Hallmark movie junkie who is obsessed with being around love. There's no better feeling in the world than being surrounded by the butterflies of two people madly in love. The feelings I get watching everything unfold on a wedding day is a high second to none. I will probably be the only one who cries more than you at your wedding. Please allow me to tell your story!
 
Take the time to visit Chef Scott's website. Pay attention to the unique way he tells his story and immediately develops a confident direct call to action to allow him to tell the client's story.
 
About the Image: Scott used Tamron's SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD lens to capture what's become one of his favorite shots, shown above. ​

This is a sparkler exit I did at Board & Batten events in Charlotte NC.  I'm using a 2 light setup here.  I have on flash behind the couple back-lighting them with a Magmod sphere on it, and then I had my assistant holding a flash on a monopod with a grid on it aimed at just the couple.  As they walked, he walked to light them.  This is probably my favorite setup for sparkler exits.

Intro by Chamira Young

Admittedly, many of are stuck at home more than usual, but that doesn't mean we can't explore the creativity of other photographers across the globe. During this unprecedented time in history, it's important to stay inspired and keep creating, so today we we want to transport you out of your living room to Singapore and Malaysia!

In the video below, Malaysian photographer Billion Lim captures breathtaking architecture, market, and craft images from Singapore and Malaysia. With an eye for color, his inspiring scenes will transport you out of your living room! Using the 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6, he gives you a glimpse of what this versatile glass can do to transform your photography. The Tamron team never slows down in their quest to create the industry's best lenses, and this new all-in-one zoom is the epitome of versatility. From landscape photography, portraits to architecture, it's got you covered.

Check out the video below and be sure to check out a Tamron dealer near you!

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!

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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.