by Skip Cohen

​Because of the coronavirus and the pandemic, there are more people online than at any time in the history of the Internet. I'm one of those millions out in cyberspace looking at photographs and meeting contemporary artists. In my travels a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this phenomenal black and white image by Marc Morris.

I was blown away by the texture of the image and went off in search of the artist. Since the photo was tagged with "Tamron," I knew there was a possibility of a new guest for Tamron Recipes.

Are you looking for new gear? Click on the banner to the right and then bookmark the page. Tamron's current "New Year, New Gear" promotion ends on February 28.  
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It's been almost a year since the pandemic took hold. Over and again, I've shared the same kind of comment. It's critical  to stay focused on your passion for the craft and your dreams as an artist.  Everyone is dealing with the same challenges and the loss of so many freedoms we took for granted.

Even with the challenges, especially in business, the pandemic has given us something remarkable, TIME. Use the downtime to build your skill set, expand your creativity outside your comfort zone and become a more diverse artist. 

Remember, "hunkering down" is about your health, not about your business, skill set, or your creativity!  ​

​Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work. The Tamron team isn't slowing 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! ​

by Skip Cohen

Think about how we share images today versus twenty years ago. From Facebook to Instagram and even LinkedIn, we share photographs as often as we like. No waiting for a convention to catch friends, carrying a portfolio case, or putting prints in the mail - we've got instant fulfillment at any time.

Marc Morris joins us this month, and it's thanks to 
Facebook that we first saw his photograph above. From FB, I headed to his LinkedIn page to learn more about him, which led to a great phone call.

Besides a stunning image, there are two additional reasons to feature his work this month. First, we're still in the pandemic, and restrictions abound. However, it's not hard to physically distance when you're outdoors. Second, Marc's photograph crosses that line from landscape into fine art.  I want to see his image blown up to a five by seven-foot print in an office or living room with a cathedral ceiling! 

The pandemic has changed everything in our lives, but not the passion of our chefs. Chef Marc couldn't be more proud to be a photographer, as well as help other artists raise the bar on their skill set.  

Finding a quote that relates to each chef became part of this series starting early in 2019. It wasn't hard to find one that fit Marc - in fact; he wrote a lot about the photograph and the feeling he wanted to capture when he clicked the shutter. 

“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 McCulin

About Chef Marc: Marc's based out of Denver, as a Sales Representative for Tamron USA. Members of the Tamron team don't often join us in the Tamron Kitchen, but the image was so powerful, it deserved to be shared. As Marc and I talked, it turns out he and I met a few years back at WPPI, and like so many people in this industry, we have a lot of mutual friends. 

​About this Image: "I was in Hawaii on a work trip. There are many misconceptions about road warrior gigs, and one of the biggest (and most understandable) is that it’s a constant vacation, tourism mode activated 24/7, being that we do indeed travel constantly. However, I had never been to Hawaii, so when I was asked to head out in support of a fairly large workshop being hosted by Pro Camera Hawaii, I certainly didn’t turn the opportunity down. The trip was tightly packed, with very little room for “extracurricular activities.”

Due to weather (a right proper morning to midday monsoon with flooding that the locals laughably took utterly in stride) and the workshop schedule, I was only able to find a few hours before my flight back to Denver to go exploring...I had never shot in a rain forest before...There were pockets of the trail that clearly had their own microclimate: rain would form and fall at random, and the oxygen-rich environment allowed me an energy and movement I’d not had for years. O’ahu. Island of eternal youth.

I’m a highly tactile person, and this translates to my photography. When I’m scanning a subject or an environment, not only am I watching the light and its fluidity, how it fills this well, how shallow or deep others may be in their shadows… but I’m also seeking texture. Texture is what sells depth, scale, and to a certain extent, authenticity. I like images I can feel. If I’m looking at a photo and my hands itch, I know the photographer got something right: it’s in the fingertips. And the rainforest is if you’ll pardon me, absolutely saturated with texture.

The image you see here is an expanse that opened up off a corner of the trail, and its dimensionality was so overwhelming I was rooted to the spot. A floor above the floor. A sky below the sky. It was unlike anything I’ve ever personally witnessed in nature, and I simply had to try to capture it to see if I could translate its depth to print. It took about 20 minutes of working that corner, about forty feet up and down the trail, changing lenses for perspective studies before I settled on the 17-35 at the wide end. It was the only lens that was truly able to fit the scene, corner to corner, at the points where I needed the photo to end while also keeping that world within a world feel I wanted to come across."

Take the time to visit Chef Marc's Instagram page.  He regularly shares great content and photographs that will tell you more about his love for the craft.

In the world of photography, the first quarter of each year has always been a series of "reunions," as we all attend the various key conventions around the country. The pandemic has changed that for 2021, but it hasn't slowed Tamron 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.

The lens Marc used for the image above was the 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD. Click on the thumbnail to the right for more information, and understanding why he made this choice for the coverage of the scene he wrote about. 
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I write the same reminder with so many posts - hunkering down is about your health, NOT about growing as an artist and expanding your skill set. Nothing grows if you stay in your comfort zone. That means the downtime you're experiencing now is an opportunity to raise 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!

One year ago yesterday, the first case of the Coronavirus was diagnosed, and the government assured us it was all under control. There was nothing to worry about. Well, they were obviously wrong. It was hardly under control, but over the last year, we've all learned a lot about what is within our control. As artists, you've got control over your creativity, and even with the pandemic, there are plenty of opportunities to capture and create stunning images.​

Nick Irwin is this month's featured Tamron Chef, and his specialty of landscape is perfect for safety during the pandemic. And while doses of the vaccine have started and there's more optimism going into this new year, things aren't going to change overnight. That keeps the power of developing your creativity in your hands, and being outdoors is one of the safest venues to be in now.

Nick shares a lot of great insight on his passion for the outdoors during this new podcast. He's also a relationship builder with a serious focus on the people he's met along his short journey in imaging so far. The minute he starts talking about photography, you can't help but catch his love for time with a camera in his hands.

Chef Nick'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 RDX lens, click on the banner at the bottom of today's post. Follow Nick on his Instagram page, where he's regularly sharing great images from Michigan and as the ease of travel comes back into our lives, you'll see more from all over the country!

​Are you looking for new gear? Check out Tamron's "New Year, New Gear" savings program. For all the information and the products included, click on the banner to the right.
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With each podcast post from the Tamron Kitchen since the pandemic started, I've shared the same kind of comment. It's so important to stay focused on your passion for the craft and your dreams as an artist. For the first time in history, we're all dealing with so many of the same challenges. There are so many levels of freedom we've taken for granted in the past. However, the pandemic has given us something remarkable, TIME. Use the downtime to build your skillset, expand your creativity outside your comfort zone and become a more diverse artist. 

Remember, "hunkering down" is about your health, not about your business, skill set, or your creativity!  ​

Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work. The Tamron team isn't slowing 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! ​

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. 
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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!

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.
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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. 
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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!

by Skip Cohen
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​​If there's one thing everybody agrees on, it's that 2020 was a tough year. The pandemic changed so many different things in our lives, but it didn't stifle creativity. Downtime seems to have spurred some artists on, often going beyond their comfort zones as they grew their skill sets.

This is our last "Chef" in the series for this year, with a whole new set of episodes planned for 2021. Thanks to support from Tamron USA, together with my co-host Chamira Young, we're going to continue introducing you to artists who are making their work stand out. It all starts with one of their favorite images, and then whether they're a seasoned veteran or a relative newbie, it's their body of work that helps define their love for the craft. Each backstory and "Chef," just like your favorite restaurant, is unique. 

The chef analogy has been with us since the very first episode. Every good photographer knows the basics, but each one has a unique style and often vision for the final images. 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. 

Molly Dombroski joins us in the Tamron Kitchen this month. Her work is all about her two best friends, Summit and Mylo, and her work is simply fun to view. It's also so relevant at this point in time - the pandemic brought a substantial rise in pet ownership. All that downtime with families stuck at home made it ideal for adding new furry members to families across the country.

Near the beginning of this series, I started searching for a quote to help describe our guest Chef just a little better. Well, the only thing hard about finding a quote for Molly was selecting one of the dozens of great quotes about what dogs mean in our lives. 

​On a podcast recently, in reference to the pandemic, I was asked, "So, what do you miss the most?" There was no hesitation in my answer, "I miss bumping into people, literally!" As conventions all move to an online virtual presence, I miss those handshakes and hugs with so many people in the industry - many of them my friends at Tamron USA. But Tamron isn't slowing down on their presence, online and off, in small programs 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 Molly's favorite lenses is also featured in the current Tamron savings program, the 28-75mm zoom for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Click on the banner below for information on their current promotion or to the right for more info about this outstanding lens. 
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And while I've written that same words every month, as we wait for a vaccine and an end to the pandemic, remember - Hunkering down is about your health, NOT about growing as an artist and expanding your skill set. Growth only happens outside your comfort zone, and right now, for the first time in everyone's career, we've got something unique - TIME. Use it to keep in touch with your clients. Stay active in social media and spend a little time with your camera in your hands every day, capturing images for your most important client...YOU!

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.
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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. 
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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.

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

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.  
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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.

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.
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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.  ​
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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

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. 

by Skip Cohen

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

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

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

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

by Skip Cohen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​Tamron's website is loaded with outstanding content, as well as their YouTube channel. And their tech team is regularly teaching online with workshops supported by Tamron retailers all over the country. 
 
Click on the banner below for information on their current promotion. It features eleven different outstanding focal lengths to help you expand your creativity. In the almost 200-year history of photography, you've never had more creative tools to work with, and Tamron's been a significant contributor.
​
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.

​by Skip Cohen

Chamira Young and I started this series because we wanted to introduce you to artists who were incredibly passionate about the craft. We wanted to share great images and, at the same time, the insights and backstories by the artists who created them. Working together with Tamron, we started the Tamron Kitchen. Like so many of our favorite reality food shows, we chose to play off the analogy of each artist being a fine chef.

If you think about a chef's skills to create something in the kitchen, the analogy to a photographer's creativity is almost identical. Years ago, the legendary portrait artist, Don Blair, used to refer to using a hair-light as the "garlic light." Like cooking with garlic, you want just the right amount, but use too much, and you'll ruin the dish.
  
This is a little different kind of Tamron Recipe this month. Rhonda Coe from Ohio joins us, and she has a full-time job outside imaging. But, one conversation with her and I'll match her passion for the craft with anybody. 
 
Early in this series, I started adding a quote that seemed to fit each guest chef. I had never met Rhonda before our first phone conversation, but her enthusiasm is infectious, along with her quest for quality and sharing great images. With Rhonda, I found two that seem to describe her love for photography.

 You don't need a reason for doing everything in your life.
Do it because you want to. Because it's fun.
Because it makes you happy.
Unknown Author

You can't find your passion, thinking about it in your head!
Marie Forleo

About "Chef" Rhonda:  "My goal in photography is to give people a glimpse of places they have never been, an appreciation of the nature that surrounds us, and a different view of the wildlife that lives amongst us."

The first line on her about page says it all. At the end of her about page she wrote, "And it's still the "hobby" that gets me up at 5am for sunrise, and keeps me up until 2am for Milky Way shots, and still makes me head into a patch of poison ivy (which I'm highly allergic to!) just to get a better shot of a bird."

Earlier I commented about Rhonda's love for the craft. Remember, like so many photographers in our industry, Rhonda's a serious hobbyist who never slows down, trying to learn as much as she can. With a full-time job working for the State of Ohio, she takes full advantage of her available time to go off in search of new subjects.
 
Take the time to visit Chef Rhonda's website. She's regularly proving a point about how much there is to photograph, no matter where you live!  
 
About the Image: Rhonda used Tamron's SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD lens to capture both of the images shared in today's post.

Every now and there's a connection with a critter that almost seems like they know they're being photographed. Well, "George," the jumping spider hung out with her long enough to get a name! ​ I hope you'll join us on August 25, when we'll air our podcast with Rhonda who shared backstories about both images.

by Skip Cohen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Skip Cohen

Ever meet somebody, and within an unusually short time, you feel like you've known them for years? That's the way I describe getting to know Alyce Bender. Two weeks ago, we spoke on the phone for the first time after she answered an email about being a guest "Chef" in the Tamron Recipes series.

When Chamira and I started the series, we thought we'd simply find creative ways to show Tamron's outstanding quality through great artists and beautiful images. However, what's happened has so much more impact, and "Bender" is a perfect example.

Every Chef has shared something a little different and always relevant to their growth as an artist. Alyce's skill set is outstanding, but it's her love for the craft and sharing her images that's even more impressive. She loves the outdoors, and while that's not in itself unique, sharing her experiences with her level of passion is. 

"I believe the stronger the connection between people and nature, the easier it is to promote environmental awareness and to protect vulnerable species and their habitats."

With every image, you get a sense of that message, and when she crosses over from documenting nature to turning it into fine art, I was struck by the simplicity in the beauty of what she creates. Grabbing screenshots of my favorites from her galleries was not easy, especially when it came to her winter images from Japan. Click on any image to visit her Chef Bender's website.

Chef Bender's recipe is a click away if you missed it when it was posted last week. And for more information on Tamron's SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens, click on the banner below. 

The pandemic has made this the most challenging time in contemporary history to be a business owner and especially a professional photographer. But Tamron's support team hasn't slowed down - just moved to cyberspace. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some great contests to share your work.  

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

by Skip Cohen
   
We're halfway through 2020 already, and this is our 18th episode of Tamron Recipes. Without question, time definitely flies when you're having a good time. And being in the middle of a pandemic changes nothing in the willingness of each Chef to share insight into their love for the craft. 

We started this series, thinking it was a great way to demonstrate the quality and versatility of Tamron's extensive lens line, but we've learned and shared so much more. Each month we're introduced to another member of Tamron's imaging family...and what a family it is!

Alyce Bender, known as "Bender," is in the Tamron Kitchen this month with a variety of cuisines - from wildlife to landscapes to macro to abstractions and Impressionism, you'll sense her love for the craft the minute you step into any gallery. 

A fun aspect of these episodes has become my search for a quote that seems to fit each Chef. Until my recent phone conversation with Bender, we had never met. Immediately, it became apparent how much she loves the craft and capturing the personalities of each subject - even her landscapes.

We believe people with passion can change the world for the better. That's what we believe.
And we believe those people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world
are the ones that actually do.
Steve Jobs

About "Chef" Bender: I don't know Bender well enough to know if she's out to change the world, but she's certainly helping to make it better. As I started to get to know her passion for the craft, and her love for whatever subject she's capturing, the quote by Steve Jobs was perfect. Each image in her gallery represents a story she wants to share, and her image above is no exception.

Please take the time to visit Bender's website. From the very first image, you'll sense her passion for imaging and her quest to share each experience with us and why she feels it's important:

I really am happiest in the field and am passionate about sharing the unique biodiversity this planet has to offer. My goal is to connect viewers and photographers with the natural world through my imagery and tours. I believe the stronger the connection between people and nature, the easier it is to promote environmental awareness and to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.
 
About the Image: Bender used Tamron's SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens to capture the photo above. It's not only one of her favorites, but it was also Chamira and my first "WOW" when we visited her website. And it comes with a great backstory.

Taken outside Kushiro, Japan in the late afternoon on a chilly February day this year. This is one in a series of images I am working on to highlight the beauty and grace of the endangered Red-crowned Crane.

February is when these cranes court each other with elaborate and choreographed displays. Even though they mate for life, paired cranes still use the courtship dance to reestablish those bonds.

For me, this year was especially difficult as it was the warmest winter in over 60 years for Japan, meaning there were a lot of blue sky days. For these images I really need overcast, preferably actively snowing, weather. Of the five days I spent with the cranes this year, I only had one day of partly overcast and a couple of hours of snow and overcast conditions this final evening. Thankfully, everything, from the weather to the position of the birds, finally aligned on that last afternoon to allow me to capture this image. 

Click on Bender's image to enlarge and view in the SCU Lightbox. Then visit her website and follow her schedule of Photo Adventures too! The pandemic has changed the availability of specific trips, but if she's on your radar, you'll be able to keep up to date with everything she's doing and her schedule. And visit her macro gallery, an extension of her skill set brought out during downtime and dealing with social distancing.

by Skip Cohen

​It was probably around 2013 I met Erik Valind online as one of Tamron's Image Masters. Later he did an SCU guest post on portraiture, and since then, I've caught up to him at various industry events and featured several of his images in Tamron Tuesday posts. But through all this time, we never have found time for a real conversation until this podcast.

Regardless of how we've caught up to each other over the years, phone, in person or in cyberspace, I've never seen Erik anything but passionate about imaging. He loves the craft. So, when I started looking for a quote to lead off his two-part recipe series, it wasn't hard to find the appropriate one. 

In this new podcast, Erik shares a lot of powerful insight into his passion for photography. I especially love the image he shared for his original recipe last week. It's so far from the kind of work he's best known for. It's a six-minute exposure of the NYC skyline. Just click on the thumbnail to the right to read more about it.

We chose to play off of reality food shows for Tamron Recipes because each artist does work like a fine chef. The image Erik wanted to share, is a perfect example of what makes him a great "chef," his ability to experiment. He's recognized primarily for his people, portrait, and lifestyle work, but put a camera in his hands while out and about for his own enjoyment, and anything can happen!
 
I hope you'll take the time to listen to the whole podcast. Erik shares a lot of valuable insight, especially into how he's finding business during the pandemic. He also shares the backstory on the image above and why he was so excited to be out with Tamron's 17-35mm F2.8-4 lens. See more of Erik's work with a click on any of his images below.
 
The pandemic has made this one of the most difficult times in history for professional photographers, or for that matter any small-business owner. All of us are finding ways to adapt to life under quarantine, but that hasn't slowed down the team at Tamron. Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some great contests to share your work.  ​ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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