Tamara Lackey is a renowned photographer, Nikon USA ambassador, nonprofit executive, and speaker. She has photographed a series of sales and marketing campaigns for Nikon and was selected to showcase her work on stage at Nikon’s global launch event in Tokyo, helping to showcase their first new line of camera systems Mirrorless photo revolutions in history. She also leads adventure photography workshops around the world and is the author of nine books. At the ON1 conference, Tamara will teach Paws and Pixels: Perfect outdoor pet photos in ON1 Photo RAW.
Tamara is the executive director of Beautiful Together, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2014 that aims to connect animals in need of shelter with children living in disadvantaged communities. Tamara co-produced and hosted several live shows and her popular web series, The reDefine Show, for seven years. Her most recent show, The Chasing Frames Show with Tamara Lackey, focuses on capturing experiences and adventures through photography and airs on PBS.org. In addition to being a Nikon Ambassador, Tamara is recognized as an ON1 Guru and is part of the Think Tank Pro team. She, her husband, their children, and their active group of pets live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
How long have you been using ON1?
Around 8 years old. Maybe longer?? Itβs the cornerstone of my photography workflow. Over these years, I have seen it evolve and continually offer powerful and innovative tools to photographers. Whether I’m working on detailed edits or quick enhancements, ON1 Photo RAW always proves to be a reliable and versatile solution.
Why do you like ON1 Photo RAW?
I love ON1 Photo RAW because it perfectly balances power and simplicity. Photographers can sometimes feel intimidated by new software, and ON1 is intuitive enough that beginners can pick it up and use it easily. However, it also offers advanced tools for those who want to dive deep into editing (I’ve certainly lost track of time digging into everything I can do with it!). The other benefit is that it can work as a completely standalone custom editing suite or integrate seamlessly as a plug-in for other software you may work with. This flexibility has always allowed me to adapt it to whatever my project or workflow needs. It’s truly a product that grows with you, making it an essential part of any photographer’s toolbox.
Which feature(s) do you prefer?
It’s hard to narrow down my favorite features because I use so many of them regularly, but the solar glare effect really stands out for me. It’s a fantastic, highly customizable effect that not only warms up your images, but can also add nostalgic and emotional warmth. It can give your photos a unique and candid quality that makes them timeless. Beyond that, I like how ON1’s tools, like masking and local adjustments, are designed to give you precise control while remaining user-friendly and, of course, the editing workflow Non-destructive ensures that you can experiment freely without fear of losing your original. image, which is a huge confidence booster for both beginners and experienced photographers.
What is your best advice for new photographers using ON1 Photo RAW?
For new photographers, my best advice is to start with small tweaks and explore everything ON1 has to offer at your own pace. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by powerful editing software, but ON1 is designed to be accessible. Use the built-in presets and effects to quickly improve your images, then experiment by customizing them to suit your style. Spend some time with the Develop module to master the basics like exposure, contrast, and color correction. Also, don’t underestimate the power of the Healing Brush for quick solutions and cleansing. As you gain confidence, dive into advanced features like masking and layers, which will unlock endless creative possibilities. And above all, have fun experimenting: it really is the best way to learn!
What is always in your camera bag (besides the camera)?
My main camera is my Nikon Z8. I also like the Nikon Z6III. In my ThinkTank bag, I always include a few essential items to prepare for any situation. I have a versatile selection of lenses, such as the performance Nikon Z 24-70 f/4 or f/2.8, a great portrait lens (I love the Nikon Z 70-200 f/2.8 and the 105mm f /1.4), and a fast wildlife lens (100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 and 600mm f/6.3). An extra set of batteries and the right memory cards (I used 1TB OWC cards for endless capture!) are essential to avoid interruptions during a shoot. I also keep lens cleaning wipes and a microfiber cloth to ensure my gear stays spotless. A lightweight reflector is handy for enhancing natural light, and I often include my Nikon SB-5000 flash for low-light conditions. I also always have Smarties candy on hand. Not essential for photography but still makes me happy :)
What inspires your photographic style?
Capturing authentic expression is important to me because I think it reveals something really deep in photography β and in our subjects: it allows us to truly connect on a more meaningful level. Through my photography, I try to focus on capturing authentic moments that bridge the gap between us, creating a sense of shared understanding and connection. My work often focuses on photographing animals β wildlife and rescued animals (as part of my non-profit, Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary) β and people, with a particular focus on children. There is something deeply moving about the unguarded authenticity of animals and children, and it is this raw, honest emotion that I strive to bring to life in my images.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.