"Tamron Recipes" with David Akoubian

Image copyright David Akoubian. All rights reserved.

by Skip Cohen

Before starting this series, I really hadn't thought much about comparing great chefs with great artists. But here we are several years later, and with each new Tamron Recipes, the analogy fits. Every chef has a cooking style - a way they blend the ingredients with just the right seasoning and presentation that keeps bringing us back for more. Artists are the same, and we caught up to one of my favorite Tamron Chefs this month, David Akoubian. 

He's based in Georgia, but his heart is wherever he's shooting. And while his passion is definitely wildlife and landscapes, I'm not sure there's anything David can't photograph. What I love most about so many of David's images is the way they tell a story - they're not just beautiful pictures. 

I found an interesting quote that captures so much of what David is all about: ​

Storytelling is about connecting to other people
and helping people to see what you see.
Michael Margolis

​
​Ingredients

​Camera: Sony a6600
Lens:  11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD
Exposure: 3.2 seconds @ f11 with 5 stop ND/Circular Polarizer combination
Tripod: Sirui W2204 with Acratech Panoramic Head and leveling base
Location: Dick's Creek Falls (just north of Dahlonega, GA

 

David didn't just step into the scene, click the shutter and move on. Just like a fine chef, David had a goal in how he wanted to capture the image above and the story he wanted to share.

When I approached the scene I was attracted to the area below the falls, but to me it wasn't strong enough to stand out on its own. As I studied the scene I liked how I could almost use the fallen tree as a leading line to the falls. I knew I would need to either move way back to use a regular or slightly wide angle lens, or I could use an ultra-wide angle lens and stand close to the log. The added bonus would be with the ultra-wide angle lens it would give a feeling of decompression making the log look larger than the falls and much further away than it really was. That would lead my viewer's sight from foreground to background. ​

​David Akoubian needs to be on your radar. Wander through his galleries and you'll see so many outstanding images that each tell a story. ​His website is just a click away. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and his blog. 

​David's YouTube channel is packed with great content as well. And since his image in this post was captured with Tamron's 11-20mm lens F/2.8 Di III RXD lens check out his review from YouTube.

And check out everything going on at Tamron too. In addition to manufacturing some of the finest glass in imaging, their support for the photographic community is the very best. From workshops and educational programs to terrific rebates and promotions, and their FREE newsletter, they're always watching your back when you need support. Their website is just a click away on the banner below.