Summer 2008 ViewFinder Richard CandIce Martin Stringham Studies in Light Sharpen the Shot Russ Fortson Travels with Dad Sandra Nykerk America Through the Tamron Lens

© Richard Martin Enter Our 2008 Photo Contests Inform • Welcome Snapshots • Inform contents Dear Tamron announces to Viewfinder Readers what’s inside Viewfinder Readers: NEWS in focus • snapshots 3 elcome to the summer edition of the Tamron Viewfinder. Expert Knowledge We have had a tremendous outpouring of interest in the New Video DOWNLOADS Attract new electronic version of our popular newsletter. We appre- Photography Enthusiasts The Experts • spotlight 4-5 ciateW all of your comments and suggestions. ven if you have read every book and magazine on capturing Speak: Candice Stringham This issue’s cover story is a celebration of the visual world. Enature and wildlife, the ability to see an expert actually walk you through the steps blending sight, sound and motion is extremely The Tamron Keeping it Sharp Photographer Richard Martin is inspired by an interest in the study of light, color and texture. You will find his photography enlightening. It may even inspire you to create your own study of light valuable. This is the concept behind Tamron’s Video Download series Learning Center and it has been causing quite a positive stir in photography circles. and texture. Richard works only with Tamron lenses and has created one of the finest portfolios. In is a Photographer’s • inspire 6-9 his story, we see what our 70-200mm and 18-250mm lenses can accomplish with his eye for the Launched in 2006, the series includes expert advice on shooting portraits, weddings, children, parks, surfers and even capturing elusive creatures in the wild. Richard Martin aesthetic. Best Online In Search of the Aesthetic Photographer Candice Stringham takes the Tamron AF28-300mm VC lens around New York and Resource! shows off what the vibration compensation mechanism can do in low light and fast action shots. • tips to go 10 Emily Wilson also reveals the enormous potential of the Tamron VC lens in a family picnic setting. Dad and photographer Russ Fortson finds great success in photographing beautiful images while Ken Hubbard n the world of photography, learning is a also participating in his family vacation. His photo of the Washington, DC Capitol at night is a great Spot Metering a Sunrise & Sunset constant. Have you ever considered tak- example of exceptional photography that can be taken without too much preparation. ing photos of astronomical objects like Photographers Ken Hubbard and Geoffrey Hobbs offer great tips on metering and beach pho- Ithe moon, the sun, planets, comets and • survey 11 tography. Ken also spent time taking photos at a local amusement park and captured the fun and more? Getting tips from an astrophotography Win a Tamron 28-300mm VC lens happiness on the face of one lucky little boy. expert is just a few clicks away at the Tamron We are extremely proud of our Tamron lenses and continute to build on our commitment to Roy Toft Don Gale Learning Center at Tamron.com. developing top quality products for photographers across the globe. Become a Photoshop expert and transform Two new programs –Nature & Wildlife: Roy Toft with the 28-300mm VC and Costa • share 12-13 Remember to use your lens to photograph an image that fits with one of our photo contest themes your images with some simple tips. If you Rica: Don Gale with the 28-300mm VC have just been added. Both photographers dem- Russ Fortson and send it in. Please continue to fill out the survey on page 11 so that we can bring you the topics have just purchased a lens with macro capa- The Art of Capturing Adventure onstrate Tamron’s most exciting new product – the Tamron 28-300mm with vibration bility, take time to visit the macro section of and stories that interest you most. As always, thank you for your loyalty and for choosing Tamron compensation technology. In an environment like the wild, where a great photograph needs the learning center with expert suggestions lenses. We sincerely appreciate your business. immediate attention, the Tamron VC lens is extraordinary. Hand-held shooting in low-light on ways to capture the bulging eyes of your • share 14 Sincerely, using long shutter speeds remain blur-free with the VC mechanism. garden’s resident dragonfly. Sandra Nykerk To view any of the video downloads, log onto the Tamron Learning Center at Tamron.com. Always return to the basics. It is a mantra Seasonal Showcase: used by even the most skilled profession- Frame the World in Your Tamron Lens als in many forms of business. The learning America's Great Outdoors Tamron presents the 2008 In-The-Field Photo Workshops center is full of basic information on shutter Tak Inoue taught by some of the world’s most celebrated photographers. speeds, fast apertures, telephoto and wide President, Tamron USA angle lenses, using depth of field to capture • learn 15 If you live in any of the following areas, Hone your craft and test Tamron’s versatile Geoffrey Hobbs a Tamron photographic workshop all-in-one lens for just $179.00 sharp, crisp images and much, much more. is coming to you! Underwater shots, wedding photography and Beach Photgraphy The Reciprocal Rule Photo Workshops include: • Torrance, CA • Southampton, PA posing unforgettable portraits are some of The Reciprocal Rule is a well established guide to help photographers deter- • Welcome Bag the topics available at the Tamron Learning mine the slowest shutter speed they can use shooting handheld and still main- • Palo Alto, CA • Sioux Falls, SD • Classroom Seminar Center. • learn 16-17 taining a sharp image. With a zoom lens, such as the Tamron 18-250mm, Emily Wilson: Breaking the • Milford, CT • Nashville, TN • In-the-Field Workshop The Tamron Learning Center is constant- the rule follows the focal length you choose. If you choose a focal length of • Admission (if applicable) ly being updated with information on new Rules for Family Photos • Melrose, MA • Arlington, TX 200mm you should be shooting at 1/200 sec or better, if you are shooting at • Transportation (if applicable) trends, products and techniques provided by 50mm your shutter speed should be at least 1/50th sec. Of course, this is just Ken Hubbard: Photographing Fun • Minneapolis, MN • Houston, TX • Loaner Equipment some of the world’s most celebrated photog- a rule and depends on the photographer’s ability to keep the camera and lens raphers. steady. Tamron's new 28-300 VC lens let's you break this rule and hand hold • Columbus, OH • Tacoma, WA • $20 Gift Card • Refreshments & Meals Capture those elusive shots of the soaring • inform 18 Lesson: Quick at 300mm with sharp results at a shutterspeed as slow as 1/30th sec. • Oklahoma City, OK • Milwaukee, WI • Exclusive Offers & Rebates Bald Eagle, the green flash at sunset or the – 2008 Photo Contests There is also a special workshop aboard the Regent Seven Seas foam caps of ocean waves. Cruise’s fabulous six-star Seven Seas Mariner on a spectacular • Door Prizes include: one-week Alaska cruise September 3 - 10, 2008. Nik Filter Set, Books, Tripod & More! Visit Tamron.com and choose Tamron Viewfinder is produced for Tamron USA, Inc. by CSJ Media, Inc. Custom Publishing Dept., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Log onto Tamron.com to learn more. Workshops sell out fast! from nearly 100 topics. Editor: Ann Scott 2 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 3 Spotlight • Candice Stringham ew new lenses have created the excitement and buzz on Creating Great among professional photographers over the past year Tips as the Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Photos with the Tamron VC (VibrationF Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Macro. Meter on the element that is most important. Let the rest of the light fall “It’s a great all-in-one lens that works for sporting events to 1. where it may. It will make for a dramatic portrait while still lighting what is most Easter morning celebrations,” says Professional Photographer important. Candice Stringham. “It also has a macro feature so it’s great Use the lens! Try different focal lengths to get a different feel in the photo. It’s nice for getting beautiful close-ups.” 2. because you don’t even need to move to do it! Stringham is also a contributing editor for Creating Keepsakes magazine. As an editor she is always on the Don’t be afraid to zoom in. Use the 300mm end of the lens when you want 3. to compress and blur out the background. This is great for sports and outdoor lookout for products that can make a significant difference adventures when you want to get in close to the action and blur out the chaos in the in the lives of her readers. She readily admits that Tamron background. lenses have been her primary source of lens since the begin- ning of her career more than 10 years ago. Today, her profes- sional career has taken her into the college classroom and to “The only source of light was inside the building,” adds Stringham. She used private workshops offering tips and techniques on capturing ISO 1600 with a focal length of 28mm, an aperture of f/3.5 and a shutter speed of many shot scenarios. As an accomplished photographer, she 1/15th sec. “It was a long exposure. I metered the couple’s face, and then moved has worked in several settings, though portraiture is her spe- back. You usually shouldn’t go below 1/60th sec when photographing people, but cialty. She was especially excited about the work she recently the VC was so stabilized. It’s a great lens.” shot using the Tamron 28-300mm VC lens. The resulting photograph is a testament to the Tamron VC lens’ capabilities, with “The is so great, especially taking pic- the couple easily viewed, framed by the archway with no blur or shake. Even the tures in low light,” she says. concrete lines and trim of the structure are readily visible. Stringham’s camera is the Canon 40D. For the series of The photograph of the baby sitting on pink petals and smiling was taken using shots using the Vibration Compensation lens, she used no an aperture of f/4.5, ISO 400, a focal length of 46mm with a shutter speed of other equipment – no lighting or tripod. 1/400th sec. Her image of the couple in the arched doorway was taken “The nice thing about this lens is that I can zoom in and out instead of moving late in the evening. around a lot, especially with a young subject,” says Stringham. “She’s actually smil- ing at her mom, but I’m far enough away that she is not distracted by the camera.” The canopy of trees did not darken the image or the baby’s face. Stringham always meters the face of her subjects to set the overall exposure. For her, “The person’s face is the most important feature.” The photo of the young boy with a painted face is Stringham’s son. The family enjoyed the festivities at the annual Tribeca Film Festival Family Street Fair. With so much happening in one small area, she felt comfortable bringing her Canon with the Tamron all-in-one VC lens because of its versatility and durability. “The VC creates completely different looks. I can zoom in close and get sharp, clear images eliminating the crowds behind him.” The focal length for this image was 50mm with an aperture of f/4.5, ISO 400 and a shutter speed of 1/400th sec. The interior photo of her youngest son sitting on the window seat would have been especially difficult with a traditional lens, if not impossible. “It was a difficult shot,” say Stringham. “The room was fairly dark.” She used an aperture of f/3.5 with ISO 1600. The focal length was 35mm with Photo a shutter speed of 1/50th sec. Tamron’s Vibration Compensation technology is especially successful in low light conditions, stabilizing the image with very long shutter speeds and creating no blur or shake. What most impressed Stringham about the new Tamron VC lens was the many Diversity: shooting opportunities available because of its 28-300mm zoom capabilities. “The Tamron VC lens goes so wide that it can be used for landscapes, and build- ings, then you can zoom in and use it for beautiful portraits. It is a great overall Keeping it Sharp with lens.” Be part of the excitement. Capture the Tamron VC 28-300mm lens for yourself the Tamron VC Lens and discover the possibilities. 4 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Inspire • Richard Martin er who cautions his students to look beyond the “Choosing a lens is one of the most fundamen- In order to create the most depth of field, he set obvious and to break the rules. His photographs tal creative decisions a photographer can make,” the aperture at f/22, focusing 1/3 up from the are studies in light and how it can transform a he says. foreground. scene or object. According to Martin, “Telephoto lenses alter “When stopping the lens down to f/22, for He is drawn to the work of Frank Gehry, whom the illusion of depth in a scene, compressing or example, to achieve maximum depth of field he calls “The rock star of architects.” Gehry’s reducing the apparent distance between near you may focus one-third of the way up the buildings have been referred to as deconstruct- and far objects in the picture space.” picture space from the bottom (assuming that ed aesthetic designs, both awing visitors and Another Gehry building is shown in Image the subject matter closest to the camera is from attracting criticism among his peers. 1. This free flowing design is the entrance to the bottom of the frame). This will achieve the “I love his buildings because they are like The Peter B. Lewis Building for Case Western maximum range of sharpness for that lens. This landscapes. I’m drawn to their curvilinear form, Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of method is based on the fact that the zone of graphic shapes and the undulating movement Management. Martin viewed the structure from sharpness is one-third in front of the point-of- of them.” morning until dusk in order to create this photo. focus and two-thirds behind.” Martin spent time in Seattle where he shot “To reduce contrast on the highly reflective Martin’s images of Venice were all captured Image 2 of the Experience Music Project, a metal surface, this architectural detail was made using the Tamron 18-250mm lens. Image 4 was museum of music designed by Gehry and con- at dusk,” says Martin. taken shooting downward onto the reflection. structed of fabricated steel frame clad with tita- Again, he used the Tamron 70-200mm lens The literal image is a boat reflecting on the water, nium, stainless steel and painted metal. at a focal length of 200mm with an aperture of but capturing it with an aperture of f/11, using a “The balance of the visual elements in this f/22 @ 15 sec. focal length of 92mm @ 1/90th sec created an Gehry photo shows how a single contrasting line “The is the photographer’s basic image of swimming color and dynamic geomet- can balance a large simple shape and achieve design tool, having a powerful effect on the way ric movement. equal visual weight. Asymmetry invites the the subject is presented by altering the shapes, Image 5 and 6 are studies in color and design, viewer to find the visual rhymes and contrasts lines, textures and perspective in a photograph. says Martin. Martin is intrigued by shadows that exist across a perceived center of grav- Developing an acute awareness of the lens' abil- and considered them interesting graphic studies ity in the picture space. The great contrast of ity to distort perspective, alter reality, and isolate of abstracting elements and light balance. The bold elements in asymmetrical balance creates a subject through focus and depth of field is essen- vertical shadow on the green wall was shot at dynamic visual pattern.” tial to the process of creating good expressive a focal length of 170mm @ 1/60th sec with an 1. Martin enjoyed the detail of the image which images.” aperture of f/13. It is a canopy above a doorway Richard Martin: he felt created a Zen-like feeling with the organic that is casting the angular shadow. (tree) against the manmade structure. The Italian Landscape “Much of what I am intrigued by in design is In Search of the Aesthetic “Gehry’s buildings are very organic in form,” In Image 3, Martin positioned his camera and the play of light. It is the most intangible element says Martin. “What’s interesting to me is the lens on a tripod several feet from this Sicilian in Architecture yet it is potentially the most pow- hotography does not end or begin D300. His lenses are exclusively piece of roofing coming down which reminds landscape. He used the Tamron 70-200mm tele- erful — affecting how we will feel in a space and with the capturing of an image. It is a Tamron. me of a leaf.” photo and shot with a focal length of 200mm. shaping how we will react to a particular design,” process that starts long before a photo “There are many factors that go into Martin positioned himself across the street for Pis taken. It begins with a concept in the mind capturing an image,” says Martin. “I this shot with his Tamron 70-200mm telephoto of the photographer of what he or she wants have proven over and over that Tamron lens and camera secured onto a tripod. The dis- to reproduce in the frame of the lens. There lenses produce the same quality of tance helped to compress the image and capture are perhaps more photographic genres than image than lenses costing much more.” a two-dimensional graphic shot. there are literature themes. From Aerial to Martin’s approach to photography is “I like the wide 2.8 aperture of this lens,” Wildlife photography, the possibilities are a somewhat literal interpretation of the adds Martin about the newest Tamron telephoto endless and each photographer brings his or term. From the Greek photos and gra- zoom. her own unique style to a photo. phos, directly translated as “light draw- For Image 2, Martin used the aperture prior- Professional photographer Richard ing”, he has made translating images ity mode since he felt it was the predominant Martin considers his photography to be a through light his life’s work. characteristic needed to capture the scene as he celebration of the visual world. “I view line and shape in a highly imagined it. It was shot at f/11@ 1/60 sec. The “It originates straight from the heart, hon- graphic manner, with a fascination for focal length was 150mm with ISO 100. est and direct. Inspired by color, texture and the dramatic effects of light and shadow “Focal length is what completely affects the light, I make photographs to express feelings on form,” he says. design of the photograph.” surrounding my experiences, searching for His work is displayed in museums Although according to Martin, light plays visual equivalents to those feelings.” and has appeared on the covers and an important role in his photographs, it is the His camera of choice is the Fuji Film within the pages of numerous maga- lens that is ultimately the tool that creates the FinePix S5 Pro and more recently the zines. He is a lecturer as well as a teach- design. 2. 3. 6 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 7 4. says Martin. The horizontal image shows blue sky next to a dark yellow building. The object is the arm of a lamp casting a long shadow against the corner of the building. Martin found this scene to be an interesting study in color. The horizontal image was shot using a focal length of 130mm @ 1/45th sec with an aperture of f/16. Perhaps the most haunting of Martin’s photos is Image 7, which has meaning beyond the single photo. “The dark and light rep- 6. a moment in time, others like photographer Richard etitions make a graphic state- Martin see it as a way to understand the elements for Capturing the Aesthetic ment,” says Martin who took around us. The shadows we create, scenes from struc- Tips the photo angling the camera Focal length is what completely affects the design of the photograph. Developing an acute awareness of tures that have been created around us, all have some 1. your lens' ability to distort perspective, alter reality, and isolate subject through focus and depth of field is essential to the and lens downward early one form and function well beyond what is apparent from process of creating good expressive images. 5. morning. The focal length was 185mm with an aperture of f/22 @ a simple look. th Manipulating camera shutter speed to extend time visually transforms the appearance of objects. 1/180 sec. What kind of photography do you engage in? Martin 2. For Martin’s daisies, 1/15th second shutter speed was used to create motion blur and show movement. “The quality of light plays an important role in my image making, would suggest you experiment with all forms. Let the Capture the often ignored object. The shadows we create, scenes from structures that have been created around with its capacity to transform the commonplace into the poetic and lens be your brush. Keep your mind open and your eyes 3. us, all have some form and function well beyond what is apparent from a simple look. render the real as mystical and surreal,” says Martin. 7. sharp and continue to study the art of “light drawing.” In this image, Martin positioned himself on a bridge above the walkway, shooting into the sun which created strong backlighting and shadows. He was interested in the potential of contrast between light and shadows. “The potential [of a photo] is always created by the light,” he says. “Different light, different subject matter.” While some may believe photography is a simple act of capturing

On the Cover: Martin’s dancing daisies were captured using the shutter speed priority mode. He employed the Tamron 18-250mm lens. “Subject motion can create new realities. In this image, the daisies were moving to the right with repeated wind gusts.” To express a feeling of freedom, he chose a ground level camera position in order to eliminate the landscape, and a 24mm wide-angle setting with an aper- ture of f/22. He stead- ied his camera using rocks, then waited for the wind gusts. “Manipulating camera shutter speed to extend time, visually trans- formed the appearance of these daisies from the literal into the poetic. In this case, 1/15th second shutter speed was used to create motion blur.”

8 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 9 Grand Prize: Metering For Feeling Tamron AF28-300mm VC! Tips sunrise & sunset to go with Ken Hubbard There are few phenomenons more amazing than the sunrise and sunset of our day. Photographer Ken Hubbard has expertly photographed many and admits one of the most important LUCKY? components to recording the end or beginning of the day is in how a shot is metered. Since both conditions involved extreme contrast, metering is extremely important. For both sunrise and sunset, I expose for the sky. In most cases, this will be the brightest part of your image. Spot meter a fairly bright spot of the sky using the in camera metering system. This allows you to keep detail in the sky and prevent overexposure. I often use a graduated neutral density filter that will help keep the detail in the sky as well as preventing the shadows going completely to black. AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC For the Sunrise, I used a .9 Lee ND Filter to help keep the Teton Range in good exposure while (Vibration Compensation) the foreground still has good detail. The Sunset was relatively neutral, so no filters were necessary. I exposed for the sky close Camera shake can ruin your photos, particularly at to the moon, which created a nice exposure. I also bracketed 1 stop up and down to ensure an telephoto or in low light. Tamron’s state-of-the-art accurate exposure. With a scene such as this you can use “matrix” (Nikon) metering which takes Vibration Compensation mechanism incorporated the overall image values and determines a good exposure. This works because there is not an into the award-winning 28-300mm zoom gives you extreme amount of contrast. We want to hear from you! blur-free hand-held images for incredible results! Finally, the technology you need in the lens you want. Tamron Viewfinder is successful because so many of our readers take the time to answer our surveys. This is how we see the lens in action at know what you are interested in seeing in our newsletter. www.tamron.com Answer A Few Questions: OTHER PRIZES: GENDER: M ❍ F ❍ What camera(s) do you own? What would you like to see featured in upcoming issues you could win! Age Group: ❍ Canon of Viewfinder? ( Pleae check all that apply.) ❍ Under 25 ❍ Nikon ❍ Pro Photographer Profiles ❍ Reader Profiles ❍ Product Spotlights ❍ Lighting Tips TAMRON $25 Gift Card ❍ 25-34 ❍ ❍ Photoshop Tips ❍ Travel/On-Location ❍ 35-44 (3 prizes) ❍ ❍ Pet Photography ❍ Portrait Photography ❍ 45-54 ❍ ❍ Sports Photography ❍ Contests Gift Card to your favorite ❍ 55-64 ❍ Fuji ❍ Wedding Photography ❍ New Product News authorized Tamron dealer ❍ Over 65 ❍ Film Model ❍ Special Events Photography ❍ Other Sunset 1 TAMRON Rollerball Pen What may be your next lens purchase(s)? (Please check all that apply.) ❍ 11-18mm Di-II ❍ 18-250mm Di-II ❍ 28-200mm Di ❍ 70-300mm Di (5 prizes) ❍ 17-50mm Di-II ❍ 55-200mm Di-II ❍ 28-300mm Di ❍ 200-500mm Di ❍ 18-200mm Di-II ❍ 28-75mm Di ❍ 28-300mm Di VC ❍ 90mm Di ❍ 70-200mm Di ❍ 180mm Di TAMRON Baseball REPLY TO US via internet or print & fax back Cap (20 prizes) Sunrise 1 to us at (631) 543-3963. Rules: Surveys must be completed in full and submitted or faxed by July 31, 2008. No canyon x entry will be accepted without all questions answered. Enter only once. Only one entry per household, no duplicate submissions or faxes will be accepted. All prizes are selected TAMRON Lens Cleaning To shoot an image as challenging as Canyon X, take an exposure for the hi-light area and just randomly and awarded 60 days after electronic mailing of last Tamron Viewfinder of 2008. expect the shadows to go to black. The contrast ratio is too extreme for camera sensors or film Cloths to handle. I usually take a meter reading in aperture priority (F/16 or better for a good depth of (200 prizes) field), then switch to manual and bracket at a minimum of 1 stop up and down. NAME: When shooting in slot canyons, always keep the sky out of the image, in order to capture the ADDRESS: spectacular oranges, yellows and reds. This will allow you to shoot the finer details with less TAMRON T-Shirts contrast and keep a more balanced exposure. Take your exposure readings on the highlights and CITY: STATE: ZIP: the shadows will fall into place. Take plenty of pictures using multiple exposures, this will insure (50 prizes) images you will love when you get home. EMAIL:

www.tamron.com Share •Russ Fortson hen your day job is focused on sending astronauts into space, focal length, as the camera shake will be less it is easy to have a view of the world that is wide open. That is pronounced. Boost your ISO to increase shut- the expanded perspective of award-winning photographer Russ ter speed which reduces the effect of camera FortsonW who spends his days at NASA and his free time documenting the s h a k e .” places he is fortunate to visit. He also advises shooting a burst of 3-4 shots. Armed with his Pentax K100D camera and his Tamron AF18-250mm “Typically, the second or third shot will be the F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, he and his family have set out on sharpest.” summertime adventures that span the globe. His unique images have their Perhaps the most difficult shots to craft hap- own stories to tell, but even in his fervor to capture a specific scene, he is pen in tourist spots that draw hundreds, if not conscious that his family has their own agenda - fun! And, waiting for Dad thousands of people. to set up a shot is not an option, so his camera equipment must be versatile “Sometimes indoor attractions are packed and offer a variety of options. and it’s really hard to get good shots.” Fortson “The Tamron 18-250mm lens is the perfect family vacation lens,” says suggests changing perspectives and looking for Fortson. “I don’t want to inconvenience anyone. With its all-in-one zoom, I different angles. can get the shots I want, and my family doesn’t have to wait on me to change “For my aquarium shot in the glass tunnel, lenses.” I stood against the wall which took the crowd Washington, DC is a great family destination. In his image of DC at Night, out of one half of my picture. By taking the shot “I wanted to capture a timeless shot,” says The woman and the resulting image is a Fortson set the aperture at f/8 to get a little more depth of field and used the from the side of the crowd, the railing created a Fortson. colorful display of rich blues, reds and pinks as aperture priority mode. His focal length was 155mm @ 1.6 sec. He used “trail” from the edge of the picture towards the To the viewer, it appears to be an abandoned well as the distinctive smiles on the subjects. his spot meter to meter off of the Capitol and set the ISO to AUTO which center of the shot, helping to draw the view- cabin set among the beauty of hundreds of The cloudy day created a dark pall over the captured the glowing light from the windows of the dome at ISO800. er’s attention into the photo.” wildflowers. It is actually a working farm and a market. ISO800 helped to brighten the image, “Spot metering helps to set the correct exposure on the point of interest. One rule that he usually holds fast to for cap- well-visited destination. By getting down low in though he admits ISO400 would probably have The Capitol was the main focus of the photo,” he says. turing images on the run is to set the camera to the field, he eliminated the telephone poles and worked just as well. He used a focal length of Most photographers will insist on using a tripod, especially for dark shots Aperture Priority. cars parked beside them. To create a shallower 43mm @ 1/100 sec. that require a longer shutter speed. Fortson does not travel with a tripod, “Aperture Priority mode is handy. Changing depth of field, he used an aperture of f/10 @ Family vacations offer a great haven for the because of his need to “keep up” with his family. He suggests even night the aperture probably has the greatest effect 1/500 sec, focal length of 93mm and ISO200. avid photographer. Fortson’s biggest tip is to time shots can be sharp with a little ingenuity. on the final look of the shot by changing the His photo of the Peruvian Mother and Child consider different angles for a shot. “I can still get low light shots by handholding and looking for stationary depth of field. Using the semi-automatic modes was taken at the base of Machu Picchu. This “At Disney World, look for the moon rising objects on which to brace my camera. A stop light pole on a traffic island helped me take the aquarium photo quickly.” magnificent “Lost City of the Incas” is visited over the Mission Space exhibit. At the museum, The Art of allowed me to shoot the night time shot of the U.S. Capitol.” The all-in-one zoom’s focal length was set by more than 400,000 people annually. Though shoot the popular statue from behind to capture His Lima Cathedral image was also taken with very little natural light. He to 18mm with an aperture of f/8 @ 1/13 sec., crowds can be overpowering, Fortson focused all the other tourists shooting from the front.” compensated using ISO800 and a wide open aperture of f/3.5 @ 1/40 sec. with ISO 800. on a different image during his trip to Peru. Also, make sure your camera gear and lens “The symmetry of the shot was important to me.” He stabilized the cam- The crowds can also be displaced by simply “Kids are alike everywhere,” he says. He was travel well and are versatile. Tamron creates era and lens on a chair and shot the scene at a focal length of 18mm. bringing the lens down and shooting upward. drawn to the young child humming along as the best in lenses that bring the world’s most “In dimly lit cathedrals, flashes aren’t typically allowed, and I feel they This was the technique he used for Pioneer her mother carried her across the market. spectacular scenes in focus. Capturing would change the look of the scene as I see it anyway. Here, look for the Farms. “I held up my camera and smiled.” back of a chair or pew for bracing. Another trick is to shoot at a wider quick tips for the traveler Adventure 1. Look for different angles for your shots. Take the shot from down low, from behind the crowd, or above the crowd. Be on the lookout for these opportunities.

2. Brace yourself and get the shots. Use a chair, pole, or fence to brace your camera and lens when shooting to stabilize the shot then shoot in a burst of 3-4 images.

3. Know the customs of street photography. There's a debate among photog- raphers about tipping the locals when photographing them, but Russ finds the small amount I may pay is easily offset by the enjoyment I get out of the shot later.

4. Use a lens with a variety of focal lengths. The Tamron all-in-one-zoom is well- suited for a wide range of opportunities, it is easy to carry and offers numerous opportunities to capture a scene, close up or far away.

5. Look for close up "macro" shots. The Tamron 18-250 lens focuses within 18" throughout the entire focal length range. At 250mm, you can emulate a macro lens, allowing you to take large shots of small items. Architectural details are also nicely captured with the macro function.

12 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 13 Share • Sandra Nykerk Learn • Top 5 Beach Photography Tips from Geoff Hobbs 5It’s summertime and with that comes trips to the beach. Sand and America’s moisture can render your camera and lens useless. Consider these careful tips offered by Hilton Head Island’s Premiere Photographer Geoffrey Hobbs who has spent more than a decade capturing the Great Outdoors sand, sun and water in South Carolina’s beautiful lowcountry. Zion Pothole: Aperture: f/22, Shutter Speed: 1/4, FL: 28mm Lower Falls of the Yellowstone: Aperture: f/16, Shutter Speed: 1/15, FL: 150mm Keep your camera and lens in a large sealable plastic stor- What place is more popular than any other when images were shot with only natural light. 1. age bag. Bring it out only when you are shooting. Don’t lay the camera on your it comes to visits or attendance? The answer is “I love the all-in-one Tamron zooms because of their unique per- towel or loose in a beach bag. If all you have is a plastic grocery bag, wrap the camera America’s national parks and historic sites. In spective and versatility,” says Sandra. in a small towel and put that in the grocery bag. 2007, more than 275 million visits were recorded in America’s national park system. When shooting scenics, Sandra likes to use the smallest aper- Changing lenses on a breezy beach leaves your ture in order to get the most depth of field. For White Dome camera vulnerable to dust, sand and moisture “With all the recreation choices available, national parks still draw 1. 2. Geyser, however, she used an f/8 aperture because she needed a faster being blown inside. A good lens for a day with the family on the more visits than Major League Baseball, the National Football League, shutter speed in order to freeze the water droplets in the air. beach is the Tamron AF18-250mm Di II zoom, wide enough to shoot professional basketball, soccer and NASCAR combined,” said National groups and a nice long telephoto for tight face shots and candids. Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. Also for landscapes, she uses very low ISO to minimize noise Professional photographer and Montana resident Sandra Nykerk and create sharp, crisp images. All images in this series were If you want to shoot a nice beach portrait of the is fortunate enough to live on the Northern Boundary of Yellowstone 2. captured using ISO 50 film with the exception of White Dome Geyser, family in the early morning light, be sure to use National Park and has spent decades photographing the unique and 3. which was captured using a digital camera with ISO 100. your flash. When the camera is pointed toward the sun, the meter is distinctive beauty of America’s first national park and offers Tamron overpowered by the bright sun and your subjects will be left in the dark. Viewfinder readers tips on taking great photos in the wild. Her For several shots in this series she used a polarizer on her Pop up the built in flash to kick in some light on your subject. You will get a cameras are Canons. Her lens of choice is Tamron. In this series of Tamron lens in order to reduce glare and saturate the colors. A nicely balanced photo of the sunrise and the subject. (Photos right.) photos she used the AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical (IF) 3. polarizer can diminish the gray reflection, but Sandra cautions, how- Macro with the exception of the White Dome Geyser where she used ever, that these filters can be easily overused, making a beautiful blue Try something different while on your morning the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro. All sky appear dark and black. 4. photo trek. Take the white balance setting off automatic and try different settings to see what effect they have on the image. Using a Don’t forget to take some shots that include friends and family. tungsten white balance in natural light 4. You may beam with pride at that perfect image of Yosemite gives you a beautiful cool blue. You can Falls, but says Sandra, “It will be the picture of your children playing in also use the cloudy white balance to the creek that you’ll treasure most in 30 years!” warm things up. (Photo left.)

Sandra also cautions, “Don’t load yourself down with too much Early morning is a good 5. equipment. Tripods are necessary for long exposures of land- 5. time to throw your scapes or for macro photography or if you are shooting wildlife with a long zoom on the camera long lens. But zoom lenses are great and the new Tamron VC lens with and shoot birds and other vibration compensation technology can substantially lighten your load natural sights. The Tamron while also adding the advantage of being able to shoot handheld at 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 XR VC Di Macro or much slower shutter speeds and still obtain sharp images.” the 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD Macro lenses Lastly, have fun and enjoy the great landscapes that America has to offer. are perfect for those early morning No permits are necessary when shooting in areas open to the public. sessions. (Photo right). For more tips on shooting America’s great For additional tips for shooting the beach, visit us online at Tamron.com. White Dome Geyser: Aperture: f/8, Shutter Speed: 1/125, FL: 35mm parks, log onto Tamron.com 14 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 15 Learn • Emily Wilson Learn • Ken Hubbard photographing Summer & amusement parks seem to go hand in hand and it is often difficult to determine who is having the most fun – the parent or the child. F hotographer Ken @115 sec. The child’s eyes and smile tell the Hubbard spent whole story. time recently cap- In any outdoor shot, the sun can often get reaking the Rules Pturing the energy and in the way of a good photo. “On sunny days at B excitement of a family an amusement park, you will always get hard s we age, it is often difficult to remem- offers advice on ways to capture the excitement tint.” The focal length was 39mm with an aper- ber the energy and curiosity we pos- and exhilaration of a simple family picnic in the ture of f/4.5 @ 1/125th sec with ISO 250. outing. Hubbard suggests shadows across your subject’s face or squint- U sessed as children. Creating a record frame of your Tamron lens. Interesting images can be framed using a dif- fun, candid shots using ing eyes because they are looking directly at ofA family events are often comprised of posed For all of the photos she used her Canon ferent angle. “For the hula hoop shot, I wanted several angles that retell the sun.” images, diluting the enthusiasm that actu- 5D and the Tamron AF28-300mm Di VC to show how different perspectives can make the story of a special day. Hubbard minimized this challenge by find- ally surrounds an outing or special occasion. (Vibration Compensation) Macro zoom lens, play shots more interesting. This shot was made “Part of creating an ing a shaded area with soft, equal light. “In the Professional photographer Emily Wilson the perfect lens for taking spontaneous possible by the range in focal length of the VC 1. interesting, visual story is case of Image 2, I found a nice textured wall family images without blur. lens.” The focal length was 28mm with an aper- taking pictures in many for a background and bamboo fencing that different ways throughout the day. Don’t just stand and added to the picture and made it more interesting.”N “For the Family Portrait, I actually ture of f/5 @ 1/160th sec with ISO 250. set up the camera on a tripod, using Another great way to frame a photo is shoot- shoot. Get low to the ground or shoot from overhead.” Set your camera’s white balance to shady for photos out the self timer mode and then let each ing through an object such as opening the The camera lens that helped to chronicle this story of the sun like this one or there will be a bluish cast to your child have a turn pressing the shut- bottom of a lunch bag and shooting up towards was the Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC image.” ter and running into the frame. The little faces peeking in. It shows the energy and (Vibration Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, Action! It is another byproduct of fun and often a dif- kids loved it and gave the photos a spirit of youth and their constant curiosity. an all-in-one lens that created beautiful wide angle shots ficult shot if your subject keeps moving. In Image 3, the very spontaneous energy.” The focal Shooting into the sun is not a technique often as well as unique telephoto images. The perfect lens bumper boat is on the move, but it remains a crisp, clear length was 65mm with an aperture used by photographers, but for the image of the for any photographer is a light, easy to use lens with an image. In fact, the only suggestion of movement is in the of f/6.3 @ 1/80 sec with ISO 250. girls walking into the sunset, it creates a surreal expansive zoom like the VC that can stay on the camera mother’s hair. Curiosity is a trademark of youth. kind of shot that reflects what is happening – throughout the day, ready to shoot at will and offer a “This is an example of capturing some action using “While the little girls were playing the day is done. “I love this one and I was able vast array of focal lengths. The 28-300mm’s vibration higher shutter speeds. Since it was such a bright day, I was in the grass, I went over and set the to capture it from really far away! Unplanned, compensation mechanism is an added bonus that takes able to shoot at f/8 @ 350sec. Another place you will want camera down on the ground and the girls just walked off into where the sun was the blur out of any hand-held shot and is exceptional for to use very high shutter speeds is on the sports field; the angled it slightly upwards. I said, ‘Hey, are setting.” The focal length was 200mm with an low-light photography. faster the subject the faster the shutter speed.” you looking for bugs?’ They had quite a aperture of f/13 @ 1/100th sec. The Vibration A hole in one! The young boy intently looks on to see the outcome of his putt. “I wanted to capture giggle smiling for the ‘camera bug’.” Compensation was turned on for this shot in 2. Fun Gathering Emily Wilson’s creativity and ingenuity order to eliminate camera shake which would the hole, the ball, and my subject in one in interest- Tips have created some expert shots using have been inevitable by shooting at a shutter ing shot,” says Hubbard. • Use different angles to capture the household objects, crafts and toys to speed lower than the focal length. (*See page In Image 1, fun. Don’t just shoot straight on. frame a shot. For the Camera Bug shot, 2 for an explanation of the Reciprocal Rule.) • Find different settings out of the she used violet-colored plastic wrap Just as family can be candid and unpredictable, he got low to the ground to reflect harsh rays of the sun to diminish from the picnic lunch, placing it over consider the wide range of options a lens like shadows and squinting. the lens and keeping it secure with a the Tamron 28-300 VC offers when capturing the action. He used a focal • Employ higher shutter speeds to rubber band. moments in time. Using innovative frames or capture the action without blur. “The results were pretty cool. It actu- homemade filters can provide surprising and length of 28mm, The faster the subject, the higher ally softened the direct sunlight and unpredictable results and reflect energy that is ISO 125, and an the shutter speed. gave the photo an interesting rose colored present in togetherness. aperture of f/10

16 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 – 17 3. Win this Inform • 2008 Photo Contests Lens! What Makes a Winning Photo; AF28-300 VC A Tamron Lens, of course! (Vibration Compensation) Prize Valued at $599 (average price)

Photographing the Natural Wonder of Water

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2008

It’s hard to imagine a world without water, from the grand oceans to the quiet lakes, water is alive with plants, animals, sea life and more. It provides constant enjoyment for children through sprinklers, fountains and waterslides. Even the endless, impulsive geysers provide Wet & Wild! amusement for us all. ontest 1 ontest What’s your interpretation of Wet & Wild!? Enter Tamron’s 2008 Photo Contest today! C The only rules on the subject matter are that the pictures must be in good taste and include water. Be creative and enter as often as you like. The Wet & Wild! Grand Prize Winner will receive the AF28-300 F/3.5-6.3 XR VC Di lens valued at $599! Tamron’s state-of-the-art Vibration Compensation mechanism incorporated into the award-winning 28-300mm zoom gives you blur-free hand-held images with exceptional results.

Photo Photo The winner will have his or her image showcased in Tamron Viewfinder and in the Gallery section of Tamron.com. Up to 20 favorites will also have their winning images published on the website for all to see.

Guest Judge: Award-winning Professional Photographer Don Gale.

View full contest rules at www.tamron.com/enews/archives/contest.asp

emotional appeal Photographing Human Emotions Photo

DEADLINE: November 30, 2008

Here’s your chance to show off your photography muse. Submit your C most creative image for Tamron’s 2008 Photo Contest - ontest 2 EMOTIONAL APPEAL Send us your favorite photo that expresses a human emotion: happy/sad/tired/mad - or any other human emotion.

The Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner will receive a magnificent Tamron AF28- 300mm XR VC (Vibration Compensation) Di zoom lens for a Canon or Nikon Digital SLR camera. Plus, the winning image will be showcased in the Tamron Online Gallery in the Learning section of tamron.com with up to 20 of our favorites.

The contest is judged by Professional Photographer André Costantini and Guest Judge and Professional Photographer, Emily Wilson.

View full contest rules at www.tamron.com/lenses/scrapbook.asp

18 – Tamron Viewfinder/Summer 2008 www.tamron.com