In this week's Tamron Newsletter is an outstanding article written by Jenn Gidman and featuring tips from one of the industry's most respected macro artists, Mike Moats.

In fact, Mike was featured on an episode of "Why?" last year. Just click on the thumbnail image to the right to hear his backstory.

In addition to manufacturing some of the finest optics in the world, Tamron is always focused on education to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. The article from the newsletter is also published on their website and part of a complete initiative to become a leading resource for support.

Mike shares some outstanding tips in this article and Jenn's done a great job of pulling them all together. Rather than share the entire article here, I pulled out one of my favorites. Look at the image below and then read the description of how he captured it.

Note: In the Mobile, AL area? Catch Mike's 2-day Macro Photography Workshop, March 23/24 at the 2017 Festival of Flowers Weekend.

Intro by Skip Cohen

Michael Gilbert and I go back a long way - back to the days when we were both "kids."  We met in the late 80's, and while we don't catch up very often, it's always good to see him. I love his opening line in this Tamron USA video:

"Out of all the photographers you're going to interview, I'm the most sloppy. I never look through the viewfinder. I put it in "P" for "Professional," and I press the button."

While all of that might be true - it's only on the capture side of imaging. Michael is a phenomenal printer and what he jokes about in the simplicity of his technique with a camera in his hands is just the opposite when it comes to turning his images into tangible prints. They're always stunning, limited editions, printed on some of the most beautiful papers in the world, and a key to his success as an artist.

I can't help but wonder what more photographers might see if they followed Michael's lead now and then. What would happen if you just didn't worry about your technique in capture, but just let your mind run free with whatever was around you?

One caution though... A mutual friend Michael and I shared was the legendary Don Blair. Don used to say, "You're only allowed to break the rules if you know them!" Michael learned all the rules years ago and his technique of simplicity and learning to capture what's in his mind's eye is a well-practiced and perfected skill set.

Michael's obviously shooting with Tamron lenses. Tamron is manufacturing some of the finest glass in photography and it's well worth your time to visit a Tamron dealer. There are also three major events coming up this month: a macro workshop at Unique Camera in NJ with Image Master, Mike Moats; the Festival of Flowers in Mobile, AL at Calagaz Photo with Erica Robinson, and a portrait seminar with Andre Costantini in Brick, NJ at The Photo Center. Click on the "Local Events" banner on the right for more information.

Tamron doesn't just build great lenses - their educational efforts all year long are helping to build better photographers!

It's a new year and time for Tamron's tech team to hit the road helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images and skill set. Each year they set a new standard for educational support to the community and this month starts another series of outstanding opportunities for artists across the United States.

Check out Tamron USA's  "Featured Content" page for the latest information on not only educational opportunities, but rebates, special programs and ways to share your images! Just click on the Tamron image above.

Tamron's not only a manufacturer of incredible optics, they're setting the standard for education and support. There's only so much information I can share in a blog post - so, put Tamron USA on your radar and start taking advantage of the outstanding material they're sharing with the photographic community.

The dynamic duo of Andre Costantini and Ken Hubbard are back!  These programs are fast-paced 3-hour seminars filled with photo educational content. Learn how to get amazing images anywhere you go. Learn how to get the most out of your camera gear. Click on the banner to stay on top of their schedule all year long.

4/29 Bergen County Camera: See Times Below
Westwood, NJ
Registration required
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Event 11am - 7:30pm Event Details >
11am-3pm: Meet & Greet, Get your photo questions answered, try out the latest Tamron lenses
6pm-7:30pm: Travel, Landscape & Nature Photography 90min free seminar

Click for details
Click to register