by Skip Cohen

​​Last year I started adding a little fun with each new "chef" by searching for a quote that seemed to fit some aspect of their love for the craft. The Tamron Kitchen isn't just about recipes but often the driving force behind each chef's passion for photography. It was so easy to find a quote that fit Chef Mickie DeVries. While her quest is to never stop raising the bar on her technical skills, it's her role as a mom that inspires her most. 

Mickie shared a lot about the priority she's put on being a storyteller of her own children. If you're a parent, then you already know how fast everything changes in your family. We've all looked at our children and pondered, "Where did the years ago?'

Well, Mickie doesn't need to ponder. She's created a storyline she revisits all the time. With each click of the shutter challenging her skill set to document her children, at the same time she makes it fun for them as well as her. And there's the magic word, "fun."  While she's an educator helping other photographers raise the bar on their skill set, her priority is always keeping fun in the playbook!
 
We featured Mickie's go-to lens in this new episode. It's the 28-75mm F/2.8, and while some of the images I grabbed for today's posts were captured with other focal lengths, Mickie talks about why this lens is one of her favorites in the podcast.

"Chef" Mickie's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last Tuesday. For more information on the 28-75mm lens, click on the thumbnail to the right. 
​
If you haven't visited your local Tamron dealer, it's time to check out the entire family of Tamron lenses.  
Tamron is manufacturing some of the finest glass in photography. You owe it to your clients and yourself to capture images with the very best tools available!

​And to see more of Mickie's work and follow her teaching schedule, click on any of her images in today's post.

by Skip Cohen  
 
Throughout 2019 we introduced you to a new artist each month, having fun with the play on a food-show reality series. It's all from the Tamron Kitchen, and if you think about the comparison between an exceptional chef and an artist, they really aren't that far apart. They both have to create a "dish," and their reputations grow with the quality of whatever they've created.

We're kicking off the 2020 series with Mickie DeVries, a Michigan mom, who's taken the photography of her children to an entirely professional level. She's passionate about the craft, telling the story of her children, and education in imaging as a Photoshop instructor through Click Photo School. 

In this new Recipe, Mickie was using her favorite "go-to" lenses, the 28-75 mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens. The link to the lens is below. And, visit Mickie's website with a click on her Tamron Recipes photograph above.

​Halfway through last year's series, I started sharing a quote that seemed relevant to each guest chef. I always find one that fits, and with Mickie, it was so easy... ​

"Behind all your stories is always your mother's.
Because hers is where yours began."
Mitch Albom

​Mickie, like most photographers, is a storyteller. And, if a picture really is worth a thousand words, then Mickie's archived images of her children surpass the works of Shakespeare! In her bio on her website, she wrote:

​My photography is childhood through a mother's lens. My driving force is to capture these fleeting moments as time speeds by, and my children grow up and experience new things. My hope is that my work resonates with parents universally, and speaks to their hearts of the wonders of childhood.

While Mickie's focus on the professional side is as an educator, think about the power of that statement if she opened a full-time studio as a children's photographer. 

I've shared this statement many times over the years. It's thanks to a marketing/motivational guru by the name of Ed Foreman and it's been one of the valuable lessons in business I've learned in my career:

       "If I can see the world through my client's eyes, then I can sell my client what my client buys!"

It's not about the old line of "put yourself in their shoes" - it's about understanding a client's priorities. It's about building trust because you know what they're most interested in, what's most important in their life, and how they see their children.

About "Chef" Mickie:  She is an artist, photographer, educator, and mom. One walk through her galleries, and you know her favorite subjects are her children. From the very beginning, she was never content just to take pictures but wanted to capture images whose quality made her story of her role as a mother, the best it could be. ​

About the shoot: A local farmer graciously opened up his sunflower field for anyone to enjoy. My daughter and I visited mid August at the tail end of the crop just before sunset.  She had so much fun running through the field and examining the sunflowers.  The golden light was perfect, and I loved that the Tamron 28-75 gave me the flexibility to achieve both wide and zoomed in shots of her as she enjoyed our night out.

Tamron never slows down in their quest to manufacture some of the finest glass in imaging.

Plus, it's a new year, and the Tamron team will be on the road with workshops and special events all over the country. Just click on the banner to the right and make sure they're on your radar! 

The Tamron tech team is one of the most active groups of artists and educators in photography. When they're on the road, they all share the same common goal - helping you raise the bar on your skill set and the quality of your work.​

Headed to IUSA in Nashville this weekend? Meet the Tamron Team in booth 623 and check out their entire product line. You won't be disappointed!
​
​Finding your local Tamron Dealer is just a click away.

by Skip Cohen
  
​Each "chef" who's joined us has shared a different journey in their quest to be an artist and photographer.  A few episodes back, I started adding a quote that seemed relevant to some aspect of each guest in the Tamron Kitchen.

Ken Hubbard is the epitome of somebody who truly loves the craft. And while it sounds so simplistic - imaging runs through his veins. When I found the Steve Jobs quote above, it screamed Ken's name.

If you wander through Tamron's YouTube channel, you'll find video after video featuring Ken. It's not just photography that runs through his veins, but a love for education. Catch up to him in Tamron's always busy booth at any convention, and you'll immediately notice his willingness to help other photographers raise the bar on their skill set. 

In this new podcast, Ken shares a lot about his journey in photography. And while he obviously has a serious respect for the tools Tamron's brought to the industry, he's always pushing the edge of the creative envelope looking for ways to use their products other artists haven't yet tried. He also shared a lot about his love for varying the landscape of subjects he has an opportunity to photograph. I loved the two images we chose for his first Recipes post - from wild mustangs to a stunning portrait of a musician, Ken's experience covers everything!

As Tamron USA's Field Services Manager, Ken needs to be comfortable in working with every Tamron lens. And think about his role within the industry. He's also got to understand the challenges every specialty faces with the variety of subjects photographers capture.

We featured two of Ken's favorite lenses in this episode, and while they're both SP zooms, the subjects couldn't be farther apart. The mustangs were captured with the SP 150-600mm and Slim Fatz with the 70-200mm. Ken's skill set shines through on both.

by Skip Cohen  

It's been one of those years where I feel like I'm trapped in an old Hollywood movie, and the hands of the clock are spinning out of control! It's December, and since Chamira Young and I started this series, we've introduced you to another artist each month since January. We've learned so much from some of the best imaging "chefs" in the world. As I've written in the past, they're artists, educators, writers, and passionate about their careers and love for the craft.

This month, we're finishing out the year with one of my favorite "Chefs," Ken Hubbard, Field Services Manager for Tamron USA. He's no stranger to SCU, and his work has been featured many times over the last six years.

Ken actually lives in the "Tamron Kitchen", and we're so excited about him joining us that I wanted to share two of his images. I love the fact that he chose  black and white photographs. I'm a huge fan of black and white because there's no distraction of color. Don't get me wrong, I've loved all the images we've shared this year, but there's something about the power of Ken's two choices for this post. 

In these two new Recipes, Ken is using Tamron's SP150-600mm Di VC USD G2 with the wild mustangs, and with the portrait of musician, Slim Fatz, he's using the Tamron SP70-200mm Di VC USD G2 lens. The links to both lenses are below and it's a bonus this month to share two BTS videos involved with both images.

​With every Tamron Recipes post, I always manage to find a quote that fits our guest "chef." The quote below is Ken, through and through. ​

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life,
and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.
​And the only way to do great work is to love what you do!
Steve Jobs

About "Chef" Ken:  Ken is an artist, filmmaker, photographer, educator, manager, and friend to so many of us in the industry. All you need is one minute with him, and you know you've met somebody who loves what he does!  

Visit Tamron's booth at any of the major trade shows, and you'll find Ken at the counter - helping photographers raise the bar on their work. He's always approachable and worth waiting for if you caught him in the mad rush of people often in the Tamron booth.

​​Part II of Ken's recipe series will air next Tuesday. You can be sure we'll get into the backstories about both of these images.

​Ken needs to be on your radar - follow everything he's working on and where's he headed through his Facebook page. He's always sharing great content.

Part of the fun of this Tamron series is the artist is sharing the experience. The BTS videos below will give you more insight into Ken's work and the circumstances that put him on the scene with both images. I hope you'll watch both these short videos and enlarge them full screen to really appreciate the story-lines.

Photographing the wild mustangs Ken wrote: Capturing them interacting with each other, running wild as fast as they can and just standing about next to each other was phenomenal...They started to kick up some dirt, rear up on their hind legs and jostle about...All I could do at that point was press the shutter, tell myself don’t stop just keep firing and hope that I didn't run out of media space...No matter how long you have been capturing images, that feeling you get when you nailed the moment is still the same and will always be incredible.  

by Skip Cohen
  
​A few "chefs" ago, I started searching for quotes that help you get to know each guest we have in the Tamron Kitchen. Alex Cearns redefines having a love and respect for the animal world. It's what her photography is all about. I used the word "respect" because it's the best way to describe her focus and dedication to capture incredible images of critters!

To appreciate her skillset, you need to visit her website, but not just her galleries. Taking a scroll through all the images on her website and backstories is like visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From incredible photos of domestic animals to her photography in the wild and on to animal rescue support, Alex is an artist who ALWAYS walks the talk. 

But, just being one of the world's best animal photographers is only part of her commitment. As an educator, you'll find her at conventions throughout the year. She's always giving back, and helping artists raise the bar on the quality of their images.

In this new podcast, Alex shared a lot of great insight into her journey as an animal lover. She's determined to never let the challenges of photographing ANY animal get in the way of the click of the shutter. 

Even though neither Chamira or I have ever met Alex in person, one podcast, a few emails, and conversations in cyberspace are enough to thoroughly appreciate her passion for imaging and animals. She's one of those exceptional artists who's simply approachable.

In the "About" section on her website are four goals that Alex shares with her visitors. They reflect her love for the craft and her subjects.

• Capture uplifting and positive images that evoke a heartfelt connection between the viewer and the subject.
• Celebrate the unique personalities of beloved ‘fur kids’ for their parents.
• Be a vocal advocate of animal rescue – to speak for those who can’t.
• Provide excellence in everything she does as a professional photographer.

​She's committed to her craft as a photographer, artist, educator, speaker, and author. Click on any of Alex's images below to visit her website. It wasn't easy deciding which ones were my favorites because the body of work she shares is remarkable!

"Chef" Alex's recipe is a click away if you missed it last week. Check out one of her favorite creative tools, Tamron's SP 150-600mm F/5.6 - 6.3 lens. Just click on the thumbnail to the right for more information about this lens and the current Instant Savings.  ​

It's holiday season - how could I pass up this last image in today's post?

by Skip Cohen 

Each month, since the start of the year, Chamira Young and I have had the privilege of working with a member of the Tamron "family." We started the Tamron Recipes project completely underestimating what we'd learn from some of the finest imaging "chefs" in the world. They're artists, educators, writers, and passionate about their careers and love for the craft. I continue to be amazed at the diversity and willingness of each featured "chef" to share their recipes.  

Alex Cearns joins us in the Tamron Kitchen in this new post and upcoming podcast. She's a remarkable artist with a love not only for her work, but the animals she works with, both domestic and in the wild. When you look at her work, there's an undeniable signature in so many of her images.

Shakespeare wrote, "the eyes are the window to the soul." One look at Alex's portfolio, and you'll immediately see why I'm making the reference. I grabbed screenshots of three of my favorites below, but it wasn't easy. They're all incredible!​

by Skip Cohen
 
​With each new "chef" who joins us in the Tamron kitchen, I like to go off in search of a quote that seems to fit their style and personality. Rick Friedman is definitely a photographer and educator who believes in fun. You can see it in every class he teaches. Walk by the Tamron booth at a convention or into a Tamron dealer where Rick is doing a demo, and you'll instantly be drawn to a photographer having fun! 

While I've known Rick for a lot of years, we never seemed to find quality time to hang out and talk until a couple of years ago. That changed in 2018 at WPPI, and since then, we've worked on several different projects together. When he recently became one of Tamron's newest Ambassadors, it was the perfect time to have him join us in this series.
 
Rick's best known around the world for his work as a photojournalist for the last 40+ years. In the podcast, he talked about the backstory of getting his first magazine cover on the right.

But, Rick's also an educator, and he's been teaching for the last sixteen years. He's well-respected as one of the leaders in lighting. It's under that umbrella of education that he's had an impact on thousands of photographers.

As we discussed in this new podcast, being a successful photojournalist and educator is about relationship building. It's about establishing trust with the clients as a photographer and the students in any class or demonstration. Even a twenty-minute demo on the floor of a busy trade show requires a level of trust with the attendees!

​Click on any of Rick's images below to visit his website. I pulled some of my favorites, but there was so much from which to choose.

"Chef" Rick's recipe is a click away if you missed it last week. And, check out two Tamron lenses that are a critical part of Rick's creative tools, no matter what the subject. Click on either thumbnail for more information.  
 
Rick shared a lot of great insight in this new podcast. He's based in Boston, but the world is his home. As you look through his images, it's obvious wherever his creative eye and camera's needed, that's where he's going to be.

​As Rick pointed out in the podcast, he believes in the expression, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

Having lived in Boston a significant part of my life, Arthur Fiedler was a very special legend. Rick captured the image below shortly before Fiedler passed away, and all it took was a knock on his door.

The next thing you know, he's sitting in Arthur Fiedler's bedroom, having a conversation with one of the greatest conductors of all time! And what was Fiedler doing when Rick joined him? Reading music!

From photojournalism on the campaign trail to travel to lighting workshops and published editorial images, I'm not sure there isn't anything "Chef" Rick hasn't photographed!

 by Skip Cohen

One of the fun aspects of this series is sharing the work of a different artist each month. As always, I continue to be amazed at the diversity and willingness of each featured "chef" to share their recipes.  

Rick Friedman joins us in the Tamron Kitchen in this new episode. We had a hard time trying to figure out which image to share. I took the easy way out and featured two.   

In this new Recipe, Rick's working with two different Tamron lenses, but the common denominator is Julianna Nicole, one of his favorite models. And, the two images are entirely different. But if you know Rick or have watched him at a Tamron demo, you know creativity is in his blood - along with always having fun!

"Fun," as I've written in the past, is one of those words too often lost in business today. We're so wrapped up in deadlines and the stress of each moment we often forget about having fun. Well, you can't have fun if your heart isn't in it - and Rick's an artist whose heart is in every click of the shutter. ​

In the light-painting image below, I love the fun of Rick's comment about being in the picture, "That's fat me behind skinny her!" And photographers always have fun in Rick's workshops with his work-hard-play-hard style of teaching.

​With every Tamron Recipes post, I like to find a quote that seems to fit our guest "chef."

​"You gotta have fun. Regardless of how you look at it, we're playing a game. It's a business, it's our job, but I don't think you can do well unless you're having fun!"
Derek Jeter

Both images were from Rick's workshops/presentations. The top image was captured at T&F Camera in Vineland, NJ. The second image was at a lighting presentation in the event space at B&H Photo in NYC. If you're looking for a great class on lighting and developing a stronger reputation as a pro, check out Rick's workshops. 

Tamron never slows down on manufacturing some of the finest optics in photography. Visit your local Tamron dealer and take advantage of ​their special FALL SAVINGS program going on until November 2, 2019.

by Skip Cohen

When Chamira Young and I started this series, we had no idea of the degree of insight each artist would share in Tamron Recipes. The concept was a great way to introduce you to some of the industry's best artists using some of the finest optics in imaging.  But it's become so much more.  What we've been getting is diversity in each artist's primary focus; insight into their passion for the craft, and often, stunning creativity.

While the initial common denominator has been their love for Tamron lenses, there's another attribute they all share - a love and support for imaging. Each podcast has been inspirational, and the range of work has covered just about every specialty.

To date, there are nine artists featured in the series with many more to go. So, if you missed any of the Tamron Recipes since we started in January, click on the artist below and check out their work, websites and of course listen to the podcasts.

The Internet has made the world a smaller place, and thanks to Tamron, artists are capturing and creating images that help to redefine life around us.

Find the Tamron dealer nearest you, then click the banner below for details on their Fall Savings Program. And, follow their tech team on the road with great workshops. This is one of the most diverse groups of tech reps in the industry. They're all focused on helping you raise the bar on your skill set and the quality of your images. 

by Skip Cohen
 
If you're new to this series, I like to find a quote that seems to fit our guest "chef." After several phone conversations, followed by the podcast above, there's no question that Teal Garcia loves what she does, and her images clearly meet the definition of "great work."

Over the years, I've looked at hundreds, if not thousands, of online galleries and portfolios. One of the things I've noticed, often recognizable immediately, is the artist's ability to capture emotion. It's not just in the expressions of the subjects, but the composition, use of depth of field and even the exposure. 

One of the industry's most celebrated portrait photographers, Don Blair, used to say, "You have to learn the rules before you're allowed to break them." Teal Garcia has learned them all but chooses to violate them whenever it adds impact to a portrait. In the process, she spends a lot of time listening to her clients, building trust, and then the relationship necessary to capture their personalities in front of the camera.

Being a successful portrait artist isn't as much about the final photograph itself, but creating an experience for the client. It's about sharing your passion for the craft with your subject. It means being so involved in the process of capture, that the only difference between the artist and the client is a few feet.

Click on any of Teal's images below to visit her website. I pulled some of my favorites from her Instagram page as well. Teal Garcia should be on your radar!

by Skip Cohen

Ever feel like time is passing incredibly fast, like the hands on a clock spinning in an old movie? As we share a new "Tamron Recipes" with another "chef," I'm amazed this is now the ninth in the series. Each one has captured the passion of another chef when "cooking" with Tamron. Tamron's outstanding optical quality combined with the skillset of each guest has created a remarkably diverse body of work. 
   
Teal Garcia joins us in the Tamron Kitchen in this new episode. While her lens choice and skillset are obviously part of her success, it's her love for the craft that's a big part of the foundation for everything she does. ​With every Tamron Recipes post, I always go off in search of a quote that seems to fit both our guest "chef" and the image along with the upcoming podcast to be aired.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life,
and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.
And the only way to do great work is love what you do.
Steve Jobs

About "Chef" Teal: For the last year Teal's been based out of Oahu, Hawaii. It's a big change of scenery from previously living in Oklahoma. She's an internationally recognized award-winning portrait photographer, and there's a great line in her bio I want to share:

"I have an obsession with what I do and I love a good adventure."

Teal's husband is in the military and currently based out of Pearl Harbor. Having been around the military world in our own family, I can't help but think all the travel in Teal's life has contributed to her passion for adventure. Plus, think about how she's had to keep her skillset well-developed in order to create beautiful portraits in a wide variety of environments, no matter where she's based!

​Part II of Teal's recipe series is coming next Tuesday. You can be sure we'll be talking about the challenges of relocation; her mind's eye visions when she's working with a client and her absolute love for photography. Her website is just a click away.

Images copyright Voortex Productions. All rights reserved.

“Two or three things I know for sure, and one of them is that to go on living I have to tell stories,
​that stories are the one sure way I know to touch the heart and change the world.”
Dorothy Allison

by Skip Cohen
 
I love starting each Tamron Recipe with a quote that points out some unique characteristic of our "Chef." Well, it only took a few minutes to find a statement that describes Chef Charley Voorhis. He's a passionate storyteller, explorer, and adventurer. He's always focused on finding ways to expand the viewer's understanding of a subject via his filmmaking and still images. And, like the quote above he touches our hearts and changes the world one frame at a time.

A few weeks ago, I was able to sit in on one of Charley's workshops at ClickCon in Chicago. As he talked about the essential elements of a story, I couldn't help but notice that distinctive look you see on an artist's face when they're in the groove. Talking about filmmaking is all part of Charley's persona, and as an educator, he's entirely focused on the importance of the power of a great story when told in a film.

The short video below about Charley's company, Voortex Productions, says it all...
                                                             
​                                                             "We believe in the power of stories!"

​Besides his love for imaging and storytelling, another quality immediately comes out in any conversation with Charley - he's a team player. While the videos he shares are deeply rooted in his visions, it's his crew that helps him turn them into reality. Together they've written some of the best stories in imaging!

And check out the entire Tamron family of outstanding glass with a visit to your Authorized USA Dealer. Just click on the banner above to find the dealer nearest you!

While most of the work shared in the Voortex Productions portfolio are video projects and campaigns, their Instagram and Facebook pages show more about their diversity and expertise. I pulled a few of my favorite still images, but check out their videos and pay close attention to the way they tell each client's story! Click on any image below to visit Voortex Productions.

All images copyright Voortex Productions. All rights reserved.

by Skip Cohen

This is our eighth featured "chef" in the Tamron Recipes series. Each one has captured not only Tamron's outstanding optical quality but the passion of each featured guest. A big part of the fun of these images and podcasts has been the insight each artist has brought to the conversation. 
 
I've shared this quote before, but it's so applicable to everybody we've worked with: "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!"  Each artist is wholly dedicated to storytelling, not only through their images but their online and educational presence when teaching. And with everything they share, Tamron is playing a pivotal role.

With every Tamron Recipes post, we always share a quote about the recipe for success, but today's recipe is from a "chef" who's a remarkable storyteller. His success is in part due to his exceptional skills telling stories, combined with his passion for people and exploring.  ​

​We're jumping into the Tamron Kitchen today with "Chef" Charley Voorhis. Charley is no stranger to the SCU blog. We've shared several of his Tamron videos over the years, but until recently we had never physically met. Our friendship has been a testimonial to social media, combined with a phone call here and there. 

Reading the quote above by Jay Acunzo, I couldn't help but think about Charley's passion for telling a story. We recently met for the first time in his program at ClickCon in Chicago. Sitting in his class, I had a chance to watch him teach, and without question his love for capturing great imagery and then telling the story shines through. 

About "Chef" Charley: I want to share the start of Charley's bio on his about page because he describes his love for storytelling far better than I ever could.  

There is nothing like a good story, honestly told, to unite people across town, or across the globe. I'm also a passionate explorer. I think of it as my job to get inspired by stories in unlikely places, uncovering details, and moving past simple stereotypes. Everybody has something great inside of them if you listen carefully. 

​Part II of Charley's recipe series is coming next Tuesday with a terrific and insightful podcast. We'll be talking a lot about his career in imaging and his passion for telling a story. His website is just a click away. ​

About the SP 15-30mm, SP 24-70mm and SP 150-600mm lenses, and the video:  Click on the banners below to find out more about these three outstanding members of Tamron's family. And, until September 1, 2019, the SP15-30mm and SP 150-600mm are both on the Summer Savings promotional program.
 
The video was created for the Adventure Travel Trade Association and filmed during AdventureWeek Peru. Watching the video, you'll notice how well Charley's skill set matches what they wanted to say about Ancash, Peru: 

​See hiking through Huascaran National Park, which is home to 300 lagoons, the stunning snow-capped Alpamayo mountain, and notable wildlife including the north andean deer, and andean condor, all of which are endangered. Feel the silence while gazing at 6,000 meter glaciated peaks. Whether embarking on a multi-day trek through the Cordillera Blanca, biking along the rough mountain trails, or kayaking on Laguna Llanganuco, Ancash’s vast, natural landscape is ready for adventurous exploration. 

"Dream big; work hard; stay focused and surround yourself with good people."
​Author Unknown

In looking for a quote to kick off Part II of our Tamron Recipes with "Chef" Erica Robinson, the quote above hit me as an almost perfect description of her work and her focus. She shares a lot of great insight in this new podcast. She's an incredibly passionate artist with a focus on not just her subject matter but adventure.

Here's my point about Erica - she's an adventurer, loving to travel and capture the stories she's able to tell with her camera. She works hard but never loses sight of the fun aspect of photography, her love for people, and new places. As part of the Tamron team, she's surrounded herself with good people. There's a line on her about page that really describes her love for the craft:

My hope, is that with one little tip or story, it will encourage YOU to explore, dare you to dance with a stranger, or inspire a new challenge in your photography and travel journey.

At a time where so many photographers waste space in their bios talking about their gear, awards, and experience, Erica shares her goal and part of her dream - to inspire us to push the boundaries on creativity and capturing our own stories. 

I hope you'll take the time for a scroll through Erica's galleries. Her images demonstrate her love for travel, people, and creativity. I pulled a few of my favorites for this post, but they don't begin to illustrate the world through Erica's eyes. Click on any image to visit her website and see more of her work.

Erica's working with one of her most favorite lenses, Tamron's SP 85mm F.1.8 Di VC USD lens. Tamron's making some of the finest optics in the world, and their part of their description online says it all:
​
"Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens...The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world's first* 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization...What's more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness..."

"Chef" Erica's recipe is a click away if you missed it two weeks ago. Check out the SP 85mm lens with a click on the thumbnail to the right. And, v​isit your Tamron dealer to check this lens out for yourself.

In the podcast we talked about some of the workshops Erica's involved with. Tamron's schedule of local events and trade shows is easily accessible through the banner below. They never slow down in helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images, or manufacturing great glass!

by Skip Cohen

Working together with the team at Tamron USA, Chamira Young and I started this series in January, making this our seventh episode of Tamron Recipes. As I've written in the past, we completely underestimated what we'd learn about and from each featured artist, as well as the fun we'd have in the process. "Fun" is one of those lost words in business today, but each artist has expressed their love for the craft in so many different ways and they're definitely having fun!

There's a quote credited to several people, including Steve Jobs and Confucius: "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!" Well, each artist is dedicated not only to their specialty but virtually every aspect of imaging. They've shared incredible insight into their growth as artists, and their dedication to telling a story with each image they capture, and always with Tamron lenses. 

A passion for "giving back" has been a common denominator as each chef has opened their heart and shared a wealth of knowledge. They've allowed us to share their recipe for a single image and then expand it to their ingredients for growth in their skill set and business, often going well beyond their photographs. 

With every Tamron Recipes post, we always share a quote about the recipe for success.  I recently found this one by Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who passed away in 2009. 

Success Recipe
2 cups faith, 2 cups love, 1 cup hard work, 1 cup persistence, 1 tbsp vision and a dash of swagger
Jim Rohn

We're jumping into the Tamron Kitchen today with "Chef" Erica Robinson. While the previous posts started with a phone call or two, today's is a little unique because Chef Erica isn't just a working artist, but also a dedicated member of Tamron's technical support team. I've met Erica many times before and she's no stranger to SCU readers having been featured in previous posts. 

When I found the recipe for success by Jim Rohn, I couldn't help but notice how well it described Erica. She's filled with faith in her skill set and understanding of the craft. She loves photography and has a passion for wearing the Tamron hat and working with other artists - if you've ever seen her at a trade show, you already know what she's like in action. She's persistent in her quest and hard work to capture an image or tell a story, and that little touch of swagger is demonstrated in her pride as an accomplished artist. 

About the images and the SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD lens: The Tamron SP 85mm "is the world's first* fast aperture lens with image stabilization." 

"It's unique design allows us to include our VC (Vibration Compensation) system - without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What's more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background."

*Among 85mm F/1.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras as of January 2016. Data source: Tamron

Click on the banner below to find out more about this outstanding member of Tamron's prime lens family.
 
When I looked at Erica's work, it was no easy task to pick one image. I couldn't do it and talked with her about using two from her past trip to Cuba. For so many of us there's still a beautiful mystique to the people, the culture and the country. Although legal travel for Americans started to open up in 1999, "President Obama restored people-to-people travel in 2011." (Source inSightCuba.com)
  
About "Chef" Erica:  One visit to Erica's galleries and you'll immediately see what I meant about her passion for the craft. I love her About-page description of herself, and it's so appropriate to share part of it here:

I won't write this out like a dating profile or write some perfect euphoric poem expressed on every Instagram post you see. But what I will tell you, is my life is in pictures. I travel around the US as a tech rep, and around the world for adventure. I'm proud to pass along my knowledge and experiences in seminars, workshops and now here. All, to others who feel the same travel pull on their heartstrings as I do. My hope is that with one little tip or story, it will encourage YOU to explore, dare you to dance with a stranger, or inspire a new challenge in your photography and travel journey.

​Part II of Erica's recipes is coming next Tuesday with her podcast. We'll be talking a lot about her journey as an artist and especially her adventures in Cuba. You can be sure she'll be sharing some great insight into how she's built so many unique relationships with her subjects, clients, and other photographers in the industry. 

Click on Erica's Tamron Recipe image to view in the SCU Lightbox. And, her website is just a click away, 

This special series is a kick to build and share each month. Join us next Tamron Tuesday when we share 
​Erica's podcast together with more of her images. Things never slow down in the Tamron Kitchen and each "Chef" brings a new recipe for success to the table!

"Good things happen when you set your priorities straight!"
Scott Caan

by Skip Cohen

Welcome back to Tamron Recipes and Part II, our conversation with "Chef" Marcie Reif. Marcie shares so much great insight in this conversation. Her passion for the craft, along with her clients, comes out loud and clear. Her goal with each client is to exceed their expectations, and as I've written in the past, make herself habit-forming!

We're having a lot of fun with this series. "Fun" is too often a mystical word that gets lost in business today, buried under the stress of decision making, interruptions, and priority setting. But, the quote by Scott Caan seems to define at least one aspect of Marcie's outlook on life, her priorities.  On her about page, she leads with a description of herself as simply, "wife, mother, artist." That pretty much says it all, establishing those three hats she wears that are a big part of the foundation of who she is.

I'd add one more hat, "friend." With each podcast, both Chamira and I have found the start of new friendships with our guests. Marcie's not just part of the Tamron family, but ours as well and that's one of my most favorite things about this industry - the friendships we all share that come out of everyone's love for the craft.

In wandering through Marcie's galleries, I wanted to pull a variety of my favorite images. You'll notice a universal theme - people! I doubt there's very much Marcie can't photograph, but it's her relationships with her clients that's demonstrated in great expressions in every image. Click on any photograph in this post to visit Marcie's website.

One of Marcie's most favorite tools is Tamron's new 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD lens. But it's not just about the quality of the optics, but the focal length. With a 35-150mm range she can be close to her clients and a director when needed, as well as a journalist's approach and back farther to observe. She talks very openly on her approach and why this lens is ideal for working with families and kids.

"Chef" Marcie's recipe is a click away if you missed it last week. Check out the 35-150mm lens with a click on the thumbnail to the right. And, v​isit your Tamron dealer to check this lens out for yourself and make sure Tamron's schedule of local events and trade shows is on your radar. You'll find their complete schedule below with an almost endless number of workshops, shows and dealer programs all year long.

We're in the Tamron Kitchen today with Marcie Reif. These posts and podcasts always start with a phone call or two. In my first conversation with Marcie, it was obvious she's entirely focused on her love for portraiture. She builds relationships with her clients, never doing anything just halfway. She loves her career choice. Like a world-class chef, she's always looking to be creative and is always looking for the precise moment to capture the personalities of her subjects, and she's part of an incredible team, the Tamron family. 

About the Image and the 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD lens: This new Tamron lens has become one of Marcie's favorites.

The 35-150mm lens "is based on the new concept of allowing you to concentrate on a wide range of portrait compositions without the interruption of pausing to change lenses. The fast F-stop offers F/2.8 at the wide end while maintaining a bright F/4 at the telephoto end."  

To the core I love photographing the joy of kids and families. Creating a strong and authentic portrait of their pure joy has definitely become my style and what people come to expect from me. This lens gives me a lot of room to play with that. Sometimes I need to be close to them to tickle them or sing. Sometimes I need to be farther away and it's their parents that can bring out that joy in them. Either way I can be close or far away with this lens.  M. Reif 
 
Click on the banner below to find out more about this outstanding lens.

About "Chef" Marcie:  Based out of Atlanta, one trip to Marcie's website and she sets the stage for her expertise as a family photographer. From her opening statement about being a "wife, mother and artist," to her description of her style of photography, there's no question of her goal to meet each client's mindset.

​My goal is to deliver you a unique set of images that are artistic, natural, and warm by mixing childhood images with connections to love. My style and heart lead to very natural photographs. I always try to deliver my clients images of their family “being” a family. This may mean singing, dancing, playing together, or maybe just some ginormous hugs! I LOVE to capture kids being themselves because best moments come when you set them up, sit back, and wait. M. Reif

​Stay tuned for Part II of Marcie's recipe coming next Tuesday with her podcast. She'll be sharing a lot of great insight into how she's built her business and reputation. She's a passionate artist with outstanding listening skills allowing her to better define each client's goals and relationships with a solid foundation of trust.

Just click on Marcie's Tamron Recipe image above to visit her website. And, follow her on Instagram and Facebook too.

​What a kick this new series is to build and share each month. Join us next Tamron Tuesday when we share Marcie's podcast together with more of her images. Things never slow down in the Tamron Kitchen!

Last month we shared a podcast packed full with great insight and a series of images by Tamron "Chef," Lisa Langell. The Tamron Recipe series always receives a great response, and today, Lisa's back with one of her recipes for success - how to photograph hummingbirds. The fun of working with Lisa is her attention to detail, combined with her willingness to share just about everything she's learned over the years to help more photographers fine-tune their skill set.

This new guest post is loaded with good solid information, especially Lisa's observations on the importance of "re-imagining nature photography" for today's contemporary clients and the interiors of their homes.​

Lisa's hummingbird images are all captured with Tamron's 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD lens. Just like Lisa's approach to photography, Tamron never slows down in manufacturing some of the very best optics in imaging. And, they're just as focused on helping photographers improve their skill set to help capture the very best photographs.

To find out more about this outstanding lens, click on the thumbnail to the left. The 70-210 lens is also included in Tamron's Spring Rebate program through July 6, 2019 with a $200 instant savings at authorized Tamron dealers.

Check out more of Lisa's work and her workshop schedule with a visit to her website. Just click on the banner below. While her August workshops are already sold out, with some classes, she maintains a waitlist. Make sure you sign up for her FREE newsletter, so you're always up to date on her workshops, trips, and latest information to help you become a better artist.

by Lisa Langell
​
​Creating wildlife and nature photography that works well into the interior designs of homes, offices and more is a true passion of mine.  Echoing back to my years long ago of working as a floral designer with other interior decorators to transform the indoors, I learned a great deal about people’s palates, tastes, design techniques, and decorating trends. 

Making wildlife photography something people want to hang in trendy, well-decorated and designed homes requires transforming how we perceive what constitutes “nature photography.”   We must go beyond the “rules” and restrictions long-associated with “classic” magazine and calendar-style photography.  It requires re-imagining how we photograph, process, print and display our work so that it is on-trend with the decorative and artistic look of today’s indoor environments. 

The high-key style hummingbird photography I do is just one example of re-imagining nature photography for today’s interiors.  Here is how it is done.
 
Recipe for Hummingbird High Key Setups

1 hummingbird feeder (which inevitably attracts bees and wasps, detested by hummingbirds)

3-4 speedlite flashes positioned about 18-24 inches from the bird, set to Manual, at 1/16th to 1/32nd power.
 
Zoom and aperture settings variable to achieve the light and look you need, depending on the placement of the flashes.

1 white backdrop about 24-36 inches behind the bird

1 flash positioned to illuminate white backdrop set to no higher than 1/8 power

1 camera on a tripod - Set camera to the following settings (slight adjustments made as needed):

• Focus on the hummingbird feeder and then set your camera to Manual Focus so it will not “hunt” with each shot
• Shutter Speed:  1/160th  to 1/200th second
• Aperture:  f/18 to f/25
• ISO:  100 to 200

​1 Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD lens

1 remote trigger (I do not recommend the type that requires line-of-sight communication)

1 or more stunningly gorgeous hummingbirds
 
Directions:

• Ensure your flashes are set to communicate with each other.  Depending on the brand and model, you may need to utilize the built-in master/slave settings, wireless communication via  via a trigger, by using pocket wizards and PC Sync cords, or other methods.
• Enable your “highlight alert” (a.k.a., “blinkies”) on your camera and ensure that the flash for the backdrop is positioned in such a way as to over-expose the white backdrop. 
• As the birds come in toward the feeder, or pull back from it, trigger the shot.  The flashes being set to 1/16 to 1/32nd power are what stops the high-speed wingbeats of the bird, not your camera’s shutter.  
• This method is “part art and part science,” so you will want to explore your options with positioning the flashes and the settings used.  You may also add flowers to the shot, or replace the feeder entirely with flowers for other effects.

"Don't just stand there; make something happen!"
Lee Iacocca

Welcome back to Tamron Recipes. This is our fifth episode, and the insight shared by each guest keeps getting better and better. There are a few common denominators with all of these fine "chefs," their passion for what they're doing in imaging and a never-wavering quest for success.

​The Lee Iacocca quote we found seemed like it was written for Lisa. She never slows down in her quest to capture images that stop us in our tracks. She's making things "happen," and in turn having an impact on her students, fans and the world of fine art in nature photography. She's focused not only on her subjects but pushing the creative envelope with her technique. 
​ 
Looking through her galleries, it was so hard to choose images to share with today's podcast. One image we wanted to make sure was part of the series is the companion portrait of the hummingbird with the wasp in the scene. We shared our favorite of the two in last week's post.

Lisa used Tamron's 70-210mm /F4 Di VC USD lens on a Canon EOS 7D body. Each Tamron Recipe is always in two parts, starting with an outstanding image, followed by the story behind it, as well as more about the "chef."  

Lisa's first recipe in the Tamron Kitchen is just a click away.  And, check out the 70-210 lens with a click on the thumbnail to the right. There's also a great rebate program going on right now at your Tamron dealer. Savings information on other Tamron lenses is just a click away on the banner below.

Visiting Lisa's galleries you'll immediately notice her diversity as a photographer and an artist. There's such a wide variety of presentations. In describing her approach to fine art nature photography she wrote:

Making wildlife photography something people want to hang in trendy, well-decorated and designed homes requires transforming how we perceive what constitutes “nature photography.”  We must go beyond the “rules” and restrictions long-associated with “classic” magazine and calendar-style photography.  It requires re-imagining how we photograph, process, print and display our work so that it is on-trend with the decorative and artistic look of today’s indoor environments.  

Click on any image below to visit Lisa's website!

Lisa Langell joins us today in the Tamron Kitchen. Talking to Lisa, it becomes obvious she never does anything halfway. As a contemporary artist, she loves what she's doing and especially the diversity into the fine art world. Like a great chef, she never slows down on creating her very best images with each click of the shutter. She never misses an opportunity to share her work, and she's part of an incredible team, the Tamron family. 

About the Image and the 70-210mm /F4 Di VC USD lens:  The 70-210 mm lens is one of Lisa's favorites and has enabled her to capture images, especially with hummingbirds that are different than what we usually expect to see with wildlife. Click on the banner below to find out more about this incredible lens.
 
About "Chef" Lisa: Lisa's had an incredibly diverse career starting in floral design, then psychology. She was a well-respected educational psychologist and International Consultant working in the school sector with a love for photography as a hobby since childhood. In 2010 she started her photography business but didn't go full-time as a career until 2016. 

​Lisa's also done a lot of research on flash photography with animals, especially birds. Her images aren't just about creating stunning images, but very much focused on the ethics of working with wildlife: 

"The ethics of using flash photography with animals and birds is something which I have spent considerable time researching before I comfortably employed these techniques specifically with hummingbirds. I am highly conscientious of being a good steward of our natural world and wanted to understand any impact low power flash photography may have on hummingbirds before engaging in this type of photography. The peer reviewed published literature available, although limited, suggests it does not cause harm." 

Stay tuned for Part II of Lisa's Tamron Recipe coming next Tuesday with her podcast. She's an amazing artist focused not only on her subjects but trends in fine art and her business. She's also a big fan of education, and in her hummingbird workshops, for example, every student has their own setup to maximize learning. 

Lisa's website is just a click away. And to maximize the viewing of her image above, just give it a click and view it in the SCU LightBox.