Tamara Lackey is a renowned photographer, Nikon USA Ambassador, non-profit leader, and public speaker. She has photographed a series of commercial and marketing campaigns for Nikon and was selected to present her work on stage as part of the Nikon Global Launch Event in Tokyo, helping to introduce their first new line of ground-breaking mirrorless camera systems in history. She also leads photography adventure workshops worldwide and is the author of nine books. At the ON1 conference, Tamara will be teaching Paws and Pixels: Perfecting Outdoor Pet Photos in ON1 Photo RAW.

Tamara is the Executive Director of Beautiful Together, a 501(c)(3) non-profit she co-founded in 2014 that is focused on connecting animals in need of refuge with children living in under-resourced communities. Tamara has co-produced and hosted multiple live broadcasts 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 is broadcast 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 cadre of pets live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

How long have you been using ON1?

Around 8 years. Maybe longer?? It’s the cornerstone of my photography workflow. Over those years, I’ve watched it evolve and continuously deliver powerful, innovative tools for photographers. Whether I’m working on detailed edits or quick enhancements, ON1 Photo RAW consistently proves to be a reliable and versatile solution.

Why do you love 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 for beginners to pick up and use easily. Still, it also offers advanced tools for those who want to dive deep into editing (I have certainly lost track of time digging into all I can do with it!). The other nice thing is that it can function as either a fully standalone custom editing suite or integrate seamlessly as a plug-in for other software programs you may work with. That flexibility has always allowed me to adapt it to whatever my project or workflow requires. It’s truly a product that grows with you, making it an essential part of any photographer’s toolkit.

What is your favorite feature(s)?

It’s hard to narrow down my favorite features because I use so many of them regularly, but the sun flare effect truly stands out to me. It’s a fantastic, highly-customizable effect that not only warms up your images but can also add a nostalgic, emotional warmth, too. It can bring a unique, heartfelt quality to your photos that make them feel timeless. Beyond that, I love how ON1’s tools, like masking and local adjustments, are designed to give you precise control while remaining user-friendly and, of course, the non-destructive editing workflow ensures that you can experiment freely without worrying about losing your original image, which is a huge confidence booster for both beginners and experienced photographers.

What’s your best tip for new photographers using ON1 Photo RAW?

For new photographers, my top tip is to start with small adjustments and explore everything ON1 has to offer at your own pace. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by powerful editing software, but ON1 is built to be approachable. Use the built-in presets and effects to quickly enhance your images, then experiment with customizing them to suit your style. Spend time with the Develop module to master basics like exposure, contrast, and color correction. Also, don’t underestimate the power of the Healing Brush for quick fixes and cleanup. As you grow more confident, dive into advanced features like masking and layers, which will unlock endless creative possibilities. Most importantly, have fun experimenting – it’s truly the best way to learn!

What’s always in your camera bag (besides the camera)?

My main camera is my Nikon Z8. I also love the Nikon Z6III. In my ThinkTank bag I always include a few essentials to keep me ready for any situation. I carry a versatile selection of lenses, such as the workhorse Nikon Z 24-70 f/4 or f/2.8 lens, a great portrait lens (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 the 600mm f/6.3). A set of extra batteries and the right memory cards (I used OWC 1TB ones for endless capture!) is a must 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 comes in handy for improving natural light, and I often include my Nikon SB-5000 flash for low-light conditions. I also always have Smarties candies on hand. Not essential to photography but makes me happy nonetheless 🙂

What inspires your photography style?

Capturing authentic expression is important to me because I think it unlocks something truly profound about photography – and our subjects: it allows us to truly connect on a more meaningful level. Through my photography, I try to focus on capturing genuine moments that bridge the gap between us, creating a sense of shared understanding and connection. My work often centers on photographing both animals – wildlife and rescue animals (as part of my nonprofit, Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary) – and people, with a particular emphasis on children. There’s something profoundly moving about the unguarded authenticity of animals and children, and it’s that raw, honest emotion that I strive to bring to life in my images.