By Skip Cohen

I love sharing these episodes of Tamron's Unofficial Field Guide for two reasons. First, is the obvious, I know this team and have spent a little time with them. Ken and Andre's role as the photo industry's "Odd Couple" is a kick, but there's something more. To a point many of us live vicariously through their exploits as they travel throughout the US with their cameras and a van full of Tamron's incredible glass!

The second reason to share these short films, is the amount of content in each one. Each one shares a series of mini-lessons in imaging, but it's not like being in a classroom. It's real situations and always on location where often it's the vision in your mind's eye that trumps the lack of control you have over the environment and shooting situation.

In this new episode, from the D.C. area, we're introduced to Erica Robinson, Tamron's newest tech rep and member of the team. I loved something Andre said towards the end of the video...

"We were very excited to add Erica to the Tamron Tech Team and this was basically the first time we've all gone out photographing together. Already on this short trip I've learned that the way Erica is seeing which is different than the way Ken sees which is different than the way I see, and I think all of  those collectively together compliment each other,"

If you think back to your early days as a photographer, you probably used to go out shooting with a couple of friends more often than you do today. I know going back to my Hasselblad days, many of us were often out together, especially prior to some of the various conventions. Andre's comment above really hits home, because photographing with other photographers does change your perspective and helps to make you a stronger artist.

Tamron's Tech Team is on the road throughout the United States again this year with the Mobile Learning Center. Here's a chance for you to meet and shoot with some of the most diverse artists in the industry.

For August you'll find them in Hartford, CT, Holyoke, MA, Stamford, CT, Colchester, CT, Queensbury, NY, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Muckegon, MI, South Bend, IN, Green Bay, WI, Madison, WI, and Rockford, IL.  Click on the banner below for the complete schedule and locations.

If you've never checked out "my photo exhibits" you're missing an incredible opportunity to simply have some fun. However, after the fun part of designing your own exhibit, right down to the decor of the room itself, there's a practical application - it's a terrific way to show some of your work.

Tamron just announced today, July 20, a very special contest exclusively for Tamron users.

Entrants will create a 3D virtual exhibit showcasing 8-14 of their best images in a travel theme on Tamron's unique photo-sharing exhibit site, myphotoexhibits.com. Tamron judges will select the winning exhibit based on overall image quality and originality of the collection. The winning exhibit will be featured on the Tamron USA website and in the Tamron eNewsletter. The winner will also receive his/her choice of any Tamron lens.

Just click on the thumbnail banner to the right for more information about the contest.

Here's an opportunity for you to have your work published in the Tamron Newsletter and here on the SCU blog/website. Plus, Tamron is known for outstanding glass, especially their four new Prime Lenses now in the family. Winner gets their choice of any Tamron lens!

Tamron doesn't just make great lenses. They set the standard for education and helping photographers raise the bar on their skill set. Check out the schedule for the Mobile Learning Center, and make it a point to attend one of the free workshops this year when they come to your area.

Great glass - Great tech reps - Great experiences, all thanks to a group of dedicated, diverse and talented staff at Tamron USA.

What a kick to get back on the road with the "Dynamic Duo" who this trip pick up another good buddy, Jeff Allen. And, it's the perfect location to kick off this fourth video in the series, finding Jeff standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona!

As usual, the crew brings their signature sarcasm and humor to this episode. Also as usual, you'll learn a lot about imaging just listening to their comments and watching them shoot.

There's a fourth "musketeer," Charley Voorhis, one of Tamron's Image Masters, who did the cinematography. Charley and I talked about his work as a filmmaker in a short "Tamron Talks" podcast last year. The post includes some terrific insight by Charley along with more of his work.

The Tamron team is on the road all year long with the Mobile Learning Center. Check out the calendar so you don't miss getting to know the crew personally. Even better check out Tamron's lens line, complete with the four new members of their prime lens family.

Tamron isn't just a manufacturer of incredible glass. They're a company focused on education and helping photographers raise the bar on their skill set and the quality of their images! Don't miss an opportunity to bring the tech team into your network!

Here's the schedule for the rest of July:

July 15/16   Golden Valley, MN & Eden Prarie, MN....National Camera Exchange
July 7/18     Golden Valley, MN....National Camera Exchange
July 20        Urbandale, Iowa....Christian Photo
July 22/23  Sioux Falls, SD....Harold's Photo Center
July 26        Davenport, Iowa....The Camera Corner
July 28        Avon, OH....Dodd Camera

For the specific times and workshop descriptions just click on the Mobile Learning Center van below!