 Click to enlarge in the SCU Lightbox  Missed a past Tamron Recipes? Click to access every guest chef in the archives. by Skip Cohen It's 2021, and what a kick to launch a new season of Tamron Recipes with a chef whose specialty is outdoors and pandemic-perfect. We started this series in 2019 when words like "hunkering down" were pretty removed from our vocabulary. While the pandemic changed everything in our lives, it hasn't dampened any of our chefs' enthusiasm. Many of them have used the challenge of downtime to expand their skill set and mix up the "cuisines" they're best known for. Michigan based artist Nick Irwin joins us on this first Tamron Recipes for the new year. He's a part-time fine art and landscape photographer with a full-time love for the craft. His website and Instagram page especially present one outstanding image after another. It made it hard for us to pick a favorite for this first part of his series! After the first few chefs in the series in 2019, I started sharing a quote that seemed to describe each featured artist best. For most of them, like Nick, the quotes have been based on my first introduction to them through both their images and a phone call or two. One phone call with Nick, and it couldn't be easier to find a quote that describes his love for photography and the outdoors! Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. Oprah Winfrey About Chef Nick and This Image: When I first spoke with Nick about his love for photography, the energy of that passion came through loud and clear! It's obvious how much photography, the outdoors, and Michigan are part of his life. What's impressive is how short a time he's been working with "real" camera gear. His love for imaging starting through photographs he was posting using his phone. People liked what he was sharing, and somebody suggested it was time he got a real camera. Scott Bourne once wrote about photography being the great equalizer. To paraphrase, It doesn't matter what your background is, your financial status, what you look like, etc. - the quality of each photograph is how you're judged. About the image above: This was last July. I went to shoot the comet Neowise as I did the night before at a different lighthouse. I did not expect the Northern Lights to show up. I was actually done shooting the comet which was in the north sky and walked to the other side of the lighthouse for milky way shots towards the south. Then I saw the green glow in the sky. Off I went back up the opposite dune and took several shots, even helped a couple other photographers with their settings. Little Sable Point Light in Michigan is one of my favorite places to do night photography because the sky is dark and it’s only an hour away. This photo was published by National Geographic with another one of mine this past August. Take the time to visit Nick's Instagram page. You'd never know he was relatively new to the industry when you scroll through the images he's shared.
The most challenging adjustment many of us have had to make due to the pandemic is not being in physical proximity with our peers and the various vendors/manufacturers who support our love for imaging. While many companies have reduced their activities to a minimal presence, Tamron isn't slowing down. Online and off, in small programs around the country, they support imaging artists as best they can. Check out their listing of local events, all within the appropriate safety and physical distancing guidelines. And, if you currently own any Tamron lenses, don't miss out on the benefits of the Tamron V.I.P. Club. Check out the short video below, highlighting just one of the advantages of being a member, but you only have a few more days to get your lenses registered!  The lens Nick used for the image above was the 28-75mm F2.8 zoom. Specifically designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, click on the thumbnail to the right for more information. I feel like I've written this same thing just about every month for almost a year - Remember, hunkering down is about your health, NOT about growing as an artist and expanding your skill set. There's very little that grows in your comfort zone, which makes the downtime we're all experiencing perfect for raising the bar on the quality of your images. Stay active in social media and spend time with your camera in your hands every day, capturing images for your most important client...YOU!  Click for more information on Tamron's "New Year, New Gear" savings program!
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 70-200mm (92mm), F/16, 1/180th sec., ISO 800  Click the image to learn more about this great lens! Intro by Chamira Young With the New Year comes the excitement of new possibilities for your development as a photographer and artist. Given the challenges of the past year, it's more important than ever you roll up your sleeves and explore the many ways you can grow your creativity. Part of that process is drawing inspiration from the work of your fellow photographers and even exploring styles you may have never tried before! That brings us to today's post. We're excited to present the work of photographer Russell Hart as he uses three of Tamron's great lenses to capture the world around him and play with the tonal scale of infrared photography. He has years of experience, and as you'll see below, his work is dramatic and eye-catching. Check out the article below. Also, click on any of the images of the lenses to learn more about the amazing glass he used! We love the dedication of the Tamron team as we all move into this New Year together!
The Infrared Explorer Russell Hart explores the world from a different perspective with his Tamron SP 24-70mm VC G2, SP 70-200mm VC G2, and SP 150-600mm VC G2 lenses. By Jenn Gidman Images by Russell Hart Since the 1970s, Russell Hart has been fascinated with infrared photography, in which the film or camera’s image sensor records wavelengths invisible to the eye. It has often been used, especially for black-and-white pictorial purposes, to dramatize or even invert the tonality of a scene—making foliage very light, for example, and with filtration turning blue sky dark so that clouds “pop.” “Infrared has always had its own vocabulary,” says Russell, who switched from film to digital infrared 15 years ago. “But digital capture has added a lot more flexibility to IR photography in terms of what you can do with the tone scale. My film infrared photographs were often very dramatic, with black skies and glowing white objects, but with digital I often find myself opting for more of a middle scale. And because the RAW files are in color, I do some color work now, which I never did with film because its effects were too crazy.” For years Russell used a digital DSLR that was converted to capture infrared, but he’s since switched to IR-converted mirrorless cameras, using an adapter for his Tamron SP 24-70mm VC G2, SP 70-200mm VC G2, and SP 150-600mm VC G2 lenses. He had already found the focal length range of the first two lenses ideal for his type of photography, and once he added the 150-600 into his arsenal, it only enhanced his creative capabilities. “I’m typically not a big user of telephoto lenses, but this lens lets me zoom in and out to fine-tune composition, rather than picking up and moving back and forth all the time the way you have to with fixed focal lengths. That was really valuable when I was shooting surfers off of Long Island” he says. “Plus, all three of these lenses have Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) feature, which is important in preserving sharpness since I shoot handheld [actually I always use the 150-600mm on a tripod—it’s too big to handhold, IMHO]. Plus they don’t create infrared hot spots in the middle of images the way many lenses do. My images with the Tamron trio always come out nice and clean.” Read on for the backstory on some of Russell’s infrared images with this Tamron trifecta.  150-600mm (280mm), F/9.5, 1/750th sec., ISO 1000 There was a big storm off of Lido Beach on Long Island, and I figured the surfers would be taking advantage of the waves, so I headed down there with my camera and the big lens. I wasn’t really interested in surfing action, where I was trying to achieve tight shots of the surfers only. Instead, the tanker in the background here caught my eye in relation to the foreground and the surfer—the “figure in the landscape” idea that’s in a lot of my pictures, only in a marine setting. The 150-600 was essential in this situation. The surfers were constantly on the move, so I was able to zoom in and out to always get the framing I wanted.  24-70mm (24mm), F/13, 1/125th sec., ISO 800 This was taken at a defunct racetrack just outside of Hillsborough, North Carolina, called the North Wilkesboro Speedway. It’s a short track that held races in NASCAR’s top three series, until it closed in 1996. I visited there and ended up following this dog around. I tend to follow dogs around, because I love taking pictures of them. It’s funny, because she looks really happy in this photo, but in other pictures I took of her she looks absolutely crestfallen. She struck the perfect pose for me.  70-200mm (82mm), F/16, 1/250th sec., ISO 500   by Skip Cohen While the pandemic has changed everything in our lives, it's also created some incredible opportunities, especially in online education! Every Thursday night, starting in January, there a FREE webinar to help you fine-tune and expand your skill set. Think about the timing - It's January and a new year. Distribution of the new vaccine has started, and while it'll be a long time before everything is back to "normal," it's the slow season. With or without the pandemic, you'd be working on ideas to build a stronger business. Whether you shoot with Tamron lenses or not, here's a series you can't afford to miss. I've written a lot about how the Tamron team NEVER slows down on developing great optics - well, they also don't slow down when it comes to education. For more information and to find out how to register, click on any topic you're most interested in. Then, circle the date on your calendar, and remember: growth only happens outside your comfort zone. Consider webinars with topics entirely new for your skills. You'll never be disappointed.
   Click the image above to learn more about this great lens! Intro by Chamira Young It's no secret that we're all collectively looking forward to moving into 2021. With the upcoming New Year, we're excited to introduce a new lens to help you take your everyday and travel photography to the next level! In today's stunning video below, meet the new and versatile Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. We get a fun peek over the shoulder of photographer Olivier Wong as he travels the streets of Paris utilizing this amazing new glass. For Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, you'll see that this lens is fast, small, and has outstanding image quality. It's great for travel photography, and for those who are in areas where travel is still restricted due to the pandemic, it's also perfect for everyday photography as well! The Tamron team is constantly creating top-quality glass and sharing inspiring examples from your fellow creatives. Check out the video below to get some great ideas for everyday photography you can do in your own city or town!  Images copyright Molly Dombroski. All rights reserved. “The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.” Samuel Butler  by Skip Cohen As we cross the nine-month mark of the pandemic, life has changed for all of us. Just about every photographer and business owner have seen their fair share of challenges, drops in business, and the necessity to refocus and expand into other specialties. And speaking of specialties, in the hierarchy of why people hire a professional photographer, the top three have been brides, babies, and pets for years. This was based on a Kodak survey done over twenty-five years ago, and I doubt it changed - until the pandemic. With so many weddings and events on hold, I'm betting brides have dropped in the ranking, and new parents have many of the same health concerns. That puts pets up at the top. Our timing couldn't be better to step into the Tamron Kitchen with "Chef" Molly Dombroski. And while her body of work is clearly about the relationship between her and two pups, Mylo and Summit, she shares some great tips about photographing the furriest members of your family. Chef Molly's recipe is a click away, which we shared last week. And for more information about Tamron's 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens, click on the banner at the bottom of today's post. There's also a pretty remarkable savings program going on through the holidays. For all the information and the products included in the promotion, just click on the banner to the right. I share the same closing comments every month related to the frustrations we're all feeling. The level of freedom we took for granted has been severely limited. But despite the difficulties, the pandemic has given us something extraordinary, TIME. And with that time, we're seeing new creativity from artists all over the world. Things have changed for all of us, but not the potential to expand our skill set, creativity and become a better, more diverse artist. Tamron's team never slows down and continues to support the imaging community the best they can. There are programs taking place all over the country, and especially in Cyberspace! Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work. Whether you've got "kids" to photograph like Chef Molly or not, click on any image to visit her Instagram page. She regularly shares great content featuring Mylo and Summit! 
  90mm, F/3.2, 1/80th sec., ISO 100  Click on the image above to learn more about this great lens. Intro by Chamira Young Personally, I love when elements of nature, everyday objects, and thoughtful composition intersect to create works of abstract art that spur a visual dialogue. No matter where you live in the world or what language you speak, photography is the great unifier! That brings us to today's featured photographer. We're excited to highlight the work of macro photographer Monica Royal as she uses the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 VC lens to create eye-catching, abstract works of art that spark conversation. She discusses how she has fun with the images she creates, and also how she seeks to foster a human connection with her viewers through her work. Check out the post below for a healthy dose of inspiration. The dedication of the Tamron team is second to none as they support photographers by creating the highest quality lenses in the industry and sharing inspiring examples from your fellow creatives! Making a Connection Through Macro Monica Royal uses her Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 VC lens to create abstract images that spark conversation. By Jenn Gidman Images by Monica Royal When Monica Royal creates her abstract macro photos, it’s the design of the composition that drives her. “I’m drawn to basic shapes,” she says. “And I love the properties of water and other liquids and getting close to the droplets, which I add into much of my work. It’s so much fun to play with macro, because something as simple as paper can be made abstract, which sparks a conversation. That conversation creates a human connection, which in turn gives you the opportunity to educate people.” For years, Monica has exclusively used various Tamron 90mm lenses for her macro work, and she’s now on her latest version: the SP 90mm F/2.8 VC. “My dad bought me my original 90mm lens back in 2006, and I never looked back,” she says. “I purchased all of the newer incarnations myself. I’m so comfortable with this lens, which I use for portraits as well, because it’s so sharp and produces amazing bokeh. The Vibration Compensation (VC) feature on the newer version has been a great addition as well.” Monica almost always creates her macro images with her camera on a tripod, using natural light, and she keeps her post-processing to a minimum. “I’ll do cleanup of some stray or distracting reflections in the water droplets in Photoshop, but I don’t touch them too much,” she says. “Otherwise I’d end up with black circles, which wouldn’t look natural and organic.” Read on to see how Monica created some of her more recent pieces with the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 VC lens.  90mm, F/8, 1/100th sec., ISO 100 For my paper clip series, I wanted to just go into the studio, close the door, and play. This was a paper clip (see above) that I bent with a pair of pliers, trying to use the basic principles of design. I would create a wider bend, then a sharper bend, all while keeping in mind the focus points where I thought the water drops would fit well. The water drops are able to cling to the paper clip like that because of water’s sticky properties; it's the hydrogen bonds of water that make it so cohesive with other surfaces. I applied the water droplets with a syringe, with a studio strobe lighting the scene.  90mm, F/2.8, 1/50th sec., ISO 100 This is a green tendril coming off of a vine from a cantaloupe plant. The plant was on my kitchen table for a week, and I started to position these tendrils so they would curl around and grab onto the trellis, allowing me to capture them in various states of curl. For this image I positioned a piece of fuchsia tissue paper behind it, with a bit of light coming up from underneath the plant. You can see the specular highlights along the bottom of the tendril, though that part is out of focus.
Read the rest of the post here.   Click the image above to learn more about this great lens! Intro by Chamira Young What I love about today's featured photographer is that he accidentally stumbled onto his passion for creating images for the fashion industry. As the proverb attributed to Plato goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Well, that certainly was the case for talented photographer Eugene Manning, who got his start managing models but eventually decided to reinvent himself as a photographer. After growing tired of paying other photographers' steep prices for portfolio shots of his models, he came to the realization that he needed to learn how to do it himself. Fast forward to today, and he does it professionally and loves it! In the excerpt below, read how Eugene honed his skills, and also why he prefers shooting with his Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 VC macro lens. We love the dedication of the Tamron team as they support the photography industry by bringing amazing lenses and inspiration we can all learn from! In Vogue Eugene Manning uses his Tamron 90mm VC macro lens to create fashion photography that makes you stop scrolling. By Jenn Gidman Images by Eugene Manning Some people know early on they’re meant to be photographers. For Eugene Manning, his love for taking pictures came quite accidentally. “About eight years ago, I had some friends who were models, and they wanted me to manage them,” he says. “One of the first things that models need is new photos for their portfolio, so, as their manager, I was tasked with hiring local photographers to shoot these photos. What I found was that the prices being quoted were really steep. I thought, ‘I could get a camera and just do this myself.’” That’s exactly what he did. Eugene acknowledges that his first images needed work, but he enjoyed working with his subjects, and he started studying masters in the fashion and beauty field to see how they created their images. Today, Eugene is a fashion photographer based in New York City, his work featured in such high-end glossies as Elle India and L'Officiel Baltic plus Vogue Italia's "PhotoVogue" curated fine art website.
On his camera during his shoots is the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 VC macro lens. “I have another macro lens close to that same focal length, but the Tamron lens is lighter, the autofocus is faster, and it’s quieter,” he says. “I also enjoy the macro functionality. I haven’t used it in that capacity that much yet for beauty work, but for the images I have done, I’ve loved how they came out.” Eugene describes his style as a classic one, inspired by photographers such as fashion photographers Steven Meisel and Mario Testino, who were drawn to black-and-white in the same way Eugene is. “I want to create an image that will stop people from scrolling,” he says. “If you go to Facebook or Instagram, those platforms are inundated with photos. I want mine to be the ones that get people to stop what they’re doing to really look at them and absorb them.”
 Images copyright Dan Walters. All rights reserved. “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” Don McCullin “In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” Robert Lind  There's that line we've all heard and used, "Timing is everything!" Approaching nine months of dealing with the pandemic, talking about outdoor photography couldn't be more appropriate at this time. As we all hunker down, being able to get outside with a camera in your hands has become one of a photographer's greatest assets. We're stepping out of the Tamron Kitchen but into the world of a great Tamron Chef. Dan Walters joins us on this new podcast, and it's loaded with solid content. While his main passion for subject matter involves the birding world, it's his love for the craft, no matter what he's focused on, that comes across loud and clear in the conversation with Chamira Young and me. And, while I usually only share one quote with each Tamron Recipe, the two I found above highlight what I've learned about Chef Dan. Chef Dan's recipe is a click away, which we shared last week. And for more information about Tamron's 150-600mm G2 lens, click on the banner at the bottom of today's post. There's a pretty remarkable savings program going on through the holidays. For all the information and the products included in the promotion, just click on the banner to the right. I know it's getting a little old, as I share these comments in so many blog posts - We're all feeling the same frustrations. The pandemic has restricted the level of freedom we took for granted. But at the same time, the pandemic has given us something we NEVER have - time. Don't let your passion for the craft get buried under the stress of the pandemic. Things have changed a lot for all of us, but not the potential to expand your skill set and become a better and more diverse artist. Tamron's team is taking full advantage of that time and not slowing down in their support for photographers all over the country - they've just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work. And while Dan may live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country - when it comes to critters to photograph, they're all around us - no matter where you live. To see more of Chef Dan's work, just click on any of his images in this post. 
 
  Click on the banner above for information on this outstanding lens!  Image copyright Dan Walters. All rights resereved. by Skip Cohen As the year winds down, it's hard to believe this Tamron Recipes post is the 23rd in the series. With support from Tamron USA, my co-host Chamira Young and I have shared some great content, thanks to some remarkable artists' insight. Each backstory about their favorite photograph has been unique, and then a week later, our podcast conversation with the "chef" has introduced you to even more of their work. The chef analogy came into play right from the beginning. While every good photographer knows the basics, each one has a unique style and often vision for the final image. Like enjoying a great meal at your favorite restaurant, each Tamron Chef has shared their recipes, as well as their passion for the craft and continued growth as an artist. Dan Walters joins us in the Tamron Kitchen this month. The timing is perfect for sharing his favorite cuisine, outdoor wildlife. The pandemic has changed so much in all of our lives, especially as more photographers head to the safety of outdoor shooting. Near the beginning of this series, I started searching for a special quote that seemed to describe some aspect of the enthusiasm and love for the craft brought out in the conversations with each chef. In regards to Dan, I loved two quotes that, after getting to know him better, seem to fit: “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” Don McCullin “In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” Robert Lind  Click to visit the Tamron Kitchen and more recipes! About "Chef" Dan: In Dan's short bio on his website, he has a statement that sets the stage for his photography and fits perfectly with those two quotes above: When I capture an image, I try not just to document what I saw but try to engage the viewer with the subject. I do this by combining light, eye contact, and a clean background. Dan's passion as an artist, photographer, and educator clearly comes through in the upcoming podcast. Living in Colorado, he doesn't have to travel very far to find new subjects, often just a short bike ride, and he's found plenty to photograph. About one of his favorite images above, he wrote: These egrets can be very territorial in regards to their favorite fishing areas. This egret saw another egret that was a little too close and promptly chased it off...What I like about using this zoom is that I was able to zoom out a little and include the whole bird without clipping the wings. Please take the time to visit Chef Dan's website. And, if you're in Florida in the spring of next year, Dan will be teaching at the Birding and Photofest in St. Augustine. Click on the banner below for more information.
 Downtime has allowed so many photographers to expand their skill set and what's in their camera bag. Well, Tamron never slows down on manufacturing top of the line optics to help you expand your creativity, as well as the quality of your images. Right to the point - they make great glass! While we all miss the conferences and conventions we'd attend in the past; the pandemic also hasn't slowed down Tamron USA's continued presence with workshops around the country. Check out their listing of local events, all within safety and physical distancing guidelines. And, take the time to visit Tamron's website, always loaded with great content, as well as their YouTube channel. One of Dan's favorite lenses is also featured in the current Tamron rebate program. Click on the banner below for information on their current promotion. And I know I've written the same thing almost every month - Hunkering down is about your health, NOT about growing as an artist and expanding your skill set. You still need to maintain a strong presence in your business, build relationships, and remind your target audience you're a photographer and available to help them with their imaging needs.     Chef Dan's new podcast is just a click away!  28-75mm, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/5000 sec., ISO 200 Intro by Chamira Young We have a fun post for you sports and action photographers today. Even if you're not involved in the specific world of electric dirt bikes, the basic principle of having quality lenses for capturing action photography is relevant to any photographer, pro or hobbyist. The Tamron team brings photographer Spencer Kofoed to the forefront as he uses two of their amazing lenses to capture stunning action images of his friends zipping around on their battery-powered motors. It was a requirement that his equipment be sturdy enough to handle the rough, sandy terrain and, needless to say, Tamron did not disappoint! Read the post excerpt below. Also, click on either lens image below to learn more! We love the dedication of the Tamron team as they support the photography industry by bringing amazing lenses and inspiration we can all learn from.
Mountain Biking Goes Electric Spencer Kofoed’s Tamron 17-28mm ultra-wide-angle and 28-75mm zoom lenses help him capture the latest adventure sport. By Jenn Gidman Images by Spencer Kofoed Spencer Kofoed’s love for high-intensity sports was baked in from a young age—he even once had aspirations to be a professional Alpine skier, taking time off after high school to train and race. He ended up going to school for mechanical engineering, but he never lost his love for extreme sports, even founding The Endless Shred clothing company, which encourages a lifestyle of adventure. One day, however, he realized he didn’t have many photos of these adventures to share with his family, so he “borrowed” his sister’s camera (without telling her) and started documenting. “I was more or less self-taught, poking around on YouTube to find tutorials and just shooting as much as possible when I was out with friends,” he says. “Over the last two years, I’ve also been meeting a whole bunch of photographers. Just being in their presence has taught me a lot about the craft.” His latest foray is into the world of electric dirt bikes, built to handle rough terrain using a battery-powered motor. “My friends and I head out to these cool remote spots all over Utah and ride our bikes, and I’ll bring my camera along so I can take pictures of us,” he says.  17-28mm, 17mm, f/2.8, 1/3200 sec., ISO 800 The two Tamron lenses Spencer has been packing in his gear bag for these extreme biking excursions are the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD ultra-wide-angle and 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lenses, both for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. “These lenses are both so sharp, with high-performance autofocus,” he says. “I got the 28-75mm first, and it’s become my go-to lens. I’m a huge fan. The 17-28mm, meanwhile, has offered me a different perspective on the sport. I’ve been having a lot of fun with it, especially in tighter quarters and for interior shots, which I also do on occasion.” Keeping his gear clean is a challenge in situations where the sand and dirt is constantly flying. “My camera definitely takes a beating,” he laughs. “I don’t want to miss any shots, though. I do try my best to keep dust out of the internal part of the lens; I have a UV filter I’ll often use to help with that. And I have an air blaster to blow the dust off if I have to change lenses. So far, when I wipe my equipment down at the end of the day, everything is still working.”
One of the most important aspects to Spencer’s electric mountain bike photos is his ability to freeze the riders in action. “That guy doing the wheelie on the edge of the bluff is a perfect example of the type of shot I usually go for,” he says. “He’s from the Swedish company that makes the bikes shown here, so he’s obviously really good at riding them. He simply rode up to the edge, then hit the brakes and popped up in the air. I had to shoot at a fast-enough shutter speed—1/1250th of a second—to make sure I froze him at that exact moment. I had to use that same fast shutter speed for the guy in the middle of the dust circle. I took that photo looking down on him from the top of our van.” Read the rest of the post here!   Click on the image above to learn more about this great lens! Intro by Chamira Young If you're anything like me, you love a lens that's versatile enough to allow you to shoot in a variety of situations. In addition, today's unprecedented challenges with the pandemic has introduced the need for photographers to give their portrait subjects some much-needed space during their sessions for everyone's safety and peace of mind. That's why we're excited to showcase a helpful and fun video from the incredible Tamron team featuring one of their new zoom lenses in action! In the video below, you get to watch over the shoulder of photographer Marcie Reif as she uses the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 Di III RXD in a variety of creative situations, both portrait and indoor. Lightweight and versatile, this telephoto zoom lens allows photographers of all skill levels to create high quality, stunning images. My favorite thing about the video is watching how relaxed and happy her portrait subjects are as they display their individual personalities from a distance! Check out the video below to witness the versatility of this great lens firsthand. We love the dedication of the Tamron team as they support the photography industry!  90mm, F/2.8, 1/250th sec., ISO 1600 Intro by Chamira Young We've featured professional photographer Derrick Zellmann on the blog before in our Tamron Recipes series, and for good reason. His ability to interact with his subjects - both food and human - and create great images is downright inspiring. As you'll see in the post excerpt below, Derrick is meticulous in his philosophy on capturing the individual personality and appeal of his subjects. It's no surprise his services are in such high demand in the Boston area! His client list is robust, as is his willingness to share lessons from his experiences with his fellow photographers. Check out the post below to see Derricks' work. Also, be sure to check out the lenses below, which Derrick often uses for food photography. We love the dedication of the Tamron team as they support the photography industry by bringing amazing lenses and content!
Capturing the Crave Images by Derrick Zellmann Derrick Zellmann gets viewers' mouths watering with the tasty dishes—and the culinary masters who create them—in front of his Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 VC and SP 90mm F/2.8 Macro VC lenses. Derrick Zellmann has become an in-demand portrait photographer in Boston, capturing everyone from newborns, families, and engaged couples to athletes and local firefighters. Seven years ago, he added food photography into the mix, and he's been documenting the region's delectable dishes and the personalities who create them ever since. "Just like with my other portraits, whether I'm taking a picture of an executive chef, a farmer, or a pastry chef, I'm trying to pull out the character of that person, both by forging an intimate connection between the viewer and the subject, and also by taking an environmental portrait that shows enough of their background to paint a more complete picture," he says.  85mm, F/20, 1/125th sec., ISO 100 When he shoots the food itself, Derrick's main goal is to make his subject irresistible. "I want to create a craving for the viewer," he says. "I think the biggest compliment I ever got was when a vegetarian who'd seen a photo I'd taken of a steak said they were tempted to break from their vegetarianism."
Derrick—who typically uses the Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 VC lens for his portraits and the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Macro VC lens for his food photos—has also forged a unique photographic path with what he calls his "what if" photos. "I go into a shoot knowing the specific pictures I'm expected to come out with, but the whole time I'm thinking about an image that might be a little more unconventional," he says. "I'll save these 'what if we tried this' photos till the end, when the subject and I are really comfortable with each other."  85mm, F/2.2, 1/400th sec., ISO 160 That approach paid off when he photographed Matt King, the executive chef for Boston's Smith & Wollensky steakhouse. "I'd seen the restaurant's famous tomahawk rib-eye steaks when I'd come in, so at the end of our shoot, I had the idea to put Matt in front of the wood walls in one of the restaurant's banquet rooms, train a dramatic one-light blast on him, and have him simply smile and swing that tomahawk steak over his shoulder like he was going to work. He looked at me, grabbed the rib-eye—which was bleeding all over the place—and said, "Let's do it."  Images copyright Vanessa Guzzo. All rights reserved. Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness. Lana Del Ray by Skip Cohen We all know the expression, time flies when you're having a good time. Even through the pandemic's challenges, working with the "chefs" in the Tamron Kitchen has been a kick. I find it hard to believe this is our tenth installment for the year. Each chef has shared their love for the craft, along with Tamron lenses. And through the pandemic, these creative tools have been critical elements allowing them to continue to capture and create important memories for their clients. Vanessa Guzzo is in the spotlight for this new episode of Tamron Recipes. Vanessa is all about family, children, and capturing joy. The quote I found above is perfect in describing her love for photography and working with her clients. Chef Vanessa's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last week. For more information on Tamron's 24-70 mm F/2.8 lens, click on the banner below. And check out Vanessa's website. What I pulled for today's post are just a few of my favorites. (Click on any image to view in the SCU Light Box) As you look through her images, you'll notice a common theme...love. As a result of the pandemic and everyone being hunkered down, I share the same comments so often in posts. We're all in this together, and everybody has the same frustrations. But as Vanessa talks about in her podcast, it's still important to keep in touch with your clients. Being hunkered down doesn't mean from your business or your clients. This is also the perfect time to keep expanding your skill set and take a look at adding a new lens to your gear. Tamron's team isn't slowing down in their support for photographers all over the country - they've just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work.     
  Click on the banner above for information on this outstanding lens!  Image copyright Vanessa Guzzo. All rights reserved. by Skip Cohen October marks our tenth episode of Tamron Recipes for the year. Thanks to support from Tamron USA, it's been a kick for Chamira Young and me to help showcase the work from some very talented artists. But more than just their images, have been their backstories and insight to an industry they each love dearly. We always share one of their favorite photos to start and then follow a week later with the podcast interview. When we started to build the concept, the idea of the chef analogy came into play. We had no idea how relevant that comparison would become. Like a fine chef at your favorite restaurant, each artist has their unique style, favorite cuisines, and their kitchen is home to hundreds of recipes, each demonstrating their passion for the craft and dedication to their clientele! Vanessa Guzzo joins us in the Tamron Kitchen this month. Her favorite cuisine is about kids and family. She's all about people and couldn't love the craft more than she does. At the beginning of this series, I started searching for quotes that seemed to match what I felt following my first conversation with each chef and looking at their work. It wasn't hard to find one that seemed to fit Vanessa. When her podcast airs next week, you'll definitely pick up on how much she loves the craft and her clients! Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness. Lana Del Ray  Click to visit the Tamron Kitchen and more recipes! About "Chef" Vanessa: Vanessa is all about families, lifestyle, and capturing memories. And as often as we all hear expressions about the importance of capturing those special moments, Vanessa makes it a point to stay in touch with her clients. She's the "palace guard" for every family she works with, guarding the gate making sure those special moments don't just disappear. There's a statement on her website that describes it all: Vanessa's stunning portfolio captures love, laughter, and joy, through an artist's eye with a keen attention to detail that only she can provide. Consistently going beyond creating images to making memories that last, it's no wonder so many families turn to her again and again for the most important moments in their lives. I hope you'll take the time to visit Chef Vanessa's website. You'll notice a couple of common denominators in her images - JOY and style. And while I usually don't share more photographs than the first one in the Recipes series, her headers on her portfolio caught my eye. It doesn't get more appealing to "Mom" than this one.  About the Image: A well known photographer in our industry, when I asked him once to send a couple of his most favorite images replied, "Wow- that's almost impossible. It's like asking me which one of my kids I love the most." Well, It wasn't easy for Vanessa, but what she wrote about the image for today's recipe explains why it's a favorite. This image was taken in Long Island City, NY. The inspiration for this image was “I LOVE NY”. Being a native New Yorker I always feel so alive and inspired by the glitz of the Big Apple. I also wanted to relay the feeling of being on top of the world.
 Click for information on this outstanding lens. Tamron never slows down on raising the bar on their optics' quality and creating the tools you need to expand your creativity. Quite simply, they make outstanding glass! And, they're a leader in educational support for photographers all over the world. When it comes to workshops and conventions, the pandemic may have changed a few things for us, but Tamron's maintaining their presence through the support of local events around the country. Check out their listing of local events being held this fall, all within the safety and physical distancing guidelines. And, take the time to visit Tamron's website, always loaded with great 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. One of Vanessa's favorite lenses is featured in the current Tamron rebate program. Click on the banner below for information on their current promotion. Hunkering down is about your health, NOT about growing as an artist by expanding your skill set. This is a great time to expand your gear and take full advantage of the downtime getting to know a new lens and taking your creativity to a new level.  Click on the banner above for information about Tamron's current special promotion!  Click to listen to the new podcast with Chef Vanessa!  35-150mm (46mm), F/5.0, 1/500th sec., ISO 400  Click the image above to check out this great lens! Intro by Chamira Young Years from now when someone mentions 2020, it will undoubtedly conjure up foreboding images of masks, copious amounts of hand sanitizer...and of course, precious toilet paper! However, the year's not over yet, and there's still room to stuff it with as much creativity as safely possible! While it may currently require some modifications to your process (i.e. social distancing), there are still fun projects you can do to bust that pesky boredom during this slow season for your business. In the article below, photographer Michael Schmitt shares how he is managing to stay creative and serve his community despite the pandemic. We love how he goes above and beyond while using his Tamron 35-150mm VC OSD zoom lens to take families’ portraits from the other side of their windows. Check out the post below. We love the dedication of the Tamron team to bring you amazing lenses and inspiration to keep your creative juices flowing! Reflections on a Pandemic By Jenn Gidman Images by Michael Schmitt Like many of us, when commercial photographer Michael Schmitt found himself suddenly confined to his home in Portland, Oregon, due to the coronavirus pandemic, he also saw much of the work he’d had lined up for the next few months vanish. Instead, his time in lockdown has been spent taking long walks with his camera—“at least I’ve been able to scout for future locations to shoot”—and with his children, an eighth-grader and high school senior, having longer meals and discussions together and expanding on the kids’ life skills. “Our boys are learning how to cook more than they ever knew how to,” he says. Then one afternoon in mid-March, Michael was working in his yard when he happened to catch a glimpse of his son in the house, through a window. “That was the first weekend after school had been canceled,” he says. “We didn’t yet have a shelter-in-place mandate, but we were just starting to go into isolation mode. I happened to spot my son, with the reflection of my wife outside caught in the window, and I thought, ‘That would make a really cool image.’”  35-150mm (50mm), F/7.1, 1/640th sec., ISO 800 Michael decided to take other photos like that, but though he’d initially planned to photograph just his own family and some neighbors as a way to document this time in history in Portland, locals soon got wind of the project. “I’ve now photographed about 35 families,” he says. “And I’m not asking for payment for these portraits. This is a way for me to give something to people to remember this time by, as well as a way for me to stay creative while I’m not officially working.”  35-150mm (41mm), F/7.1, 1/250th sec., ISO 100 The Tamron 35-150mm VC OSD portrait zoom was the lens Michael opted to use for this project. “The color and definition quality this lens offers gives my images a timeless quality, which is exactly the look I’m going for,” he says. “That, in addition to the wide range of focal lengths at my disposal, plus the Vibration Compensation feature that allows me to shoot handheld without having to bump up the ISO too much, has made this the perfect lens for what I’m trying to capture with these images.”  35-150mm (41mm), F/4.5, 1/250th sec., ISO 400   Click on the image above to check out their newest lens! Intro by Chamira Young Today we have a fun video lesson to help spur your creativity. As artists, fostering our creative juices is vital for the longevity of not only our businesses, but our souls as well! If you have a camera and the ability to step outside your back door, then the tutorial below is a great way to do just that. It's time to take a break from the gloom and doom news, roll up your figurative sleeves, and try something fun! In the short video below, the Tamron team demonstrates five practical tips for capturing the perfect sunburst. They keep it simple and short, and I love how they break it down into terms and concepts that any photographer can execute with a little time to experiment. Also, be sure to check Tamron's website when you get a chance. They are constantly innovating some of the best lenses in the industry, such as their brand new 70-300 F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens, their newest and lightest telephoto zoom lens for Sony Mirrorless cameras. They never compromise on quality, and are helping raise the standard on photography industry as a whole!  Images copyright Ian Jones. All rights reserved. "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 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. 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. 
    Image copyright Ian Jones. All rights reserved. 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  Click to visit the Tamron Kitchen and more recipes! 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. 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.   Click to listen to the new podcast with "Chef" Ian  17mm, f/4.5, 1/400 sec., ISO 100 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!
Destination: St. Croix By Jenn Gidman Images by Michael Butler Michael Butler was born and raised in Memphis, where he still proudly lives, and for years he frequented local restaurants and posted smartphone photos of his visits on Facebook. His writing background spurred him to start his own blog, where he could post his pictures and write about his experiences, but he started noticing other blogs had better photos than he did. “I reached out to a photographer to ask for some tips, and he wanted to charge me $2,000 a month to mentor me,” Michael says. “When I mentioned that to my dad, he said, ‘Well, let’s just get you a real camera and have you figure it out yourself.” I’m an engineer and tinkerer by trade, so he thought I’d be up to the task. I dove into photography, and as my photos got better, my blog blew up from there.” That blog no longer exists, as Michael is now in a transitional stage that’s moving his focus to filming, but he still takes plenty of pictures in Memphis, where he writes and takes photos for Edible Memphis magazine. He’s also started venturing outside the city limits and trying his hand at destination photography, most recently on a trip to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, where he stayed for a week in November. “Expedia sent me down there to shoot two hotels,” he says. “I worked for about four hours a day for Expedia, then had the rest of the time to myself to explore.”  22mm, f/4, 1/1000 sec., ISO 800 Along for the ride: Michael’s Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 RXD and 17-28mm F/2.8 RXD lenses for his Sony full-frame mirrorless camera. “If I could have just one lens with me at any given time, it would be the 28-75,” he says. “It’s light and gives me all of the focal lengths I need for destination photography. It’s also perfect to place on a gimbal if I’m shooting video. I was formerly a prime lens shooter only and was wary of using zooms, but this lens is so sharp that it totally won me over. As for the 17-28, I got my hands on that lens just a week before my St. Croix trip, so I wanted to play with it as much as possible, especially for photos where I wanted to go a little wider. I love shooting at 24mm, so this lens hits the sweet spot for me.”  17mm, f/2.8, 1/160 sec., ISO 640  17mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec., ISO 2500 Whether he’s staying local in Memphis or traveling abroad, Michael wants his viewers to feel like they’re right there with him. “I want to immerse them in the scene, make them feel like they’re part of the adventure with me,” he says. “If I can draw out some emotion, or make you feel like you’re practically smelling or tasting a local dish, then I’ve done my job.” Read the full post on Michael’s trip to St. Croix here.   Click the image above to learn more about this fantastic lens! Intro by Chamira Young If you're a dog owner or have ever been one, you understand the deep, special bond that quickly forms with our canine family members. There's nothing like the pure joy that comes from spending time with them, including simply just tossing a ball around! That brings us today's fun video with photographer Ken Hubbard, who demonstrates how to capture your beloved canine in action. There's a certain innocent magic our pets bring to us every day, and it's important we capture those priceless memories. Check out the video below to see how to do just that. Ken shares his specific camera settings, including his shutter speed, frame rate, and the reasons why the 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 lens works so well in this use case. This fantastic lens combines performance and versatility in a package that won't disappoint! As you'll see in this fun video, capturing those special moments with your canine family can be fun and easy. Also, be sure to check out a Tamron dealer near you! |
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