Pro Tips for Creative Imagery from Cars to Kitchens

Looking to elevate your photography across diverse settings? In this guide on creative photography tips with Tamron lenses, professional photographer Ian Jones shares his expert techniques to help you capture striking, artistic images—from dynamic automotive shots to vibrant food photography and clean real estate visuals. Whether you’re working indoors or out, using natural light or artificial setups, Ian’s hands-on advice with Tamron’s high-performance lenses will help you turn everyday scenes into extraordinary imagery.

What You Will Learn in This Article:

  • Capture Automotive Drama – Techniques for shooting cars with flair using natural light and thoughtful composition.
  • Master Action and Motion – How to freeze motion and create dynamic food and beverage shots.
  • Highlight Your Subject – Manual camera settings to isolate your subject with precision lighting and contrast.
  • Use Light to Your Advantage – Ways to incorporate natural sun flares and artificial lighting for cinematic looks.
  • Shoot Real Estate Like a Pro – Wide-angle tips for clean, well-lit interior photography using the right lenses.

Images and Tips by Tamron Ambassador Ian Jones

Capture Stunning Automotive Photography with Tamron Lenses

 TIP 1: Use Scenery and Natural Light for Impactful Car Shots

Creative automotive photography using Tamron lens with sun flare effect behind a Toyota Tacoma truck in a wooded setting.

When photographing cars, select a background that enhances your subject. Get low to the ground and position the sun for a hint of lens flare to create depth and drama. Ian uses the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058), even incorporating foreground elements like sticks to add dimension to the frame.

Freeze Motion with High Shutter Speeds and the Right Settings

TIP 2: Stop the Action with High ISO and Aperture Control

High-speed action photography with Tamron lens capturing a dramatic demolition derby scene with flying dirt and motion blur.

For sharp, detailed action photos, shoot around f/5 aperture and don’t be afraid to increase ISO to maintain a high shutter speed. This ensures every moving element is crisp and vibrant—ideal for active scenes like pouring drinks or fast-moving subjects.

Make Your Photography Subject Stand Out with Contrast

TIP 3: Isolate Subjects by Spot Metering and Manual Settings

Creative portrait photography using Tamron lens with spotlight exposure on comedian Jay Leno against a black background for dramatic subject isolation.

Ian captures a standout portrait of Jay Leno by spot metering on highlights and letting the background fall into black. Shooting in manual mode gives full creative control—an essential tip for photographers aiming to master lighting contrast with Tamron lenses.

Use Tamron’s Weather-Sealed Lenses for Creative Water Shots

TIP 4: Get Bold and Wet with Confidence

Creative car wash photography using Tamron lens with high-speed shutter to capture close-up water spray and brush motion on vehicle surface.

Tamron lenses feature strong weather sealing, so don’t hesitate to shoot in unconventional settings like a carwash. Open your aperture wide to maximize light in darker spaces and raise ISO for faster shutter speeds to freeze water droplets in motion.

Enhance Food Photography with Overhead Shots and Saturation

TIP 5: Photograph Food from Above with Balanced Aperture

Overhead food photography using Tamron lens showing a vibrant assortment of gourmet dishes with sharp detail and rich color saturation.

Capture appetizing “hero shots” by shooting food from overhead at f/4 to f/5, ensuring clarity and depth. Push saturation and shadows slightly in post-production to make colors and textures pop.

Add Cinematic Flair to Beverage and Food Photography

TIP 6: Use Action and Lighting for Dynamic Food Images

Bartender straining a cocktail into a chilled glass on a wooden bar counter, focusing on the pour and professional technique in a moody setting.

Introduce motion, like a cocktail pour, to bring life to still shots. Position lights like the Aputure® LS 600d Daylight LED off to the side, and enhance highlights in Photoshop® for a more cinematic, professional look. Natural lighting is your best friend—use it when possible.

Create Natural Lens Flares for Artistic Backlighting

TIP 7: Position the Sun Strategically for Creative Flare

Golden hour family portrait of a mother holding her smiling daughter in a sunlit field, with warm backlighting and natural lens flare.

Backlight your subject with the sun peeking into your lens for natural flares and atmospheric glow. This technique adds a visual balance and a storytelling quality to lifestyle or portrait photography.

Shoot Clean, Bright Real Estate Photography with Wide-Angle Lenses

TIP 8: Use the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 for Interior Photography

Wide-angle real estate photography using Tamron lens showing a modern kitchen with white cabinetry, island seating, and natural lighting.

When photographing real estate, clarity and composition are key. Use a wide-angle lens like the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046). Set aperture to f/4 or f/5, use a tripod for stability, and reduce yellow tones in editing for a clean, inviting look.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Visual Storytelling with Tamron Lenses

From automotive action to food styling and real estate interiors, these creative photography tips with Tamron lenses will expand your skill set and inspire new directions in your work. Ian Jones demonstrates how the right lens, paired with practical know-how, unlocks professional results in any environment. Learn more about the lenses Ian Jones uses at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

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