"Tamron Recipes" with Nader Abushhab

Copyright Nader Abushhab. All rights reserved.

by Skip Cohen

​With each new Tamron Recipe, I become increasingly aware of how much great photographers are like our favorite chefs. Every chef has a specialty, and the twist they put on each dish served becomes their signature. Artists are no different, and Nader Abushhab joins us in the "Tamron Kitchen" this month. 

Based in Phoenix, Nader's a full-time photographer. Over the last decade, while there probably isn't anything he can't shoot, his passion is clearly in portraiture and fashion. And just like great chefs with diverse backgrounds, Nader started his career in animation and multimedia design. Throw in working with designers and models from around the world; then combine the experiences with ad agencies all over the country, and you've got the perfect mix to appreciate his style today.

There's a great quote from Alfred Lord Tennyson I've always enjoyed. Put together all the things Nader's done in his career in imaging and combine them with his passion for the craft: it fits so well.

"I am a part of all that I have met."

Ingredients

Camera: Nikon Z5
Lens: SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD 
Exposure Triad: 1/100 @ f/8, ISO400
Lighting: 3 Godox AD600s, 36" Parabolic Key, 7' diffused umbrella front fill, Fotodiox scrim (145cm x 145cm) w/ strobe and 7" reflector backlight/backdrop

"From a gear standpoint, this image is a favorite and really demonstrates the power of the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 lens for portraits. From the editorial vibe to the tack sharp focus, it's become a go-to option when I need a fast prime for portraiture."  

But there's more to a recognized chef than just their cooking. That's a big piece of what I enjoyed getting to know Nader. It only took one phone conversation to feel like I've been hanging out with him for years. Being a successful photographer isn't just about knowing when to click the shutter, but about relationship building and how you work with people. You've got to be personable, upbeat, and make them feel like they're your only client.

When I asked him why this was one of his favorite portraits, his answer said it all: 

"From an experience perspective, this image showcases working quickly with a subject in a short amount of time to get them comfortable, perceive their angles, and execute a portrait that feels iconic. A lot of real world scenarios will call for that in photography."

When you look through Nader's galleries, that's a lot of what you see. Natural expressions of people who are having a good time working with him. He needs to be on your radar, and his website is just a click away, as well as his Instagram page.

Along with Nader, put Tamron on your radar. They're manufacturing some of the finest glass in imaging. Plus, their focus on education and never-ending support for photographers is legendary. Just click on the banner below to visit their website as well as their new promotional offers.