Using The Tamron SP 24-70mm Lens For Pet Portraits

Image © Gabi Stickler

Photographer Gabi Stickler has been creating images of her pet golden retriever Mali for a few years now. 

Her super cute series featuring Mali and his favourite teddy caught our attention back in 2015. Since then, Gabi has had a kit upgrade and is now using the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens on a Sony A77 II body. 

Tamron recently caught up with her to see how she is getting on with the lens, which is an ideal choice for portrait and close-up images with the added versatility of being a zoom. 

Image © Gabi Stickler

Gabi says that creative and fun ideas are easily implemented in her images by her dog, Mali. Even in simple actions like looking over the kitchen side, Mali creates photo opportunities that are too cute to miss. 

She strives to stay original and do her own thing, trying not to be too influenced by others. 

Image © Gabi Stickler

Since using the Tamron lens, Gabi says she's not looked back. She says it's been designed with her in mind. The lens is bright enough that beautiful images can be made with available light indoors and the 24mm lens allows her to stay close to the dogs and reward them while shooting. 

How does Gabi train Mali to behave so well for the images? It comes naturally, she says. "Mali is simply a lazy soul and he uses my photography time to rest!" she says. "Mali's pals, who I bring along for walks during the week, have learnt very fast what's expected from them."

Read Tamron's full interview with Gabi on the Tamron website.