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Tamara Lackey, a renowned Nikon USA Ambassador, author, PBS show host, and dedicated philanthropist, has channeled her passion for photography into meaningful humanitarian work. Through her initiative Beautiful Together, she has established refuges for children and animals in need in Ethiopia and North Carolina. Tamara shares insights on her creative process, overcoming blocks, and what essentials she always carries in her camera bag. Her favorite camera is the Nikon Z8, which she pairs with various NIKKOR lenses depending on the shoot—ranging from portrait lenses like the 85mm f/1.2 S to long telephoto lenses for wildlife photography. For pet shoots, she opts for the Nikon Z6III along with a reflector or flash when necessary. Besides gear, she packs memory cards, backup batteries, sensor cleaning tools, sunscreen, Aquaphor, and even packs of Smarties candies for herself.
One of her signature techniques involves holding the camera away from her face to capture candid expressions or unique angles. She’s been using this approach for over two decades, even before vari-angle LCD screens were common, trusting her instincts to frame shots without looking through the viewfinder. This method helps remove the physical barrier of the camera between her and the subject, fostering a more authentic connection that often translates into engaging portraits.
For Tamara, a successful photo is more than just a technically good image—it’s one that evokes emotion and motivates people to take action. Her early work photographing children in care centers evolved into founding Beautiful Together in 2014. The nonprofit now includes an 83-acre animal sanctuary in Chapel Hill, NC, that connects at-risk children with rescue animals. Since its inception, the organization has rescued around 3,500 animals, continuing its mission both locally and internationally.
When asked about her best photography skill, Tamara credits her ability to capture professional-quality images quickly in any environment. Early experience shooting weddings and sports helped her develop muscle memory for adjusting manual camera settings on the fly, enabling swift adaptability.
Finding inspiration has transformed for her over time. Nowadays, Tamara is fascinated by the parallels between wildlife and at-risk animals, noting their similar expressions and movements. She finds it amazing to capture almost identical shots of a wild tiger in India and a rescue dog in North Carolina, revealing universal emotional truths across species.
If she were to invest beyond her camera, Tamara would first choose a great lens, emphasizing its lasting value and impact on image quality. Next, she would invest in lighting equipment, understanding its critical role in shaping photographs. Lastly, she highlights the importance of reliable memory cards, which many photographers underestimate but can significantly affect the capture process.
On discovering one’s photographic voice, Tamara recommends a thoughtful self-reflection exercise involving reviewing favorite images, describing oneself from personal and external viewpoints, and considering meaningful influences from books or films. This process helps clarify what naturally draws you and what style might truly express your vision, free from external pressures like social media or commercial expectations.
Tamara admits facing creative blocks, especially early in her career when burnout hit due to overbooking and low pricing. By stepping back, raising her prices, and reducing session numbers, she regained excitement and value. Later, feeling stuck creatively, she began pro bono work for nonprofits, which led to launching Beautiful Together and finding renewed purpose. Since then, she hasn’t experienced creative blocks, though exhaustion still occurs.
Regarding feedback, Tamara values constructive critiques that help refine her work but advises ignoring feedback that doesn't align with one’s vision or that may be uninformed. She sees feedback as a tool for growth but stresses the importance of maintaining authenticity.
